bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical managers' beliefs about reduced‐hour physicians
Authors: Hartwell Jennifer K. , Barnett Rosalind C. , Borgatti Stephen
Published: July 2006

This paper examines medical managers' beliefs about the impact reduced‐hour career paths for physicians has on organizational effectiveness. The findings of this exploratory inductive study of 17 medical managers at nine medical organizations in the Boston area suggest that managers believe the benefits of reduced‐hour physicians (RHPs) far outweigh the disadvantages. However, many of their reasons appear to be exploitative of RHPs. In particular, managers believe that employing RHPs results in increased managerial control and that RHPs should: work more than they are compensated for; do a disproportionate share of the undesirable work; and remain extra flexible and available to the organization. An interpretation of the findings based on psychological contract theory is offered, and may help to illuminate other results reported in the literature, including some controversial findings that reduced‐hour workers tend to have poor health outcomes.
Accountability framework for managing stakeholders of health programs
Authors: Dansky Kathryn H. , Gamm Larry S.
Published: July 2006

Understanding the incentives of stakeholders and employing effective management practices with various stakeholder groups is essential for program sustainability. This paper offers a conceptual model that depicts four different types of stakeholder interests that are relevant to health service organizations. The study identified the major stakeholders of telehealth programs, compared the influence of stakeholders by organizational ownership and investigated the practices used to manage these stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrated empirical support for the stakeholder model. The paper suggests that the model can be used as a stakeholder management tool in healthcare organizations and offers an assessment of the utility of the stakeholder framework in organizational research.
A performance improvement programme at a public hospital in Sri Lanka: an introduction
Authors: Withanachchi Nimnath , Karandagoda Wimal , Handa Yujiro
Published: July 2006

Five‐S, a simple tool was utilized as the initial step towards total quality management activities at a public hospital in Sri Lanka. This paper introduces the system improvement activities at the hospital which won several awards for quality of service at national level. Though there are multiple reasons for the significant improvement of performance at the hospital, the study team observes that Five‐S has contributed heavily towards the success. The unique feature observed was that Five‐S activity reorganizes the system radically compared to most of the continuous quality improvement (CQI) approaches which depend on problem solving. In the hospitals of developing countries, in which even the basic processes are unsatisfactory, Five‐S approach may be suited for the initiation of the CQI process. Further research is needed to evaluate the quality improvement activity based on standardized criteria and to assess the factors which influenced the process.
Organizational and management strategies in response to US market trends
Authors: Guo Kristina L.
Published: July 2006

This paper describes major trends in the health care market. They include increased health care costs, the growth of managed care, emphasis on quality of care, consumer choice and the growth of the elderly and uninsured populations. The relationship between cost, quality, managed care and choice are explored in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. A clearer understanding of these trends enables managers in health care organizations to make strategic decisions resulting in organizations' survival and growth.
Leading with integrity: a qualitative research study
Authors: Storr Lorna
Published: July 2006

This research paper gives an account of a study into the relationship between leadership and integrity. There is a critical analysis of the current literature for effective, successful and ethical leadership particularly, integrity. The purpose and aim of this paper is to build on the current notions of leadership within the literature, debate contemporary approaches, focussing specifically on practices within the UK National Health Service in the early 21st century. This leads to a discussion of the literature on ethical leadership theory, which includes public service values, ethical relationships and leading with integrity. A small study was undertaken consisting of 18 interviews with leaders and managers within a District General Hospital. Using the Repertory Grid technique and analysis 15 themes emerged from the constructs elicited, which were compared to the literature for leadership and integrity and other studies. As well as finding areas of overlap, a number of additional constructs were elicited which suggested that effective leadership correlates with integrity and the presence of integrity will improve organisational effectiveness. The study identified that perceptions of leadership character and behaviour are used to judge the effectiveness and integrity of a leader. However, the ethical implications and consequences of leaders' scope of power and influence such as policy and strategy are somewhat neglected and lacking in debate. The findings suggest that leaders are not judged according to the ethical nature of decision making, and leading and managing complex change but that the importance of integrity and ethical leadership correlated with higher levels of hierarchical status and that it is assumed by virtue of status and success that leaders lead with integrity. Finally, the findings of this study seem to suggest that nurse leadership capability is developing as a consequence of recent national investment.
Leadership processes for re‐engineering changes to the health care industry
Authors: Guo Kristina L.
Published: July 2006

