bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational transformation to a patient centric culture: a case study
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Mahmoud Zinati Seyed , MacDonald Andrew , Amiri Yusef 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to identify areas of weakness in the patient‐centric organizational culture of Baylis Medical Company in Montreal, and to propose specific actions to address these deficiencies.Design/methodology/approachFollowing initial interviews with company management and observations of corporate environment, variations in organizational culture are measured using a company‐wide survey designed to evaluate customer satisfaction, accountability, empowerment, results focus and employee satisfaction. Survey data are analyzed across departments and experience levels.FindingsQualitative assessment of the company via interviews and observations revealed a lack of artifacts relating to organizational culture, no formal feedback channels from clients, and a diversity of corporate visions among management and employees. Survey analysis revealed lower organizational culture valuation among less experienced employees and non‐managerial workers. Specific areas of weakness include accountability, empowerment and results focus in non‐manufacturing employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative assessment was limited to selected interviews. No visit was made to the Toronto office. No interviews or surveys were conducted with clients. No data are available to evaluate fluctuations in organizational culture over time.Practical implicationsFour alternative action plans are evaluated using specific decision criteria. The introduction of artifacts relating to the patient‐centric organizational culture is recommended in the short term. Long‐term recommendations include the development of client‐oriented key performance indicators for management and employee use, and a multi‐step training program describing the clinical importance of the company products.Originality/valueThis study proposes a novel model to evaluate the level of patient‐centricity in an organizational culture. Specific recommendations may apply across a variety of industries, but are especially applicable in health care delivery sectors.
Age care managers in residential facilities – aspects of competence
Authors: Furåker Carina , Nilsson Agneta 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the research project was to study aspects of the competence of age care managers, and how they develop their leadership in residential facilities.Design/methodology/approachThe participants comprised 13 age care managers (ACMs) from 13 different residential facilities. Ten of the residential facilities were located in a large municipality and three in small municipalities. On average they had 19 years of experience of caring for old people. The ages of the respondents varied from 40 to 63 years. Individual, semi‐structured interviews were chosen. The data were subjected to content analysis. Two main categories and six subcategories were generated.FindingsThe ACMs had different educational backgrounds and very few had university courses in management, implying an insufficient theoretical knowledge of leadership. There are several ways of learning leadership, for example model learning, collective learning, learning by experience and through theoretical education. Model learning is the dominant form. By being present ACMs create relationships; they check the quality of social and health care, as well as the behaviour of the staff towards residents, relatives and colleagues, which seems to be valuable in order to avoid conflicts.Research limitations/implicationsThe strength of the study is that the participants come from different workplaces, small and large municipalities and residential facilities. They have long experience of working as a leader and have a variety of professional backgrounds. Thirteen ACMs is not that many, but as they differ in professional background, education and workplace, the amount of data was considered sufficient. Some of the ACMs have difficulties in expressing how they learn leadership, because the “knowhow” is sometimes problematic to describe in words.Practical implicationsTheoretical education was mentioned as crucial for learning leadership.Originality/valueACMs' interest in competence development is weak. They seem to be more interested in motivating and inspiring their staff's learning process than their own.
Analysis of the perception of institutional culture for health sector reform in Nigeria
Authors: Olukoga A. , Bachmann M. , Harris G. , Olukoga T. , Olasinde A.A. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the perception of institutional culture in four hospitals in Nigeria and its influence on the implementation of the health sector reform programme in the country.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional study of 507 healthcare professionals and managers using a self‐administered questionnaire was carried our.FindingsThe overall perception of institutional culture was above average at 56.4 per cent. The perceptions of the two dimensions of institutional culture were: leadership 59.3 per cent and character 54.0 per cent. Two out of the 11 statements on institutional culture had levels of perception that were lower than 50 per cent. These were: “staff morale and job satisfaction are high at all levels, and regularly evaluated by the institution” (41.6 per cent) and “information is shared openly in the institution” (44.3 per cent).Originality/valueThere is a need to strengthen the character dimension of the institutional culture of Nigerian hospitals, especially staff morale and job satisfaction as well as the sharing of information in the hospitals.
Strategy making: what have we learned about forecasting the future?
