bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent regulatory agencies and Australia's health workforce crisis
Authors: Willis Eileen , King Debra 
Published: February 2011

PurposeWorkforce shortages and maldistribution in the health care sector are the outcome of poor planning processes, entrenched power relations, jurisdictional boundaries and professional silos. In seeking to redress these problems, countries are moving toward establishing independent agencies to monitor, regulate and shape the health workforce. In Australia, for example, Health Workforce Australia (HWA) has been established to provide data on workforce numbers and fund clinical education. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether this strategy is likely to work. By locating HWA within the framework of an Independent Regulatory Agency, the implicit strengths and weaknesses of using HWA to manage workforce planning are highlighted.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical discussion on regulatory capitalism and Independent Regulatory Authorities provides the context for the case study: the gynaecological cancer workforce – a niche health workforce that is complex and multidisciplinary. Data are from a mixed method study commissioned by Cancer Australia.FindingsThe analysis of the gynaecological cancer workforce illustrates the difficulties that HWA will face in defining the health workforce, in measuring supply and demand and in setting targets for training and education.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are limited by the fact that HWA was only established in mid 2009.Social implicationsThe establishment of independent agencies to oversee and implement government policy is a new form of control over universities and health professionals that challenges their professional autonomy.Originality/valueThis paper points to the creation of new agencies of government control in the wake of an international health workforce crisis.
Fathers and work‐life balance in France and the UK: policy and practice
Authors: Gregory Abigail , Milner Susan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to focus on the role of organizations in mediating the impact of national work‐life balance (WLB) policy on employees, in particular fathers.Design/methodology/approachIt presents existing research about WLB policy implementation in organizations as well as the findings of empirical work in insurance and social work in France and the UK (questionnaire survey, case study analysis, interviews with national and sector‐level trade union officials).FindingsThese indicate that fathers' take‐up of WLB policies is the outcome of a complex dynamic between national fatherhood regimes, organizational and sector characteristics and the individual employee. They suggest that fathers tend to use WLB measures to spend time with their families where measures increase their sense of entitlement (state policies of paternity leave) or where measures offer non‐gendered flexibility (reduced working time/organizational systems of flexi‐time). In line with other studies it also finds that fathers extensively use informal flexibility where this is available (individual agency).Practical implicationsThese findings have implications for the way WLB policies are framed at national and organizational level. At national level they indicate that policies work best when they give fathers a sense of entitlement, by giving specific rights linked to fatherhood (e.g. paternity leave or “daddy month”‐type arrangements), and or by providing universal rights (e.g. to reduced working time and/or flexible working time); however, where measures are linked to childcare they are often framed as mothers' rights when translated to the organizational level. The research also shows that informal flexibility is used and valued by fathers within organizations, but that such informal arrangements are highly subject to local variation and intermediation by line managers and co‐workers; hence, for effective and even coverage they would need to be backed up by formal rights.Originality/valueCross‐national comparative research into WLB policy and practice at national and organizational level is very rare. The empirical work presented in this paper, although exploratory, makes a significant contribution to our understanding of WLB policy and practice, particularly as it relates to fathers.
