bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging knowledge assets to improve new product development performances
Authors: Linzalone Roberto
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Knowledge assets and performance improvement have recently emerged as important and interacting research areas in company business management. The purpose of this research is to highlight the role and relevance of knowledge assets as critical factors for improving the performances of a new product development (NPD) process.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpreting the NPD as a knowledge‐based process, the paper presents three case studies which provide empirical evidence of the impact on performance of the assessment and management of the knowledge assets at the basis of NPD process.

Findings

The outcomes of the research is a set of managerial implications, useful in order to drive managers towards the design and implementation of knowledge assets management initiatives aimed to support the improvement of the NPD performances.

Originality/value

Through an integration of the results of the inductive research, based on multiple case studies, with the main findings taken from a literature review, the paper addresses managerial implications for improving NPD process performances by developing knowledge asset value drivers.
Managerial mindsets and performance measurement systems of CSR‐related intangibles
Authors: Parisi Cristiana , Hockerts Kai N.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this one‐company case study is to investigate the possible use of causal maps in the performance management and measurement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) related intangibles.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the suitability of the chosen model, a combined research approach was selected. The combination of inductive and deductive approaches resulted in the most advantageous in order to test the research hypotheses. The pharmaceutical industry was targeted as a noteworthy case study for CSR investment. Novo Nordisk, a leading firm within the pharmaceutical industry, was chosen due to its outstanding corporate social performance (Dow Jones sustainability index STOXX and the Ethibel Sustainability Index).

Findings

The use of causal maps at Novo Nordisk is expected to improve the selection of indicators for the company's performance measurement system, so that a financial evaluation of the returns of investments aimed at increasing the value of CRS related intangibles can be made.

Practical implications

The use of causal maps aims to systematically internalise the positive financial effect of investment into CSR related intangibles. In this way the quality of existing performance measurement systems of companies are expected to improve.

Originality/value

This research contributes to CSR and performance measurement literature by analysing the use of causal maps in order to define indicators for CSR related intangibles, to be included in the company's multidimensional performance measurement models.
An AHP approach to assess brand intangible assets
Authors: Costa Roberta , Evangelista Simonluca
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Brand equity has recently emerged as an important research area in marketing and it has been examined from practical and academic perspectives. Following this lead, the purpose of this paper is to propose a new method to evaluate the impact of brand intangible assets on a firm value creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an approach based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique, illustrating its efficacy in the measurement of the value of brand intangible assets and its capacity to overcome the flaws of current methods.

Findings

The outcomes of the AHP application should be considered as a KPI enabling management to optimize brand investments and strategies. The paper concludes with an application of the presented method on a famous multi‐brand company.

Originality/value

This methodology puts in evidence the fundamental aspects of brand intangible assets and, above all, how much they impact on the firm value creation process.
EVVICA™, a valuation model for intellectual asset‐rich businesses
Authors: McCutcheon Gavin A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the Estimated Value Via Intellectual Capital Analysis (EVVICA™) model, which represents one way the analysis of human, relational, and structural capital in conjunction with the renewal capacity of a business, can be used to yield a more accurate depiction of future worth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides empirical evidence about the use of a managerial model on companies' performance based on the assessment and management of the knowledge assets founding their processes.

Findings

As reliance on intellectual assets increasingly becomes the dominant factor within business innovation and development cycles, application of conventional valuation models is becoming consequently less reliable. Discounted cash‐flows do not adequately depict the future value of such IA‐rich businesses and do not reflect their transformational nature. Operating within turbulent markets where the capacity to continually adapt and redefine is crucial, a new valuation model is clearly required to complement existing financial tools.

Practical implications

Combining alternative, possibly simultaneous, revenue generation possibilities within the model, more meaningful evaluations are possible which, in addition, illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the business proposition and its capacity for sustainable change.

Originality/value

The paper introduces EVVICA™, a useful valuation model for intellectual asset‐rich businesses.
Performance measurement and benchmarking of a major innovation programme
Authors: Jones Keith , Kaluarachchi Yamuna
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the problems encountered and the solutions developed when using benchmarking and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor a major UK social house building innovation (change) programme. The innovation programme sought improvements to both the quality of the house product and the procurement process.

