bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing a venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention strategy
Authors: Brockbank K. , Snoxall S. , Beaumont A. , Davies P. , Kershaw M. , Kirman R. , Murray E. , Pheby A. , Webb I. , Willman E. , Everington T. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIn March 2007 the Chief Medical Officer called for a major improvement in public and professional engagement with venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention. Key to his recommendations for hospitals was a new requirement for a documented mandatory (VTE) risk assessment on every hospitalised patient. The purpose of this paper is to describe how one acute Trust responded to this call using regular Trust‐wide audit as a driver for change. The Trust now has evidence of sustained and ongoing improvement in compliance with documented VTE risk assessment and this has been associated with a reduction in the number and severity of VTE events.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the approach that one Trust took to ensure that a documented VTE Risk Assessment is carried out on all hospitalised patients and that appropriate measures are taken to reduce the incidence of VTE events.FindingsIn March 2008, prior to the project, audit demonstrated that 15 per cent of patients had a documented risk assessment for VTE. After a VTE Implementation Working Group was set up and new assessment tools were piloted, evaluated, amended and re‐launched together with Trust‐wide education and general awareness‐raising sessions, the number of patients receiving a documented risk assessment has risen to a cross‐institutional average of 75 per cent.Originality/valueThe paper gives evidence that a planned approach, with simple practical tools, broad clinical engagement and intensive education delivered “at the coal‐face” can result in a systematic change in professional practice across a Trust.
Chest drain insertion: a real risk to patient safety
Authors: Hutchinson Tom , Brown Alex 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss the implications to individuals and organisations of the National Patient Safety Agency rapid response report on the risks of chest drain insertion, published 15 May 2008.Design/methodology/approachThe paper represents the opinion of the authors based strongly on a structured review of the literature on this topic.FindingsChest drain insertion is a clinical risk to patient safety. There is a need for individuals and organisations to review and consider changes to their practice of chest drain insertion.Practical implicationsThe paper gives ideas on how to change practice based on recommendations from recognised bodies such as the British Thoracic Society.Originality/valueThe paper provides a discussion on what needs to be changed in response to the National Patient Safety Agency report on the risks of chest drain insertion. It can be used as a guide for those involved in clinical governance on this issue.
Health system reform
Authors: Spigelman Allan D. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe Health Reform proposals in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe approach to this subect is observational.FindingsA total of 123 recommendations amounting to significant reform are proposed. It remains to be seen how many of these recommendations survive an extensive consultation process.Originality/valueThe paper describes one nation's attempt to address universal challenges in healthcare delivery and gives an update of health reform proposals.
GTA‐based framework for evaluating the feasibility of transition to FMS
Authors: Raj Tilak , Shankar Ravi , Suhaib Mohammed 
Published: January 2010

PurposeToday's volatile condition of the market is forcing the manufacturing organizations to adapt the flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) to meet the challenges imposed by international competition, ever‐changing customer demands, rapid delivery to market, and advancement in technology. There are certain enablers, which help in the implementation of FMS or in the transition process from traditional manufacturing system to FMS. The utmost need is to analyze the behavior of these enablers for their effective utilization in the implementation of FMS. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a methodology based on graph theoretical approach for finding the feasibility of transition to FMS for any industry. A universal feasibility index of transition (FIT) is proposed that evaluates and ranks different organizations according to their capability to be converted into FMS. This FIT value is obtained from a permanent feasibility function obtained from an enablers' digraph of FMS.FindingsThe major finding of this paper is that one can judge whether a particular industry is fit for FMS or not by calculating its FIT value. This FIT value can also be utilized in ranking different industries for their possible transition to FMS.Practical implicationsThe FIT obtained from a permanent function indicates the strength of enablers and their inter‐relations. More is the value of this index; more will be suitability of that organization for FMS adoption. In this way, managers can judge that a particular organization is suitable or fit for FMS implementation or not, without making the huge investments for such a complex production system and thus, minimize their risks.Originality/valueIdentification, classification of enablers into some important categories, and their analysis is a unique and innovative effort in the area of FMS.