As health care organizations seek innovative ways to change financing and delivery mechanisms due to escalated health care costs and increased competition, drastic changes are being sought in the form of re‐engineering. This study discusses the leader's role of re‐engineering in health care. It specifically addresses the reasons for failures in re‐engineering and argues that success depends on senior level leaders playing a critical role. Existing studies lack comprehensiveness in establishing models of re‐engineering and management guidelines. This research focuses on integrating re‐engineering and leadership processes in health care by creating a step‐by‐step model. Particularly, it illustrates the four Es: Examination, Establishment, Execution and Evaluation, as a comprehensive re‐engineering process that combines managerial roles and activities to result in successfully changed and reengineered health care organizations.
Disseminating and implementing guidelines: how feasible is it?
Authors: Whitty Paula , Thomas Ruth , Grimshaw Jeremy
Published: July 2006

Discusses the feasibility of disseminating and implementing guidelines in routine practice, informed by discussions with senior actors in the field of guidelines implementation. Comments about the lack of protected budgets to support guideline dissemination and implementation strategies and common strategies of using “soft money” or resources for specific initiatives to support such activities. The “opportunity costs” of strategies need to be considered. In addition there are implications for the implementation of the NHS information strategy. For clinical governance as a whole, not only is it likely that widespread cultural change is required, but also the capacity of the system still needs considerable expansion if sufficient educational activities are to become routine.
Developing research skills for clinical governance: a report of a trust/university provided short course
Authors: Mathers Sandra , Abel Richard , Chesson Rosemary
Published: July 2006

Despite the fact research is a foundation stone of clinical governance little attention has been focused on the relationship between the two. Describes here a course for radiographers run in partnership between a large acute teaching trust and local university in the north‐east of Scotland which sought to increase awareness of the research /clinical governance interface. The aims of the course were to develop research appraisal skills; develop investigative skills, especially with regard to planning and undertaking a project; and facilitate staff to review systematically their own practice. The course called on the expertise of staff from both health care and education. The course was viewed positively by the participants. Outcomes were seen to relate to three main areas: joint working; staff appraisal of practice and further development of audit. Recommends that in the future the course be offered on a multi‐disciplinary basis.
How important are quality and safety for clinician managers? Evidence from triangulated studies
Authors: Braithwaite Jeffrey , Hindle Donald , Finnegan Terence P. , Graham Elizabeth M. , Degeling Pieter J. , Westbrook Mary T.
Published: July 2006

Aims to discover the work hospital clinician managers think they do and observe them in practice. A total of 14 managerial interests and concerns were identified in focus group discussions. Clinician managers’ jobs are pressurised, and are more about negotiation and persuasion than command and control. Their work is of considerable complexity, pace and responsibility and it is predicated more on managing inputs (e.g. money and people) than care processes, systems, outputs and outcomes. Thus the capacity of clinicians in these roles to respond to reforms such as those envisaged in the Bristol Inquiry may be problematic. Qualitative studies are re‐affirmed as important in providing grounded insights into not only clinical activities, but also organisational behaviour and processes.
Health technology assessment within a public accountability framework
Authors: Kazanjian Arminée , Green Carolyn J.
Published: July 2006

Health technology assessment (HTA) has been identified as a national priority by a wide range of decision‐makers at the same time that a provincial cost constraint process has decreased available funding. The contribution of the British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment is outlined in this paper along with consideration of ways in which both funding and the inclusion of HTA into health policy decision making can become more stable. An expanded HTA assessment framework to dovetail with increasing interest in equity issues is discussed.
Clinical Governance Support Team: patients as a virtue
Authors: Wall Debbie , Window Suzanne
Published: July 2006

A core objective of the NHS Clinical Governance Support Team (CGST) is to enable the NHS to improve the experience of patients and staff. In its programmes the CGST encourages delegates to work with patients and carers to improve local health services, but does the CGST practice what it preaches in its own activities? This paper examines how patients and carers are involved in the work of the CGST, specifically as patient consultants in the CGST’s Performance Development Team (PDT). In their role as PDT members, patient consultants provide guidance to the PDT and the trusts with which they engage, focussing their activity and their thinking around improvements in the patient’s experience. They are also working with the wider CGST and are involved in mentoring the acting head of the team.
Pre‐printed format improves recording of instrumental vaginal delivery
Authors: Agrawal A. , Ghosh S. , Lennox C.E.
Published: July 2006