Design/methodology/approach

Benchmarking and KPIs were used to quantify performance and in‐depth case studies to identify underlying cause and effect relationships within the innovation programme.

Findings

The inherent competition between consortium members; the complexity of the relationship between the consortium and its strategic partner; the lack of an authoritative management control structure; and the rapidly changing nature of the UK social housing market all proved problematic to the development of a reliable and robust monitoring system. These problems were overcome by the development of multi‐dimensional benchmarking model that balanced the needs and aspirations of the individual organisations with the broader objectives of the consortium.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the research methodology provides insight into the factors that affected the performance of a major innovation programme its findings may not be representative of all projects.

Practical implications

The lessons learnt should assist those developing benchmarking models for multi‐client consortia.

Originality/value

The work reported in this paper describes an inclusive approach to benchmarking in which a multiple client group and their strategic partner sought to work together for shared gain. Very few papers have addressed this issue.
Activity‐based costing and process benchmarking
Authors: Delpachitra Sarath
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Aim of this paper is to set some cost benchmarks for the cost of processing an insurance application and processing a claim.

Design/methodology/approach

Activity‐based costing (ABC) model. The ABC model was applied to a unified business process and set the benchmarks for the cost of processing an application and a claim.

Findings

The average cost per application is approximately AUD221 and the cost of processing a claim is AUD260. The cost of support functions is higher in the case of application processing and back office direct costs are higher in the case of claim processing.

Research limitations/implications

The success of benchmarking exercises depends on the cooperation of the benchmarking partners. Furthermore, the benchmarks can be more accurate when ABC is applied to the business processes. Most insurance providers are yet to adopt the ABC model.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the breakdown of the processing costs for general insurance. The breakdown is given on the basis of direct and indirect costs as well as front office, back office and support function costs. To the best of author's knowledge this is the first application of process benchmarking to the insurance industry.
Benchmarking the poultry meat supply chain
Authors: Manning L. , Baines R. , Chadd S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a pre‐requisite programme and key performance indicators can be developed within an information management system in order to manage food safety, animal welfare and business performance criteria effectively in the poultry meat supply chain and seek to deliver continuous improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Desk research was carried out in order to develop the research model. Competitive benchmarking with a group of broiler growers was used to determine the most appropriate performance indicators that could differentiate both operational and financial performance.

Findings

Supply chain benchmarking is more than a comparative analysis of cost structure, indeed it can be argued that if not effectively implemented, benchmarking techniques can focus too much on historic data rather than identifying and implementing current best practice, knowledge transfer and being able to initiate change within the business cycle. Effective livestock benchmarking requires a detailed understanding of the processes undertaken in order to determine the ideas and information that needs to be shared both vertically and horizontally in the chain which in turn will deliver compliance with stakeholder requirements and drive continuous improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research have been discussed in the paper.

Originality/value

This research is of value to those working in the poultry meat supply chain.
Adding value to service providers: benchmarking Wal‐Mart
Authors: Blanchard Cherie , Comm Clare L. , Mathaisel Dennis F.X.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Wal‐Mart is the largest retailer in the world, and one of its drivers of financial success is its focus on efficient and effective supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate what service providers could learn from these SCM best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Wal‐Mart's best practices in SCM were investigated through a literature review of secondary data.

Findings

Wal‐Mart's best practices in SCM were categorized into four segments: strategic concepts, logistics and distribution, information technology, and supplier collaboration. These practices were then applied to the healthcare industry.

Research limitations/implications

Wal‐Mart's best practices were only applied to one service industry (the healthcare industry). Future research could apply these practices to other service industries such as higher education and the airline industry.

Practical implications

Most service providers can add value to their services by learning from some, if not all, of Wal‐Mart's best practices in SCM.