Authors: Raspin Paul , Terjesen Siri 
Published: February 2010

PurposeFirms face uncertain environments characterized by shifting demographics, disruptive technologies, new industries and competitors, and other challenges. To survive the tumultuous landscape, firm managers “make strategy” by assessing the organization's internal and external environments, questioning assumptions about how the world works and deciding how the firm should operate. We refer to this activity as “forecasting the future” and provide insights from our recent study of 394 senior managers.Design/methodology/approachWe review the history of scenario planning, from military strategies to Royal Dutch/Shell's analysis of the oil crisis in 1974 and the scenario planning process. From our survey of managers, we identify the major perceived benefits and weaknesses of scenario planning, and how managers forecast the future. We identify two dimensions of forecasting – formality and breadth – and review three modes of forecasting – formal, focused and intuitive – and compare to complexity and costs of formal scenario planning. We conclude with key learning points from our survey.FindingsWhen making strategy through scenario planning and forecasting methods, managers need to: examine the validity of current market assumptions used to guide forecasting efforts; involve key stakeholders in a debate about and assessment of these assumptions; update strategic plans with forecasting process outcomes; and regularly review key hypotheses about market events and their performance impacts.Practical implicationsSenior managers must understand the biases in managerial forecasting behavior and to work with these, to support a mix of forecasting behaviors in an organization, to deliberately allocate forecasting resources to cover environmental sectors, to selectively use managers external to the organization, to utilize a variety of sources, and to align forecasting activities with the organizational strategy process.Originality/valueThe paper presents a succinct summary of existing research, including findings from the authors' recent research, for both researchers and practising managers.
Measuring the effectiveness of a human resource information system in National Iranian Oil Company
Authors: Hosnavi Reza , Ramezan Majid 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of three specific variables, namely: system quality, information quality, and finally information use, on the effectiveness of a human resource information system (IS) in an Iranian oil company.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the effectiveness of a human resource IS, the paper analyzes the end‐user satisfaction based on the DeLone and McLean IS effectiveness model. A methodology is developed that follows a series of steps to calculate the effectiveness of an IS. The questionnaire is designed and refined by expert review. Data from four surveys in four different organizations in the Iranian oil industry are pooled.FindingsResults show that user satisfaction from information quality, system quality, and system use is, respectively, 0.92, 0.82, and 0.91.Therefore, the integrated human resource system in the Iranian oil company has a high degree of effectiveness. Implications of these findings are discussed along with some directions for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThe model proposed in this study is applicable to a human resource environment. Modification of the proposed model may be needed in applying this model to other environments.Practical implicationsThis study helps information technology managers identify the elements which impact on end‐user satisfaction and assists them in planning to enhance the effectiveness of ISs by improving end‐user satisfaction.Originality/valueThe results extend the understanding of the role of end‐user satisfaction in IS effectiveness. The research findings have implications for the development and deployment of IS.
Leadership styles of men and women in the Arab world
Authors: Yaseen Zahi 
Published: February 2010

PurposeDisagreement amongst Arab writers, researchers, politicians, and others exists regarding the Arab woman's struggle to take on a leadership role traditionally dominated by Arab men. For many, discussions on whether Arab women should work and lead, be a housewife or work with restrictions are continually under controversy. The purpose of this paper is to examine Arab women leadership style based on transformational, transactional, and laissez‐faire styles of men and women.Design/methodology/approachThe main research instrument is the multifactor leadership questionnaire.FindingsThe findings reveal that women in the Arab world exceed men on four transformational scales: the attributes version of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Arab men exceed Arab women on two transactional scales: management by exception passive and management by exception active, whereas women exceed men on contingent rewards. Laissez‐faire leadership style goes to Arab men.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper provides a useful overview of the traditional thinking and abilities of Arab women leadership and their effectiveness in the Arab world, the sample is limited in size. Further research can be done with larger sample to test the findings.Originality/valueThe paper offers inputs for researchers and writers.
The externalities in social environmental accounting
Authors: Dascalu Cornelia , Caraiani Chirata , Iuliana Lungu Camelia , Colceag Florian , Raluca Guse Gina 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the externalities in social environmental accounting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the fundamental research that is related to inductive accounting theory and uses scientific methods for identification of theoretical and practical difficulties of recognizing the externalities in social environmental accounting.FindingsThe main finding of the paper is that the information portfolio for the assessment of the externalities will contribute to the accurate estimation of the accounting offer and to the objective judgment of the requested information of this kind within the global performance management. This feat will allow construction of a pertinent informational base concerning the externalities, for integration of the external social costs into the conventional accounting model with a view to smoothly substantiating the socioeconomic and environmental policies.Practical implicationsThis paper focuses on designing a social arrangement that, in the presence of externalities, can offer an optimal allocation of resources and thus a maximization of welfare for Romanian companies.Originality/valueThe paper helps put the organization in a stronger competitive position in relation to firms that apply only conventional accounting and is not extensively and creatively in using the outcomes of expanding social environmental accounting in its decision making.
