bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving autism services in Hampshire: a lifespan approach
Authors: Dittrich Rachel , Burgess Linda 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis article aims to report the findings of a consultation in which people with autism, their families, carers and professionals were asked about their experiences of living with autism and using services in Hampshire. The consultation took place in order to develop a strategy for people with autism within Hampshire.Design/methodology/approachHampshire Autism Voice and other stakeholders made it clear that it was important to include both adults and children to truly explore the needs of the local population who have autism. A questionnaire was devised and distributed to adults and children, parents and carers, and professionals.FindingsThe responses to the consultation show that experiences in Hampshire are similar to those reported elsewhere in the literature. They reaffirm the importance of the Autism Act and the necessity to address the needs of older children and adults who have slipped though the diagnosis and eligibility nets, but also highlight how pathways in life can be better when autism is recognised and supported early on, how serious damage to people's lives may be prevented, and how a holistic approach that starts from early childhood and promotes awareness and understanding throughout services is desired amongst Hampshire residents affected by autism.Practical implicationsThe article advocates taking a strategic approach to improving services and facilities for people with autism across the whole life course, rather than focusing only on adults.Originality/valueThis was the first Hampshire autism‐specific consultation to obtain the views of people with autism, their families, carers and professionals on their experiences of living with autism and the services provided in the county. Taking a life course approach to autism‐related needs might, to date, be innovative within an English county council.
Designing dementia nursing and residential care homes
Authors: Hadjri Karim , Faith Verity , McManus Maria 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis study seeks to appraise the design of nursing and residential care homes for people with dementia in Northern Ireland using the design audit checklist developed by the Dementia Services Development Centre – DSDC.Design/methodology/approachThe appraisal used postal questionnaires, based on the DSDC essential design criteria, that were sent to facility managers. This was conducted in order to establish the level of compliance with these criteria to achieve a dementia‐friendly home, and to ascertain whether there are any noticeable differences between nursing homes and residential care homes.FindingsThe study identified the types of homes that were seen as failing to meet most of the DSDC design criteria and, in particular, which criteria are not met according to their managers. Results from this sample suggest that nursing homes align better with DSDC criteria than residential care homes. The study concludes that the majority of managers perceive their care homes to meet over 50 percent of the essential criteria, with just over 5 percent below the 50 percent mark.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that this study used postal questionnaires more research is needed in order to validate results. Behavioral and policy implications are crucial aspects that will be the subject of future research which will involve post‐occupancy evaluation.Practical implicationsMore attention to dementia‐friendly building design needs to be taken into consideration by residential care homes, and more improvement would still be required by nursing homes not meeting all criteria.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of dementia‐friendly building design and the requirements for more care in designing and fitting care environments for people with dementia.
Enterprise content management research: a comprehensive review
Authors: Alalwan Jaffar Ahmad , Weistroffer Heinz Roland 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review of enterprise content management (ECM) research, a conceptual framework of areas of concern regarding ECM, and an agenda for future ECM research, based on the review and conceptual framework.Design/methodology/approachTo gain an understanding of the ECM literature, a structured research approach is adopted, consisting of two phases. The first phase consists of identifying the relevant ECM research papers. In the second phase, the analysis phase, the current ECM research is categorized based on three structural pillars: system component dimensions, system lifecycle, and strategic managerial aspects.FindingsAfter a review and classification of 91 ECM publications, it is found that ECM involves several sophisticated and interacting technical, social, organizational, and business aspects. The current ECM literature can be grouped around three main pillars: the first pillar consists of the four ECM component dimensions (tools, strategy, process, and people). The second pillar is the enterprise system lifecycle (adoption, acquisition, evolution, and evaluation). The final pillar is the strategic managerial aspect (change management, and management commitment). Based on the review and a proposed conceptual framework, an agenda for future research around the aforementioned three pillars is suggested.Originality/valueThere is a lack of ECM meta‐analysis research that explains the current state of the field. This paper contributes to information systems research by describing and classifying the published literature in ECM and by pointing out the gaps where further research is most needed. Furthermore, the paper provides a framework that may provide a conceptual structure for future studies.
