bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making connections: a review of supply chain management and sustainability literature
Authors: Ashby Alison , Leat Mike , Hudson‐Smith Melanie
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate systematically the discipline of supply chain management (SCM) within the context of sustainability. The two concepts are increasingly aligned, and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) represents an evolving field where they explicitly interact. Given their complex and holistic nature, breaking down the literature to understand its structures, processes, connections and limitations can provide an objective view of the status of research in these highly important fields, identifying key areas for future research/theory development.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of current SCM literature is carried out, specifically in relation to the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

Findings

SSCM and the integration of sustainability into supply chains is a significant but evolving field evidenced by a current bias in the literature towards theory development and highly qualitative research methods. The environmental dimension is significantly better represented in the literature through specific processes at all stages of the supply chain. The social dimension is recognised, but receives less emphasis than expected given SCM's focus on interaction, relationships and communication. These two dimensions are treated separately in the literature with limited insight on how to integrate them and current SCM and sustainability research provides limited practical outputs.

Research limitations/implications

The review focuses on environmental and social sustainability within supply chains without explicit consideration of the economic dimension.

Practical implications

The review highlights the key themes and issues for supply chain managers faced with implementing sustainability. It also illustrates a number of areas for future research, along with the need for researchers to develop more practical tools for implementing SSCM.

Originality/value

Indicates the extent to which sustainability is integrated within SCM and where the research emphasis currently lies. The environmental dimension is significantly more defined and developed in the literature. SCM literature emphasises the importance of long‐term supplier relationships, but this “people‐focused” approach does not appear to translate into socially responsible supply chains. It suggests that the more process‐driven nature of environmental sustainability makes it easier to put into supply chain practice. There is also limited research or evidence on how the two dimensions can be integrated despite recognition of their inter‐relationship.
Themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable
Authors: Abbasi Maisam , Nilsson Fredrik
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

The study began with a systematic review, and content analysis of articles in top‐ranking related journals from logistics, transport, sustainability and environmental areas, and ended with research propositions contributing to the further advancement of supply chain management.

Findings

The findings illustrate the major themes published in 18 journals concentrating on sustainable supply chains with special focus on environmental issues. From the systematic review five major areas of challenges for supply chain management are derived: costs, complexity, operationalisation, mindset and cultural changes, and uncertainties. From all of these areas synthesising discussions are provided and research propositions suggested. It is concluded that there is a great need for models and frameworks that consider the complexity involved, take holistic perspectives, and challenge the basic assumptions underlying most of the research published (i.e. reductionism, positivism and economic growth).

Research limitations/implications

Sustainability in this article is mainly related to environmental issues. Analysis of complex interactions between environmental, social and economic aspects might provide opportunities for future research.

Practical implications

The results presented in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to logistics sustainability; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy‐makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.

Originality/value

This paper provides propositions for research based on the emergent outcome of challenges that can guide research, industry and policy‐makers in future sustainability efforts.
Conducting content‐analysis based literature reviews in supply chain management
Authors: Seuring Stefan , Gold Stefan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Inconsistent research output makes critical literature reviews crucial tools for assessing and developing the knowledge base within a research field. Literature reviews in the field of supply chain management (SCM) are often considerably less stringently presented than other empirical research. Replicability of the research and traceability of the arguments and conclusions call for more transparent and systematic procedures. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the importance of literature reviews in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature reviews are defined as primarily qualitative synthesis. Content analysis is introduced and applied for reviewing 22 literature reviews of seven sub‐fields of SCM, published in English‐speaking peer‐reviewed journals between 2000 and 2009. A descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by a content analysis on the basis of a specific pattern of analytic categories derived from a typical research process.

Findings

Each paper was assessed for the aim of research, the method of data gathering, the method of data analysis, and quality measures. While some papers provide information on all of these categories, many fail to provide all the information. This questions the quality of the literature review process and the findings presented in respective papers.

Research limitations/implications

While 22 literature reviews are taken into account in this paper as the basis of the empirical analysis, this allows for assessing the range of procedures applied in previous literature reviews and for pointing to their strengths and shortcomings.

