bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare service quality: towards a broad definition
Authors: Mohammad Mosadeghrad Ali 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to define healthcare quality to encompass healthcare stakeholder needs and expectations because healthcare quality has varying definitions for clients, professionals, managers, policy makers and payers.Design/methodology/approachThis study represents an exploratory effort to understand healthcare quality in an Iranian context. In‐depth individual and focus group interviews were conducted with key healthcare stakeholders.FindingsQuality healthcare is defined as “consistently delighting the patient by providing efficacious, effective and efficient healthcare services according to the latest clinical guidelines and standards, which meet the patient's needs and satisfies providers”. Healthcare quality definitions common to all stakeholders involve offering effective care that contributes to the patient well‐being and satisfaction.Practical implicationsThis study helps us to understand quality healthcare, highlighting its complex nature, which has direct implications for healthcare providers who are encouraged to regularly monitor healthcare quality using the attributes identified in this study. Accordingly, they can initiate continuous quality improvement programmes to maintain high patient‐satisfaction levels.Originality/valueThis is the first time a comprehensive healthcare quality definition has been developed using various healthcare stakeholder perceptions and expectations.
Measuring healthcare quality: the challenges
Authors: van den Heuvel Jaap , Niemeijer Gerard C. , Does Ronald J.M.M. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeCurrent health care quality performance indicators appear to be inadequate to inform the public to make the right choices. The aim of this paper is to define a framework and an organizational setting in which valid and reliable healthcare information can be produced to inform the general public about healthcare quality.Design/methodology/approachTo improve health care quality information, the paper explores the analogy between financial accounting, which aims to produce valid and reliable information to support companies informing their shareholders and stakeholders, and healthcare aiming to inform future patients about healthcare quality. Based on this analogy, the authors suggest a measurement framework and an organizational setting to produce healthcare information.FindingsThe authors suggest a five‐quality element framework to structure quality reporting. The authors also indicate the best way to report each type of quality, comparing performance indicators with certification/accreditation. Health gain is the most relevant quality indicator to inform the public, but this information is the most difficult to obtain. Finally, the organizational setting, comparable to financial accounting, required to provide valid, reliable and objective information on healthcare quality is described.Practical implicationsFramework elements should be tested in quantitative studies or case studies, such as a performance indicator's relative value compared to accreditation/ certification. There are, however, elements that can be implemented right away such as third party validation of healthcare information produced by healthcare institutions.Originality/valueGiven the money spent on healthcare worldwide, valid and reliable healthcare quality information's value can never be overestimated. It can justify delivering “expensive” healthcare, but also points the way to savings by stopping useless healthcare. Valid and reliable information puts the patient in the driver's seat and enables him or her to make the right decision when choosing their healthcare provider.
Investigation into thermal performance of nanosized phase change material (PCM) in microchannel flow
Authors: Alquaity Awad B.S. , Al‐Dini Salem A. , Yilbas Bekir S. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeHeat capacity enhancement is important for variety of applications, including microchannel cooling and solar thermal energy conversion. A promising method to enhance heat capacity of a fluid is by introducing phase change particles in a flow system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate heat capacity enhancement in a microchannel flow with the presence of phase change material (PCM) particles.Design/methodology/approachDiscrete phase model (DPM) and homogeneous model have been compared in this study. Water is used as the carrier fluid and lauric acid as the PCM particles with different volume concentrations, ranging from 0 to 10%. Both the models neglect the particle‐particle interaction effects of PCM particles.FindingsThe DPM indicates that presence of 10% volume concentration of PCM particles does not cause an increase in the pressure drop along the channel length. However, prediction from the homogeneous model shows an increase in the pressure drop due to the addition of nanoparticles in such a way that 10% volume concentration of particles causes 34.4% increase in pressure drop.Research limitations/implicationsThe study covers only 10% volume concentration of PCM particles; however, the model may be modified to include higher volume concentrations. The laminar flow is considered; it may be extended to study the turbulence effects.Practical implicationsThis work provides a starting framework for the practical use of different PCM particles, carrier fluid properties, and different particle volume concentrations in electronic cooling applications.Originality/valueThe work presented is original and the findings will be very useful for researchers and engineers working in microchannel flow in cooling and thermal storage applications.