An evaluation of ISO 9000 initiatives in Indian industry for enhanced manufacturing performance
Authors: Jain Sanjiv Kumar , Singh Ahuja Inderpreet 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contributions of ISO 9000 initiatives towards improving manufacturing performance in the Indian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 96 manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed, to ascertain contributions made by ISO 9000 initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industries towards realizing manufacturing performance improvements. The correlations between various ISO 9000 implementation issues and manufacturing performance improvements have been evaluated and validated by employing various statistical tools.FindingsThe research focuses on the significant contributions of ISO 9000 implementation success factors like top management contributions, continuous improvement practices and ISO 9000 implementation initiatives, towards affecting improvements in manufacturing performance in the Indian industry. The inter‐relationships between various ISO 9000 implementation success factors with the manufacturing performance improvement parameters have been evaluated, to efficiently manage the ISO 9000 implementation program to realize organizational objectives of growth and sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study establishes that focused ISO 9000 implementation over a reasonable time period can strategically contribute towards realization of significant manufacturing performance enhancements.Practical implicationsThe study stresses the need for improving the coordination between manufacturing function and other organizational quality improvement initiatives in the organizations, to establish manufacturing as a competitive strategy for meeting the challenges of highly competitive environments.Social implicationsThe findings suggest that effective ISO 9000 initiatives can significantly contribute towards realization of strategic manufacturing performance improvements for competing in the highly dynamic global marketplace. These interrelationships can be used to understand the effect of various ISO 9000 success factors towards realization of organization objectives of growth and sustainability.Originality/valueThe study highlights the strong potential of ISO 9000 implementation initiatives in affecting organizational performance improvements. The achievements of Indian manufacturing organizations through proactive ISO 9000 initiatives have been evaluated and critical ISO 9000 success factors identified for enhancing the effectiveness of ISO 9000 implementation programs in the Indian context.
Tournament behaviour in Malaysian managed funds
Authors: Ramiah Vikash , Moosa Imad , O'Neill Ben , Backulja Milica , Yacoub Amel , Hallahan Terry , Vaz John 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe structure of the Malaysian fund market presents a unique setting in which to examine behavioural and cultural differences in the performance of fund managers. The purpose of this paper is to utilise Taylor's extension of the tournament model of Brown et al. who argued that using an exogenous (endogenous) benchmark induces losing (winning) managers to gamble. This presents two competing testable hypotheses that are investigated in the current study.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a sample of Malaysian unit trusts covering the period 1982 to 2010, applying the non‐parametric cross‐product ratio methodology to test all Malaysian funds and determine whether there is empirical evidence of tournament behaviour. The authors separate Malaysian funds into two main categories (conventional and Islamic) to find out whether different fund types affect the behaviour of the funds as a whole.FindingsOverall, Taylor's theory does not hold in the Malaysian fund market, as conventional funds display tournament behaviour regardless of the benchmark used. However, Islamic funds do not display any significant tournament behaviour.Originality/valueThe current study uses a non‐parametric approach to look for evidence of tournament (gaming) behaviour in the performance of fund managers in Malaysia. In doing so, the authors extend the tournaments literature by examining the performance of three data sets pertaining to the performance and evidence of tournament behaviour in: all managed funds in Malaysia; Islamic funds; and conventional funds. A major motivation for choosing the Malaysian data of unit trusts is to investigate and examine the behaviour of funds operating in an economy that is an emerging market in the rapidly expanding Asian economy; is a market that has a reporting period in line with the calendar year; and is an economy with a strong presence of Islamic funds (Shariah) and Muslim population.