Originality/value

Very little past research has focused on applying the best practices in SCM of a traditional retailer or product provider to service providers. Insight into Wal‐Mart's best practices can add value to many service providers.
Measurement benchmarks or “real” benchmarking?
Authors: Alstete Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current perceptions of company employees regarding the use and understanding of the terms “benchmark” as in performance measurement and “benchmarking” as in measurement followed by identification of best practices for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief review of the literature from various industries is summarized on this issue, and then related to the research question. A qualitative research study is used to examine the perceptions of 42 participants who were primarily full‐time employees at companies in the New York metropolitan area pursuing a part‐time graduate business degree.

Findings

The hypothesis is supported by the literature and the research findings that there is indeed a misunderstanding between the commonly used terms relating to performance measurement benchmarks and true benchmarking where identification of process leaders is only the first step in a complete process that then identifies best practices to be adapted.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are identified such as the size and characteristics of the study population, and suggestions are made for future research endeavors to verify the findings.

Practical implications

This paper reveals that a more precise terminological use of true benchmarking practices should be promoted and used by management leaders, educators and writers.

Originality/value

This is a valuable empirical research study that examines the important issue of misunderstandings and misstatements of mere performance benchmarks for comparative analysis and real benchmarking practices that identify best practices for adapting via continuous improvement.
Public sector benchmarking: an application to Italian health district activity plans
Authors: Vagnoni Emidia , Maran Laura
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to suggest an application of the benchmarking technique on the content evaluation of the health district activity plans (HDAPs).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on benchmarking leads to the definition of a benchmarking process, which is utilized to evaluate and compare the contents of the HDAPs. These documents link the planning activity of the health districts of a region to the objectives comprehensively established at higher levels. Consequently, to define a common level of comparison of the HDAPs, the contents of the texts are evaluated through an in‐depth study of the specific law prescriptions and the adoption of an hermeneutic point of view. The HDAPs collected among the health districts of a single Italian Region represent the empirical data set and their specific benchmarking involves the definition of benchmark scales and placement of “best practices”.

Findings

Benchmarking can improve planning capabilities of the health districts pointing out their most positive differences. Its specific application on the HDAPs highlights its flexibility and usefulness; whilst at the same time, it opens new insights on the recent evolution of the health care systems towards accountability, cost consciousness and efficiency.

Practical implications

The results of the benchmarking comparison will lead to the design of an empirical blueprint for framing health district planning data and improve the understanding of the region.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the role of benchmarking both in providing a comprehensive lecture key of the reality of district planning and suggesting cues from the best practices observed.
Measuring comparative efficiencies and merger impacts of wireless communication companies
Authors: Kwon He‐Boong , Stoeberl Philipp A. , Joo Seong‐Jong
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to benchmark the wireless mobile communication service providers in the USA for the relative efficiencies of assets and expenses in conjunction with revenues. In addition, the impact of merger activities on the efficiencies will be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure comparative efficiencies of wireless mobile communication companies. Data include annual reports showing assets, expenses, and revenues.

Findings

For the relative efficiencies of total asset utilization, eight decision‐making units (DMU) out of 16 are 100 percent efficient. Likewise, seven DMU's are 100 percent efficient in the current asset model. However, only five DMU's are 100 percent efficient in the expense model. Accordingly, the companies maintain relatively higher efficiencies for asset management than those for expense management. Merger activities adversely affect the efficiencies of the companies in the models. Thus, the companies need to make stronger efforts to improve their efficiencies after consolidation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to the limitations of financial data and DEA that measures relative technical efficiencies of DMU. Results will vary according to data and DMU included in the model.

Originality/value

The major contributions of this study are that this is the first attempt of benchmarking using DEA in the wireless telecommunication industry in the USA and its investigation of the impact of merger and acquisition activities on efficiencies.
Benchmarking knowledge gaps through role simulations for assessing outsourcing viability
Authors: Shekhar Sandhya
Published: May 2008

Purpose

With an increase in global outsourcing, there is a need for risk mitigation strategies for outsourcing partner selection. Most outsourced services are getting commoditized, making it difficult to clearly differentiate capabilities of service providers. Also, the move towards knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services is an area where the risks of failure are perceived to be higher. Since the knowledge dimension is a critical one for any outsourced activity, an objective assessment of knowledge gaps is important in the overall process of evaluation of the external provider. This paper aims to address the issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds the linkage between the measurability of the knowledge dimension and outsourcing project success through a set of propositions. It proposes a formal process of “knowledge gap assessment” as an input to assessing partner viability. It also identifies two important dimensions that are specific to an outsourcing relationship. Finally, the paper outlines a conceptual framework that takes these dimensions into account through a process of benchmarking using role simulations that could be used as a generic tool for performing such an assessment.