Originality/value

The findings and subsequent methodological discussions aim at providing practical guidance for SCM researchers on how to use content analysis for conducting literature reviews.
Agency theory and supply chain management: a structured literature review
Authors: Fayezi Sajad , O'Loughlin Andrew , Zutshi Ambika
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to explain how agency theory can be used to inform our understanding of the dynamics surrounding supply chain behaviours and relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured review of the literature using a three‐stage refinement process is used. The articles were sourced through online databases and keyword classifications, such as “agency theory”, “principal‐agent relationships” and “supply chain management”. The search initially identified over 86 articles. After further screening these were reduced to 19 for final assessment and comparison.

Findings

Despite agency theory's prevailing descriptive and predictive qualities there is scarcity in its application to the SCM discipline. The authors posit that agency theory provides valuable insights for relationship engineering within supply chains where social, political, legal and behavioural dynamics dominate.

Practical implications

It is a critical task for managers to understand and mitigate abnormal behaviours across the supply chain. Agency theory serves this need by providing them with a useful tool to respond to transaction cost dilemmas through contractual and non‐contractual remedies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that examines the current state of agency theory application in the SCM literature and suggests potential avenues for future research.
A model of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Ferreira João J. , Raposo Mário L. , Gouveia Rodrigues Ricardo , Dinis Anabela , do Paço Arminda
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The field of entrepreneurship is dotted across different paradigms. Measuring entrepreneurial intention automatically needs to incorporate insights from the psychological approach and behavioural approach. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a comprehensive structural equation model which combines both psychological and behavioural perspectives aiming to identify what variables have influence on entrepreneurial intention of secondary students.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was developed involving a sample of secondary students. The method of data collection was a survey by self‐administered questionnaire, to two secondary student classes, with several groups of questions related to demographic characteristics, behavioural and psychological constructs and entrepreneurial intention. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results show that need for achievement, self‐confidence, and personal attitude positively affect entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, subjective norms and personal attitude affect perceived behavioural control. These findings could have a significant impact on knowledge of the contributions of behavioural and psychological theories to the entrepreneurial intention.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding of the ways in which several psychological and behavioural characteristics influence the entrepreneurial intention could help to advance our knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. Educational systems need to be oriented to emphasize and value entrepreneurship in order to promote an enterprise culture. Methods to teach entrepreneurship should also be explored further.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide evidences of the entrepreneurial intention explained by several constructs related to psychological and behavioural characteristics in a 14‐15‐year‐old student population. Additionally, most studies of the entrepreneurial intention associated to these approaches have been mostly conceptual, and the few empirical studies have not used structural equation modelling. The use of these statistical tests helps to overcome the limitations evident in conceptual studies and provide evidence of the relationships between behavioural and psychological traits simultaneously.
Exploring entrepreneurship education within veterinary medicine: can it be taught?
Authors: Henry Colette , Treanor Lorna
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore business and, more specifically, entrepreneurship education within veterinary medicine and discuss the perceptions of veterinary students and veterinary employers in relation to its teaching within veterinary medicine. Some challenges for veterinary business and entrepreneurship educators are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a small exploratory pilot study, which included student focus groups and an employer survey, the paper highlights the differences between employers' and students' perceptions of the value of business‐related education. Students' preferred programme content and expected pedagogical approaches are also discussed.

Findings

The paper finds that veterinary students do not place the same value on entrepreneurship and business‐related education as employers, not perceiving it as a “priority” within their veterinary studies. This poses a number of challenges for educators in terms of: seeking to integrate entrepreneurship and business‐related topics within an already crowded programme of study, determining relevant content and delivery methods, and designing appropriate assessment methods.

