bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Support staffs' experiences of relationship formation and development in secure mental health services
Authors: Evans Kathryn , Murray Craig D. , Jellicoe‐Jones Lorna , Smith Ian 
Published: May 2012

PurposeTherapeutic relationships have been identified to be a key feature of staff working with patients within mental health settings and are widely referred to within research literature. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of support staff within secure mental health services with regards to the formation and development of therapeutic relationships with patients.Design/methodology/approachTen participants were interviewed, all of whom were unqualified support staff based within secure establishments and working directly with patients.FindingsInterpretative phenomenological analysis of the data resulted in the identification of three themes: “Building bridges”: developing relationships with patients; “You do forget what they've done”: seeing the person and managing risk, and “Playing your cards close to our chest”: maintaining boundaries.Originality/valueThe themes are discussed and evaluated in terms of relationship formation and development, barriers that may prevent such relationships from being built and the implications for clinical practice.
The nature of supervision in forensic psychology: some observations and recommendations
Authors: Day Andrew 
Published: May 2012

PurposeSupervision is often regarded as an important aspect of forensic psychological practice and yet little evidence exists to support the idea that supervised practice leads to better outcomes for either clients or organisations. This paper seeks to discuss some of the aims of supervision in relation to the needs of forensic psychologists, such that practice in this area can be developed further.Design/methodology/approachThe current published literature on the nature of forensic supervision is reviewed and discussed.FindingsA number of different models of supervision have been proposed and supervisory experiences can vary markedly according to both the individuals involved and the setting in which the work is conducted. There is a need to develop specialist models of supervision for those who work in forensic settings. Further research is needed to establish an evidence‐base for supervisory practices.Originality/valueThere has been very little previous consideration of the nature of post‐qualification forensic supervision despite the need, and in some cases requirement, that forensic practitioners receive supervision. This paper discusses some of those issues that are considered important to effective supervision in the forensic setting.
For the birds: the FCC and avian mortality at communications towers
Authors: Cramer Benjamin W. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the contradictions between telecommunications regulation and environmental law in America, via coverage of the problem of large numbers of birds being killed at communications towers.Design/methodology/approachVia statutory, legal, and qualitative analysis, this article provides an analysis of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance with environmental statutes and the conflicts that arise between the agency's mandate to maintain a robust telecommunications network and its statutory responsibilities for environmental protection.FindingsEvery year, millions of birds are killed at communications towers. In 1999, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued guidelines urging the FCC to take action on this problem, as required by various environmental statutes. The FCC ignored the guidelines for several years and defeated the American Bird Conservancy in court when that group sued for observance of the guidelines, but this ruling was later overturned on appeal. The FCC has exhibited a pattern of responding to these developments years after the fact while obfuscating its previous history of non‐compliance and non‐cooperation. As of early 2012 no viable solution to the avian mortality problem has been proposed.Practical implicationsThe FCC is required to comply with federal environmental statutes and regulations. However, citizens wishing to dispute FCC environmental compliance will face challenges arising from conflicting statutes and inconsistencies in federal agency behavior.Originality/valueThere has been very little research on the intersection of environmental law and telecommunications regulation, and the particular matter of avian mortality at communications towers has only been analyzed by ornithologists and environmental scientists.