Findings

Such an assessment can help to classify prospective service providers as exhibiting low‐, moderate‐ or high‐knowledge gaps in different knowledge categories. Depending on the cost of bridging these gaps the associated risks can be classified as low, medium or high, facilitating appropriate managerial decisions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proposes a conceptual model and a set of propositions which will need to be tested and refined through further empirical research.

Practical implications

The framework can be a useful tool for partner selection by firms who are looking to outsource activities. A simulation‐based benchmarking approach is likely to provide a more objective assessment of a firm's knowledge‐based capability, both when compared to the parent (outsourcing) organization as well as other short‐listed service providers.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for minimizing risk in both business process outsourcing as well as KPO projects by focusing on the knowledge dimension and offers a practical framework to enable the same.
Process benchmarking: a new tool to improve the performance of overhead areas
Authors: Gleich Ronald , Motwani Jaideep , Wald Andreas
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present an empirically developed and tested process to address the limitations in the literature on the lack of appropriate performance measures and benchmarks for recording activity and sub‐process related cost. The process presented integrates performance measures, process cost accounting tools and benchmarking.

Design/methodology/approach

A special type of research methodology called innovative action research is utilized to develop and test the new process benchmarking tool.

Findings

The new tool provides information not only about costs, but also about the following non‐financial indicators: process volumes, process‐related time (cycle times), and used capacity/resources of processes. Also, the tool can be used in a very economical way.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are limited to the German mechanical engineering industry. Further research is needed for generalization of the proposed model.

Practical implications

Although, the mechanical engineering industry is used to demonstrate the proposed framework, it can be applied to other industries with a little modification.

Originality/value

A new, effective and efficient tool for cost reduction and performance improvement is developed and empirically tested.
Benchmarking the benchmarking models
Authors: Anand G. , Kodali Rambabu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

A review of benchmarking literature revealed that there are different types of benchmarking and a plethora of benchmarking process models. In some cases, a model has been uniquely developed for performing a particular type of benchmarking. This poses the following problems: it can create confusion among the users as to whether they should use only the unique benchmarking model that has been developed for particular type or they can use any model for any type of benchmarking; a user may find it difficult when it becomes necessary to choose a best model from the available models, as each model varies in terms of the number of phases involved, number of steps involved, application, etc. Hence, this paper aims to question the fundamental classification scheme of benchmarking and thereby the unique benchmarking models that are developed for each type of benchmarking. Further it aims to propose a universal benchmarking model, which can be applied for all types of benchmarking.

Design/methodology/approach

The fundamental benchmarking model developed by Camp has been used to benchmark the existing models, irrespective of the type of benchmarking, to identify the best practices in benchmarking.

Findings

Benchmarking the benchmarking models revealed about 71 steps in which around 13 steps have been addressed by many researchers. The remaining unique steps were considered to be the best practices in benchmarking.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model is highly conceptual and it requires validation by implementing the same in an organization to understand its effectiveness.

Originality/value

Though some of the methodologies used in this paper are already available in the literature, their context of application in the field of benchmarking is new. For example, utilizing the benchmarking process itself to improve the existing benchmarking process is an original concept.
Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs
Authors: Carpinetti L.C.R. , Oiko O.T.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on the development and application of a benchmarking information system designed for use within a cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study as the field research methodology for theory testing and refinement.

Findings

Despite the difficulties and a lack of maturity for benchmarking and performance management to be overcome, the governing institutions and most of the companies have realized that implementation of the system in itself represents a step towards managing improvement of the clusters.

Research limitations/implications

Research is still at an early stage and applications of the information system need to be carried on further so as to review and validate it.