Research limitations/implications

The paper explores a relatively new concept (i.e. business and entrepreneurship) within veterinary education and, as such, the authors fully recognise that further empirical research – beyond this exploratory study – is needed.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the discrepancy between veterinary employers' and veterinary students' perception of the overall value of business and entrepreneurship education. Findings relating to students' expectations of programme content and their preferred pedagogical approaches should be of value to educators in helping them to reshape their current offerings or, at the very least, manage students' expectations.
The importance of education in the entrepreneurial process: a world view
Authors: Arthur Stephanie J. , Hisrich Robert D. , Cabrera Ángel
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine what facilitators and impediments to regional and global entrepreneurship exist, as identified by the 145 industry contacts globally surveyed, and if education stood out as a critical factor.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic, open‐ended survey was conducted; responses were categorized into three groups of factors – i.e. economic, social and personal – and analyzed accordingly by region and job function of respondent.

Findings

The survey revealed many similarities among responses, regardless of country of origin; although education was not the most frequently cited factor critical for successful entrepreneurship, it did rate highly in comparison to others.

Research limitations

Larger studies are needed to corroborate the findings of this initial study, particularly in some regional categories. The open‐ended question format required some subjective interpretation by the researchers; future surveys utilizing an objective answer format would be recommended.

Practical implications

The amount of consensus indicates that if entrepreneurs, academics, and others collaborated and pooled their knowledge and resources, some of the critical barriers to success could be overcome. The field could benefit by future research focusing on identifying specific collaboration strategies among regions or countries leading to the growth of entrepreneurial ventures and economic development.

Originality/value

Surveying experts regarding the facilitators and impediments to entrepreneurship (both regionally and globally) will help to bridge the gulf between theory and practical solutions to drive economic development.
Coaching the entrepreneur: features and success factors
Authors: Audet Josée , Couteret Paul
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Entrepreneurial coaching appears to be a sufficiently customized way to help novice owner‐managers develop their managerial skills. However, its usefulness remains to be verified. The purpose of this research is thus to examine the effectiveness of coaching as a support measure for young entrepreneurs and to identify the factors likely to have an impact on the success of coaching initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the exploratory nature of the study, a flexible and open approach was chosen in order to explore the concept of coaching in some depth. The strategy retained was the case study method, with inter‐site comparisons of six coaching initiatives.

Findings

The findings suggest that the success of a coaching relationship is explained by a set of factors or “winning conditions”, some of which are more important than others. The most crucial one appears to be the entrepreneur's open attitude to change.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the small number of cases observed.

Practical implications

This research provides valuable information on coaching initiatives by means of real‐life examples. It also highlights several factors likely to improve the delivery of coaching services to novice entrepreneurs. It will thus prove useful to those designing coaching programs for entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Given the lack of documentation on the subject of entrepreneurial coaching, this paper has the merit of identifying some of the elements likely to contribute to the success of coaching initiatives. In addition, its findings will fuel thinking on how to enhance the benefits of coaching for novice entrepreneurs.
Preparing for an uncertain future: the enterprising PhD student
Authors: Lean Jonathan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate PhD student perceptions of the importance of enterprise skills and the extent to which they are currently being developed within a case university.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an electronic survey of 500 PhD students across six faculties, and 128 useable responses were returned. Students were asked to rate the importance of a range of enterprise skills and attributes derived from the literature, plus the extent to which these skills and attributes had been developed through their programme of study.

Findings

The majority of PhD students recognise the importance of enterprise skills and attributes, particularly those associated with communication, confidence, achieving outcomes, determination and problem solving. Whilst some enterprise skills and attributes are developed well through PhD study, others – such as managing finance and people – are not. A number of these are skills that might be particularly relevant to early‐career PhD graduates.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to one case institution, and further research is required to investigate how the training and development gaps identified might be best addressed.

Originality/value

The study examines enterprise education within the novel context of postgraduate research studies. It identifies a need to re‐examine our approach to the training and development of PhD students in order to address their evolving career needs.
Exploring forensic mental health service users' views on work: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: McQueen Jean M. , Turner Jennifer
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to capture the views of forensic mental health service users; focusing on how services promote the aspiration to work, the development of skills for work, and the vocational rehabilitation process. It seeks to provide insight into forensic mental health service users' views on the barriers and enablers to accessing work together with suggestions for enhancing practice, and implications for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten participants from a range of forensic mental health services throughout Scotland took part in semi‐structured interviews. Participants were involved in either paid work, voluntary work or work preparation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) allowed exploration of an individual's lived experiences and how they make sense of this.

