bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing leadership interventions for Black and minority ethnic staff
Authors: Kalra V.S. , Abel P. , Esmail A. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK but, despite decades of equal opportunities legislation, its senior management workforce does not reflect the diversity of either the wider NHS workforce or the UK population. The aim of the paper is to consider the range of management interventions available to organisations like the NHS to deliver change in the area of promotion of Black and minority ethnic staff.Design/methodology/approachIntervention programmes in a range of public and private organisations are reviewed and the nature of barriers to promotion and the range of interventions to overcome these are explored. The paper uses the paradigm of institutional racism to examine the ways in which the NHS discriminates against certain sections of its workforce. The methods used include a literature review combined with key stakeholder interviews. A comparative dimension which involved a review of research on leadership initiatives in the USA was also undertaken.FindingsThe literature review found that there were a range of initiatives which could be implemented by public organisations such as the NHS to increase the presence of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff in senior management positions. Most of these interventions were largely focused on the individual. Much more progress on institutional or organisational change needed to be made before the NHS could be perceived as a model employer in this area. The literature review also indicated that there is little published research on such initiatives within other European Union countries.Originality/valueThe paper is targeted at both policy makers and human resource officers responsible for equality and diversity issues within large organisations, who have a remit to improve the career pathways of staff. The analysis provided offers a set of critical tools and interventions that have not hitherto been well examined in the UK context.
Clinical microsystems and the NHS
Authors: Williams Iestyn , Dickinson Helen , Robinson Suzanne , Allen Clare 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the claims made for the clinical microsystems approach of healthcare improvement within an English NHS context.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a Realistic Evaluation approach to examine a series of pilot clinical microsystems sites to determine what worked for whom, when and within what circumstances. Interviews and group discussions were used to collect qualitative data, whist quantitative outcome data was also collected within each of the sites. Data was triangulated to produce case studies for each of the sites.FindingsThe research concurred with many of the claims for clinical microsystems, particularly that democratic, consensual approaches to change and improvement can be better received than externally derived initiatives with imposed targets. The clinical microsystem approach emphasises identifying and nurturing strengths – of both teams and individuals – and this reinforced these positive aspects. The case study sites demonstrated higher staff morale, empowerment, commitment and clarity of purpose. To a lesser extent the research also indicated an enhanced predisposition towards improvement and innovation and a seemingly embedded sense of improvement as an ongoing (if essentially episodic) process.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation was limited in terms of the numbers of case study sites that it was able to incorporate. This sample represented sites of different sizes, coverage of primary, secondary and tertiary care and those reporting more and less positive experiences of the clinical microsystems approach – but any findings may be limited in their generaliseability and further studies may be needed to test out the relevance of these findings in wider settings.Practical implicationsFuture microsystem programmes will need to address components of patient involvement and process/outcome monitoring if the broader legitimacy of the approach is to be cemented and enhanced. In particular, the importance of strong data collection in achieving “high performing” status is emphasised.Originality/valueThere is currently no other empirical studies within the academic literature which investigate the value of the clinical microsystems approach to an English NHS context.
Management capacity assessment for national health programs
Authors: Ramani K.V. , Mavalankar Dileep 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the management capacity assessment of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program at the state level.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive literature survey, and discussions with senior officers in charge of RCH program at the central and state level, the authors have developed a conceptual framework for management capacity assessment. Central to their framework are a few determinants of management capacity, a set of indicators to estimate these determinants, and a management capacity assessment tool to be administered by each state. A pilot survey of the management tool in a few states helped the authors to refine each instrument and finalize the same. A suitable management structure is suggested for effective management of the RCH program based on the population in each state.FindingsThe assessment brought out the need to strengthen the planning and monitoring of RCH activities, HR management practices, and inter‐departmental coordination.Practical implicationsThe Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has accepted the management tool and asked each state to administer it. The recommended management structure is used as a guideline by each state to identify the capacity gaps and take necessary steps to augment its management capacity.Originality/valueThe authors’ framework to assess the management capacity of RCH program is very comprehensive, the management tool is easy to administer, and assessment of capacity gaps can be made quickly.