Population projection of Oman: implications for future development
Authors: Kabir M. , Rahman M.S. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeKnowledge about current size and structure of a country's population is needed for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in almost all sectors of public life. The purpose of this paper is to provide population projection for Oman, using population census and family health survey data.Design/methodology/approachComponent method is used for projecting future population of Oman. Population Census data of 2003 by sex and by five‐year age groups were used. The base life expectancy of Oman is assumed to be 73 years and the base total fertility considered as 5.1 children per woman.FindingsDepending upon the achievement of replacement fertility by the year 2025 or 2030 or 2035 the population of Oman in 2050 will vary from 4.5 million to 5.0 million. The different scenarios of population projection indicate that the population of Oman will not be stabilized before 2100.Research limitations/implicationsPopulation projection depends on assumptions about mortality, fertility, base life expectancy and migration. If these assumptions change then the projections will also change.Practical implicationsBecause of high fertility in the past, women in the reproductive ages will increase for up to several decades. Thus, population growth will continue because of momentum effect, even if Oman achieves replacement fertility say in 2030. The age at marriage will increase.Social implicationsThe rapid socio‐economic development and increased women empowerment will create a new outlook and ideas about lifestyles, leading to a decline in fertility. The decline in fertility is strongly related to social, health, education, employment opportunities of women and economic development, which through a variety of mechanisms, reduces the fertility desired and increases the fertility regulation through contraception, birth spacing and increased age at marriage of females. Because of increase in life expectancy and falling birth rate, the absolute number of the elderly population will have enormous impact on health care needs and hospitalization.Originality/valueThis paper deals with the population projection of Oman. Timely and accurate information about population trends is crucial for the socio‐economic development of a country. Knowledge about current size and structure of a country's population is needed for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in almost all sectors of public life such as health, education and employment.
Workplace health resources based on sense of coherence theory
Authors: Nilsson Petra , Andersson Ingemar H. , Ejlertsson Göran , Troein Margareta 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIn workplace health promotion, enhancing resources are less explored than risk factors. The aim of this paper is to explore the usability of the sense of coherence (SOC) theory to identify considerable and positively perceived work‐related factors and processes.Design/methodology/approachThe study had a salutogenic approach to workplace health promotion. A total of 13 focus group interviews were conducted with hospital employees in Sweden. A deductive analysis was made with the SOC theory as a framework.FindingsWork‐related specific enhancing resources (SER) were identified and analysed into the three components of SOC: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. SER's implication in daily performance is explained by employee expressions. Through increased understanding and awareness, SER could contribute to savoring positive experiences, and enhance SOC among employees. Antonovsky's concept Generalized Resistance Resources is suggested to be enlarged based on the expressed significance of concrete daily positive work occurrences to increase one's SOC.Research limitations/implicationsNot all hospital professions were represented in the study. Further studies are required to involve physicians, paramedics, managers, as well as other settings, to compare and complement with additional experiences of workplace resources.Practical implicationsThe study presents an opportunity to explore, understand, and foster workplace resources through assistance from the SOC theory. The SER presented in this study may serve as initial examples in workplace discussions about work‐related resources contributing to a sense of coherence.Originality/valueThis study contributes to public health research and workplace health promotion with a salutogenic focus on how to explore enhancing work‐related resources with the assistance of the practical SOC theory.
A pre‐intervention benefit‐cost methodology to justify investments in workplace health
Authors: Rickards Jeremy , Putnam Carol 
Published: September 2012

PurposeWhile the rationale for interventions in a workplace to enhance employee health are well documented, practitioners have difficulty making an economic case to justify the investment required and to demonstrate positive returns on that investment. This paper aims to present case study data from an ergonomics evaluation of a call centre to demonstrate a simple, four‐step pre‐intervention methodology which provides an accounting‐based justification for funding workplace health‐related projects.Design/methodology/approachPhysical and ergonomic assessments of the workplace and employee interviews establish health risk factors. Two direct (discretionary) costs and five indirect (non‐discretionary) operational costs are evaluated. The capital investment to implement the proposed workplace changes is determined. Total net identified benefits are established and used to create accounting‐based financial metrics.FindingsApplication of the methodology to the case study found worker compensation insurance, absenteeism and overtime wages to be neutral. Costs to train new workers, lost call processing time and cost of lost employee productivity were significant, the latter representing two‐thirds of the value of all potential benefits.Originality/valueThe paper creates accounting‐based metrics to mitigate health and safety risk factors, while identifying the potential for productivity gains. Management is provided with a simple decision tool to justify an investment in workplace changes.