Combined gas radiation and laminar forced convection flow adjacent to a forward facing step in a duct
Authors: Ansari A.B. , Gandjalikhan Nassab S.A. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on thermal characteristics behavior of forced convection flow in a duct over forward facing step (FFS), in which all of the heat transfer mechanisms, including convection, conduction and radiation, take place simultaneously in the fluid flow.Design/methodology/approachThe fluid is treated as a gray, absorbing, emitting and scattering medium. The Navier‐Stokes and energy equations are solved numerically by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to obtain the velocity and temperature fields. Discretized forms of these equations are obtained by the finite volume method and solved using the SIMPLE algorithm. Since the gas is considered as a radiating medium, all of the convection, conduction and radiation heat transfer take place simultaneously in the gas flow. For computation of the radiative term in the gas energy equation, the radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved numerically by the discrete ordinate method (DOM) to find the radiative heat flux distribution inside the radiating medium. By this numerical approach, the velocity, pressure and temperature fields are calculated.FindingsThe effect of wall emissivity, optical thickness, albedo coefficient and the radiation‐conduction parameter on heat transfer behavior of the system are also investigated. The numerical results for two cases of convection‐conduction and conduction‐radiation problems are compared with the available data published in open literature and good agreement was obtained.Originality/valueThis is the first time in which flow over FFS in a duct, considering all heat transfer mechanisms including conduction, convection and radiation, is solved numerically.
Solutions for MHD viscous flow due to a shrinking sheet by Hankel‐Padé method
Authors: Abbasbandy S. , Roohani Ghehsareh H. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIn this paper, an analysis is performed to find the solution of a nonlinear ordinary differential equation that appears in a model for MHD viscous flow caused by a shrinking sheet.Design/methodology/approachThe cases of two dimensional and axisymmetric shrinking have been discussed. When the sheet is shrinking in the x‐direction, the analytical solutions are obtained by the Hankel‐Padé method. Comparison to exact solutions reveals reliability and high accuracy of the procedure, even in the case of multiple solutions. The case of sheet shrinking in the y‐direction is also considered, with success.FindingsWhen the sheet shrinks in the x‐direction, the analytical solutions are obtained by Hankel‐Padé method. Also, when the sheet shrinks in the y‐direction, the obtained results with Hankel‐Padé method are presented.Practical implicationsComparison to exact solutions reveals reliability and high accuracy of the procedure and convincingly could be used to obtain multiple solutions for certain parameter domains of this case of the governing nonlinear problem.Originality/valueThe numerical solutions are given for both two‐dimensional and axisymmetric shrinking sheets by using Hankel‐Padé method. It is clear that the Hankel‐Padé method is, by far, more simple, straightforward and gives reasonable results for large Hartman numbers and suction parameters.
Analyzing competitiveness of clothing export sector of India and Bangladesh
Authors: Mohan Kathuria Lalit 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe textiles and clothing sector is one of India's most important economic sectors, next to the agriculture sector in terms of industrial output and employment, providing employment to more than 30 million people. Many studies predict that India will get a significant share of the world textiles and clothing trade due to the advantage of cheap labor and other factor resources but India's slower growth rate, as compared to other low‐cost competitors, indicates otherwise. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the comparative advantage of India and Bangladesh for the clothing sector in the world export trade with the help of Balassa's index of Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA). The study highlights the shift in comparative advantage for India and Bangladesh between two periods. The study also points out constraints restricting the growth of export share of India in world market and offers suggestions to policy makers for enhancing India's export share in the world clothing trade.Design/methodology/approachRCA indices have been calculated for various clothing product categories (under Harmonized System) up to four digit classification with the help of Balassa's relative measure for India and Bangladesh. Tables have been prepared for India and Bangladesh, highlighting products having comparatively higher revealed comparative advantage. For calculation of RCA indices, the export data have been taken from “UN Comtrade”, an electronic database of the United Nations and from the database of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Further, Spearman rank correlation coefficient has been calculated for analyzing the changes over the period 1995‐2003 for India and Bangladesh.FindingsFindings reveal that the number of products for which India enjoyed the comparative advantage increased from 23 products to 25 products between 1995 and 2003 and for Bangladesh, this number increased from 21 products to 29 products between 1995 and 2003. Clothing exports of India and Bangladesh are classified on the basis of comparative advantage at the HS 4‐digit level for the years 1995 and 2003 and the comparative position is given on the basis of a measure of structural change in exports of India and Bangladesh. The products in which India and Bangladesh have comparative advantage in garment exports are highlighted.Originality/valueThis paper has calculated and compared revealed comparative advantage indices over a period of time up to four digits classification of HS product categories. Also, this paper highlights constraints, and offer suggestions which would be helpful to exporters and policy makers.