The application of sustainable behaviour change strategies in three built environment companies
Authors: Bichard Erik 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the effect of methods derived from the study of social psychology to motive better sustainable behaviour in the workforces of built environment companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the multi‐methodological approach used to obtain the conclusions about the use of social psychological techniques. It also describes why case studies were the most appropriate framework for the study, based on the complex nature of both the companies that participated in the research, and the complex nature of sustainable development.FindingsThe study shows that the application of motivational methods based on social psychology are effective in raising awareness of sustainability issues and, in one case, had a marked effect on the future path of the company. Leaders of built environment companies that are interested in improving sustainable performance should study these techniques and, in particular, consider their leadership style and method of message transmission. The juxtaposition of hard evidence about the effects the company is having on the environment and on society, combined with the use of theatre and role play to make this serious message palatable and even enjoyable has a significant effect on the way the messages are received, and the ability to receive positive support from the workforce in the future.Originality/valueThe techniques used in the study are based on an understanding that fact‐based motivation alone is insufficient to create lasting sustainable change. The use of techniques that involve more intuitive or emotional methods is unusual in a predominantly conservative sector, and the application of certain theatre‐based techniques, and Forum Theatre in particular is an original approach. The value of showing the efficacy of these techniques may be to accelerate the adaptation of those built environment organisations that have been slowed to adopt a whole company approach (including employee engagement) to sustainable performance.
Decision model for energy performance improvements in existing buildings
Authors: Augenbroe Godfried , Castro Daniel , Ramkrishnan Karthik 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a tool that supports an investment strategy aimed at improving the energy performance of existing buildings. It is particularly aimed at large building portfolios, such as encountered on university and corporate campuses, where typically a plethora of potential refurbishment interventions are candidates for a greening effort.Design/methodology/approachThe investment optimization strategy is implemented in a web‐based software tool. Under a chosen financial constraint and investment time horizon, the tool empowers campus facility management to make the difficult “greening” decisions as part of their continuous building commissioning. The tool calculates and accepts user data that reflect different types of risks, posed by uncertainties in investment costs, energy performance, and energy cost scenarios. In addition, decision makers (DMs) can set different investment priorities, reflecting their financial risk attitude and commitment to “greenness”.FindingsThe tool helps DMs determine the best investment options from a set of available energy efficiency improvement options in the light of expected long range energy costs. It will enable the choice of the optimal mix of technologies and buildings within a given budget limit and predict the long‐term monetary as well as “green” return on investment.Research limitations/implicationsThe tool has been tested on a portfolio of campus buildings, but needs further validation with a larger set of buildings in a real life campus management setting. The tool can become a trusted instrument in the hands of portfolio managers faced with the problem to select the optimal mix of technologies, and buildings within the given budget. It should be noted that “investment returns (IRs)” and “commitment to greenness” are just two elements considered in the broader decision making framework of portfolio energy management.Practical implicationsThe investment tool can provide an essential instrument for campus managers who are faced with the task to refurbish buildings in their portfolio to increase their energy performance. In the current business culture of campus management, the decision to investment in energy savings needs to be weighed against competing initiatives that target greener campuses. The target of the research was to develop an instrument that can help DMs to verify rapidly what can be achieved if a budget line item of, say $10 million would be added to the campus budget for energy performance improvements.Originality/valueThe research output from this paper is valuable for continued efforts in the development of indicators that measure “IRs” and “commitment to greenness”. Other elements that impact portfolio decision making can be identified in a common decision framework of which the investment tool will become an integral part over time.
