bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When is a balanced scorecard a balanced scorecard?
Authors: Soderberg Marvin , Kalagnanam Suresh , Sheehan Norman T. , Vaidyanathan Ganesh 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is widely applied as a performance measurement and strategy implementation tool by organizations. Research has revealed that the term “balanced scorecard” may be understood differently by managers both within as well as across organizations implying that the performance measurement systems implemented in organizations may not be similar to the construct envisioned by Kaplan and Norton. Using Kaplan and Norton's Balanced Scorecard construct as a basis, the paper aims to develop and test a five‐level taxonomy to classify firms' performance measurement systems.Design/methodology/approachA Balanced Scorecard taxonomy is validated using a large sample of professional accountants working in Canadian organizations.FindingsThe five‐level taxonomy is used to categorize the performance measurement systems of 149 organizations. It is found that 111 organizations' (74.5 percent) performance measurement systems met the criteria to be classified as a Basic Level 1 BSC, while 61 (40.9 percent) organizations have structurally complete Level 3 BSCs, and 36 (24.2 percent) organizations have fully developed Level 5 BSCs. The paper also discusses differences between Level 1 and Level 5 BSC organizations.Research limitations/implicationsWhile many researchers assume that organizations' performance measurement systems are similar in implementation level and use, the paper demonstrates that organizations are at different levels of BSC implementation and use, a factor that should be taken into consideration when designing empirical studies to test the efficacy of Kaplan and Norton's BSC.Practical implicationsThe five‐level BSC taxonomy scheme provides managers working with Kaplan and Norton's BSC with a tool to plan their implementation steps and then benchmark their progress towards implementing a fully developed Level 5 BSC.Originality/valueIn developing and empirically validating a BSC taxonomy, the paper builds on and extends previous research on BSC implementation and its potential implications.
Efficiency and technological change in health care services in Ontario
Authors: Chowdhury Hedayet , Wodchis Walter , Laporte Audrey 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a productivity measure for hospital services in Ontario.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to assess the efficiency of hospital services in Ontario, Canada, over the period 2003‐2006. The MPI was decomposed into efficiency change and technological change. Efficiency change was further decomposed into pure efficiency change and scale efficiency change. A bootstrapping technique was also used to obtain confidence intervals for the output oriented MPI and its decompositions.FindingsBy estimating confidence intervals it was found that a large number of hospitals did not achieve significant progress in terms of productivity. By taking geometric means of estimates for all years it was observed that while overall productivity and efficiency of hospitals in Ontario declined during the study period, technological progress increased at a rate of 5.95 percent on average.Practical implicationsThe present study helps to understand the productivity and technological change and change in technical efficiency in this vital sector of the economy, which is important for policy making identifying improvement opportunities in resource allocation. It was observed that Ontario hospitals did not improve the efficiency with which they employed their inputs (i.e. staff and supplies) over the study period; they did achieve gains through application of technologies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a thorough study on productivity growth of health care services in Ontario using a non‐parametric framework with bootstrapping. It also provides a robust measurement and analysis of the contributions of technology, size of operation and use of inputs to the performance of hospitals in Ontario.
A weighted similarity coefficient technique for manufacturing facility design
Authors: John Elwyn , Kuznecov Anton , Thomas Andrew , Davies Alan 
Published: October 2011

PurposeUsing the weighted similarity coefficient (WSC) technique in the design of manufacturing facilities provides the system designer with a suitable method for the creation of efficient manufacturing cells. The formation of such well designed machine cells will then hopefully ensure that the achievable cost reduction benefits, in terms of lower operational costs incurred via the transfer of components between machines, are obtained by companies that wish to use cellular manufacturing in their approach to production operations. The aim of this paper is to outline and evaluate the application of a particular WSC equation to the formulation and design of cellular manufacturing systems.Design/methodology/approachBy using a pragmatic approach, the paper chronicles the design and development of a particular weighted similarity coefficient as a means of defining a possibly useful methodology for cell design in manufacturing systems. The technique outlined is subsequently evaluated for its generic nature, applicability and effectiveness via the use of previously published synthetic production data and a comparison with the results of several alternative approaches.FindingsThe development of the proposed weighted similarity coefficient to manufacturing cellular design is outlined in the paper and the appropriateness of the technique is subsequently evaluated in order that the benefits obtainable by its use to a host organisation are highlighted. In addition, the results show how the approach can lead to useful improvements in cellular manufacturing performance if adopted by manufacturing system designers and implemented in their designs.Practical implicationsThe design, development and application of the WSC proposed and its use in manufacturing cellular design provides a simple yet highly effective approach to achieving useful improvements in production system performance through improved work‐part transfer efficiency and associated cost savings. The paper offers practising manufacturing managers and engineers a technique whereby manufacturing cell productive efficiency and output can be improved whilst at the same time achieving a reduction in operational costs.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the proposed WSC technique which contributes to the existing knowledge base on production cell design and may also provide impetus, guidance, support and encouragement for designers to achieve improved output performance and reduced costs in their manufacturing system designs.
