bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valuation of manual and automated process redesign from a business perspective
Authors: Krause Felix , Bewernik Marc‐Andre , Fridgen Gilbert 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe continuous redesign of processes is crucial for companies in times of tough competition and fast‐changing surrounding conditions. Since the manual redesign of processes is a time‐ and resource‐consuming task, automated redesign will increasingly become a useful alternative. Hence, future redesign projects need to be valuated based on both a manual and an automated redesign approach. The purpose of this paper is to compare the manual and automated process redesign on the basis of the Business Process Management (BPM) lifecycle.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors compare the manual and automated process redesign on the basis of the Business Process Management (BPM) lifecycle. The results form the basis for a mathematical model that outlines the general economic characteristics of process redesign as well as for the manual and automated approaches. Subsequently, the authors exemplarily apply their model to a set of empirical data with respective assumptions on particular aspects of the automated approach.FindingsIn the problem setting described in the paper, the valuation model shows that automated process redesign induces an equal or higher number of optimized processes in a company. Therefore, the authors present a decision support that outlines how much to invest in automated process redesign.Research limitations/implicationsThe model considers the cost side of automated process redesign; therefore, further research should be conducted to analyze the possibility of higher returns induced by automated redesign (e.g., through a quicker adaption to real‐world changes). Moreover, for automated redesign, there is no requirement for broad empirical data that should be collected and analyzed as soon as this approach leaves the basic research and prototyping stages.Practical implicationsThis paper presents an approach that can be used by companies to estimate the upper limit for investments in manual and automated process redesign. Working under certain general assumptions and independently from actual cost and return values, the paper demonstrates that automated process redesign induces an equal or higher ratio of optimized processes. Thus, companies introducing automated redesign cannot only apply the model to evaluate their investments but can also expect a higher ratio of optimized processes for this approach.Originality/valueAs existing literature primarily focuses on the technical aspects of automated process redesign, these findings contribute to the current body of literature. This paper discusses a first decision‐support for the economic aspects of automated process redesign, particularly with regard to the investments that are required for it. This information is relevant as soon as the approach leaves the stage of a prototype.
Average waiting time of customers in a new queue system with different classes
Authors: Alotaibi Youseef , Liu Fei 
Published: January 2013

PurposeIt is very complicated to keep the business processes under control since the business processes change rapidly and thus flexibility is an important attribute which businesses should possess in order to respond to rapid changes in the business environment. The purpose of this paper is to divide the companies' customers into different priority groups to be served according to their payment history and feedback in order to increase the companies' performance and profit and save the time of customers within high priority class which may lead to increase their satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a requirements engineering‐based approach for business process modelling to assist businesses maintain their performance in such an environment. The paper proposes a new numerical model to improve customer satisfaction in relation to delivery or service waiting time according to their priority class, particularly customers in the high priority class. A call centre at the selected telecommunication company is used as a case study to validate the proposed numerical model.FindingsThe customers' satisfaction in the area of the time to be served according to their priority group classes can be improved using the proposed model.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has some limitations as the paper only tested the numerical model on one real business organisation and one business process service.Originality/valueTo date, no research has been conducted in the area of separating customers into different priority groups to provide services according to their required delivery time, payment history and feedback which will increase the company's performance and profit and provide prompt service to customers in the high priority class which in turn, will increase their satisfaction.
Defining the “perpetrator”: abuse, neglect and dignity in care
Authors: Dixon Josie , Biggs Simon , Stevens Martin , Manthorpe Jill , Tinker Anthea 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out and discuss findings from a developmental study, commissioned by the English Department of Health and the charity, Comic Relief, which was commissioned to clarify definitional issues and recommend ways of operationalising key concepts for a prospective survey of abuse, neglect and loss of dignity in the care of older people in residential care in the United Kingdom (UK).Design/methodology/approachAs well as drawing upon their experience and expertise, the authors conducted a review of the literature, held consultation events with a range of stakeholders and undertook in‐depth interviews with international academics and care home residents.FindingsExisting definitions and descriptions vary widely in form and content, are commonly subjective and imprecise and frequently make reference to abstract concepts which themselves need defining. Many of the concepts are also inherently evaluative, unspecific and open to interpretation. The study considered how, in this context, practical research definitions that are clear, unambiguous and widely acceptable to a range of stakeholders could be developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study took a UK focus and the review of literature was confined to the English language. Further research might usefully extend discussion about definitions cross‐culturally. The interview samples were small and should not be considered to be representative.Originality/valueThe paper identifies key issues in defining the perpetrator. It focuses on the concepts of trust and intentionality, the responsibilities of the care home and multiple perpetrators and makes practical proposals for operationalising the “perpetrator” in research. Recommendations from the study were positively received and have directly informed the Government‐funded research programme in England.