Wholesale provision of broadband services: alternative pricing strategies and associated policies
Authors: Polykalas Spyros E. , Prezerakos George N. , Nikolinakos Nikos Th. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the “build or lease” dilemma that a new operator faces when it plans to enter a liberalized telecom market. The “build” decision requires the operator to invest in new network infrastructure. The “lease” part involves obtaining access to the subscriber by leasing the access part of the network via local loop unbundling (LLU) and/or by implementing wholesale broadband access (WBA) (also known as bitstream access). Which are the factors that an operator should take into account when it designs a broadband strategy based on LLU and/or WBA? Are there regulatory measures that can affect the outcome of such a strategy? The paper aims to provide specific answers to both questions.Design/methodology/approachInitially the paper establishes the case that LLU as well as WBA can indeed be considered as a useful instrument during the initial stages of broadband development. Consequently, the paper explores the “build or lease” dilemma by using a cost model created from actual market data that, first, identifies the most crucial parameters for the provision of broadband services via LLU, and, second, analyzes the relation between the operators' cost for full/shared LLU and the relevant cost for WBA deployment. The model is used in several scenarios that examine physical vs distant collocation, number of customers, bandwidth, backhaul links and full/shared unbundling access versus WBA, among other factors.FindingsThe cost model shows that there are several factors that should be examined when new entrants design their broadband deployment strategy. In such a case, as an operator establishes market presence, LLU becomes progressively more and more attractive. The paper also discusses how this process can be further accelerated if governments, regulators and operators adopt several additional guidelines with respect to broadband deployment based on LLU and WBA.Practical implicationsThe results of the paper guide an operator in the design of a successful broadband strategy based on LLU and WBA.Originality/valueAs far as the authors know, such a cost model is not publicly available in the form of a research paper or otherwise.
Privacy impact assessment reports: a report card
Authors: Wadhwa Kush 
Published: May 2012

PurposePrivacy impact assessments (PIAs) are an important tool for managing risk in both public and private sector projects. The best evidence of how PIAs are being conducted is the PIA reports published at the conclusion of the process. This paper aims to consider PIA reports from five countries and assesses their strengths, weaknesses and impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper also identifies key trends and makes recommendations for improving the PIA process and enabling access to lessons learned by PIA practitioners.FindingsThe paper calls for further study of PIA case studies to determine how closely practitioners and assessors follow the PIA methodologies promulgated in their countries, to seek good practice in the preparation of PIAs and for the creation of a central repository for PIAs.Originality/valueThe author believes this is the first such paper to review actual PIA reports.
Identifying the characteristics for achieving sustainable manufacturing companies
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Francis Mark , John Elwyn , Davies Alan 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the qualitative characteristics that can make manufacturing small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) more robust and hence become economically sustainable in this globally competitive environment. The characteristics identified will form the foundations for defining a new manufacturing management perspective to both academics and industrialists.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comprehensive case study approach the authors initially analyse the developmental cycle of the subject company and then identify the key characteristics which enabled the company to become economically sustainable and survive in the changing environment in which it operates. The paper opens with a brief academic analysis of sustainability literature available, before developing the case study.FindingsTraditional business improvement strategies, such as Lean and Agility, which many companies initially follow in an attempt to become more robust and economically stable, allow companies to deliver bottom‐line savings in production terms although their effectiveness depends upon the volume and demand profile of their products. Through the case study outlined in this paper however, a combined approach towards the application of Lean is outlined as a primary means of reducing operating costs alongside the simultaneous implementation of product innovation strategies which allows the company to break into new markets as a means to achieving long‐term economic sustainability and making it more robust to market changes. The development of a business within a business is described as an effective mechanism towards achieving business sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes a novel approach to achieving economic sustainability within a business and can be of benefit to the wider industrial and academic community. The development of work around a single company has its obvious limitations and it is crucial that further work, with a range of companies in the area of business sustainability, is key to developing a comprehensive set of sustainability characteristics.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes a set of qualitative characteristics for the development of an economically sustainable manufacturing company. The development of a comprehensive case study with a subject company also directs and enables other companies of similar size and style to apply a similar approach and to achieve economic sustainability in an efficient and effective manner, through reducing production costs, minimising company failure and increasing business efficiency and effectiveness.Originality/valueThe development of a set of sustainability characteristics aimed at tackling directly the issues of economic sustainability is proposed and is considered by the authors as one of a kind. The case study approach also provides for a framework towards the implementation of sustainable manufacturing operations within SMEs.