Changes in fitness, body mass index and obesity in 9–10 year olds
Authors: Boddy L. M. , Hackett A. F. , Stratton G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of obesity in children has increased substantially in recent years and, paediatric obesity and poor fitness are risk factors for disease. The present study aimed to assess changes in body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of obesity and changes in aerobic endurance over time in 9–10‐year‐old schoolchildren.Methods:  Participants were recruited by the SportsLinx project from primary schools across Liverpool. Height and weight data were used to calculate BMI. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were estimated using age‐ and sex‐specific cut‐off points. Performance on the 20‐m multi‐stage shuttle runs test (20 mMST) was used as a marker of aerobic endurance. Data were available for 13 418 (6572 boys, 6846 girls) 9–10‐year‐old children. Analysis of covariance was completed to assess year‐on‐year changes in BMI controlling for deprivation (IMD) and 20 mMST performance, and 20 mMST performance controlling for IMD and BMI.Results:  No significant changes in BMI from baseline were observed (P > 0.05). Obesity prevalence reduced in girls (2005 = 10.3%, 2008 = 8.52% in 2008). The data for boys showed no reductions in prevalence (2005 = 6.77%, 2008 = 7.87%). The most recent cohort for boys and two most recent cohorts for girls had lower levels of aerobic endurance than baseline (2004–2005) (P ≤ 0.01).Conclusions:  The data suggest a plateau in the yearly increases in BMI in 9–10 year olds independent of deprivation and fitness and a declining prevalence of obesity in girls. Levels of aerobic endurance have declined independent of BMI and deprivation. The current obesity interventions in place appear to be having some impact on BMI, but further investment is urged to promote fitness in children.
Increased risk of low birthweight and small for gestational age infants among women with tuberculosis
Authors: Lin H‐C , Lin H‐C , Chen S‐F 
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Lin H‐C, Lin H‐C, Chen S‐F. Increased risk of low birthweight and small for gestational age infants among women with tuberculosis. BJOG 2010;117:585–590.Objective  As the relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and fetal outcomes remains unclear, this study used a 3‐year nationwide population‐based data set to determine the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes [low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) infants] among women with TB.Design  A cross‐sectional retrospective study.Setting  Taiwan.Sample  Linking the Taiwan birth certificate registry and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset, we identified 761 women who gave birth from 2001 to 2003 and who had received medication treatment for TB during their pregnancy, together with 3805 unaffected women matched in terms of age and year of delivery.Methods  Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the risk of LBW, preterm birth and SGA for mothers with TB and unaffected mothers.Main outcome measures  The risk of LBW, preterm birth and SGA.Results  Mothers diagnosed with TB had significantly higher percentages of LBW (8.5 versus 6.4%, P = 0.033) and SGA (19.7 versus 16.7%, P = 0.048) infants than unaffected mothers. However, there was no significant difference in preterm birth (8.0 versus 8.0%, P = 0.961) between these two groups. The adjusted odds ratios of having LBW and SGA infants for mothers with TB were 1.35 (95% CI = 1.01–1.81) and 1.22 (95% CI = 1.00–1.49), respectively, compared with unaffected mothers.Conclusions  We concluded that women diagnosed with TB during pregnancy are at increased risk for having LBW and SGA babies, compared with unaffected mothers. We suggest that clinicians should make women with TB aware of the potential risks before planning a child.
Pregnancy outcome in women with repaired versus unrepaired isolated ventricular septal defect
Authors: Yap S‐C , Drenthen W , Pieper PG , Moons P , Mulder BJM , Vliegen HW , van Dijk APJ , Meijboom FJ , Jaddoe VWV , Steegers EAP , Boersma E , Roos‐Hesselink JW ,   on behalf of the ZAHARA investigators
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Yap S‐C, Drenthen W, Pieper P, Moons P, Mulder B, Vliegen H, van Dijk A, Meijboom F, Jaddoe V, Steegers E, Boersma E, Roos‐Hesselink J on behalf of the ZAHARA investigators. Pregnancy outcome in women with repaired versus unrepaired isolated ventricular septal defect. BJOG 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2010.02512.x.Objective  To compare the risks of pregnancy complications in women with repaired and unrepaired isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD).Design  A retrospective multicentre study.Setting  Tertiary centres in the Netherlands and Belgium.Methods  Women were identified using two congenital heart disease registries. Eighty‐eight women were identified who had experienced 202 pregnancies, including 46 miscarriages and nine terminations of pregnancy. Information on each completed pregnancy (n = 147; unrepaired VSD, n = 104; repaired VSD, n = 43) was obtained using medical records and telephone interviews. Data from the Generation R database (prospective cohort study; n = 9667) were used to determine the background risk (controls). Odds ratios and 95% CI were estimated using general estimation equation analysis adjusted for multiple pregnancies per woman, maternal age and parity status.Main outcome measures  Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for developing pregnancy complications in relation to corrective status.Results  Pregnancies in women with an unrepaired VSD were associated with a higher risk of pre‐eclampsia (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 2.01–10.5, P < 0.001) compared with controls. No differences were observed when comparing women with repaired VSD and controls. Pregnancies in women with repaired VSD were associated with a higher risk of premature labour (AOR 4.02, 95% CI 1.12–14.4, P = 0.03) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) births (AOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.27–13.2, P = 0.02) compared with women with unrepaired VSD.Conclusions  Women with unrepaired VSD are at increased risk of pre‐eclampsia, which suggests that it is not a benign condition. In addition, women with repaired VSD are at increased risk of premature labour and SGA births compared with women with unrepaired VSD.