The importance of information and communication design for manual skills instruction with augmented reality
Authors: Fox Stephen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThere are guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT) applications which are already established in manufacturing. These guidelines include recommendations such as: alignment of ICT applications with strategy, involvement of the full range of stakeholders, and careful planning and monitoring. A recommendation from outside of manufacturing is that information and communication design should be carried out in conjunction with ICT applications. The purpose of the research reported in this paper is to investigate the relevance of information and communication design to applications of advanced ICTs used in the instruction of manual skills.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review, interviews, and five quasi‐experimental studies are used.FindingsThe design of information and its communication is relevant to the instruction of manual skills with ICTs and, in particular, important for instruction with augmented reality (AR).Research limitations/implicationsThere are only 92 participants in the five quasi‐experimental studies.Practical implicationsThis paper provides an overview of information and communication design issues. Examples are provided of how these issues manifest themselves in the application of advanced ICTs, such as virtual reality and AR, which can be used in the instruction of manual skills.Originality/valueThe originality of the research reported in this paper is that it goes beyond further investigation of established guidelines for ICT applications. The value of this paper is that it draws attention to the potential of information and communication design to improve ICTs implementations. It also draws attention to the need for balanced comparisons in the assessment of all ICTs prior to their implementation.
The examination on the drivers for green purchasing adoption among EMS 14001 certified companies in Malaysia
Authors: Khidir ElTayeb Tarig , Zailani Suhaiza , Jayaraman Krishnaswamy 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of four drivers, namely regulations (RG), customer pressures (CP), social responsibility (SR), and expected business benefits (EBB) on green purchasing (GP) in the Malaysian manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachThe Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Directory 2007 and SIRIM organization, Malaysia, are the two sources provided the population units of 569, International Organization for Standardization 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Out of 569 firms, 132 (23.2 percent) positively responded for the mail survey on GP.FindingsThe empirical findings of the study suggest that GP is affected by the drivers namely RG, CP, EBB, and firm ownership. The results also suggest that, although Malaysian firms show a high level of SR, it does not constitute a genuine driver for these firms to adopt GP.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is considered as one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the drivers for GP. Further research in this area may focus on the other drivers such as supplier pressures, competitive pressures, community pressures, and employee pressures that motivate firms to adopt GP initiatives.Practical implicationsThe Malaysian firms place a high consideration on external pressures and business benefits as the main criteria for deciding whether to adopt GP or not. Therefore, the high sense of SR, exhibited by these firms, does not constitute the true motivator for them to adopt GP activities.Originality/valueThe results of the paper provide insights into why Malaysian firms adopt GP activities. It also provides policy makers and managers with a list of drivers that can be used as directions for setting up appropriate policies that encourage firms to adopt GP initiatives.
Integrating the spare parts supply chain: an inter‐disciplinary account
Authors: Martin Harry , Syntetos Aris A. , Parodi Alejandro , Polychronakis Yiannis E. , Pintelon Liliane 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to substantiate the need for additional research into a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing the supporting supply chains that may also capture contextual information, also pointing out emerging avenues for further scholarly contributions.Design/methodology/approachThe supply chain is viewed from a spare part consumer as well as from a supplier perspective. Key to the discussion is an accurate description of the maintenance demand pattern (MDP) known at the consumer's side as a valuable information source for the entire supply chain.FindingsSolving the spare parts supply chain puzzle exceeds the realms of a single scientific discipline and involves hard and soft sciences. Besides, extending on the quantitative modelling aspects of MDPs, soft modelling and analysis is needed to define cooperative settings in which the supply chain parties can operate effectively.Practical implicationsIn this paper, the authors argue for the sharing of the appropriately balanced combination of quantitative and qualitative information that is currently hidden, or exists in isolation, within supply chains. Debatably, such information sharing may potentially generate substantial benefits for all “players” within a given supply chain.Originality/valueThis contribution is unique in the sense that it provides a most accurate characterization of MDPs based on the proven maintenance concept design theory. In addition, the supply chain problem is analysed in a realistic context, with an open and broad mindset rather than approaching this issue from a single hard science perspective.