Instrumental vaginal delivery is an area often responsible for indefensible claims. One of the important reasons for this is poor medical record keeping. The standard of record keeping for instrumental vaginal deliveries within our unit was audited with a view to improving deficiencies. A retrospective analysis of 100 case records of women having an instrumental vaginal delivery was made over a period of one year. After identifying deficiencies in the quality of record keeping a pre‐printed standard record form was introduced and a further 50 cases audited. Deficiencies were identified in the documentation of clinical obstetric findings, type of anaesthesia, estimated blood loss, type and size of ventouse cup used. Analysis of cases using the standard record form has demonstrated 100 percent compliance with adequate record keeping.
Evaluation of RDDirect: an innovative telephone research advisory service
Authors: Closs S.J. , Johnstone D. , Zeigler L. , Newell R.J. , Parker‐Jones C.H.
Published: July 2006

RDDirect is a novel telephone help line which was established in response to national policy to improve research consciousness and capacity in the NHS. This regionally funded telephone referral service takes research enquiries from aspiring or experienced researchers, which are then “diagnosed” and directed to relevant sources of advice and information. The infrastructure for RDDirect includes a panel of research specialists, a Web site with links to relevant research resources, and a monitoring and follow‐up system. The first year has been subject to both internal monitoring and evaluation and an external evaluation. Findings from both approaches show that user satisfaction was high, although uptake was low. Advisors were also satisfied, both with interactions with RDDirect staff and referrals received. The Web site was accessed far more than anticipated. A key area of concern is effective publicity for the service.
Auditing the audit cycle: an open‐ended evaluation
Authors: Prasad K.R.S. , Reddy K.T.V.
Published: July 2006

Most studies looking into completion of the audit cycle, have investigated specific interventions rather than entire projects. This study was carried out to evaluate the successful completion of the audit cycle depending on whether or not recommendations were acted on; and to find out relevant confounding factors. This was a retrospective review of the recommendations of audits between March 1999 and October 2002. There were 29 projects with a total of 63 recommendations. While 24 had been implemented, action had been only initiated in two and was in progress in one. A total of 17 recommendations were still under discussion. There were three types of inaction – no action because of no recommendations (n=8), action no longer appropriate (n=1) and specific obstacles preventing implementation (n=10). There were no significant differences between the outcomes (Chi square=0.128, dF=1, p=0.720). Investigation into the outcomes of audit recommendations is a useful way of assessing the entire audit cycle. However it also throws up a number of contextual issues that can influence outcome and should be taken into account when monitoring change in clinical settings.
“Event tree” approach for facilitating audit of ambulance cardiac services
Authors: Stoykova Boyka , Dowie Robin , Gregory Richard P.F. , Rowsell Kathleen V. , Lane Stephen
Published: July 2006

An “event” tree technique was used alongside conventional methods for structuring and reporting an audit of ambulance services in Lancashire, UK, for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cases of cardiac arrest. The audit covered 4,100 patients attended by ambulance crews. Cross tabulations showed that audit targets were not achieved for recording heart rhythms in non‐arrest cases, administering aspirin and intravenous cannulation. The event tree, linked electronically with the audit database, demonstrated explicitly that only one‐third of non‐arrest patients received all three procedures. With cardiac arrests, the event tree showed that survival rates to hospital were similar for patients in ventricular fibrillation who were defibrillated regardless of whether or not they received anti‐arrhythmic drugs. Interpretation of their performance levels is facilitated by the event‐tree technique that allows relationships between clinical procedures and outcomes of ambulance journeys to be displayed.
National Patient Safety Agency: an introduction
Authors: Williams Susan , Osborn Sue
Published: July 2006

The National Patient Safety Agency was set up after two reports concluded that the NHS needed to learn from and prevent patient safety incidents. Data suggest that, of the patients that have suffered patient safety incidents, half could have been prevented. A case study is included which outlines what went wrong with a patient's care, and what recommendations have been made to avoid such occurrences in the future.
NPSA infusion device toolkit: a cost‐saving way to improve patient safety
Authors: Quinn Chris , Stevenson Elaine , Glenister Helen
Published: July 2006

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has been established to reduce the risk of patient safety incidents and promote learning across the National Health Service that will improve patient safety and help organisations to learn from the experience of others. One of the first projects has been to look at the way that infusion devices are purchased, stored and used within hospitals. This work has resulted in a number of recommendations centred on simplifying the range of devices available, using a centralised system to maximise use of the equipment and ensuring that staff are properly trained. The work has also involved manufacturers in the hope that future developments in equipment design will result in more user‐friendly devices that will reduce the risk of misuse and any consequent harm to patients. NPSA has just issued its first Safer Practice Notice to Trusts to highlight the issues around infusion devices and offer NHS organisations a toolkit to help them improve patient safety and make significant cost savings.
NICE guidelines and law: clinical governance implications for trusts
Authors: Samanta Ash , Samanta Jo
Published: July 2006