Methodology for estimating emissions in underground utility construction operations
Authors: Sihabuddin Shaik S. , Ariaratnam Samuel T. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeToday, engineers are faced with engaging the construction option that not only provides the best cost advantage, but also considers environmental sensitivities to create the most sustainable solution. The purpose of this paper is to identify a methodology to determine the pollutant emissions from utility construction methods.Design/methodology/approachA survey of the literature was conducted to determine the need and developments in the area of emissions from construction industry. With the use of approved methodologies, an application program that is simple and user friendly was designed to estimate emissions from utility construction projects.FindingsThe results of the research shows that the emissions can be calculated from standard equations using details available at any project site. With minimum effort, construction industry personnel can use available historical project data to determine and quantify emissions from their construction activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe research examines the major air pollutants from equipment/trucks burning diesel fuel. The impact of existing climatic conditions, weather and maintenance of machineries is not considered in the emission calculations.Practical implicationsEstimation of emissions during the design phase of a project will help regulators and decision makers choose a construction methodology that not only incorporates time, cost, and social benefits, but also environmental benefits.Originality/valueUtilization of the tool created by this research should make contractors conscious towards the impact of their activities on their environment by showing them a methodology for estimating such emissions. The research shows the path to promulgate their methodologies in a world that is going “Green”.
The greening of the multifamily residential sector
Authors: Carswell Andrew T. , Smith Stephen 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe green building phenomenon has only recently extended to the residential sector. The purpose of this paper is to provide context on the prevalence of green building within the multifamily residential sector. The decisions on where green apartment buildings are sited are also examined.Design/methodology/approachA series of comparative analyses are performed on green criteria scorecards provided by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) across property types. Comparisons are made to determine whether the climate and rents differ substantially between green multifamily locations and the area means.FindingsGreen multifamily properties underperform other property types in each of the six categories that the USGBC uses in its green scoring criteria. While the siting of green multifamily properties was inordinately located in areas with high heating degree days during the early years of USGBC certification, green apartment buildings have since diffused to communities with more normal temperature patterns, suggesting an appeal of green buildings beyond simply energy savings. Finally, the median rents for areas where green apartments are located far outpace those of the surrounding areas, raising affordability concerns.Research limitations/implicationsThe nascence of the green movement within the multifamily residential sector limits the amount of available data for use within this research project.Originality/valueThis research represents one of the first attempts outside of the housing trade industry at examining green multifamily residential properties. This research helps policy makers understand how the multifamily sector differs from other property sectors seeking green certification.
An integrated assessment of continuously reinforced and jointed plane concrete pavements
Authors: Muga Helen E. , Mukherjee Amlan , Mihelcic James R. , Kueber Melanie J. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an integrated framework of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for assessing alternative technologies, processes, and/or activities, with focus on concrete pavements.Design/methodology/approachLCA and LCCA are used to evaluate environmental and economic impacts of substituting different percentages of fly ash and slag into continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) and jointed plane concrete pavement (JPCP). Impacts are determined over different life cycle phases.FindingsAn LCA of the extraction phase indicated that JPCP pavement had 33‐62 percent less emissions than CRCP pavements, when only steel consumption was considered. When cement was considered, JPCP pavement had almost 40 percent greater emissions then CRCP for all mix types. An LCCA showed that over the entire life cycle phases studied, CRCP pavements had about 46 percent more costs than JPCP. However, when only maintenance costs were considered, CRCP pavement cost 80 percent less to maintain than JPCP over the studied period of 35 years.Originality/valueThe study is a step towards using an integrated framework to evaluate the performance of different materials and technology. The same framework could be conducted for different kinds of asphalt pavements and concrete pavements, as well as other infrastructure that makes up the built environment, with the goal of making decisions that take into account design considerations, environmental impacts, and cost effectiveness.