Practical implications

Absence of a culture of decision making based on analysis of information and lack of resources may create some difficulty in using metrics for a cluster of SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper proposes to apply the concepts and techniques of business performance management and improvement to manage performance of clusters of companies, offering a new approach on how to improve the collective efficiency of a cluster.
Fahrenheit 59
Authors: Tavana Madjid
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The overwhelming majority of scientists agree the earth's temperature has risen during the past century. Nature maintains a balance to keep the earth's average surface temperature at 59 degrees Fahrenheit. About 59 degrees is to earth what 98.6 degrees is to our body. Although, the fact that the earth's temperature has risen is generally not in dispute by scientists, environmental decisions remain among the most difficult facing policy makers. Fahrenheit 59 is an environmental decision support system developed at Johnson Space Center for benchmarking global warming. This paper aims to present the details of the benchmarking model embedded in Fahrenheit 59.

Design/methodology/approach

The model attempts to establish benchmark scores that are weighted sum measures of subjective and intrinsic weights and performance scores associated with a series of global warming opportunities and threats. Fahrenheit 59 has the potential to monitor continuous progress towards countering the threat of global warming worldwide.

Findings

The European Union (EU) is at the forefront of international efforts to combat global warming. The EU has been taking serious steps to address its own greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes. A pilot study conducted resulted in a benchmarking scheme that shows of the 27‐member EU states, seven were global protectors, four were global remediators, 12 were global defectors, and four were global predators.

Originality/value

Fahrenheit 59 assists policy makers concerned about global warming to compare environmental performance with “best‐in‐class” achievements. The proposed system bridges the gap between technology and decision making to stimulate environmental awareness and activism.
Benchmarking e‐learning: trialling the “MIT90s” framework
Authors: Mistry Virendra
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on the University of Glamorgan benchmarking activity aimed at assessing its progress towards the embedding of e‐learning. This activity was part of a wider UK benchmarking exercise managed by the Higher Education Academy and the Joint Information Systems Committee.

Design/methodology/approach

The university opted to trial the MIT90s framework; a framework developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that was designed to encourage organisations to understand the dynamics of transformationvis‐à‐visthe acquisition of technology. The MIT90s framework had not previously been associated with the benchmarking of e‐learning and this paper is case study evidence on the experiences of trialling the framework.

Findings

Benchmarking e‐learning, and using the MIT90s framework in particular, is not a trivial exercise. Adapting a model with roots in IT/ICT towards more pedagogic‐related activities was a challenging, yet rewarding, process. Applying the framework stimulated strong debate during the project – namely whether it was advisable to benchmark e‐learning as a separate entity to more conventional learning and teaching practices. The framework highlighted some areas of disconnection between activity and institutional vision and strategy related to e‐learning.

Research limitations/implications

Applying the MIT90s framework to benchmark e‐learning needs to be continuous and over a longer period than the six months described in this paper.

Practical implications

The greatest advantage of the MIT90s framework is that it allowed the project team to benchmark progress against the institutional strategy for teaching and learning, rather than against other institutions' activity. It also enabled the senior management of the university make better sense of the interconnections between strategy, vision and practice.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the MIT90s framework which had never previously been used as a tool to benchmark e‐learning.
Re‐connecting histories: modernity, managerialism and development
Authors: Dar Sadhvi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to connect the field of health management to other related academic discourses (critical management studies and critical development studies) that can contribute to a more interdisciplinary approach to understanding health organizations and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's design is theoretical critique that blends post‐structural, critical management and critical development approaches into a focused discussion of modernity and its relevance to contemporary health management issues.

Findings

Modernity proliferates through a variety of rhetorical tropes that go unnoticed or remain invisible. Through a brief analysis of historical definitions of management and development, the findings suggest that health management could also be critiqued as a cultural and social construction, enriching anthropological studies as well as informing practical critiques of health projects in the development sector.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptualisation of health‐management as a cultural construct of modernity opens up the prospect for some rich empirical studies into what management practices support the scientific‐rational claims on which it rests.

Practical implications

The critique informs a re‐appraisal of health management practices that are often taken for granted and ritualistic parts of organizational life. Such a re‐evaluation could lead to the implementation of more nuanced and appropriate health practices.