The effect of linkages and information sharing on supply chain and export performance
Authors: Elwan Ibrahim Sherwat , Ogunyemi Olayinka 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the effect of supply chain linkages and information sharing on supply chain performance and export performance of textile and clothing (T&C) firms in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework developed from the literature was suggested and tested using an online survey. The focus of this research is the export side of the T&C industry in Egypt. The sampling frame consisted of 310 T&C exporting firms, from which 63 samples were obtained. Linear regression was used to measure the relationships.FindingsThe results showed upstream (supplier) and downstream (customer) linkages and Information sharing to be positively related to both supply chain performance and export performance. The best predictors of export performance were found to be (in order of decreasing importance): supply chain performance; supplier linkages; and linkages (supplier and customer taken together).Practical implicationsThe results of this study give T&C firms in Egypt greater insight on how they may become globally competitive and leverage their proximity to key T&C markets. Egyptian T&C firms should invest in long‐term relationships with their suppliers and invest in business processes that involve their customers and that provide for a higher quality and level of information sharing.Originality/valueThere are no studies that empirically demonstrate how a management paradigm change towards a focus on supply chain management practices influences the performance of the T&C industry in the global market. The paper adds to the literature supporting the positive effect of supply chain management practices on firm performance. Also, new indicators for measuring export performance are suggested and tested.
The lead factory concept: benefiting from efficient knowledge transfer
Authors: Deflorin Patricia , Dietl Helmut , Lang Markus , Scherrer‐Rathje Maike 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare two distinct network structures to determine and show which structure is more profitable. Specifically, it aims to show which factors render the lead factory concept advantageous.Design/methodology/approachBased on a simple, two‐stage model for prototype and serial production, the authors highlight factors that determine the relative advantages and disadvantages of the lead factory concept in comparison to an archetype network. The archetype network mirrors those networks that have not implemented special strategic plant roles.FindingsThe analysis shows that the lead factory concept benefits from an efficient knowledge transfer. Particularly, it is more profitable than the archetype network under the following conditions: there are a high number of production plants; the adaptation costs for implementing the transferred prototype from the lead factory to the plant are low; the manufacturing costs for the prototype are high; and the manufacturing processes are not highly specific or knowledge intensive.Originality/valueThe paper enables better understanding of the conditions under which the lead factory concept is advantageous for transferring knowledge within an intra‐firm network.
Sales and operations planning and the firm performance
Authors: Márcio Tavares Thomé Antônio , Felipe Scavarda Luiz , Suclla Fernandez Nicole , José Scavarda Annibal 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to improve upon the highly dispersed sales and operations planning (S&OP) research by integrating the findings of existing studies to identify and measure the size of the effect of S&OP on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted was a systematic literature review of 271 abstracts and 55 papers. Three databases were selected for the search – Emerald, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect.FindingsAlthough empirical evidence of the effects of S&OP in the supply chain is described, relatively few of the 55 papers reviewed estimate the effect of S&OP on firm performance. The research findings indicate a lack of unifying frameworks for the measurement of S&OP and constructs related to firm performance. The review offers partial evidence of the effect of S&OP on firm performance, suggesting the need for additional scientifically sound survey or case study research on S&OP.Practical implicationsPractitioners will benefit from insights related to the intermediate role of S&OP in mediating the effects of structural changes on firm performance. There is at least partial evidence that cross‐functional planning processes can mitigate the negative effect of misaligned organisational structures and contradictory incentives schemes on firm performance. Formal and informal communications between functions, networking and internal integrating roles can boost performance. Furthermore, internal alignment seems to facilitate supply chain integration with both suppliers and customers, particularly when inter‐organisational information systems favour supply chain integration.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to providing a better understanding of the role of S&OP as a determinant of firm performance in the supply chain.
The construction industry macro maturity model (CIM3): theoretical underpinnings
Authors: Willis Christopher J. , Rankin Jeffrey H. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative approach of measuring construction industry performance using maturity modeling. The focus is on introducing a newly developed maturity model referred to as the construction industry macro maturity model (CIM3) and highlighting its use by assessing the maturity of the construction industry of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada.Design/methodology/approachCurrent methods of construction industry performance measurement such as labor productivity and competitiveness are briefly reviewed, highlighting their weaknesses. The theoretical underpinnings of the CIM3 are discussed and the implementation of the CIM3 to measure the cost and quality management maturity of the New Brunswick construction industry is presented.FindingsAn assessment of the construction industry's maturity using the CIM3 provides a leading indication of performance. This is based on the industry being structured according to key practices areas that contain key practices. The industry's key practices are linked to objectives that lead to the achievement of performance goals. The maturity of the construction industry with respect to its key practices is a function of the relative importance of the key practices and the capabilities of the industry in implementing the key practices. Based on this, the implementation of the CIM3 in New Brunswick found that the NB construction industry is more mature in cost management than in quality management.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on industry performance measurement, and more particularly, construction industry performance measurement. The concept of maturity modeling applied here promotes and demonstrates the use of leading indicators of performance, as recommended in most performance measurement literature.