Clinical guidelines from National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have been developed by a rigorous process using the highest‐level evidence base. Their objectives are to reduce the variations in clinical care and end the postcode lottery of healthcare delivery. They are backed strongly by the government's agenda, are expected to be implemented and to be monitored, and this is to be monitored by CHAI. Up until now, clinical guidelines have had a secondary status to expert witness testimony in determining the standard of care in law in medical litigation. However, guidelines from NICE may have a more influential role in determining the standard of care in law by setting the standard of expected clinical practice. Trusts need to be sensitive to this as part of their risk management strategy. Trusts should facilitate the implementation of guidelines from NICE and audit their use through the framework of clinical governance. In the rare event that a trust should decide to positively diverge from such guidelines, it should do so only through a mechanism of due process that is required in public law for the accountability of the reasonableness of such a decision.
The effectiveness of orthopaedic triage by extended scope physiotherapists
Authors: Hattam Paul
Published: July 2006

Improving the management of the orthopaedic patient has long been a top priority in healthcare provision in the UK. For the past two decades, successive governments have funded a plethora of “waiting list initiatives” in order to reduce waiting times for both in and outpatients. In recent years, extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) have become increasingly involved in making clinical management decisions for all orthopaedic patients – a process known as “triaging”. Their effectiveness in this triaging role remains largely untested despite having far reaching implications in terms of service delivery, professional recognition and patient satisfaction. The study is cross‐sectional in design using a survey to retrieve archival outcome data from hospital case notes of patients referred by ESPs for consultant management. The time‐framed sample yielded 170 subjects with a wide range of disorders distributed across all anatomical regions. The data was categorised so that effectiveness could be measured by judging the specificity and appropriateness of referral. Results and the possibility of developing the ESP role to include access to additional investigations and surgical listing are discussed.
It is the best of news, it is the worst of news . . .
Authors: Birnbaum David
Published: July 2006

There are noteworthy international convergences in recent guiding documents for infection control and other patient safety programs. Although these bode well for raising the future prominence of such programs, they also are an indictment of failed past leadership and an external prop. Local governance itself, and alternative bases for quality management systems, should be examined as closely as these new documents.
Interview with Cary Cooper
Authors: Cooper Cary
Published: July 2006

Cary Cooper, CBE, is Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University and Director of Robertson Cooper Limited. Formerly he was the BUPA Professor of Organizational Psychology at UMIST. He is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is widely acknowledged as a world leading authority on workplace stress. He is the author of an extensive and diverse range of over 300 publications. Here he answers questions about his work.
E‐learning – offering opportunity
Authors: O'Leary Vicky
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To share the experiences of RRC in developing and delivering e‐learning programmes to individual learners and corporate clients.

Design/methodology/approach

RRC have been delivering e‐learning courses for several years now and this experience has enabled them to discover by trial and error what works and what does not. Reviewing the experiences of both individual learners and corporate managers has allowed us to assess the circumstances in which maximum benefit can be gained from choosing e‐learning as a delivery mechanism for professional training.

Findings

E‐learning can be a highly‐effective delivery mechanism for training courses, but only under the right circumstances. These include where: there are a limited number of students spread over a large geographical area; the qualification is international in nature; a corporate client requires confidential discussion among learners; and managers not directly involved in the training want to track (and record) effectively the progress of individual learners. However, despite these benefits, it is not suitable for all learners in all situations, and consideration must be given to the individual needs of specific learners to ensure that the mode of delivery is chosen for the benefits it can offer rather than its position as the latest training trend.

Originality/value

E‐learning is often seen as the “next big thing” and as such, is sometimes recommended to all learners on all programmes, irrespective of whether this makes educational sense. RRC's experiences in delivering such programmes will help those requiring training to think more carefully about the mode of delivery chosen.
Can I get a witness?
Authors: Dawes Graham
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of the article is to introduce readers to a novel way of utilizing experts to assist learning

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on significant experience of using the witness approach over many years.

Findings

We have found that managers and others like using the witness approach. It clearly enhances learning and this has been identified in evaluation studies.

Practical implications

The article shows how organizations can use the witness approach in practical situations.