Originality/value

Connecting management and development discourses in this way has not been done before and its relevance to health management remains under‐researched. This paper highlights the way these discourses can enrich the study of health organizations and create a truly interdisciplinary understanding of health.
The dynamics of commissioning across organisational and clinical boundaries
Authors: Baxter Kate , Weiss Marjorie , Le Grand Julian
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the inter‐ and intra‐organisational relationships in the commissioning of secondary care by primary care trusts in England, using a principal‐agent framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a qualitative study of three case studies. A total of 13 commissioning‐related meetings were observed. In total, 21 managers and six consultant surgeons were interviewed.

Findings

There are a number of different levels at which contractual and managerial control take place. Different strengths of control at one level can affect willingness to comply with agreements at other levels. Agreements at one level do not necessarily result in appropriate or expected action at another.

Research limitations/implications

The system for commissioning in the National Health Service (NHS) has changed with the introduction of payment by results and practice‐based commissioning. However, the dynamics of the inter‐ and intra‐organisational relationships studied remain.

Practical implications

Incentives within organisations are as important as those between organisations. Within a chain of principal‐agent relations, it is important that a strong link in the chain does not result in the exploitation of weaknesses in other links. If government targets and frameworks are to be met through commissioning, it may be advantageous to concentrate efforts on developing incentives that align clinician with NHS trust objectives as well as NHS trust with primary care trust (PCT) and government objectives.

Originality/value

This paper is based on original empirical work. It uses a principal‐agent framework to understand the relationships between PCTs and NHS trusts and highlights the importance of internal NHS trust governance systems in the fulfilment of commissioning agreements.
Innovative health care delivery teams
Authors: Fitzgerald Anneke , Davison Graydon
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show that free flowing teamwork depends on at least three aspects of team life: functional diversity, social cohesion and superordinate identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the approach of a discussion, arguing for a strong need to understand multidisciplinary and cross‐functional barriers for achieving team goals in the context of health care. These barriers include a strong medically dominated business model, historically anchored delineations between professional identities and a complex organisational environment where individuals may have conflicting goals.

Findings

The paper finds that the complexity is exacerbated by the differences between and within health care teams. It illustrates the differences by presenting the case of an operating theatre team.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the paper recommends some ideas for acquiring these skills, further research is needed to assess effectiveness and influence of team skills training on optimising multidisciplinary interdependence in the health care environment.

Originality/value

The paper shows that becoming a team member requires team membership skills.
Models of governance and the changing role of the board in the “modernised” UK health sector
Authors: Addicott Rachael
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to show that there has been an increasing focus on networks as a model of service delivery and governance in the UK public sector. As an early example, managed clinical networks for cancer were initially considered to represent an ideological move towards a softer model of governance, with an emphasis on moving across the vertical lines that were strengthened or established during the new public management (NPM) movement of the 1990s. The NPM ideology of the 1990s emphasised the role of Boards and powerful non‐executives in governing public services. This paper seeks to explore the role of the Board in the UK health sector under the apparent emerging “post‐NPM” ideological framework of accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on findings from five comparative case studies of managed clinical networks for cancer in London.

Findings

The paper finds that cancer network boards have had limited strategic influence as these networks are constrained by a continued emphasis of centralised performance management and structural reconfiguration, which become dominant during the NPM era.

Practical implications

The inability of the post‐NPM governance ideology to make a significant impact in the UK, and the resulting confused and conflictual framework, have hindered the initial intention of cancer networks as a forum for spreading best practice across organisational boundaries.

Originality/value

There is only limited research on the emergent remit, structure or strategy of public sector Boards in the UK, and very limited research on the role of Boards in health care networks: the paper provides some illumination on this limited area of study.
Aggression in the workplace
Authors: Corney Barbara
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to highlight the problem of bullying within nursing.

Design/methodology/approach

A Heideggerian methodology was used to illuminate the phenomenon of bullying and answer the question, “How does it feel to be bullied?. Two nurses were interviewed in a “judgemental” sample. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results were then integrated into an “exhaustive” statement in an attempt to identify the fundamental structure of the phenomenon under investigation.