Chronic in vitro ketosis is neuroprotective but not anti‐convulsant
Authors: Samoilova Marina , Weisspapir Michael , Abdelmalik Peter , Velumian Alexander A. , Carlen Peter L. 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 826–835.AbstractThe ketogenic diet (KD), used successfully to treat a variety of epilepsy syndromes in humans and to attenuate seizures in different animal models, also provides powerful neuroprotection in various CNS injury models. Yet, a direct role for ketone bodies in limiting seizure and neuronal damage remains poorly understood. Using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, we established an in vitro model of chronic ketosis for parallel studies of its neuroprotective and anti‐convulsant effects. Chronic in vitro treatment with a ketone body, d‐β‐hydroxybutyrate, protected the cultures against chronic hypoglycemia, oxygen‐glucose deprivation, and NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity, but failed to suppress intrinsic and induced seizure‐like activity, indicating improved neuroprotection is not directly translated into seizure control. However, chronic in vitro ketosis abolished hippocampal network hyperexcitability following a metabolic insult, hypoxia, demonstrating for the first time a direct link between metabolic resistance and better control of excessive, synchronous, abnormal electrical activity. These findings suggest that the KD and, possibly, exogenous ketone administration, can be more beneficial for the treatment of seizures associated with metabolic stress or underlying metabolic abnormalities, and can potentially be used to optimize clinical applications of the traditional KD or its variants.
Simulated climate conditions in Europe during the Marine Isotope Stage 3 stadial
Authors: KJELLSTRÖM ERIK , BRANDEFELT JENNY , NÄSLUND JENS‐OVE , SMITH BEN , STRANDBERG GUSTAV , VOELKER ANTJE H. L. , WOHLFARTH BARBARA 
Published: February 2010

Kjellström, E., Brandefelt, J., Näslund, J.‐O., Smith, B., Strandberg, G., Voelker, A. H. L. & Wohlfarth, B. 2010: Simulated climate conditions in Europe during the Marine Isotope Stage 3 stadial. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00143.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.State‐of‐the‐art climate models were used to simulate climate conditions in Europe during Greenland Stadial (GS) 12 at 44 ka BP. The models employed for these simulations were: (i) a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean global climate model (AOGCM), and (ii) a regional atmospheric climate model (RCM) to dynamically downscale results from the global model for a more detailed investigation of European climate conditions. The vegetation was simulated off‐line by a dynamic vegetation model forced by the climate from the RCM. The resulting vegetation was then compared with the a priori vegetation used in the first simulation. In a subsequent step, the RCM was rerun to yield a new climate more consistent with the simulated vegetation. Forcing conditions included orbital forcing, land–sea distribution, ice‐sheet configuration, and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations representative for 44 ka BP. The results show a cold climate on the global scale, with global annual mean surface temperatures 5 °C colder than the modern climate. This is still significantly warmer than temperatures derived from the same model system for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Regional, northern European climate is much colder than today, but still significantly warmer than during the LGM. Comparisons between the simulated climate and proxy‐based sea‐surface temperature reconstructions show that the results are in broad agreement, albeit with a possible cold bias in parts of the North Atlantic in summer. Given a prescribed restricted Marine Isotope Stage 3 ice‐sheet configuration, with large ice‐free regions in Sweden and Finland, the AOGCM and RCM model simulations produce a cold and dry climate in line with the restricted ice‐sheet configuration during GS 12. The simulated temperature climate, with prescribed ice‐free conditions in south‐central Fennoscandia, is favourable for the development of permafrost, but does not allow local ice‐sheet formation as all snow melts during summer.