Originality/value

Most people have never heard of the witness approach and so it will be seen as quite an original contribution to the field.
Presence or PowerPoint
Authors: Ellwood John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

During the 12 years that I have specialized as a trainer in presentation skills, I have witnessed the erosion of the most powerful presentation tools i.e. presence and passion. PowerPoint has become the dullard's crutch, giving some the illusion that they are adequate presenters.

Design/methodology/approach

The article illustrates that PowerPoint is most often used inappropriately. This is an observation based on the author's experience of thousands of presentations made by individuals from a wide range of organizations in the public and private sectors. The paper suggests the best ways to use PowerPoint and suggests alternatives. It also indicates the most important considerations a presenter should have when designing a presentation.

Findings

From my experience and observations it is clear that speakers who seek to enthuse and entertain are those who gain the best results. Regrettably, continual use of PowerPoint rarely has this impact.

Practical implications

Speakers need to relegate PowerPoint to a subordinate role when planning their presentations. They may find it a useful tool for illustrations and to reinforce a bold fact or statistic, but the author's advice is to avoid bullet points and consider more inventive ways to make key points, e.g. props, stories, demonstrations and, especially, audience involvement.

Originality/value

The article is invaluable to all who are required to communicate via presentations. It is a wake‐up call to ask them to consider their reliance on PowerPoint and alternatives that may help them to be more effective. The article confronts the commonly held belief by the majority of employees and teachers, that PowerPoint is a sine qua non during the delivery of information to groups.
Positive leadership yields performance and profitability
Authors: Tombaugh Jay R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Traditional management techniques and change management interventions are deficit‐based. That is, they often focus on “fixing” what is wrong in our organizations by solving problems. Maintaining a committed and motivated workforce, open to learning, growth and positive change, is difficult, however, when the daily focus is on what's not working.

Design/methodology/approach

Growing evidence suggests that positive leadership and a strengths‐based approach to long‐term organizational change have a greater impact on performance and profitability.

Findings

Positive leaders develop such traits as optimism, self‐confidence, compassion, emotional intelligence, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Moreover, they promote a strengths‐based organizational culture that emphasizes possibilities rather than problems.

Practical implications

We need to develop leaders who can identify the organization's “root causes of success”, and build on those strengths for future performance.

Originality/value

The article will be of value to all those involved in leadership development.
The potential of advanced treatment methods for sewage sludge
Authors: Neyens Elisabeth , Baeyens Jan , De heyder Bart , Weemaes Marjoleine
Published: July 2006

Excess sludge is an inevitable drawback of the waste‐activated sludge process. Both the reduction of the amount of sludge produced and improving its dewaterability are of paramount importance. With more stringent environmental and legislative constraints, increasing sludge production and limited disposal options, new reduction alternatives have to be found. This paper presents different advanced sludge treatment (AST) processes, i.e. thermal hydrolysis (neutral, acid, alkaline) and chemical oxidation using H2O2. Semi‐pilot and pilot‐scale experiments are conducted in order to achieve optimum treatment conditions (T, pH, concentration of reagent, catalyst, etc.) with respect to sludge dewaterability. Additional targets are the removal of heavy metals and pathogens from the sludge so that the residual filter cake can be used for land application. Although all methods are promising, peroxidation gave the best results with respect to improving sludge dewaterability and product quality of the residual filter cake. The amount of dry solids per equivalent‐inhabitant per day (DS/IE.d) was reduced from 60g DS/IE.d to 33g DS/IE.d and the percentage DS of the sludge cake was 47 per cent, which is a significant improvement of traditional sludge dewatering yields. This results in a significantly reduced energy for subsequent drying (94kJ/IE.d compared to 437kJ/IE.d for the traditional treatment).
Basis and tools for a sustainable development of estuaries and coastal areas
Authors: Mestres M. , Sánchez‐Arcilla A. , Sierra J.P. , Mösso C. , González del Río J. , Rodilla M.
Published: July 2006

The Bay of Cullera is an example of a multi‐source polluted coastal environment. As a result of the combined discharge from the Júcar River and the sewage from a marine outfall, the Cullera coastal area presents occasionally severe water quality problems. The enhanced knowledge obtained for the most relevant processes affecting the quality of coastal and estuarine waters will lead to the production of suitable strategies and criteria for a sustainable development of these areas. This, together with the generation of a set of scientifically supported alternative policies directed to improve coastal water management, is the main goal of this paper and of the ECOSUD European research project.
Exploitation of renewable energy sources and sustainable management of the territory
Authors: Solari Paola , Minervini Gabriella
Published: July 2006