Alcohol advertising and young people's drinking
Authors: Gunter Barrie , Hansen Anders , Touri Maria 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate relationships between reported alcohol consumption and exposure to alcohol advertising.Design/methodology/approachA survey of young people (17‐21 years) was carried out in which they were questioned about their alcohol consumption habits, types of alcohol they consume, exposure to alcohol advertising, and a range of other factors linked to drinking (e.g. parental and peer groups alcohol‐related behavior and attitudes). General alcohol consumption was measured within three time‐frames: own lifetime, past year and past month.FindingsThe results showed no significant relationships between exposure to any type of alcohol advertising (cinema, magazine, TV) and general alcohol consumption. Exposure to televised advertising for alcopops and for cider in each case emerged as a significant predictor of consumption of each of those types of alcohol. While there was no evidence that alcohol advertising plays a significant role in shaping general alcohol consumption among young people, it does seem to play a part in driving consumption of certain types of alcoholic beverage.Research limitations/implicationsSelf‐completion questionnaires were used and the sample was based in central east England.Practical implicationsThe results can inform current debates about the role of advertising in young people's drinking.Originality/valueA wider range of alcohol‐related consumption and alcohol advertising exposure behaviors was examined in this study than in most other published surveys that have investigated relationships between these classes of variables.
Children playing and learning in an online environment: a review of previous research and an examination of six current web sites
Authors: Harding Jacqueline , Szakacs Judit , Parry Becky 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine what elements in online environments promote engagement, learning and repeated visits for children aged 6‐12 years.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth textual analysis, exploring components such as navigation, construction of site, character choice and development, style of text, types of questioning, animation, color and other factors, of six English‐language web sites, describing themselves as “educational and fun”, was carried out against a background of literature available on web site design for children, relying particularly on media text analysis and an evaluation method produced in relation to children's motivation and web site use.FindingsThe analysis of the six web sites resulted in a number of usability requirements for children's web sites, including the following: web sites should have an understanding of the community of users they serve; web sites should offer dynamic forms of learning; web sites should encourage interaction between users and site designers; web sites should offer open activities rather than closed ones; web sites should view young people as persons with rights.Research limitations/implicationsInsights gained from the analysis of six web sites are hard to generalize. User behavior was not studied.Practical implicationsWeb designers should bear the usability requirements in mind when designing web sites for children.Originality/valueAlthough educational content for children on the internet is growing exponentially, the area is relatively under‐researched. This is one of the first detailed analyses of entertaining educational web sites targeting children.
Exergaming: virtual inspiration, real perspiration
Authors: Klein Matthew J. , Simmers Christina S. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe USA is facing an obesity crisis so large that for the first time in history, this generation of children may have a life span that does not exceed that of its parents. Simultaneously, the gaming industry has introduced a form of video gaming (e.g. Nintendo Wii) that requires the participant to be physically involved in the game. For example, a live player will have a tennis racquet that he/she swings to compete with a virtual opponent on screen. This form of entertainment has been termed “exergaming.” People are buying these games for the purpose of entertainment. However, this paper aims to propose that there are possible unanticipated physical benefits of this new gaming technology.Design/methodology/approachA survey method is used to examine attitudes about exercise, video gaming and exergaming.FindingsResults indicate a positive attitude toward exergaming, particularly with the more self‐identified sedentary respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThis topic would benefit from a longitudinal study examining the adoption rate of this technology by previously inactive individuals and how its use translates into increased physical activity both with the video game system and other outside fitness activities.Practical implicationsThe findings support exergaming as one way to get children to exercise.Originality/valueThe exercise potential of new gaming technology, i.e. “exergaming” is researched.
Analyzing advergames: active diversions or actually deception. An exploratory study of online advergames content
Authors: Dahl Stephan , Eagle Lynne , Báez Carlos 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the nature of advergames and the rhetoric versus reality of their claimed effects and effectiveness, focusing specifically on their use by children.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of major web sites that are likely to have particular appeal to children and an evaluation in order to determine whether the material contained in these sites would be permitted if similar codes of practice, as for other media, would be applied to internet sites.FindingsThe paper finds that the majority of web sites do not comply with the existing broadcasting codes of practice for mainstream advertising.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is exploratory in nature and the sample size limited.Practical implicationsAs the paper suggests that advertisers should critically examine the content of their web sites and open the debate about what constitutes acceptable online behavior.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights about the content of advergames in practice and the potential problems associated with regulation of advertising in different media forms, especially new and evolving media forms.