Findings

Service users valued the opportunity to address vocational issues at the earliest opportunity in their rehabilitation. Work had an overwhelmingly positive impact on mental health. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed three master themes: “Normalising my life”: the positive impact of work; “Gradual steps”: facing barriers; and “Practical help and encouragement”: feeling supported. There is much to gain from good multidisciplinary rehabilitation within secure hospitals and the community, with work playing an important role in recovery and symptom control. Forensic services should focus on employment and the aspiration to work early, demonstrating awareness that attitude and the aspiration to work are a much more reliable indicator of success than diagnosis and mental health symptoms.

Originality/value

Few qualitative studies have investigated service users' views of work within forensic mental health, yet such information can be crucial to enhance and improve service delivery.
Applications of interpersonal circumplex and complementarity theory to staff‐prisoner relationships
Authors: Gredecki Neil , Ireland Jane L.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The current study aims to examine staff‐prisoner relationships through an exploration of interpersonal style. It was predicted that the interpersonal style of prison officers would impact on their perception of their ability to work with prisoners, dependent on the specific interpersonal style of prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

Prison officers (n=128) completed a measure of interpersonal style (Check List of Interpersonal Transactions‐Revised: CLOIT‐R) and a series of eight vignettes designed to assess their perceived ability to positively engage with prisoners of differing interpersonal styles.

Findings

Prison officers with a friendly interpersonal style were found to be positive about their perceived ability to work with all prisoners whereas hostile prison officers were negative. Dominant officers were found to be positive about their perceived ability to work with submissive prisoners, whilst submissive officers were not positive in their judgments about working with dominant prisoners.

Research limitations/implications

The results are discussed with regards to issues of role assignment within forensic settings and the application of interpersonal theory. The study highlights the need to examine a range of factors in order to understand the interpersonal relationships experienced between staff and prisoners. Future research could examine relationships between the attitudes that prison officers hold towards prisoners and rehabilitation and interpersonal behaviours.

Practical implications

The findings are considered in terms of the prison officer role and the provision of support and training to prison officers.

Originality/value

This paper is original in its application of interpersonal theory to staff‐prisoner relationships.
Self‐determination in rehabilitation: a qualitative case study of three young offenders on community orders
Authors: Millward Lynne , Senker Sarah
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how male young offenders on community orders made sense of their offending behaviour as well as considering the extent these views aligned with traditional stereotypes of masculinity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative approach, using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews followed by interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify themes within the participant's narratives.

Findings

Two master themes were identified; “dissociating from an offender identity and authoring a new non‐offender identity” as well as “masculinity as multifaceted”. These themes were interpreted using self‐determination theory, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation and specific environmental conditions in enabling change and exploration of new identities.

Research limitations/implications

This work was based on a small sample size. Whilst this permitted an in‐depth analysis it is acknowledged that this may have implications for making generalisations across the youth offending population.

Practical implications

This study identifies that the principles of autonomy, relatedness and competence, as outlined in self‐determination theory, potentially offer fruitful areas to be implemented in community orders. Such conditions can help to harness intrinsic motivation to change and self‐regulated behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those working and holding an interest within the criminal justice domain. Its adoption of a qualitative approach, considering a UK sample of young offenders on community orders at the time of the interview is unique. This study allows practical recommendations to be made to those engaged in youth rehabilitation.
Citizenship and adult protection in the UK: an exploration of the conceptual links
Authors: Stewart Ailsa , Atkinson Jacqueline
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to consider the links between emerging concepts of citizenship in the twenty‐first century and the legitimization of this agenda by providing an overview of UK policy as it relates to adult protection as well as consideration of concepts of citizenship and the links between the two areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of adult protection in the UK and then takes the reader through concepts of vulnerability and citizenship and considers the implications of these concepts on the citizenship of those most likely to be subject to adult protection procedures in the UK.