Effect of green labelling on residential property price: a case study in Hong Kong
Authors: Mesthrige Jayantha Wadu , Sze Man Wan 
Published: January 2013

PurposeIt is known that people's expectation towards their living “green” is increasing. Green features are now regarded as one of the important considerations of buyers in purchasing a property. This research paper aims to investigate the significance of the green features of residential buildings to property buyers.Design/methodology/approachHK‐BEAM certification and HK‐GBC Award are used as the measurement of green residential buildings. The study used a hedonic price model to determine whether there is a relationship between green features and residential property price and the influence of green features on the residential property price if there is such relationship.FindingsThe empirical results show that green features have a significant and positive relationship with residential property price. People are willing to pay more for green buildings recognized by HK‐BEAM and HK‐GBC. They are willing to pay a sale price premium ranging from 3.4 percent to 6.4 percent. Furthermore, a relatively larger premium is found in Hong Kong Island compared to the New Territories.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply that environmentally friendly green buildings both increase the value of a property and attract property buyers; and well‐recognized green building schemes add value to properties and hence increase the property price.Originality/valueThe study has contributed an indication of the amount a buyer would be willing to pay for quality green buildings as a reference for users, developers and investors. The study sheds light on the ability of the market to capitalize environmental considerations in investment decisions.
Evaluating construction contractors' efficiency in Hong Kong using Data Envelopment Analysis Assurance Region model
Authors: Hung Chiang Yat , Li Jing , Choi Tracy N.Y. , Fai Man King 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a few leading Hong Kong construction firms are also efficient contractors. Theoretically, market leaders can exploit the virtue of economy of scale, learning curve and cost leadership to consolidate their competitiveness. However, if market share is key success factor for firms to become and stay competitive, smaller contractors will be further marginalized if the construction market continues to shrink as Hong Kong's economy approaches maturity. Hence the research question is: Have a few leading contractors been taking advantage of their market size to be efficient in Hong Kong?Design/methodology/approachBased on the Data Envelopment Analysis Assurance Region (DEA_AR) model, the efficiency scores of 17 major Hong Kong contractors are compiled over the last ten years. DEA is a non‐parametric approach to examine the relative efficiency among different firms, in terms of output/input ratios. Unlike traditional I‐O analysis which relies on a static table of coefficients, DEA does not require any priori and usually subjective weights for inputs or outputs.FindingsThe results identify efficient contractors, among which the three leading ones (China State Construction, Shui On Construction and Yau Lee Holdings) have captured the majority of housing construction contract values. Nevertheless, only China State Construction has ranked consistently as most efficient over time. The efficiency scores of Shui On Construction have decreased successively from 2002 to 2009, and it has been the least efficient contractor from 2006 to 2009. Yau Lee Holdings has a V‐curve of efficiency scores.Originality/valueThis study represents the first attempt to adopt a DEA_AR model to evaluate construction contractors' efficiency, which reduces the number of zeroes and the variation in weights for estimation and enhances the adequacy for individual contractor's efficiency scores, compared to other types of DEA models such as the CCR model and the BCC model.
Organizational grief: an emotional perspective on understanding employee reactions to job redundancy
Authors: Davey Rachel , Fearon Colm , McLaughlin Heather 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of organizational grief in understanding employee reactions to redundancy, managing change and personal development in the UK public sector.Design/methodology/approachIn today's UK public sector, learning and managing the realities of redundancy and organizational change is explored using a case study of a civil service/ public sector agency. The authors use the lens of the Kübler‐Ross grief cycle to examine employee reactions to organizational change.FindingsThere is no easy way of managing this type of change, and many employees were at different stages of coming to terms with organizational closure and eventual redundancy. Some employees were reacting to change progressively and accepting their new organizational reality, whilst others had not yet reached acceptance. Nevertheless, an important finding has been that a number of staff did appear to be moving on, readjusting and thinking about their future career aspirations and wider life options.Originality/valueThe article uses a unique narrative style to examine common employee emotions and behaviours associated with organizational change in a redundancy and closure situation. It offers unique insight for senior managers in public sector administrations, in both the UK and elsewhere.
