bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovating health care delivery: the design of health services
Authors: Duncan Alan K. , Breslin Margaret A. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe structure of health care financing, the lack of vertical and horizontal integration, and the slow translation of basic research into meaningful health outcomes for the population conspire to make innovation in health service delivery a difficult task. However, health service organizations that can more effectively and systematically understand patient needs – needs that are now poorly understood and often unarticulated – have an intrinsic advantage in delivering high value care. This ‐paper aims to describe a program for translating those needs into health services innovations.Design/methodology/approachThe Mayo Clinic, a large integrated multispecialty medical group based in Rochester, Minnesota developed an in‐house design program, the SPARC Innovation Program, to bring design thinking and business analysis together to develop innovations in care delivery. A project example is described to illustrate how designers, business strategists, health care professionals, and patients create new high‐value health care experiences.FindingsThe paper finds that health service organizations need to pay more attention to the patient experience if they are to meet patient needs. The design program described here is one approach that organizations can take if they are serious about deeply understanding patient needs and developing innovations to address them.Originality/valueWhile the discipline of design is the core of innovation in many industries, it is not widely known or practiced in health service organizations despite a natural affinity between design and medicine. Understanding and employing the power of design in health services will allow medical institutions to develop more effective health services, enhance patient satisfaction, and meet important human needs.
Pirate this: breakthrough mindsets from the web
Authors: Schauer Brandon 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe recent mix of economic constraints and new capabilities has encouraged web‐based businesses to explore creative new strategies and unusual innovation processes. After years of refining these practices online, a potent set of approaches are surfacing that could transform businesses beyond the web. This paper aims to extract the new business models and practices that might be transferred into other industries to create more agile organizations and engaging customer experiences.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extracts new and powerful business practices related to design and development, service management, and research and development (R&D) from a series of web‐based case studies. The practices are packaged as four “mindsets,” or new orientations towards customers and services.FindingsFour new mindsets have propelled the selected cases of web‐based business to success: designing and delivering a service, not a product; delivering more value by doing less; creating a service that naturally improves with use; and enlisting customers in R&D. The practices related to these four mindsets reveal interesting characteristics about innovation: innovation does not arise from sudden “Eureka!” moments, but rather requires continuous pursuit; innovation can be about focus rather than boundless exploration; and relinquishing control to customers can remove friction from the processes of commercializing innovations.Originality/valueThe particular catalog of case studies and new business practices are original to this paper. The set of examples and practices was selected for its potential to invigorate and transform a business. Specifically, this paper presents these practices of successful web‐based businesses in a framework that can be extrapolated to apply to non‐web‐based businesses.
Beyond good: great innovations through design
Authors: Sato Steve 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose that high quality innovations benefit both companies and customers. Most businesses have formal systems to ensure benefit to company, and weaker, informal systems to retain or add value to customers. This paper aims to provide a way to formally apply heuristics designers use (“design thinking”) to maintain a line‐of‐sight to company and customer needs in all decisions from concept through production. This approach should result in offerings that are compelling to customers and are profitable to companies.Design/method/approachThe paper has developed a concept to maximize the contribution of relatively few people in organizations with design thinking heuristics expertise. The concept was developed within Hewlett Packard (HP), and by studying the roles of customer experience, marketing and design organization in other companies. The approach has been validated through establishing new roles on pilot projects and is the basis for architecting the design practice at HP.FindingsAlthough similar methods may be employed, insights from design research differ from findings yielded from market research. Design research is optimized for designing offerings and market research is often optimized for marketing a product. Design research is the basis on which design thinking works. The role for design planning and applied design (both rely on design thinking) varies, depending on the type of innovation that best suits a business' strategy.Originality/valueThe quality of innovations can be improved by leveraging the design thinking heuristics from designers, and first applying the design thinking to solving business issues and frame opportunities, then to inform decision‐making related to the ensuing offerings via applied design.