Findings

This article shows how models of citizenship have altered over time to reflect societal norms and customs and in particular how this paradigm shift has legitimized intervention in the lives of adults. It further highlights the likely impact of adult protection procedures on the citizenship rights of those most likely to experience them.

Originality/value

The paper brings together conceptual discourses on citizenship and adult protection.
A pilot project: evaluating community nurses' knowledge and understanding of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
Authors: Campbell Martin , Chamberlin Dionne
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to evaluate understanding and knowledge of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 in a sample of community nurses working in learning disability services in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten community nurses who worked in learning disability services in one NHS area were tested at two time points, four months apart using a questionnaire designed for this study by researchers and practitioners. Level of previous national training in the Adult Support and Protection Act and length of time working with people with learning disabilities were recorded. Three domains of adult protection were included in the questionnaire: Principles of the Act and definitions; Adults at risk of harm; Protection, assessment, removal and banning orders.

Findings

Questionnaire scores varied widely overall and across the three domains. There was no correlation between individual scores and training or length of work experience. The level of knowledge was below what might have been expected for this group, given the level of training and experience. Carefully designed verification of the impact of nationally approved adult support and protection training is needed.

Originality/value

There is an absence of research in evaluating the impact of the approved Scottish Government training materials on staff knowledge and understanding of the 2007 Act, with staff attendance being taken as the main measure of training compliance. This was a small scale pilot study and recommendations are made for the scope and methods of evaluation.
What difference does the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) 2007 make to social work service practitioners' safeguarding practice?
Authors: Mackay Kathryn , Notman Mary , McNicholl Justin , Fraser Diane , McLaughlan Claire , Rossi Sylvia
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to explore the difference that adult support and protection legislation may have made to work with adults at risk of harm in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based upon findings of a joint academic and practitioner qualitative research project that interviewed 29 social service practitioners across three local authorities.

Findings

The legislation was seen as positive, giving greater attention to adults at risk. Views about the actual difference it made to the practitioners' practice varied, and were more likely in new rather than ongoing work. Three differences were noted: duties of investigation, protection orders and improved shared responsibility within the local authority and across other agencies, but to a lesser extent NHS staff. Overall it gave effective responses, more quickly for the adults at risk. Whilst the law brought greater clarity of role, there were tensions for practitioners in balancing an adult's right to autonomy with practitioners' safeguarding responsibilities.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that a dedicated law can improve safeguarding practice by clarifying the role of social work practitioners and the responsibilities of other agencies. The right to request access to records and banning orders were seen as valuable new measures in safeguarding adults at risk. As such the study from the first UK country to use dedicated adult safeguarding law offers a valuable insight for policy makers, professionals and campaign groups from other countries, which might be considering similar action.
When self‐directed support meets adult support and protection: findings from the evaluation of the SDS test sites in Scotland
Authors: Hunter Susan , Manthorpe Jill , Ridley Julie , Cornes Michelle , Rosengard Ann
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possible connections between self‐directed support and adult support and protection, both of which are important policy developments in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on findings from the national evaluation of the test sites or pilots of self‐directed support in Scotland and interviews at two time points with adult protection leads in the test sites. These interview data are set in the context of Scottish developments in adult support and protection.

Findings

Self‐directed support and adult protection had not been joined up initially. In the three Scottish test sites those responsible for adult safeguarding had not been engaged with the changes. They were unclear about the new systems and were concerned about the implications of reduced monitoring of risks. Shared training between those implementing self‐directed support and those carrying out adult protection work was viewed as a way of bridging these different areas of practice through enhancing mutual understanding and communication.