Public beliefs regarding the causes of poverty during transition
Authors: Habibov Nazim N. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeLow‐income transitional countries in the region of the Caucasus and Central Asia lack the existence of a solid assessment of public perceptions regarding the causes of poverty during transition. The purpose of this paper is to fill that gap in the existing literature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the secondary analysis of a recent cross‐sectional multinational survey to shed light on public beliefs of the causes of poverty in seven countries of the region – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition, Russia and Ukraine are used as a comparison point. The theoretical framework for this study is that the subjective beliefs regarding the explanations of poverty can be classified into three broad groups: individualistic, fatalistic, and structural. Hence, regression coefficients and marginal effects of the multinomial logit regression model (MNLM) are estimated to associate the set of various individual, households, and community characteristics selected in the conceptual framework with the likelihood of choosing one of the three afore‐mentioned explanations of poverty.FindingsThe results of cross‐tabulation reveal that in a majority of the countries studied, the predominant explanation for poverty is structural, with the exception of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where predominant explanations are, respectively, fatalistic and individualistic. The results of MNLM show that most individual, household, and community characteristics possess the expected direction and are in line with previous findings. However, some of the characteristics have a similar significant effect across several countries, while other characteristics are significant for a single country only.Social implicationsThese findings demonstrate that despite the dominant post‐socialist ideology which favors individualistic and fatalistic explanations of poverty based on the economic rationality of market capitalism, the efforts of the elites in promoting and imposing these ideologies has not been fully successful. Nevertheless, no single unified model of the determinants of beliefs regarding the causes of poverty in the countries of the region is observed.Originality/valueThis is one of the very few papers aimed at assessing public perceptions regarding the causes of poverty in transitional countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
After the fall
Authors: Smith Robert , McElwee Gerard 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of shame in entrepreneurship. Extant research in relation to the entrepreneurial process has tended to concentrate upon the entrepreneur as hero and other positive aspects of the process. Consequently, the darker sides of the entrepreneurial personality and enterprise culture such as the role of shame remain a relatively under researched facet of entrepreneurship theory. Despite this dearth of actual empirical studies, the negative aspects of entrepreneurial behaviour associated with the “flawed hero model of entrepreneurship” are implicitly understood. These negative aspects include hubris, tragedy, narcissism, over‐stretching, hedonism, personality disorders, status anxiety, self‐centeredness, destructive relationships, alcoholism, suicide and the most heinous of all, business failure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the deeply social phenomenon of shame on the entrepreneur and his or her world by developing a conceptual model of shame. The social script of shame is analysed as found in novels and as found in real life newspaper reports of such epic tragedies, using a chosen methodology of narrative analysis.FindingsThe world portrayed in narrative is very much a “man's world” in which shame is a personal construct, a penance to be endured or ended and in the process a narrative script is developed. Shame is a deeply personal cognitive emotion easier to study in narrative than in person. From the stories of flawed heroes we construct a holistic model of possible entrepreneurial trajectories that take cognisance of wellbeing issues and cover the unspoken events that occur after a fall from grace. But why should we expect the story to end with the entrepreneur in crisis staring into the abyss?Originality/valueLittle previous work has been undertaken to explore entrepreneurial shame using both the entrepreneurship literature and narrative analysis.
Social protection for women homeworkers: a case of healthcare services in Thailand
Authors: Namsomboon Boonsom , Kusakabe Kyoko 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine women homeworkers' access to healthcare services in Thailand. Specifically, it focuses on how the state's universal healthcare service, introduced in the year 2002, has responded/not responded to the needs of poor women homeworkers in Bangkok.Design/methodology/approachData collection was done through a structured questionnaire with 415 women homeworkers from 16 districts in Bangkok, Thailand, ten in‐depth interviews and 13 group discussions.FindingsIt was found that less than half of the women homeworker respondents accessed the universal healthcare scheme. The obstacles for access include both financial (transportation cost, loss of wage) and time. Also, homeworkers need support from the community/household to access these services. Universal health services itself is not enough to ensure access to healthcare service, especially among poor and minimally educated homeworkers with small children.Practical implicationsThe research showed the need to have multiple approaches (state‐provided services and community organizing, as well as awareness among men about their role in care work), in order to ensure universal healthcare coverage.Originality/valueUniversal healthcare services are considered the best way to extend healthcare services to workers in the informal economy. This paper argues that total dependence on state‐provided services does not ensure universal healthcare coverage. There is a need for additional community‐based support mechanisms to ensure access to these services.
The role of lasers in solar cell manufacture
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a review of the present‐day and anticipated future uses of lasers in the production of solar cells.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a brief introduction to photovoltaics (PV), this paper first describes the two main types of solar cell, crystalline silicon and thin film and then discusses the use of lasers in their manufacture. Finally, future developments are considered.FindingsThe paper shows that lasers are used in the manufacture of both crystalline silicon and thin film PV. Applications are many and varied, e.g. edge isolation, hole drilling, border deletion and selective doping but few are yet adopted universally across the industry. Significant future prospects exist for laser‐based processes, as solar cell manufacturers seek to improve conversion efficiency and reduce production costs.Originality/valueThe paper shows that lasers play a vital role in solar cell manufacture and many additional applications will arise as photovoltaic technology is further developed.