Students’ dependence on smart phones
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess whether social needs, social influences and convenience of smart phones affects students’ dependence on them. This research also examines whether students’ dependence on smart phones influences their purchase behaviour. This investigation is conducted among the students in a public university in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a multiple regression analysis in an attempt to achieve the objective. The construct validity was assessed by computing the principal axis factor with varimax rotations. In total, 200 completed and usable questionnaires were received from the respondents who comprised students from a public university in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. A simple random sampling method was utilised where every unit in the population had an equal chance to be selected.FindingsResults via multiple regression analysis revealed that social needs and social influences significantly affect students’ dependence on smart phones. The first was found to have the strongest effect. A strong relationship also existed between dependence on smart phones and students’ purchase behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes significantly in confirming findings from similar research that could furnish statistical evidence in research findings to the smart phone provider in meeting customer needs to better create up‐to‐date smart phones with recent features through strategic, holistic marketing management and planning.Practical implicationsThis research should contribute significantly to academics and educational developers in encouraging the students’ use of personal technologies such as smart phones and tablet PCs to enhance their learning process. On the smart phone provider side, the research findings could motivate them to continuously increase the smart phone functionality to be more relevant to students. The fact that dependence on smart phones contributes significantly in the students’ purchase behaviour may lead to better insights that they depend on the smart phone, which causes them to feel insecure when it is not with them. Their positive experience with smart phones outweighs their negative experience, as their usage of smart phones is high.Originality/valueThe research provides a unique perspective of students’ dependence on smart phones, which is not much covered in the literature in the Malaysia context. The measurement produced can be used as a research tool for more exploratory and explanatory research regarding students’ use of personal technologies such as smart phones and tablet PCs.
E‐learning and the University of Huelva: a study of WebCT and the technological acceptance model
Authors: Arteaga Sánchez R. , Duarte Hueros A. , García Ordaz M. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that determine the acceptance of the WebCT learning system among students of the faculties of Business and Education Sciences at the University of Huelva, and to verify the direct and indirect effects of these factors.Design/methodology/approachA total of 226 students at the University of Huelva completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to six constructs which explain the system usage in the context of e‐learning: technical support (TS); computer self‐efficacy (CSE); perceived ease of use (PEOU); perceived usefulness (PU); attitude (A); and system usage (SU). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed for modelling and data analysis.FindingsThe most significant results point to the need to rethink the original structural model in terms of the relations of certain variables, although the authors also establish the importance of the direct effect of technical support on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness among the students. The authors also confirm that WebCT usage and acceptance is directly influenced by perceived usefulness and indirectly by perceived ease of use.Originality/valueThe findings in this study have implications for the virtual learning systems managers at the University of Huelva, and for other universities that use online tuition systems. This paper reflects a lack of technical support which students need to use WebCT more efficiently and shows that training courses and technical assistance for students must be extended.
Perceived benefits, perceived risk, and trust
Authors: Tingchi Liu Matthew , Brock James L. , Cheng Shi Gui , Chu Rongwei , Tseng Ting‐Hsiang 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how perceived benefits, perceived risk, and trust influence Chinese consumers' online group buying organized by institutional initiators.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 578 valid samples were collected via an online survey. Multiple regressions were used to test the research model.FindingsThe results show that three perceived benefits (price benefit, convenience benefit, and recreational benefit) and three factors that together represent trust of the initiator (perceived reputation, structural assurance, and website trustworthiness) significantly positively influence consumers' attitudes toward online group buying.Originality/valueThis study is the first one to specifically focus on how perceived benefits and perceived risks influence consumers' attitudes toward online group buying.