Originality/value

Policy and legislation have used the word support to provide reassurance of social protection for adults in need of care services. This paper provides new opportunities to consider the ways in which early enthusiasm for self‐directed support in Scotland may have neglected the support inherent to support and protection and the ways in which some adult support and protection stakeholders seemed to be acting as “bystanders” rather than influencing new systems of self‐directed support.
How digital information services can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Chowdhury Gobinda
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The study aims to determine the environmental impact of printed content in libraries and thus to find out how a digital information service can help libraries and institutions play a key role in helping the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected and analysed through a combination of environment scan and document analysis, and some mathematical calculations. Comparative data for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from printed books and journals in certain countries, and some specific university libraries in Australia and New Zealand are presented. A lifecycle analysis approach is used to identify various factors that are responsible for GHG emissions for printed as well as digital information resources.

Findings

The study found that dematerialisation, i.e. the replacement of printed content with digital information services, can help libraries and institutions to reduce their impact on the environment. However it is also noted that further research is needed to develop benchmarks and comparative data for GHG emissions from print‐based and digital information services.

Practical implications

The paper provides data relating to the potential savings in GHG emissions that can be achieved through dematerialisation of printed content in libraries. A series of research issues in the area are identified.

Originality/value

The paper opens up a new area of research on the environmental impacts of information services. For the first time raw data on GHG emissions from printed content held in university libraries are calculated.
Scenery image retrieval by meta‐feature representation
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Fong , Lin Wei‐Chao
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Content‐based image retrieval suffers from the semantic gap problem: that images are represented by low‐level visual features, which are difficult to directly match to high‐level concepts in the user's mind during retrieval. To date, visual feature representation is still limited in its ability to represent semantic image content accurately. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the authors propose a novel meta‐feature feature representation method for scenery image retrieval. In particular some class‐specific distances (namely meta‐features) between low‐level image features are measured. For example the distance between an image and its class centre, and the distances between the image and its nearest and farthest images in the same class, etc.

Findings

Three experiments based on 190 concrete, 130 abstract, and 610 categories in the Corel dataset show that the meta‐features extracted from both global and local visual features significantly outperform the original visual features in terms of mean average precision.

Originality/value

Compared with traditional local and global low‐level features, the proposed meta‐features have higher discriminative power for distinguishing a large number of conceptual categories for scenery image retrieval. In addition the meta‐features can be directly applied to other image descriptors, such as bag‐of‐words and contextual features.
Exploring the h‐index at the institutional level
Authors: Huang Mu‐Hsuan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the scientific performance of universities by extending the application of the h‐index from the individual to the institutional level. A ranking of the world's top universities based on their h‐index scores was produced. The geographic distribution of the highly ranked universities by continent and by country was also analysed.

Design/approach/methodology

This study uses bibliometric analysis to rank the universities. In order to calculate their h‐index the numbers of papers and citations in each university were gathered from Web of Science, including the Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index. Authority control dealing with variations in university names ensured the accuracy of each university's number of published journal papers and the subsequent statistics of their citations.

Findings

It was found that a high correlation exists between the h‐index ranking generated in this study and that produced by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The results confirm the validity of the h‐index in the assessment of research performance at the university level.

Originality/value

The h‐index has been used to evaluate research performance at the institutional level in several recent studies; however these studies evaluated institutions' performance only in certain disciplines or in a single country. This paper measures the research performance of universities all over the world, and the applicability of the h‐index at the institutional level was validated by calculating the correlation between the ranking result of the h‐index and the ranking by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
A data model of theses and dissertations compatible with CERIF, Dublin Core and EDT‐MS
Authors: Ivanović Lidija , Ivanović Dragan , Surla Dušan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aim of this research is to define a data model of theses and dissertations that enables data exchange with CERIF‐compatible CRIS systems and data exchange according to OAI‐PMH protocol in different metadata formats (Dublin Core, EDT‐MS, etc.).

Design/methodology/approach

Various systems that contain metadata about theses and dissertations are analyzed. There are different standards and protocols that enable the interoperability of those systems: CERIF standard, AOI‐PMH protocol, etc. A physical data model that enables interoperability with almost all of those systems is created using the PowerDesigner CASE tool.

Findings

A set of metadata about theses and dissertations that contain all the metadata required by CERIF data model, Dublin Core format, EDT‐MS format and all the metadata prescribed by the University of Novi Sad is defined. Defined metadata can be stored in the CERIF‐compatible data model based on the MARC21 format.