A framework for selection of material handling equipment in manufacturing and logistics facilities
Authors: Mohsen  
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assist facility design practitioners, industrial managers, and expert systems (ES) developers identify important issues to consider and actions to follow in the selection of material handling (MH) equipment, overcome limitations of existing equipment selection approaches, and design complete MH systems.Design/methodology/approachA framework that specifies the steps that have to be taken in the selection of MH equipment is suggested. It identifies categories of equipment based on all handling‐related functions performed in a facility, which allows consideration of various categories of equipment, and selects equipment classes and types from among candidates based on user requirements and objectives.FindingsThe suggested framework is capable of producing a wide range of equipment that performs various functions in a facility, and satisfies requirements and objectives without the need for using large data bases. Applying it requires cooperation of facility managers and designers.Research limitations/implicationsSome of the steps of the suggested framework require further investigation and research.Practical implicationsFacility design practitioners, industrial managers, and developers of ES can make better selection among a large number of MH equipment and design complete systems by relying on functions performed in a facility, requirements, and objectives.Originality/valueA framework for selection of MH equipment is lacking in the literature. This paper fills a gap by presenting design issues and organized steps that practitioners, managers, and expert system developers working on selection of MH equipment have to address and follow in order to design complete MH systems.
An examination of the differential effects of transportation in supply chain optimization modeling
Authors: Huq Faizul , Stafford Thomas F. , Khurrum S. Bhutta M. , Kanungo Saurajit 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIt has been suggested that much of the potential inefficiencies associated with supply chain management (SCM) costs can be traced to wasteful practices such as inefficient, unnecessary, or redundant stocking practices, or inefficient transportation. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model which reconciles many of these inefficiencies by integrating production factors, purchasing, inventory, and trucking decisions for optimizing supply chain costs between first‐, and second‐tier suppliers and subsequent OEM customers.Design/methodology/approachThe modeling technique is mathematical programming tested in a simulation model. In an effort to determine the significance of the transportation component of the proffered model, the fully developed model is differentially tested, including standard production variables varying transportation costs, paired with similar instances of the model in which the transportation costs are fixed.FindingsSignificant differences are found in the predictive abilities of the respective models, and this supplies pragmatic evidence of the important role that transportation issues play in the consideration of integrated SCM costs.Research limitations/implicationsThe key limitation to this finding lies in the validation process. As suggested by Sargent, Monte‐Carlo studies are useful for validation purposes, and the supply chain optimization model (MHSCM) is certainly confirmed through this particular simulation.Practical implicationsThe managerial focus on transportation management and cost control in SCM can be highlighted as a critical implication of the study.Originality/valueThe structure of the MHSCM is robust, and may be useful for cost‐control planning purposes in a dynamic environment, subject to certain limitations accruing to the methodology.
Accountability‐based order fulfillment process reengineering towards supply chain management
Authors: Zhang Linda L. , Jiao Roger J. , Ma Qinhai 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology to industry and academia on how to reengineer the order fulfillment process (OFP) by capitalizing on integration and coordination across the entire supply chain to sustain supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachA case study at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer in Singapore is undertaken.FindingsThis paper confirms that the traditional OFPs present companies a challenge to satisfy the demanding customer requirements while achieving performance optimization of each supply chain partner; and it is imperative to reengineer the OFPs to stay competitive. To successfully reengineer OFPs, the efforts should be systematically organized to, for example, exploit potential processes as many as possible, determine an optimal process based on mathematically sound grounds.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a single case study may limit the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsA methodology incorporating accountability‐centered approach and simulation is developed for companies to reengineer OFPs while considering the entire supply chain.Originality/valueThe literature does not provide solutions for reengineering OFPs regardless of the fact that OFP reengineering is an emerging area of interest. This paper presents a valuable contribution to this topic by introducing a methodology and by applying the methodology to a semiconductor equipment manufacturer in Singapore.