The need to enhance the exploitation of renewable energy resources marked the starting point in the development of wind farms, also in Regione Liguria. However, the Ligurian sites that are suitable from an anemometric point of view are very exposed and are also of outstanding natural value. In order to simplify procedures and to apply high environmental protection levels, some project requirements and requested mitigation and compensation actions were fixed. Some criteria were stated to identify the areas that are unsuitable to wind installations because of their landscape or wildlife characteristics. By using the GIS of the Regione Liguria, a dedicated information system describing the unsuitable areas was produced; the system is made by a synoptic layer that merges all the areas where at least one of the penalising factors is fulfilled, in addition to single layers that keep their own information content. The map is available on the Internet (www.regione.liguria.it), and it represents an essential reference for any upcoming measures in the field of wind energy exploitation.
Sustainable reclamation of landfill sites
Authors: Bulc Tjaša , Ferfila Nevenka , Vrhovšek Danijel
Published: July 2006

The most common form of municipal waste disposal in the EU continues to be landfilling, from which leachate could seriously contaminate ground water aquifers that serve as drinking water sources. Constructed wetland is considered as a sustainable option as it facilitates water recycling in landfill sites using closed loop technology. In Slovenia constructed wetlands have been successfully developed and there are already 6 landfills that have been remediated using this technique. An innovative co‐natural approach that has been applied on the landfill site at Ormoz (1.5ha), allows a landfill site to become a bioreactor by permitting controlled infiltration. Leachate is purified using a constructed wetland covering 1,000m2. The average hydraulic load is 12m3/d. Purified water will then be recycled through an underground irrigation system to fast growing trees. We assume that this solution will allow rapid stabilisation of the landfill site as the infiltrated water in the landfill site stimulates microbes to mineralise organic waste. There is no risk of leaks as the root systems of trees follow the non‐uniform settling of waste. Owing to the closed hydrological and pollution cycle, the impact on the environment and especially the risk of water contamination will be reduced.
Environmental aspects of using detached breakwaters for coastal protection purposes
Authors: Taveira Pinto Francisco , Valente Neves Ana Cristina
Published: July 2006

The aggravation of erosion, with the consequent reduction and, at the limit, disappearance of beaches has great impact in the environment of the area, in tourism and economy of regions affected by this problem. Submerged breakwaters are one possible solution from a wide variety of coastal structures to combat this problem, with reduced environmental and visual impacts than in similar defence structures. However, this solution has also some disadvantages that will be described. This paper intends to present some environmental aspects related with the hydrodynamic phenomena of detached breakwaters (submerged or not) and some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of coastal protection solution. The performance of this kind of solution in other countries (such as Italy, Japan, Spain, etc.) has been mostly successful but its use on the Portuguese coast is still a possibility, needing further investigation, due to the high energetic wave levels observed. Some of the main difficulties on its application will also be described.
Approaches to environmental value analysis of products, processes, and services
Authors: Agbejule Adebayo , Fernández María , d'Espiney Sergio
Published: July 2006

The objective of the paper is to present a model for the environmental value analysis (EVA) and its usefulness as tool towards environmental improvement analysis. A new concept called EVA, which focuses on integrating environmental issues with value analysis, is proposed in this paper. The mathematical model of environmental value index (EVI), which is derived from EVA analysis, aims to define the relationship between the importance of the environmental functions and the cost of the functions. The development of EVI provides the basis for generating feasible alternatives, which are performed simultaneously. By determining the EVIs, this approach ensures prioritisation, and thereby predicts a better set of environmental improvement alternatives. Three case studies are used to illustrate the implementation of EVA methodology.
Mapping arable soils using GIS‐based soil information database in Kuwait
Authors: Roy Waleed , Grealish Gerard
Published: July 2006

A soil information system was developed to manage soil survey data and to ensure that soil information is readily available to support land use planning and development. The Soil Information System combined spatial information management of a Geographical Information System (GIS) with the textural information management of a relational database management system. The GIS is capable of manipulating and displaying area and point data with the logical framework of a database to store data for interpretation. The main objective of this paper was to demonstrate one of the approaches to utilize and interpret data from the soil information system for identifying soil suitable for irrigated agriculture. The design and implementation of the soil information system are discussed, and an example of system output, such as mapping soils suitable for irrigated agricultural, is presented in this paper. For mapping these areas, a criterion was defined to select potential areas for irrigated agriculture. The criterion was applied to each of the soil property classes and subclasses to determine the most limiting rating for each soil. The rating was applied to map units and was allocated by the geographic soil map units in the GIS to produce a suitability map for irrigated agricultural areas in Kuwait. The soil information for the State of Kuwait provided information in a digitized format that can be further extended to interpret other land uses.
An agent‐based intelligent environmental monitoring system
Authors: Athanasiadis Ioannis N. , Mitkas Pericles A.
Published: July 2006