Findings

The results highlight the way in which nurses experienced and felt about bullying behaviour, which was fundamental to the structure of nursing itself. Despite the terrible repercussions, physical and psychological, victims remained unaware that they were being bullied until it was pointed out to them by another. The guilt feelings that seem to be inherent in nursing appeared to become magnified when nurses were being bullied, resulting in self‐blame and a lack of self‐esteem. Nurses were afraid to speak out and this extended into their home lives where feelings of shame and inadequacy prevented them from seeking support.

Research limitations/implications

The size of the study was small and therefore cannot be claimed as being representative.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the very real problem of bullying in nursing, which has resonance with the historical concept of nurses as an oppressed group. This has implications for the design of nurse education in the future.

Originality/value

The paper extends the understanding of the lived experience of being bullied and acts in a conscience‐raising manner, without which there can be no solution.
Positivity in healthcare: relation of optimism to performance
Authors: Luthans Kyle W. , Lebsack Sandra A. , Lebsack Richard R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the linkage between nurses' levels of optimism and performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 78 nurses in all areas of a large healthcare facility (hospital) in the Midwestern United States. The participants completed surveys to determine their current state of optimism. Supervisory performance appraisal data were gathered in order to measure performance outcomes. Spearman correlations and a one‐way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicated a highly significant positive relationship between the nurses' measured state of optimism and their supervisors' ratings of their commitment to the mission of the hospital, a measure of contribution to increasing customer satisfaction, and an overall measure of work performance.

Research limitations/implications

This was an exploratory study. Larger sample sizes and longitudinal data would be beneficial because it is probable that state optimism levels will vary and that it might be more accurate to measure state optimism at several points over time in order to better predict performance outcomes. Finally, the study design does not imply causation.

Practical implications

Suggestions for effectively developing and managing nurses' optimism to positively impact their performance are provided.

Originality/value

To date, there has been very little empirical evidence assessing the impact that positive psychological capacities such as optimism of key healthcare professionals may have on performance. This paper was designed to help begin to fill this void by examining the relationship between nurses' self‐reported optimism and their supervisors' evaluations of their performance.
Writing a scientific publication for a management journal
Authors: Øvretveit John
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to stimulate debate about criteria for assessing the scientific contribution of a piece of management research and to guide and encourage researchers in writing papers for publication. The paper also seeks to reduce the number of papers submitted to journals and reviewers which are really unfinished early drafts or which do provide knowledge which could contribute to reducing suffering.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on and discusses the difference between practical research for a manager and scientific research, as well as the author's experience as researcher, writer, reviewer, editor, research methods course leader and director of research.

Findings

The discussion highlights that the author should draft the paper under the suggested headings and fulfil criteria of validity, reliability, supported conclusions, generalisability, ensuring that each section follows on from the other, and that the findings are related to previous research.

Research limitations/implications

This is the author's personal view about how to carry out and write research to get published, without discussions of other views.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper may provoke more debate about management science and the role of this journal. The guidance may help many researchers publish their management research.

Originality/value

The paper links practical guidance with discussion of criteria for scientific contribution in a readable way.
Management of the built heritage in the Lisbon's central downtown
Authors: Loforte Ribeiro Francisco , Videira Sofia Isabel
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Built heritage is one of the biggest assets that Lisbon's central downtown has accumulated since eighteenth century. The efficient use of these assets is a challenge for both the owners of individual buildings and society as a whole. Recently, a new regeneration initiative was announced for Lisbon's historic district. This paper aims to address the urban problems of old Lisbon's downtown, to discuss the existing public intervention framework and to present an integrated information management system aimed at providing technical and economic information needed to improve co‐ordination between public sector and private agents.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology of the study is an interpretative case study method. The case study approach is one of the most commonly used research designs in qualitative research. The contents and conclusions from the research were obtained by means of: a review of publications and current practices related to urban regeneration; a review of data and information on urban regeneration studies; a survey conducted throughout the duration of the study; and a case study.

Findings

The integrated information management system presented in this paper is a tool that allows the management agency of the Lisbon's historic district to the take full advantage of the potentialities of the area, namely the strategic location and the historic and architectonic heritage.