Reflections on seven years of critical perspectives on international business
Authors: Cairns George , Roberts Joanne 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this extended editorial is to reflect on the journey of critical perspectives on international business over the past seven years and to look forward to future issues and potential concerns of the journal. In addition, the contents of the current issue are introduced.Design/methodology/approachUsing the form of a conversation between the journal's co‐editors, the development of the journal and features of its content over the last seven years are discussed, and related to the ever changing external context. The current trends and concerns emerging in the field of international business are used to speculate on the future direction of the journal and its prospective content.FindingsBy tracing key points and features of the development of the journal over the past seven years, this paper identifies a growing need for critique of international business in all its various forms, and, especially from inter, multi and trans‐disciplinary perspectives.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to evaluate critical perspectives on international business. As such, it offers a foundation from which to speculate on the future development of both the journal and the field of critical studies on international business.
Michailova and Jormanainen, “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?”
Authors: Gurkov Igor 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to provide comments on Michailova and Jormanainen's paper, “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” (CPoIB, Vol. 7 No. 3).Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a critical analysis of issues regarding knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity in the context of business interactions between Russian and Western firms.FindingsThe paper argues that knowledge transfer between Russian and foreign firms is a two‐way road, and the role of “competence brokers” is very important.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper invites scholars to examine knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms with a more “stereoscopic view” by distinguishing various kinds of actors within both Russian and foreign firms.Practical implicationsResearchers are invited to put less emphasis on citing theoretical articles and to bring more attention to cases, documentary evidence of firms' actions and articles in less popular journals focused on East European management.Originality/valueThe commentary provides a more detailed view on knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms.
A commentary on “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” by Snejina Michailova and Irina Jormanainen
Authors: Shabrova Victoria 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a response to the viewpoint by Michailova and Jormanainen under the title “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” (CPoIB, Vol. 7 No. 3).Design/methodology/approachThe author reflects on her own business experience through the lens of the key terms used in the viewpoint.FindingsBased on what the author has experienced in her interaction with Western business partners, she concludes that knowledge transfer needs to be perceived and understood as a two‐way learning process.Practical implicationsMany of the business projects conducted jointly by Russians and Westerners would not have failed if knowledge transfer is understood and practised as a learning process that goes both ways, from Westerners to Russians and vice versa.Originality/valueThe commentary provides the author's view as a practitioner who is involved in numerous business projects with Westerners. Such a view is of value, it is hoped, to researchers who study the themes of knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity.
The quiet revolution: health service reform and its impact on drug and alcohol services in England
Authors: Roberts Marcus 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the implications for drug and alcohol treatment of radical policy changes being implemented by the government, particularly the proposed transition of responsibility for treatment from the National Treatment Agency to a new public health service from 2013.Design/methodology/approachIt is argued that this is a critical moment in the development of substance misuse services in England, particularly given the impact of health service reform. Concerns are raised about the lack of reference to drug and alcohol treatment in key policy documents, such as the Department of Health's White Paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People. The removal of the “ring fence” from the pooled treatment budget may result in national disinvestment at a time when public spending cuts are likely to reduce local authority spending on drug and alcohol treatment. It will be challenging to deliver on the vision of recovery in the “Drug strategy 2010”.FindingsThe new public health structures and the commitment to recovery create new opportunities to improve services too – for example, the potential for joint working through Health and Wellbeing Boards. It is also positive that Healthy Lives, Healthy People stated that the NHS Constitution will apply to the public health service.Originality/valueWhile these changes could provide a platform for improving outcomes, there is a genuine risk that substantial disinvestment in drug and alcohol services will be witnessed.