Fairly rapid environmental changes call for continuous surveillance and on‐line decision making. There are two main areas where IT technologies can be valuable. In this paper we present a multi‐agent system for monitoring and assessing air‐quality attributes, which uses data coming from a meteorological station. A community of software agents is assigned to monitor and validate measurements coming from several sensors, to assess air‐quality, and, finally, to fire alarms to appropriate recipients, when needed. Data mining techniques have been used for adding data‐driven, customized intelligence into agents. The architecture of the developed system, its domain ontology, and typical agent interactions are presented. Finally, the deployment of a real‐world test case is demonstrated.
Manage data – manage hazards
Authors: Ewa Merson Maura , Montoya Lorena , Paresi Chris
Published: July 2006

This work aims at developing guidelines and methods for establishing urban hazard information infrastructure (UHII) for the City of Windhoek (CoW) in Namibia, to set up an institutional and technical framework for spatial data exchange and sharing in development control and hazard management. An analysis of UHII requirements in the Twente Fire Brigades (The Netherlands) was first conducted and the Spatial Information Management Reference Model (RSIMM) was created. RSIMM was used as a reference to the Case‐Specific Spatial Information Management Model (CSIMM) for the CoW, where young institutions face financial, structural, legal and technical uncertainties. The new methodology to introduce UHII to the CoW was developed using combined soft and structured system development methods. The policies and strategies supporting UHII development were identified. The Urban Hazard and Emergency Management Information System (UHEMIS) development was chosen to initiate UHII introduction creating data and metadata management base for decision making in spatial development control, risk assessment and emergency response planning. The UHII and UHEMIS models are being designed next in this on‐going research.
Universal system for diagnosing environmental noise
Authors: Czyzewski A. , Kotus J.
Published: July 2006

A concept and an implementation of the multimedia computer system for the monitoring of environmental noise is presented in the paper. The system provides an extension to the Internet‐based system for testing hearing which was engineered and launched in 1999. A considerable portion of hearing diseases is caused by excessive industry, urban and traffic noise or any unwanted sounds occurring in everyday life. Consequently, it is expected that a reduction of hearing diseases occurrence will be achieved as a result of implementation of the solutions that have been developed within the project scope. The latest technological advances in information technology were used in the course of the project realisation. Consequently, it is shown in the paper that the presented solutions are based on some innovative ideas and inexpensive technical means for measuring noise and vibration allowing fast evaluation of its influence on the psychosomatic and the vegetative system. It is expected that implementation of the noise telemonitoring system covering whole country will contribute to rising awareness of society and authorities with regard of the influence of noise on health. Furthermore, it turns out to be an essential factor in the future improvement of the environmental noise conditions.
ILMAX: a system for managing experience knowledge in a long‐term study of stream ecosystem regeneration
Authors: Neumann Michael , Baumeister Joachim , Puppe Frank
Published: July 2006

We present the concept and first experiences for a Web‐based ecological knowledge management system ILMAX. It manages experience knowledge resulting from an ecological long‐term investigation of the regeneration process of the stream Ilm (Thuringia, Germany). The tools used are iZone, a Web‐based content management system with an emphasis on information retrieval and feedback, and D3, a tool kit for building knowledge‐based systems and for managing case bases. The difficult initializing phase of knowledge management systems was done by a “knowledge champion” gathering and structuring various kinds of text documents, data sheets and unpublished knowledge of domain experts.
Systemic data management for mathematical modelling of environmental problems
Authors: Khatibi R.H. , Lincoln R. , Jackson D. , Surendran S. , Whitlow C. , Schellekens J.
Published: July 2006