Misconstrued tolerance: issues for multicultural and diversity training
Authors: Von Bergen C.W. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeValuing diversity emphasizes the awareness, recognition, and appreciation of human differences and revolves around creating an inclusive environment in which everyone feels esteemed. This generally takes place through a series of training programs that attempt to improve interpersonal relationships among workers by asking participants to become more tolerant—generally understood today as an approval and acceptance of others' practices and beliefs. Because tolerance is such a highly desirable quality in many Western societies, and seemingly one of its few non‐controversial values, rarely is its significance questioned. Nevertheless, contemporary interpretations of tolerance can be problematic for multicultural programs, and tolerance understood as respect and civility toward others may be a more appropriate tool to easing hostile tensions between individuals and groups and to helping communities move past intractable conflict. The purpose of this paper is to offer a reinterpretation of tolerance.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review suggests that contemporary interpretations of tolerance often used in multicultural workshops as the recognition, appreciation, acceptance, and celebration of differences may be problematic.FindingsAn understanding of tolerance involving civility and respect for others, not their beliefs or conduct, may lead to greater effectiveness of diversity training efforts. This new interpretation of tolerance may also help counter the belief among a number of leaders, particularly in Europe, that multiculturalism has failed.Originality/valueGiven the resistance and backlash that sometimes emerge in response to terms such as “diversity,” “inclusion,” and “discrimination,” it is possible that focusing on civility instead could improve the efficacy of existing multicultural training programs.
Cost‐effective workforce planning: optimising the dental team skill‐mix for England
Authors: Harper Paul , Kleinman Eleanor , Gallagher Jennifer , Knight Vincent 
Published: January 2013

PurposeAs increasing numbers of older people retain their teeth for longer, the result is a dramatic change in both the volume and type of dental treatment required. In response to the ageing population issues, changing dental needs, a shortage of NHS dentists, and the creation of new roles in the dental profession, both the UK Department of Health and British Dental Association have emphasised the importance of dental workforce planning and in particular to estimating the size and skill‐mix of the dental team. The dental team includes such professions as dentists, hygienists, therapists and technicians. The purpose of this paper is to present collaborative work between operational researchers and dental public health researchers, and as such is the first academic project to utilise operational research (OR) techniques to address issues surrounding predictions on demand and supply of dental activities in England, with recommendations on the necessary skill‐mix of the dental team.Design/methodology/approachA three‐stage model has been constructed to predict demand for dental treatment, dental workforce supply and optimisation of the skill‐mix of the dental workforce team over the next 20 years. A cost‐benefit study is included and Monte Carlo simulation is used for sensitivity analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal a significant shortage in dental workforce supply, both currently and projected for the short‐term future.Social implicationsDemand for dental treatment is certain to rise over the next 20 or more years. An ageing population coupled with trends in increased tooth retention will have a significant impact on the need and demand for dental care amongst older people in the future. This research makes a series of recommendations in order to expand public care provision in a cost‐effective manner.Originality/valueThere is an urgent need to provide recommendations on the desirable skill‐mix of dental teams, and their cost‐effectiveness. This paper presents novel collaborative work between operational researchers and dental public health researchers, and as such is the first academic project to utilise OR techniques to address issues surrounding predictions on demand and supply of dental activities.
Defining an optimal ED fast track strategy using simulation
Authors: La Jennifer , Jewkes Elizabeth M. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe Emergency Department (ED) at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario sought insight into strategies that would reduce patient length of stay and queuing for initial assessment. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the ED's operational level and determine an optimal fast track strategy to improve performance measures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the application of discrete event simulation to the ED's “fast track” system and determines an optimal fast track strategy to improve performance measures. Topics discussed include: the design and development process for the simulation model, proposed operational strategies, and the analysis of scenarios for optimizing fast track.FindingsLength of stay and queue length were most significantly reduced when there was an increased physician presence in the fast track system, followed by an additional emergency nurse practitioner in the system. Finally, the implementation of See‐and‐treat had a negligible effect on both performance measures for fast‐tracked patients.Originality/valueUsing real data, the effectiveness of a number of fast track strategies within a hospital ED were evaluated, which have practical implications for reducing patient wait times in ERs. This would be most valuable to practitioners in areas such as health service research, simulation modeling, and health service delivery.