Individual and organizational health‐oriented readiness for change
Authors: Mueller Frithjof , Jenny Gregor J. , Bauer Georg F. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeA key prerequisite for successful change in organizations is to understand and develop the readiness for change of employees and of their organization. In order to appropriately manage occupational and organizational health interventions, this paper aims to develop a health‐specific survey‐based measure assessing individual‐ and organizational‐level health‐oriented readiness for change.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive longitudinal stress management intervention study in nine medium and large enterprises in Switzerland (n=3,703) formed the basis for subsequent validity and reliability analyses of the individual and organizational health‐oriented readiness for change measure.FindingsThe results show that health‐oriented readiness for change is a valid instrument for assessing the two subcomponents of current behavior and change commitment, both for the individual and organization as agents of change.Originality/valueThe change‐specific health‐oriented aspect, including the individual and the organization as agents of change seems to be plausible for a comprehensive assessment of employees’ readiness for change in health‐promoting change initiatives in organizations.
The “not so new” plans to privatise policing
Authors: Houghton John 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how the police service has reacted to the policy of privatisation from its introduction in the 1980s. It seeks to suggest that there has been considerable reluctance to implement the policy in any depth up to the present, but that new budget constraints are now requiring a radical rethinking by the police service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of policy developments and their practical implementation by the police. It examines the initial philosophical theories of the “new right” as it applied to policing and the adjustments made by government to implement this policy. It considers the response by the police service, which it suggests was gradual and the various attempts by government and other agencies to force change which was met by reluctance from the service to fully accept the implications. It also considers how the introduction of league tables and performance measurement assisted in motivating some movement, but that fundamental change was still resisted.FindingsIt would now seem that the driver for increased privatisation has arrived in the form of severe budget constraints, which are to be implemented over a number of years and will in turn force the police service to implement a radical approach rather than minimum rate of change which has been the hallmark of previous years.Originality/valueThe paper traces the uphill struggle which the policy of “privatisation” has been subject to given the evident lack of enthusiasm by the police service and its eventual acceptance when faced with overwhelming financial restraint.
An investigation of the role of personality, familial, and peer‐related characteristics in homicidal offending using retrospective data
Authors: Boduszek Daniel , Hyland Philip , Bourke Ashling 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe current study seeks to assess the predictive utility of personality, family violence, associations with criminal friends, peer rejection, parental attachment, and parental supervision as predictors of homicidal behaviour among a sample of 144 male recidivistic offenders.Design/methodology/approachThis research project utilized a quasi‐experimental design with propensity score matching in order to minimize the effect of selection bias. Post‐matching binary logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted in order to determine what factors predict homicidal behaviour.FindingsPost‐matching regression results indicated that experience of family violence, psychoticism, and parental attachments were significant predictors of being a homicidal murderer.Originality/valueThe findings provide strong empirical support for the important role of early childhood experiences in the prediction of homicidal acts, along with the crucial role of personality (psychoticism). These findings provide additional support for Eysenck's theoretical indications regarding the role of psychoticism in the prediction of violent criminal behaviours.
Determinants of web‐accessibility of corporate social responsibility communications
Authors: Adelopo Ismail , Cea Moure Ramiro , Vargas Preciado Lucely , Obalola Musa 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe corporate social responsibility (CSR) debate has developed tremendously over decades. However, while CSR communication has developed significantly, web‐accessibility of CSR communications is under researched. The purpose of this paper is to examine how firms make their CSR communications accessible to their stakeholders on the internet.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used number of “clicks” to download CSR communication of a firm to measure its accessibility. Independent mean test showed that CSR communications by high impact sectors are more accessible on the internet than low impact sectors, but web‐accessibility is not affected by country.FindingsAlthough CSR research has grown tremendously over the decades, the discourse has been largely restricted to disclosures in the annual reports and, lately, to the standalone sustainability reports. In addition, they have mainly examined the management's motives for disclosures, using legitimacy theory as the most influential theoretical underpinning. Only very few studies have examined CSR communication on the internet and even these studies have only researched the content of the disclosure, examining the quality and quality of disclosures.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in its consideration of the effect of firms' CSR communications on the recipients. While CSR communication has developed significantly, web‐accessibility of CSR communications remains under researched.