With the diversification of modelling activities encouraged by versatile modelling tools, handling their datasets has become a formidable problem. A further impetus stems from the emergence of the real‐time forecasting culture, transforming data embedded in computer programs of one‐off modelling activities of the 1970s‐1980s into dataset assets, an important feature of modelling since the 1990s, where modelling has emerged as a practice with a pivotal role to data transactions. The scope for data is now vast but in legacy data management practices datasets are fragmented, not transparent outside their native software systems, and normally “monolithic”. Emerging initiatives on published interfaces will make datasets transparent outside their native systems but will not solve the fragmentation and monolithic problems. These problems signify a lack of science base in data management and as such it is necessary to unravel inherent generic structures in data. This paper outlines root causes for these problems and presents a tentative solution referred to as “systemic data management”, which is capable of solving the above problems through the assemblage of packaged data. Categorisation is presented as a packaging methodology and the various sources contributing to the generic structure of data are outlined, e.g. modelling techniques, modelling problems, application areas and application problems. The opportunities offered by systemic data management include: promoting transparency among datasets of different software systems; exploiting inherent synergies within data; and treating data as assets with a long‐term view on reuse of these assets in an integrated capability.
An overview of integrated and interdisciplinary studies on conservation of a coastal lagoon system in Turkey
Authors: Seker D.Z. , Tanik A. , Gurel M. , Ekdal A. , Erturk A. , Kabdasli S. , Aydingakko A.
Published: July 2006

This paper presents part of the results of ongoing integrated and interdisciplinary studies conducted at a vulnerable coastal lagoon system with the aim of protecting it from further anthropogenic pollution. The target area is in southwestern Turkey, consisting of a lake that joins the Mediterranean Sea via a lagoon channel system. Land resources in the watershed are identified, including all the elements of the physical environment that influence potential land‐use, and are illustrated by the application of geographical information systems through mapping and visualization of various thematic layers of land. This study will enlighten those working on lagoon watersheds aiming at conservation of natural resources since it states the results of the studies conducted so far through various disciplines, and presents how data are utilized by the groups in an integrated manner. Based on the available data, pre‐modelling studies on hydrodynamic modelling and on water quality modelling are also referred. Identification of a watershed depends on gathering satisfactory data, which will further be used to establish sustainable development and management plans, apart from utilizing the obtained data for watershed and hydrodynamic modelling approaches and to better understand such complex systems.
Environmental management in Brazilian companies
Authors: Sena da Silva Gisele Cristina , Dumke de Medeiros Denise
Published: July 2006

The survival of an organisation today depends directly on its capacity to be efficient and competitive. Growing transformations in the world economy impose new variables on the productive process. Environmental management is one of these variants, which brings in itself a series of opportunities and risks. An environmental management system (EMS) allows an organisation to permanently control the effects of the productive process on the environment. In Brazil, the adoption of this new approach still finds certain resistance by companies, which have seen it more as an additional cost than an improvement opportunity. This study aims to identify the environmental actions of some Brazilian companies, seeking to obtain important information about the process and the operations accomplished in the adoption of EMS by companies which seek to improve the quality of life for the population.
Municipal solid waste management in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Ayotamuno Josiah M. , Gobo Akuro E.
Published: July 2006

Until recently, Port Harcourt was known as the “garden city of Nigeria” because of its neatness and the overwhelming presence of vegetation and flowers all over the metropolis. But today, the presence of piles of refuse dotting the entire city may have turned Port Harcourt rather to a “garbage city”. Indiscriminate dumping of wastes – industrial, commercial and household – such as food waste, paper, polyethene, textiles, scrap metals, glasses, wood, plastic, etc. at street corners and gutters, is still very common. The situation is so bad that traffic flow is obstructed, while there is likelihood that leachates from such dumps, after mixing with rain water, have the potential to contaminate drinking water. The basic solid waste management processes of collection, transport, segregation and final disposal appear to be very inefficient. This research carefully assessed the present system of solid waste management in Port Harcourt, with the aim of identifying the main bottlenecks to its efficiency and the way forward. The subject matter of solid waste management is the main object of discussion throughout this article.
Adoption and maintenance of environmental management systems
Authors: Zutshi Ambika , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2006

The implementation of various management systems and standards has become an important activity for organisations irrespective of their size, sector or nature of the business. Even with a history of implementing change across the organisation, managers continue to experience resistance and challenges when implementing and maintaining the systems/standards, whether they be in quality, occupational health and safety, environmental or any other area. Based on a major research project recently completed, this paper presents the critical success factors for successful implementation of an environmental management system. The project involved three phases of fieldwork: preliminary interviews, a questionnaire survey and in‐depth interviews. A brief summary of the findings from each of these phases of research is presented. Based on the findings, the paper discusses the critical success factors for the successful implementation and maintenance of EMS.