Providing drug and alcohol services to female offenders: exploring gender and geographical barriers
Authors: Moore Stephen 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the views and experiences of female offenders with problem drug/alcohol use living in rural areas and to provide their perspectives on shortcomings in support services.Design/methodology/approachThe research used in‐depth interviews with (ex) female offenders with problem drug/alcohol use living in rural areas in the East of England.FindingsThe research indicates that the barriers to adequate provision of services for women in rural areas have distinct, but overlapping, gender and geographical elements. Gender issues centre on the failure to see the female offenders in the context of their roles as mothers and partners. The geographical element includes a significant and under‐reported lack of public transport and childcare support.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the localised and opportunistic nature of the study, no attempt is made to claim that one can necessarily generalise from these results to all rural areas.Practical implicationsIncreased recognition of women attending drug/alcohol support services as mothers with children, faced with problems of organising childcare, or accessing public transport. This is exacerbated by inadequate, public transport provision.Originality/valueThe importance of service providers recognizing the insight which clients could provide through their own lived experiences as users of services. In a rural situation with thinly spread provision, the importance of women‐only provision should not take precedence over quality of service provision.
Mephedrone, “Bubble” and unidentified white powders: the contested identities of synthetic “legal highs”
Authors: Measham Fiona , Moore Karenza , Østergaard Jeanette 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIn this fourth paper in a series on emergent drug trends in the UK (2006 ketamine, 2009 MDMA powder/crystal, 2010 mephedrone), the authors consider how the pharmacological landscape has changed since substituted cathinones (including mephedrone) were controlled in April 2010 and in particular assess the prevalence of mephedrone in the general night time economy (NTE) and its relationship to the use of established illegal drugs.Design/methodology/approachSurveys were conducted with a convenience sample of 207 adults stopped at random in four town and city centres on Friday nights in Lancashire in November 2010.FindingsOf the adults surveyed, one in ten reported having taken mephedrone within the past year and one in 20 within the past month. Those who used mephedrone were also significantly more likely to report using ecstasy pills, cocaine and amphetamines. Regarding the next generation of “legal highs”, no clear substitute for mephedrone had emerged; instead, there was uncertainty, confusion and a degree of disinterest. In this vacuum, “Bubble” has emerged and evolved as a generic term in the north west of England to refer to any unidentified white powders which are synthetic stimulants.Social implicationsDespite an emotional investment by advocates and opponents alike in mephedrone being an ecstasy‐type substitute, research now points towards more amphetamine‐type characteristics at a time when national prevalence of amphetamines is at an historic low. The emergence of unidentified white powders sold as “Bubble” in the North West of England is a graphic illustration of the unknown content, effect and risk of current (by contrast with previous) “legal highs”, and the resultant challenges for health service providers and criminal justice agencies. Bubble may be indicative of the enduring popularity but increasingly indiscriminate use of cheap stimulants.Originality/valueFor this cohort of NTE customers, the paper's analyses indicate that mephedrone was added to existing polydrug repertoires, rather than significantly displacing use of established illegal drugs or acting as a gateway for initiation into drug use.