Brand‐extension feedback effects: an Asian branding perspective
Authors: Dwivedi Abhishek , Merrilees Bill 
Published: March 2013

PurposeMost of the literature on feedback effects emanates from the West, and is thus relevant to Western brands. The purpose of this paper is to model the impact of brand‐extensions on parent brand‐equity within the Asian (specifically Indian) context. Additionally, parent brand trust is examined as a new antecedent of brand‐extension feedback.Design/methodology/approachScenario of an Indian product brand hypothetically entering the service sector is chosen as stimulus in the study. A cross‐sectional survey of 327 Generation‐Y respondents is conducted. Structural equation modeling is used for testing the conceptual model.FindingsThe model of brand‐extension feedback fits the data adequately, and five of the six hypotheses are supported. Brand‐extension attitude significantly impacts change in brand‐equity, which is consistent with the extant Western literature. Parent brand trust has a strong impact on change in brand‐equity of a parent brand.Practical implicationsThe role and impact of parent brand trust is particularly important in the Asian context. Thus, prior to embarking on a brand‐extension decision, an audit of parent brand trust is recommended. Further, this research opens up newer brand‐extension possibilities for brand managers contemplating brand‐extensions.Originality/valueThis research is a first‐of‐its‐kind from the Asian region (specifically, India) to measure brand‐extension feedback effects on change in brand‐equity of a parent brand. Parent brand trust is introduced as a new antecedent of brand‐extension feedback.
An evaluation of night confinement in a high secure hospital
Authors: Braham Louise G. , Heasley Jonathan F. , Akiens Sam 
Published: March 2013

PurposeNight confinement (NC) has been proposed as an appropriate and safe way to make cost improvements in a high secure NHS hospital. Given potential controversy, evaluating the impact of this change is vital. This paper aims to focus on the issue.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed methods design to assess the impact of a three month night confinement pilot on four high secure admission wards. In total, 158 staff and 42 patients were approached to complete questionnaires and interview prior to and following the pilot. Questionnaires were analysed using T tests, ANOVA and Mann Whitney‐U to asses perceived changes in ward climate, working environment and quality of life. Thematic and saliency analysis was used to explore themes arising from semi structured interviews. Hospital data were collected to identify behavioural changes.FindingsThe study found that NC had no adverse effects and incidents of self harm, other incidents and seclusion hours dropped by a third during this period. This was contrary to staff expectations.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include: a large number of researchers involved; average response rate and a disproportionate number of patients on Tilt restrictions on the pilot wards. Further evaluation is necessary if NC is to be adopted more widely.Practical implicationsThis evaluation suggests that NC can contribute to providing an efficient and effective secure mental health service.Originality/valueThis study provides a unique opportunity to assess the impact of NC on patients and is of value to other secure units seeking effective cost improvements.
Mindfulness groups for people experiencing distressing psychosis: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Dennick Laura , Fox Andrew P. , Walter‐Brice Alison 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThere is an increasingly active area of research indicating that interventions incorporating mindfulness can be beneficial for individuals distressed by experiences of psychosis. However, there is little qualitative information regarding clients' experiences of mindfulness groups. This paper aims to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the subjective experience of mindfulness groups for people experiencing distressing psychosis. Three participants, who had attended a mindfulness for psychosis group, were interviewed and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.FindingsFour main themes were identified: “experiencing distress”, “group as beneficial”, “mindfulness as beneficial”, and “mindfulness groups as part of the process of recovery”.Originality/valueThe mindfulness groups appeared to support participants' journeys of recovery through: promoting choice and control in relating differently to distress; providing space to socially construct shared meanings; and enhancing a sense of agency in “moving on”.
Winning the intergenerational wars? Intergenerational fairness, welfare reform and families
Authors: Burke Stephen 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine public spending cuts and welfare reforms to assess winners and losers amongst older people, children, young people and families. It proposes ways in which intergenerational fairness could be achieved through taxing wealthier older people.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews and analyses spending and policy plans from 2010 onwards, and draws conclusions.FindingsThe paper concludes that children, young people and families are the relative losers of government spending cuts and reforms; older people have been relatively protected; the focus should be on taxing wealthier older people; intergenerational fairness needs to be addressed.Originality/valueResearch tends to focus on one age group, so there have not been many studies which contrast the impact of public policy on different age groups. The concept of intergenerational fairness is only beginning to be discussed.