Learning in multinational enterprises as the socially embedded translation of practices
Authors: Becker‐Ritterspach Florian , Saka‐Helmhout Ayse , Hotho Jasper J. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeWith a few exceptions, the mainstream literature on learning in multinational enterprises (MNEs) has shown little concern for the transformational nature and the social constitution of learning. This paper aims to address this gap by drawing on Scandinavian institutionalism, social learning perspectives, and comparative institutionalism.Design/methodology/approachA comparative case study of two subsidiaries of the same MNE was conducted. The subsidiaries received similar practices from headquarters (HQ) but displayed contrasting learning outcomes.FindingsIt is shown that learning outcomes differed based on the varying extent to which practices were translated, which depends on the participation of local actors. The difference in participation pattern, in turn, is rooted in differences in the institutional context of the two subsidiaries.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recognized that apart from institutional influences, organizational idiosyncrasies may be at work. In addition, the paper briefly considers the extent to which the notion of contrasting forms of capitalism is still useful when comparing the German and British institutional contexts.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the importance of involving employees in the translation of new practices. A challenge for MNEs is that learning of new practices can differ by institutional context. Where enabling institutional conditions are absent, conscious effort may be needed to ensure employee participation.Originality/valueThis paper highlights that MNE practice transfer rests on the translation of the practice content to the local context, and that subsidiary‐level learning processes may be institutionally embedded, thus establishing a link between subsidiary learning and the macro‐level context. As such, this paper both illustrates the value of social learning perspectives and the relevance of the work of institutionalists for understanding MNE learning processes.
Lost in translation? Culture, language and the role of the translator in international business
Authors: Blenkinsopp John , Shademan Pajouh Maryam 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIssues of language in international business have been the focus of a growing body of theoretical and empirical work. This paper aims to contribute to this literature, focusing specifically on issues of translation. The role of translator will vary depending on the language strategy adopted, with strategies linked to differing perspectives on language in international business – mechanical, cultural and political. The paper examines these perspectives through the lens of a specific problem for transnational communication – “untranslatable” words and concepts.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted with professional linguists (translators and interpreters) to explore how they dealt with issues of untranslatable but cultural salient words in their day‐to‐day work with international businesses, using the problems of translating the Farsi word tarouf into English as a case in point.FindingsThe linguists agreed that tarouf was an untranslatable word, and described their strategies to deal with this problem. The commonest strategy was avoidance, stemming from linguists' concern to maintain their professional standing with clients, a finding which reflects an emerging emphasis on the importance of context and relationships for understanding inter‐cultural communication.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the crucial role of the translator in international business, and draws attention to the potential for cross‐cultural communication problems arising from mutual lack of awareness of culturally‐salient but inherently untranslatable words or phrases.Social implicationsEffective inter‐cultural communication is an issue of great importance to wider society, and business has historically been the commonest site of such communication. The study highlights an issue of considerable importance for improving inter‐cultural communications, contributing to a growing inter‐disciplinary literature in this area.Originality/valueMuch of the research on language in international business has focused on the emergence of English as a lingua franca, but the present study focuses on specific issues of translation and does so in an under‐researched location, Iran. It draws attention to a problem of translation not widely discussed, and shows how important this issue can be for international business.
A response to “Reflections on a global financial crisis”
Authors: Hudson Robert , Maioli Sara 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to draw out the main themes of the debate on the current financial crisis as published in the special issue of critical perspectives on international business Vol. 5 Nos 1/2 (2009) and place them in the context of subsequent events. It also considers what conclusions can be drawn both for future policy and for the conduct of future academic research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper overviews existing literature and summarises the main findings, focusing particularly on some topics deemed important and interesting for directing future research.FindingsThe paper finds that while the neoclassical approach to finance has evidently failed there is currently little consensus on how to replace it. This opens up the possibility of debate, new avenues for research and ultimately radical change.Practical implicationsThe paper argues that more interactions between academic and finance practitioners are needed. Research in finance should be interdisciplinary or embed the insights from other disciplines and it should put behavioural finance under mainstream attention. The teaching of management and finance should also be more informed by issues of ethics, politics, social corporate responsibility, distribution of wealth and power and it should stimulate more critical and creative thinking.Social implicationsThe authors argue that capitalism works well only when it is adequately regulated and when there is a solid mechanism of balancing and counterbalancing of powers among the major players. The paper therefore calls for a “democratisation” of capitalism, to stop the trend of growing global inequality and reverse the existent plutocratic capitalism.Originality/valueThe paper outlines several viewpoints and interpretations of the financial crisis taken from the extant literature and hence offers a reflection on several dimensions that shaped the crisis.