A process for practicing design innovation
Authors: Kumar Vijay 
Published: May 2009

PurposeCompanies are increasingly adopting design processes as a key driver for their innovation practice. Design processes help companies develop innovations that produce high user value as well as economic value and business value. The purpose of this paper is to describe how design processes can be effectively used in innovation projects through a good understanding design principles, tools, and frameworks.Design/methodology/approachThe frameworks in this paper are based on our direct experience with several innovation projects within leading companies. The processes adopted by many other companies and innovation projects, both academic and professional from around the world, were also studied as drawn from various sources. The goal was to uncover insights about the types of processes adopted by successful innovators.FindingsThese analyses reveal that there is a new focus on “design innovation” that produces offerings with a better fit with users and results in higher rates of adoption. It is found that these design processes are transforming the innovation practice of companies. The paper has identified four key principles that innovators use to ensure the success of their innovation practice. Further, it has developed a generic design process model that can be used as a guide for innovation projects, and identified a set of specific tools and frameworks that support the various stages of this generic process.Originality/valueAs design innovation processes are increasingly becoming a core part of the innovation practice in companies, there is a growing need to understand how companies can gain competence in this area. The generic design process model discussed in this paper, and a good understanding of the associated tools and frameworks, is a valuable resource for successful innovation practice.
Obstacles to children developing as mature persons
Authors: O'Boyle Edward J. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on obstacles to the development of children into mature, responsible persons whether those children are classified as poor or not.Design/methodology/approachThe paper concentrates on four obstacles: home, health, school, and neighborhood.FindingsRegarding home‐based obstacles, parents with incomes above the poverty line stated that 10.4 million of their children require more time than they anticipated, and 1.3 million children make them angry. As to health obstacles, with few exceptions, American children are generally in good health. Specifically, the general health status of more than 95 percent of all children is reported as excellent, very good, or good. With respect to school‐based obstacles, there are 1.8 to 2.5 million school‐age children who do not like school, are not interested in school, or do not work hard in school. Nonpoor children outnumber poor children by 4:1. Finally, regarding the neighborhoods in which they live, 33.9 million of all children under age 18 agree that there are neighboring people who might be a bad influence and 15 million who agree that children are kept indoors to protect their personal safety. As many as 10.3 million disagree that neighbors help neighbors, people watch other children, there are people one can count on, adults who would help, or safe places to play.Originality/valueThis analysis is based on the dual proposition that in the USA there are large numbers of children – millions in some instances – whose development is not assured and their numbers include many children in families with incomes above the poverty threshold. The data refer to all American children under age 18 and derive entirely from Census Bureau surveys published in 2004 to 2007.
Analysis of the economic differences between capitalist and labour‐owned enterprises
Authors: Fernández Guadaño Josefina 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn recent years, an increasing interest in the participative practices of the workpeople in their companies has taken place in the European Union. Taking advantage of this situation, the purpose of this paper is to show additional evidence of the benefits from companies with majority worker's capital participation as opposed to firms that do not follow this approach. Bearing in mind, also, that Spain is the only European country with the juridical form of financial majority participation of the workpeople, in order to recommend it in the European context according to the reached results.Design/methodology/approachTo study whether or not there are differences in the two types of companies, a logistic regression model is used.FindingsIn this study, results indicate that business profitability (return on assets), productivity and equity capital coefficient are not significant variables for the purpose of determining the distinguishing features of labour‐owned firm (LOF) as against capitalist firm. The only variable of those originally included which has turned out to be significant is the financial profitability (return on equity).Practical implicationsInitial proposal: specific European law governing investment capital of employees.Originality/valueThe study will be useful to show the characteristics of Spanish LOFs (operating under their own legal structure) and their benefits.