Practical implications

CRIS‐UNS is a CRIS which has been developed at the University of Novi Sad since 2008. The system is based on the proposed data model, which enables the system's interoperability with other CERIF‐compatible CRIS systems. Also, the system based on the proposed model can become a member of NDLTD.

Social implications

A system based on the proposed model increases the availability of theses and dissertations, and thus encourages the development of the knowledge‐based society.

Originality/value

A data model of theses and dissertations that enables interoperability with CERIF‐compatible CRIS systems is proposed. A software system based on the proposed model could become a member of NDLTD and exchange metadata with institutional repositories. The proposed model increases the availability of theses and dissertations.
Google Scholar Metrics for Publications
Authors: Jacsó Péter
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the software and content features of the Google Scholar Metrics (GSM) service launched in April 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews GSM, examining the software, browsing, searching and sorting functions, citation matching and content.

Findings

The paper reveals that the service can offer a better alternative than the traditional Google Scholar service to discover and judge the standing of journals through the prism of their citedness. GSM could become a potentially useful complementary resource primarily by virtue of its brand recognition, and the convenience of not requiring the installation of additional software, but currently its bibliometric indicators are often inappropriate for decision making in matters of tenure, promotion, grants and accreditation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a good understanding of the GSM service.
Mobilizing for rapid change
Authors: Garrow Valerie
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article aims to explore how learning from social movement theory might be applied to large‐scale rapid organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a recent evaluation by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), this article considers a methodology designed by Janice Stevens and Ginny Edwards based on mobilizing principles, which has been trialled in six NHS (the UK's National Health Service) Trusts to introduce evidence‐based high impact actions (HIAs) in specific aspects of patient care. It starts by considering the underpinning social movement theory, goes on to describe the rapid spread methodology and then illustrates its application through one of the case studies.

Findings

The outcomes from the six pilot sites are extremely positive in terms of the metrics used to evaluate change in service improvement, patient satisfaction and cost reduction and also the behavioral legacy of increased staff confidence and pride in delivering nurse‐led change.

Originality/value

The theory behind social movement suggests that tapping into emotions is powerful but needs to be channeled carefully through meticulous organization, empowering leadership and attention to sustainable outcomes.
Arts based learning within an arts organization
Authors: Wilson James
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper proposes that a developed awareness of and openness to diversity supports people management and also the ability to work in an ever more complex business environment. Diversity begins from an understanding of one's own diversity – the richness of one's own history, skills, capabilities and passions. This diverse awareness is a key management and leadership competence. The paper aims to describe how the V&A uses its own diverse collections to advance this perspective. It seeks to focus on the V&A Innovative Management & Leadership program, a Masters accredited development program, and the use of arts‐based learning methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes two arts based learning approaches: projective techniques and illustration of essence methods.

Findings

The paper analyses career progression of V&A staff on the innovative program. It finds a retention rate of 77 per cent and a promotion rate of 50 per cent and suggests this correlates to a saving of approximately two salaries per ten participants each year.

Practical implications

The paper promotes the use of arts based learning methods and it also recognizes the importance of context. The V&A works with “what is”, i.e. what its environment provides. The paper considers whether this is a wider methodology that might be employed in non arts organizations.

Originality/value

With the rising use of art‐based methods in organizational development and change, this paper supports the suggestion that there is a large research agenda left to engage. It proposes a more focused piece of research with both arts and non arts organizations.
Achieving change through a best practice employee survey
Authors: Wiley Jack
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Employee surveys are used by organizations throughout the world, typically to drive change and improve engagement and retention. Giving employees a voice is seen as a “good thing to do” but too often the managerial response to the findings is “so what?”. This paper aims to offer a clear direction for creating best practice employee engagement surveys. It seeks to explain how action planning can be improved, thus enabling change to be managed and implemented more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 31 HR practitioners who manage employee surveys within their organizations were surveyed for this study in early 2010. The participating companies are large organizations headquartered primarily in the UK, Germany and the USA. They represent a diverse set of industries including banking and financial services, consumer products, information technology, manufacturing, natural resources, telecommunication/utility services and retail.