Prominent obstacles to lean
Authors: Bhasin Sanjay 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis article aims to explore that despite the prominence of lean since 1990, there still exist ambiguous perceptions about the prominent obstacles preventing organisations either adopting lean or thwarting its wider implementation.Design/methodology/approachA total of 68 UK manufacturing organisations operating lean were analysed in an effort to elucidate the factors contributing to the low numbers of successful lean conversions. Surveys were utilised as part of the research methodology supplemented with seven extensive case studies in a validating exercise.FindingsThe prominent barriers are clearly identified in relation to the organisation's size, which should assist organisations about to embark upon their respective lean journeys. The preventative proposals should improve the implementation records.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on manufacturing organisations in the UK, and should greatly benefit companies and managers in their respective lean endeavours.Practical implicationsWhile the barriers were identified, their prominence and type varied amongst the sizes of the organisation. Equally, remedial strategies are proposed to improve the poor implementation record.Social implicationsIn the UK a successful implementation rate of less than 10 per cent is not beneficial for either employees or employers, and is accompanied by a poor use of the external and internal funding available to organisations embarking upon lean.Originality/valueThe preventative strategies should greatly benefit lean managers and improve the poor implementation rates in the UK. Correlating the barriers encountered to the size of an organisation would aid this process.
Integration of demand forecasts in ABC‐XYZ analysis: practical investigation at an industrial company
Authors: Scholz‐Reiter Bernd , Heger Jens , Meinecke Christian , Bergmann Johann 
Published: May 2012

PurposeItem classification based on ABC‐XYZ analysis is of high importance for strategic supply and inventory control. It is common to perform the analysis with past consumption data. In this context, the purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that an integration of demand forecasts can improve the performance of item classification, in particular the performance of ABC‐XYZ analysis.Design/methodology/approachFor the study, real data of an industrial enterprise in the mechanical engineering sector (focal company) were analyzed and evaluated.FindingsThe study shows that a comprehensive data analysis of the focal company can recommend a specific implementation of the ABC‐XYZ classification. In contrast to the classic method of making the ABC‐XYZ analysis based on consumption data only, the approach developed in this paper offers considerable advantages. These are quantifiable in respect to an assumed optimal reference classification.Originality/valueThe evaluation of the results is very promising and applicable to other branches besides mechanical engineering.
A visual inquiry into ethics and change
Authors: Page Margaret L. , Gaggiotti Hugo 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the practices and findings of a visual inquiry developed by the co‐authors with students in a Business School in the south west of England. The authors are interested in how students engaged with the visual as a practice of inquiry and how this contributed to their development of a critical approach to the concept of ethics in business organisations.Design/methodology/approachStudents visited an exhibition shown as part of the 100 days countdown to the COP15 UN climate change conference, and constructed visual representation of questions and dilemmas related to ethical business practice. The analysis focuses on student presentations, and the discussions that these provoked on the relationship between “business” and “ethical practice”.FindingsDoing co‐inquiry with visual images enabled many students to engage more proactively with ethical dilemmas; to attend to deeply felt values that they were not accustomed to bring into the rule bound environment of the classroom; to develop critical readings of the visual as a discourse about business organisations and their claims to ethical practice; and to create their own visual representations of ethical dilemmas within business practice.Originality/valueThe research methodology brings together inquiry‐based learning and visual inquiry in the context of undergraduate learning in a business school. The paper considers the significance of the methodology and findings as a contribution to visual inquiry methodology and practice, and as a medium for enabling students in a business school to develop their ethical sensibility.