The pace of poverty reduction across the globe: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Kalirajan Kaliappa , Singh Kanhaiya 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis is an account‐taking paper on the status of global poverty and its reduction. The purpose of this paper is to examine why some countries reduce poverty more quickly than others.Design/methodology/approachThe data on the population living below $1 a day during 2000 and 2002 reported in the World Development Indicators (WDI) 2004 have been used to identify the status and determinants of poverty across countries. Next, using the national data on poverty level with respect to countries having a $1 poverty level of more than 3 percent as reported in WDI‐2004, the rate of change in the poverty level was calculated. In both cases, the explained and the explanatory variables used in the multiple regression frameworks were selected based on theory and other empirical findings.FindingsThe results indicate that countries with sustainable agricultural growth, foreign capital flows, and better infrastructure tend to achieve a faster reduction in poverty. Research limitations/implications – In a cross‐country empirical analysis, it is difficult to obtain consistent and uniform infrastructure indices. The proxies used in this paper could be improved.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of policy formulations are to strengthen economic activities such as labour‐intensive export promotion, emphasis on agriculture productivity, improved communication and infrastructure, besides effectively implementing policy initiatives such as population control, reduced dependency on aids and reducing malnutrition to achieve a lower incidence of health expenditure.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the common economic characteristics that prevail across the countries with extreme poverty by developing a statistically consistent model from a pool of explanatory variables selected from earlier cross‐country poverty studies.
Changing perspectives on distribution policy
Authors: Weigand Robert A. , Kent Baker H. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature on the changing perspectives of corporate distribution policy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper synthesizes and interprets the theoretical, empirical and survey‐based research on corporate payout policy.FindingsDividends once constituted a prominent part of an investor's total return, but this role has declined over time. Although many companies still pay cash dividends, share repurchases have risen dramatically and are now a significant component of payout.Research limitations/implicationsNew theories and perspectives on corporate distribution are likely to be introduced; while this paper represents an up‐to‐date view on the topic, it is not possible to anticipate new research developments that may affect some of the perspectives expressed herein.Practical implicationsNo single explanation fully accounts for the changes in distribution policy, most notably, the declining incidence of dividend‐paying firms and the increasing level of repurchase activity. Factors that explain the popularity of share repurchases in the USA include the improved regulatory environment, economic conditions, and the flexibility of repurchases relative to dividends. Developing a comprehensive model that explains the choice between dividends and share repurchase remains a challenge facing researchers.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the body of knowledge by providing an integrated perspective on dividends and share repurchase, summarizing decades of theoretical, empirical, and survey‐based research.
The impact of dividend initiations on Greek listed firms’ wealth and volatility across information environments
Authors: Dasilas Apostolos , Lyroudi Katerina , Ginoglou Demetrios 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of dividend initiations on shareholders’ wealth using a sample of 38 Greek listed firms.Design/methodology/approachThe event study methodology of Brown and Warner was employed to examine the share price reaction to initial dividend announcements across different information environments.FindingsResults show that dividend initiations bring about significant positive abnormal returns in the announcement period. The price response to dividend initiations is inversely associated with the information environment. Finally, the volatility of stock returns is higher in the low information environment group of firms than in the high information environment group of firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe observations are not many, although the whole population is included, since there are no data available prior to 2000.Practical implicationsThese findings are useful to researchers, practitioners and investors who have an interest in firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) for their proper strategic decision making.Originality/valueFor the first time the stock price behaviour of firms listed on the ASE around dividend initiation announcement dates is examined.
The management of managers: challenges in a small economy
Authors: Gilbert John , Boxall Peter 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a study of the management of senior managers. The aim is to describe the ways in which firms in a small economy, such as New Zealand, manage their managers and analyse how they deal with the strategic challenges that are involved.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies the Boxall and Gilbert typology of company styles in the management of senior managers. A case‐study approach is used with data collected through interviews with directors, chief executive officers and senior managers in firms chosen as characteristic of New Zealand conditions.FindingsThe case studies confirm the main expectations of the model: difficulties with the recruitment and retention of talented managers are severe in New Zealand, overshadowing all other problems, such as “agency” risks. The findings underscore the need for boards of directors to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach to the management of managers.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of a qualitative, case‐based approach are acknowledged. However, the intent is to discern and analyse patterns and problems in a particular societal context. There is ample scope for similar studies in other contexts.Practical implicationsThe study underlines the challenges firms in small economies can face in securing, developing and retaining a credible senior management team and suggests ways in which firms may approach these problems more effectively.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original study of how firms manage senior managers and uses a novel framework in drawing together themes from organisational economics, human resource development and strategic human resource management to provide an integrated analysis of how managers are managed.