Robotic virtual manipulations of a nuclear hot‐cell digital mock‐up system
Authors: Kim Kiho , Park Byung‐Suk , Kim Ho‐Dong , Hassan Syed , Yoon Jungwon 
Published: February 2011

PurposeHot‐cells are shielded structures protecting individuals from radioactive materials. The purpose of this paper is to propose a design approach for a hot‐cell simulator using digital mock‐up (DMU) technology and combining Haptic guided complex robotic manipulation for assembly tasks in a virtual environment.Design/methodology/approachThe principal reason for developing a simulator was to explore the feasibility of hot‐cell structure design and collision‐free assembly process. For this, a simulation design philosophy has been proposed that includes DMU facility offering the ability of analyzing the operations and performing complex robotic manipulations in the virtual hot‐cell environment. Furthermore, enhanced Haptic mapping for tele‐manipulation is proposed for training and guidance purposes.FindingsFrom the analysis and task scenarios performed in virtual simulator, the optimal positions of the manipulators and need of (bridge transport dual arm servo‐manipulators) type were identified. Operation tasks were performed remotely using virtual hot‐cell technology by simulating the scenarios in the DMU reducing the overall operation cost and user training. The graphic simulator substantially reduced the cost of the process and maintenance procedure as well as the process equipment by providing a pre‐analysis of whole scenario for real manipulation.Originality/valueThis research tries to contribute to the virtual hot‐cell design philosophy. Tele‐operated complex robotic operations in DMU technology are performed in virtual hot‐cell. The simulator provides improved Haptic guidance with force and torque feedback enhancing the realism of virtual environment.
Aerodynamic feeding systems: an example for changeable technology
Authors: Frädrich Thomas , Pachow‐Frauenhofer Julia , Torsten Fiege , Nyhuis Peter 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to transfer the idea of changeability to a concrete technical application.Design/methodology/approachBased on the definition of changeability on a factory level, a transformation of the five change enablers specified therein for the work station level using the example of an aerodynamic feeding system takes place in this paper.FindingsThe observed aerodynamic feeding system can be determined as changeable.Practical implicationsChangeable systems are able to react with low effort to exterior influences, e.g. of the market, and thus represent a considerable competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe new element in this paper is the observation of change enablers on the work station level. This point of view enables the concrete figuration of changeable technical systems.
Simple rules to modify pre‐planned paths and improve gross robot motions associated with pick & place assembly tasks
Authors: Sanders David , Tewkesbury Giles , Graham‐Jones Jasper 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to describe real time improvements to the performance and trajectories of robots for which paths had already been planned by some means, automatic or otherwise. The techniques are applied to industrial robots during the gross motions associated with pick and place tasks. Simple rules for path improvement are described.Design/methodology/approachThe dynamics of the manipulator in closed form Lagrange equations are used to represent the dynamics by a set of second‐order coupled non‐linear differential equations. The form of these equations is exploited in an attempt to establish some simple rules. Sub‐optimal paths are improved by considering simple rules developed from the model of the machinery dynamics. By considering the physical limitations of the manipulator, performance was improved by refining pre‐calculated paths. Experiments were performed with a prototype robot and an old Puma 560 robot in a laboratory environment. Once the method had been tested successfully then experiments were conducted with a Kuka KR125 Robot at Ford Motor Company. The measured quantities for all the robots were drive currents to the motors (which represented the torques) and the joint angular positions.FindingsThe method of path refinement presented in this paper uses a simplified model of the robot dynamics to successfully improve the gross motions associated with a pick and place task. The advantage of using the input‐output form described was that intermediate non‐linearities (such as gear friction) and the motor characteristics were directly incorporated into the model.Research limitations/implicationsEven though many of the theoretical problems in manipulator dynamics have been solved, the question of how to best apply the theories to industrial manipulators is still being debated. In the work presented in this paper, information on system dynamics is used to produce simple rules for “path improvement”.Practical implicationsMost fast algorithms are for mobile robots and algorithms are scarcer for manipulators with revolute joints (the most popular type of industrial robot). This work presents real time methods that allow the robot to continue working while new global paths are automatically planned and improved as necessary.Originality/valueMotion planning for manipulators with many degrees of freedom is a complex task and research in this area has been mostly restricted to static environments, offline simulation or virtual environments. This research is applied in real time to industrial robots with revolute joints.