Using simulation to evaluate a blood supply network in the Canadian maritime provinces
Authors: Blake John , Hardy Matthew 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on customer service of amalgamating two production/distribution facilities in a blood distribution network, located in the Maritime region of Canada, into a single production facility and a satellite distribution facility.Design/methodology/approachSimulation models of the existing distribution network and the future distribution network were built. Experiments were conducted, using the two models, to compare the performance of each.FindingsResults indicate that there is no evidence to suggest a decrease in customer service resulting from the consolidation of the two facilities. Furthermore, results indicate that this conclusion is robust with respect to lower inventory levels at the satellite and up to three road closures per annum.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are based on specific operational assumptions regarding the number of hospitals supplied by the satellite facility and the methods used to transport blood products between locations.Social implicationsThe results of this study have important implications for how vital blood products are distributed to patients in the Maritime provinces of Canada.Originality/valueThis paper is a case study describing a unique application of simulation methods to an important area of application. It will be of interest to readers interested in the management of blood supply chains and to researchers applying simulation methods.
Economic comparison between Hospital at Home and traditional hospitalization using a simulation‐based approach
Authors: Rodríguez Verjan Carlos , Augusto Vincent , Xie Xiaolan , Buthion Valérie 
Published: January 2013

PurposeHospital at Home (HAH) is a concept slowly expanding over time. At first this type of organization was used to accomplish low‐technical tasks. The main objective was to increase bed availability in hospitals for new patients. Nowadays, HAH structures are able to undertake more technical complex care such as (but not limited to) end‐of‐life care, chemotherapy and rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to make an unbiased economic comparison between HAH structures and traditional hospitalization.Design/methodology/approachThis article accomplishes two main objectives: in the first part the authors propose a comprehensive literature review dealing with the comparison between traditional hospital and home care structures from an economic standpoint, showing that results are highly dependent on initial conditions of the study (patient health state, territory settings, bio‐medical parameters); in the second part the authors propose an unbiased economic comparison approach between health care provided in traditional hospital and home care network using formal modelling with Petri nets and discrete event simulation. As an example for the comparison a multi‐session treatment is proposed. Various scenarios are tested to ensure that results will be maintained even if initial conditions change. Relevant performance indicators used for comparison are economic costs from the point of view of the insurance and economic costs related to the consumption of resources.FindingsIt is found that HAHS can be used to control and improve patients flow on hospitals. Decisions about offering a multi‐session treatments at home must be taken, not only because of economic impacts on hospitals, but also because it follows strategic goals of the organization. This decision must be issued following a strategic analysis. Some important questions are: How should newly available beds be used in the hospital? Which territories will be covered? What is the best logistic strategy for delivering the medicines?Originality/valueComparing HAH with traditional hospitalization can provide useful information to healthcare authorities when deciding to create, or not, new HAH structures.
Implementing a Monte‐Carlo simulation on admission decisions
Authors: Ben‐Assuli Ofir , Leshno Moshe 
Published: January 2013

PurposeAlthough very significant and applicable, there have been no formal justifications for the use of Monte‐Carlo models and Markov chains in evaluating hospital admission decisions or concrete data supporting their use. For these reasons, this research was designed to provide a deeper understanding of these models. The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of a computerized Monte‐Carlo simulation of admission decisions under the constraints of emergency departments.Design/methodology/approachThe authors construct a simple decision tree using the expected utility method to represent the complex admission decision process terms of quality adjusted life years (QALY) then show the advantages of using a Monte‐Carlo simulation in evaluating admission decisions in a cohort simulation, using a decision tree and a Markov chain.FindingsAfter showing that the Monte‐Carlo simulation outperforms an expected utility method without a simulation, the authors develop a decision tree with such a model. real cohort simulation data are used to demonstrate that the integration of a Monte‐Carlo simulation shows which patients should be admitted.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper may encourage researchers to use Monte‐Carlo simulation in evaluating admission decision implications. The authors also propose applying the model when using a computer simulation that deals with various CVD symptoms in clinical cohorts.Originality/valueAside from demonstrating the value of a Monte‐Carlo simulation as a powerful analysis tool, the paper's findings may prompt researchers to conduct a decision analysis with a Monte‐Carlo simulation in the healthcare environment.