Research limitations/implications

A great number of buildings in the historic district are classified as buildings of “public heritage”. The findings suggest that property and economic activity can be the driving forces for revitalising Lisbon's historic district.

Originality/value

This paper is aim to understand the key features of old Lisbon's downtown and to analyse existing practice in managing built heritage on the historic district. It also seek to identify how an information management system could improve the current intervention practices, in the area, that agency follows.
The performance and problems of affordable housing policy in China
Authors: Niu Yi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to estimate the benefits and costs of China's affordable housing program, as well as to provide recommendations to this housing policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The Cobb‐Douglas utility function is employed to estimate the net benefits of the affordable housing policy. Both of the sunk costs and current costs are computed, and an improved housing affordability index is used to measure the levels of housing affordability in cities in China.

Findings

The total net benefits of this policy are estimated to range from $234,176.7 million to ¥271,020.4 million. The costs are divided into sunk costs and current costs, computed to be ¥447,598.63 million and ¥328,685.21 million, respectively. The supply size of affordable dwellings is far from adequate due to the low level of housing affordability in China.

Research limitations/implications

The data in this study is insufficient and some information such as the income of occupiers has yet to be estimated. However, if more individual data was available, the conclusion would be confidential.

Practical implications

From this paper the policymakers may understand how to estimate the welfare efficiency of affordable housing policy, adjust the participant regulations and determine the supply of affordable houses.

Originality/value

This paper estimates the benefits and costs of China's affordable housing program as the first study in this area. The Cobb‐Douglas utility function was used in the analysis of China's housing policy.
Can nearby open spaces substitute for the size of a property owner's private yard?
Authors: Kenyon Henderson Katherine , Song Yan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the marginal value of several types of open space in a single family residential market. It also aims to test the hypothesis that locating closer to open spaces might be a substitute for the size of a homeowner's own yard.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Wake County, North Carolina in the US hedonic modeling is used to estimate the house price as a function of the quantities of a property's characteristics, including the property's access to different types of open spaces, property structural features, public services, disamenity features, neighborhood socio‐economic characteristics, and accessibility measures.

Findings

The findings were that housing prices increase with a property's proximity to certain types of open land uses, and that the size of those nearby open spaces also impacts home price. More importantly, the findings concluded that the value of being adjacent to public open spaces, having more public open spaces within walking distance of the property, and being closer to the nearest open space is greater for properties with smaller private yards.

Originality/value

This paper explicitly tests the relationship between yard size and the proximity value of various types of open spaces. The paper also discusses the implications of the research findings for land use planning and smart growth development.
Heterogeneity in housing attribute prices
Authors: Xu Ting
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse the Shenzhen housing market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an empirical case study using hedonic modelling that includes not only the property specifics, but also the spatial (via {X, Y} coordinates) and household (buyer's) characteristics. Two expansion models are employed to examine the spatial and socio‐economic heterogeneities in housing attribute prices.

Findings

The results provide strong evidence that the marginal prices of key housing attributes are not constant but vary with household profile and absolute‐location context within Shenzhen's housing market.

Research limitations/implications

Examining housing market behaviour in major Chinese cities should eventually be approached more explicitly with the development of China's official statistical system.

Originality/value

Largely supported by the valuable transaction data, this paper makes initial and valuable attempts to examine the interaction behaviour between property specifics, location coordinates and buyers’ characteristics within one of the very complex and immature housing markets, namely Shenzhen, China.
Housing price gradient changes between Macau and Hong Kong: a neighboring city effect
Authors: Yim Yiu Chung
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The classical land market model assumes a one‐workplace scenario. However, with the globalization trend, travel between two workplaces is becoming more and more common. This paper therefore aims to study the housing price gradient changes between Macau and Hong Kong to test the two workplaces hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

The temporal‐spatial difference of housing prices between the two neighboring cities are studied by using a two‐workplace residential location choice model.

Findings

This paper found that housing price gradient from Macau to Hong Kong is flattened when more non‐resident workers traveled from Hong Kong to Macau (ceteris paribus).

Originality/value

The results have important implications for polycentric city models and provide a novel method to study neighboring city effects on housing price.