Performance templates and the regulation of learning
Authors: Lyons Paul 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed, theoretical underpinning for the training and performance improvement method: performance template (P‐T). The efficacy of P‐T, with limitations, has been demonstrated in this journal and in others. However, the theoretical bases of the P‐T approach had not been well‐developed. The other purposes of this paper are to: explain the features and functions of the P‐T and to highlight the action theory of Frese as the theory supports P‐T and offers trainers some information regarding the regulation of feedback and learning. This paper adds to the procedures and practices of human resource development.Design/methodology/approachThe approach in this paper is to explain how a training and development partnership among trainers, managers, and employees is forged so as to create P‐T for use in the field. The main aspect of the methodology was to attempt to map the elements of action theory onto the specific steps (phases) of the P‐T approach. This mapping activity was achieved.FindingsThe key findings in this study is that action theory offers a hierarchical and reasonably complete explanation of how learning occurs and how individuals regulate what they know. As explained in this paper action theory provides a map of the cognitive elements in the training model employed.Practical implicationsAssuming that the P‐T approach has value, it is important to demonstrate how theory helps to ground the approach. In this paper, action theory has been used to offer a substantial foundation for the P‐T approach. In addition, action theory helps trainers to examine learning, feedback, and regulation of performance in a comprehensive manner.Originality/valueAction theory offers several features that help explain the regulation of learning and behavior, yet the theory has received very little attention in formal literatures. Value: the template approach adds to our repertoire of training methods. This paper helps to better explain the approach and it offers useful theories to support practice.
The relationship between organizational learning and SME performance in Poland
Authors: Michna Anna 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and define dimensions of organizational learning and the way it affects small‐ or medium‐size enterprise (SME) performance.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research is carried out in Polish SMEs (the sample size is 211 enterprises). In order to test the constructed hypotheses we use factor analysis with varimax rotation, correlation analysis and cluster analysis. The sales and employment growth figures and synthetic McKenzie index are used to evaluate SME performance.FindingsIn the empirical study, 11 empirical dimensions of organizational learning are identified and defined. The empirical research shows that sales and employment growth is most dependent on the following dimensions: dialogue and empowerment of the employees, collaboration, team learning, leaders' attitudes. In this research, it is suggested that there is an empirical relationship between organizational learning and organizational performance. In practice it means that organizations reaching a higher level of organizational learning probably achieve higher performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research uses a single‐respondent questionnaire. Further research could include analysis of other SME members and take into consideration subjective measures of SME development.Practical implicationsThe research results in some important recommendations for SME leaders, who should make every effort to inspire the employees' confidence in each other and create an atmosphere of honest and frank exchange of information and ideas.Originality/valueThe results of the research fill a gap in the current knowledge of strategic management and can be used by managers, specialists, independent experts.
Future leadership competencies: from foresight to current practice
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Robertson Phillipa 
Published: May 2009

PurposeWith tectonic plate shifting change and continuous uncertainty, a reliance on leadership competencies rooted in the past will no longer be successful. Instead, it is argued that the emerging business environment now demands a new set of leadership skills that are aligned to the requirements of the future. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachA foresight orientation was taken to identify leadership skills necessary for success in the near future. Based on in‐depth analysis of key business, societal, organisational and leadership trends, nine key leadership competencies were identified. An exploratory study was then conducted to assess the current level of future leadership capability in a diverse sample included of current and emerging leaders from a variety of organisations across Europe and Asia Pacific.FindingsResults suggest that both current and emerging organisational leaders are significantly under prepared for the challenges ahead.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research exploring the leadership capabilities needed for success in the emerging business environment.Practical implicationsIt is argued that unless organisations begin to cultivate requisite skills for the future, they will inevitably forfeit their potential for future success.Originality/valueThe paper adds clear value to the field of study due to its unique futures perspective and orientation, in addition to its practical applications.