Findings

The paper reveals the key challenges that survey practitioners face and the barriers they need to overcome. It highlights that senior leaders are a key barrier and that metrics of survey effectiveness often lack organizational focus. It offers insights and practical recommendations for HR practitioners. In particular, it shows how organizations can improve their survey feedback and action‐planning processes.

Originality/value

The paper is based on original research by the Kenexa High Performance Institute. It translates the survey findings into practical implications for HR practitioners who are looking to utilize employee surveys to drive change and improve engagement.
Organizational and individual change: a case study
Authors: Franckeiss Anton
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article aims to focus on a program that was designed to support a major international specialist publisher during a global organizational change program and to support individuals with their personal transitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The program derived from a decision to fully embrace the possibilities of electronic publishing and workflow systems. The identification of live cases for change enabled complete workplace teams and units to develop skills and understanding in implementing and experiencing change in parallel with the introduction of new practices. After initial piloting in two business units, a program model emerged comprising two levels of workshops (Leading and implementing change and Experiencing change) and pre‐event and post‐event webinars with follow‐through activity including 1:1 and team coaching. Flexibility was retained to be adaptable to the specific requirements of each business unit and case for change.

Findings

The implementation of new working practices and procedures at senior levels was greatly aided by an overall approach based on the active inclusion of all levels of staff. The incorporation of workshops on experiencing change provided models to explain the process and coping strategies that minimized the less agreeable emotional elements of change while enhancing the successful transition to a new working reality.

Practical implications

The context of the organization extended the impact of the change program beyond direct employees – a large external pool of authors, contributors and editors would be affected by process transformation. In addition to supporting the global change program, the approach taken in the cases for change has provided those involved with both theoretical and practical understanding of the psychological impact of individual transitions as well as the organizational challenges of change management.

Originality/value

The article shows that the “hands on” understanding enabled the program to actively involve and consult with those beyond the organization's wall and implement changes while remaining mindful of impact on individuals.
Triple Aim in Kinzigtal, Germany
Authors: Hildebrandt Helmut , Schulte Timo , Stunder Brigitte
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to share emerging evidence about the qualitative and economic benefits of integrating care, based on an innovative population‐based approach across a small region of Germany. The article aims to discuss the features that have similarities to the international discussion around managed care and accountable care, e.g. the use of a “gain share” model to incentivise all the main partners, and the quite unique approaches derived from a public health background. The operation of Gesundes Kinzigtal could be considered as a benchmark for the “Clinical commissioning groups” that are in development as a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A regional health management company in cooperation with the physicians' network in the region and two health insurance providers has reorganized the delivery of care across all sectors towards improving the health of the population. The key features of the approach are summarised in the paper. Administrative and medical data obtained from the health insurance providers and from routine management monitoring are used to evaluate the benefits of the approach compared to control groups.

Findings

The project is beginning to demonstrate that this model of integrated care can be effective, with cost benefits and savings for the partners, and improved health outcomes for the population.

Research limitations/implications

The project started in 2006, and only early results of the first three to four years are reported here because of the use of claims data of health insurers.

Originality/value

The approach is an innovative model of integration in its combination of logistical re‐engineering of care processes, IT integration, public health and prevention measures. Its evaluation through an ambitious series of studies may have long‐term relevance for the organisation and management of care services internationally.
Rising to the challenge
Authors: Mitchell Ed
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article's aim is to consider the implications for integrated care in England of the “community right to challenge” provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The article's approach is an analysis of the Localism Act 2011, secondary legislation made under that Act and a review of the existing literature on the Localism Act 2011.

Findings

The Localism Act 2011 community right to challenge provisions have the potential to lead to innovative ways of providing services but they also have the potential to undermine or inhibit integrated care arrangements.

Originality/value

The article analyses the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 together with the provisions of secondary legislation which provide for its detailed operation.