Six‐Sigma: methodology, tools and its future
Authors: Zare Mehrjerdi Yahia 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce some of the most important and fundamental points about Six‐Sigma and the main points that researchers, implementers and users should keep in mind in addressing Six‐Sigma to large and small companies as well as system development and/or planning for such applications. In addition to that this author proposes an algorithm for calculating the overall sigma level of a multistage system. Example problems are provided and the weighting technique is discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a general review of the Six‐Sigma and some of its extensions. The topic is followed by the introduction of a new algorithm that can be used for calculating the overall sigma level of a multistage system.FindingsIn a journey to business excellence, an organization is successful if specific goals for critical processes of the organization are identified. The quality management programs implemented can modernize and simplify activities towards the ultimate goal of the business. Regarding that, the author discusses key issues as such as leadership commitment, what Six‐Sigma would bring to the organization, how it works, Six‐Sigma business strategies, Six‐Sigma methodologies, mathematical formulation of Six‐Sigma, the use of simulation with Six‐Sigma, new Six‐Sigma, benefits of Six‐Sigma, costs of Six‐Sigma, critical success factors and the future of Six‐Sigma.Practical implicationsSix‐Sigma has the potential to change the quality program of an organization. When the selected quality program is Six‐Sigma, the organizational goal is to reach a sigma level of 6, or the objective of 3.4 defects per million opportunities.Originality/valueIn this paper, the author reviews the fundamental concept of Six‐Sigma and elaborates why it is important for small and large organizations to employ Six‐Sigma concepts into their working methodology for quality improvement. The DMAIC steps to be taken, tools to be used and the deliverables are completely discussed. The author also discusses a Six‐Sigma weighted average methodology for calculating the overall Six‐Sigma level for an organization with many working stages or processes.
Purpose, process, place: design as a research tool
Authors: Duffy Francis , Craig David , Gillen Nicola 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to investigate how design variables – specifically spatial arrangements and adjacencies (which are termed “place”) – can be best deployed to improve working practices (which are called “process”) in order to help creative organisations to enhance the performance of working groups (i.e. support managerial purpose).Design/methodology/approachObservations of space use over time and questionnaires eliciting participants' opinions on the impact of the new spatial arrangements on working methods were used in two healthcare companies to study the outcomes of pilot projects.FindingsThe managerial objectives in both companies were to create working environments that could be used to stimulate interaction within and between diverse disciplines brought together to develop new healthcare products. Significant benefits were reported, particularly improved accessibility and collaboration within and between working groups – an important conclusion is that no individual design feature was responsible for the changes but rather the weaving together of place and process in pursuit of managerial purpose.Research limitations/implicationsThe interaction of purpose, place and process has led one to conclude that methods dependent on limiting variables and controlling contexts are not appropriate for studying relationships between environment, productivity and user satisfaction. The synoptic, multivariate and interventionist Harvard Business School case study method may be more appropriate.Originality/valueEnvironmental variables are far from being irrelevant to achieving improvements in organisational performance in creative organisations. However, context, purpose and process must also be taken into account.
The size of a logistics performance measurement system
Authors: Forslund Helena 
Published: February 2011

PurposeOne practical challenge in managing logistics performance concerns the size, or the number of actors involved, in a performance measurement (PM) system. The first objective of this paper is to describe and compare the advantages and disadvantages of four logistics performance measurement system sizes. The second objective is to develop a model of the factors affecting logistics PM system size.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper based on a literature review.FindingsInternal PM systems were related to advantages connected with convenience and the avoidance of implementation problems. Disadvantages of an applied system were severe, especially in a supply chain context. Supply chain PM systems contained attractive advantages that can be reached with an applied system. However, a number of disadvantages in the shape of implementation problems must be handled. A model of the factors affecting the decision on logistics PM system sizes was developed. Power, purpose and implementation were found to be important factors. Five propositions were formulated.Research limitations/implicationsThe contribution of this paper is mainly theoretical; the results remain unverified until empirical studies are conducted.Practical implicationsThe paper can be seen as a first step towards new knowledge on how logistics PM system size is decided.Originality/valueAs little research exists in the area, this paper highlights the theoretical aspects of a practical challenge.