Estimating the costs and benefits of an alcohol treatment requirement
Authors: Fox Chris , Albertson Kevin , Williams Karen , Ellison Mark 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to report on a project to estimate the costs and benefits of implementing an Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) in Stockport. The work is designed to support the development of a Payment by Results (PbR) approach to funding.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarises existing literature on the potential impacts associated with ATRs, broader alcohol treatment, relevant offender interventions and calculates the costs associated with negative outcomes.FindingsA model of the potential cost savings to the Criminal Justice System and the National Health Service is set out which suggests that an ATR would need to achieve a 12 per cent reduction in re‐offending to break even.Originality/valueThe methodology and findings will be of interest to drug and alcohol service providers and commissioners who are considering PbR
Usage and success factors of commercial recommendation agents
Authors: Aljukhadar Muhammad , Senecal Sylvain 
Published: October 2011

PurposeSince their inception, which took place more than two decades ago, product recommendation agents (RAs) still attract very few consumers. Notably, most of academic work in the field had an empirical quantitative structure. In addition, no research has developed a comprehensive model to explain the adoption and usage of commercial RAs. The purpose of this paper is to follow a qualitative approach to investigate the factors behind the adoption and usage of commercial RAs, explore the effect of user age, and deduce the success factors of these RAs.Design/methodology/approachThis research followed a qualitative approach. Qualitative research aims to form an in‐depth understanding of human behavior. It is essential for building grounded theory and for proposing comprehensive models for future examination. As such, in four discussion groups, participants provided their input following the shopping trial for a product using a factual RA (MyProductAdvisor.com). Discussion groups were used because they outline an important aspect of qualitative research and because they are ideal for both the inception and development of products and services.FindingsUnderlying the major themes, the analysis first provides insight in consumers' RA use and the products consumers regard as adequate to be offered using a commercial RA. The analysis then delineates some important factors that can be considered by developers to enhance the usability and trustworthiness of commercial RAs. Further, the analysis suggested four higher‐order factors that can be considered the success factors of a commercial RA: users appear to require a commercial RA that is friendly, smart, trusted, and informational. The themes that emerged from participants in the youth and the older discussion groups were rather invariant.Originality/valueThis is one of the few qualitative studies that focused on commercial RAs. The commercial RA success factors and their determinants are summarized in the form of a general framework to guide future work. This qualitative work provides a cornerstone that is of importance to theory development in the field of intelligent RAs and assistive technology. The results have important implications for RAs' developers and researchers.
Consumer adoption of social networking sites: implications for theory and practice
Authors: Lorenzo‐Romero Carlota , Constantinides Efthymios , Alarcón‐del‐Amo María‐del‐Carmen 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study factors affecting the acceptance of social networking sites (SNS), analyze users' practices and behavior in these environments and assess the degree of acceptance of SNS in The Netherlands.Design/methodology/approachAn extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to analyze the factors influencing the level of acceptance and use of SNS applying a structural equation modeling technique. Data were collected by means of an online national survey among Dutch SNS users.FindingsResults support all hypotheses with positive relationships and influence between analyzed constructs; the only exception was the hypothesis on the relation between perceived risk and perceived usefulness.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was conducted in The Netherlands. This research can be considered as the basis for a more extensive research, covering other geographical areas, that will produce results allowing more specific and accurate predictions regarding the acceptance of SNS as marketing management tools.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal a number of issues that are important for companies eager to explore the potential of the SNS as a strategic tool and as a means of improvement of their managerial processes in the area of marketing strategy.Social implicationsSNS are considered of great importance, both for individuals and businesses, since they support and expand existing social or business networks and allow the creation of new ones. The study underlines the importance of these networks as a communications and customer engagement channels.Originality/valueThe traditional TAM has been widely studied to analyze the adoption of new technologies. However, the adoption of SNS has been so far very little studied. The study provides new insights in this adoption process. Alongside this, the study added two personal variables of SNS users (i.e. trust and perceived risk), improving the traditional TAM approach.
Social enterprise and social entrepreneurship research and theory
Authors: Granados Maria L. , Hlupic Vlatka , Coakes Elayne , Mohamed Souad 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a detailed analysis of the social enterprises (SE) and social entrepreneurship (SEship) literature that has been published in international journals from 1991 to 2010, determining the intellectual structure of both fields and their maturity as academic fields of study.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative methodology for literature study, named bibliometric analysis, relevant papers were obtained from three important international databases, and SE and SEship journals. An initial number of 1,343 records were identified and, after applying various filters, a total of 286 papers were studied for bibliometric indicators and epistemological orientation.FindingsThe study identified a significant increase in the scholarly investigation of SE and SEship in recent years, together with greater collaboration and international research. It was demonstrated that some countries are dominating the SE and SEship research area, such as the UK and the USA, whereas institutional and individual research output is spread more equally. Currently, no author or institution dominates the SE and SEship literature. The epistemological orientation suggests that the published literature is largely of a theoretical and descriptive nature in both fields, with only a small number of predictive papers.Originality/valueThis paper provides important contributions. First, it presents an intellectual structure of SE and SEship as a discipline. Second, it determines the current maturity of the field based on its epistemological orientation, concluding that SE and SEship are maturing, with theory development followed by empirical testing and validation generating an increase in consensus on the boundaries of the field.