bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What do web sites tell us about quality management in Belgian hospitals?
Authors: Desuter G. , Dujeu V. , Michel H. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeFollowing the “Patient Quality and Safety Contract” launch by the Belgian Federal Authorities, Belgian hospital web sites were scrutinized. The aim of this paper is to assess the presence of some sort of quality management strategy within Belgian Acute Care Hospital digital external communications.Design/methodology/approachDigital communications were assessed using a pre‐established grid focusing on direct quality improvement testimonies, like a quality manager presence, a quality committee, a specific strategy, etc.FindingsTwo hypotheses explain the poor results: structured quality improvement exists in organizations but senior managers do not feel the need to transparently communicate the subject; and quality improvement does not exist in a sufficiently structured way to allow open communication.Practical implicationsThe proposed Federal Contract should improve both quality initiative quality and frequency as well as transparent communication to healthcare workers and patients.Originality/valueThe paper underlines the urgent need for Belgian healthcare executives to be aware of structured quality management strategy's importance and to be eager to openly communicate the strategy.
Does daily nurse staffing match ward workload variability?
Authors: Gabbay Uri , Bukchin Michael 
Published: October 2009

PurposeNurse shortage and rising healthcare resource burdens mean that appropriate workforce use is imperative. This paper aims to evaluate whether daily nursing staffing meets ward workload needs.Design/methodology/approachNurse attendance and daily nurses' workload capacity in three hospitals were evaluated. Statistical process control was used to evaluate intra‐ward nurse workload capacity and day‐to‐day variations. Statistical process control is a statistics‐based method for process monitoring that uses charts with predefined target measure and control limits. Standardization was performed for inter‐ward analysis by converting ward‐specific crude measures to ward‐specific relative measures by dividing observed/expected. Two charts: acceptable and tolerable daily nurse workload intensity, were defined. Appropriate staffing indicators were defined as those exceeding predefined rates within acceptable and tolerable limits (50 percent and 80 percent respectively).FindingsA total of 42 percent of the overall days fell within acceptable control limits and 71 percent within tolerable control limits. Appropriate staffing indicators were met in only 33 percent of wards regarding acceptable nurse workload intensity and in only 45 percent of wards regarding tolerable workloads.Research limitations/implicationsThe study work did not differentiate crude nurse attendance and it did not take into account patient severity since crude bed occupancy was used. Double statistical process control charts and certain staffing indicators were used, which is open to debate.Practical implicationsWards that met appropriate staffing indicators prove the method's feasibility. Wards that did not meet appropriate staffing indicators prove the importance and the need for process evaluations and monitoring. Methods presented for monitoring daily staffing appropriateness are simple to implement either for intra‐ward day‐to‐day variation by using nurse workload capacity statistical process control charts or for inter‐ward evaluation using standardized measure of nurse workload intensity. The real challenge will be to develop planning systems and implement corrective interventions such as dynamic and flexible daily staffing, which will face difficulties and barriers.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils the need for workforce utilization evaluation. A simple method using available data for daily staffing appropriateness evaluation, which is easy to implement and operate, is presented. The statistical process control method enables intra‐ward evaluation, while standardization by converting crude into relative measures enables inter‐ward analysis. The staffing indicator definitions enable performance evaluation. This original study uses statistical process control to develop simple standardization methods and applies straightforward statistical tools. This method is not limited to crude measures, rather it uses weighted workload measures such as nursing acuity or weighted nurse level (i.e. grade/band).
Translation and inscription in development projects
Authors: Dobers Peter , Söderholm Anders 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that the interface between projects is of particular interest when organizing development projects. It offers a theoretical discussion of translation and inscription phases, not only because they are important to the understanding of mobilizing action in development projects, but also because they are crucial in a chain of sequential projects that are organized as responses to new situations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses illustrations of development projects in public management in Sweden to discuss a fundamental organizing problem of projects: how project delimitation and formation take place.FindingsThe paper has focused on organizational change and development projects regarding environmental and health care organization renewal projects. It has analyzed how such projects are organized and linked to context. Development problems and their solutions cannot be divided into a functional structure since they overlap and demand attention by a multitude of perspectives during translation.Research limitations/implicationsIt is theoretically interesting to highlight certain slices of the organizational reality in projects. The paper has chosen a project perspective and focus at the beginning and end of projects. In theoretical terms, it has chosen to call these phases translation and inscription.Practical implicationsProjects are different compared with permanent organizations due to the existence of beginnings and endings. On the one hand, permanent organizations are normally “going concerns” where the start is back in history and the end is clouded in a distant future. On the other hand, in a project, translation and inscription phases are unavoidable as they are triggered by the specific conditions underlying beginnings and endings.Originality/valueProjects with clear boundary‐overlapping character cannot be judged with concepts stemming from the methods of construction project management. In contrary, the paper argues that there are two other concepts that can better explain the special organizing problems invoked by the cases cited here: translation and inscription.
A meta model of change
Authors: Young Mike 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model of change which is both academically rigorous and practitioner‐friendly.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical meta‐analysis is conducted by clustering themes from across a broad range of change‐related literature including: learning; personal, social, situational and emergent change; helping, systems thinking, process improvement and leadership.FindingsCommon themes emerge across all the change‐related literature, which suggests the existence of a common underlying “change progression”.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the literature covered is extensive, it is not comprehensive. The intention is to draw attention to the kinds of variables that need to be conceptualised, observed or enacted when change is studied or implemented.Practical implicationsThe meta‐model has already proved a useful guide to implementing change and is presented here to stimulate scholarly debate among those studying it.Originality/valueThe benefit of considering such a broad range of change‐related fields is that each brings a different perspective to the stages of the common underlying journey. As a consequence, the meta‐model offers both a lens, to provide focus on the stages in this common “change progression”, and a prism, to reveal the full spectrum of applicable concepts and activities.
Measuring the effect of substrate and component finishes on the reliability of isotropic electrically conductive adhesive joints
Authors: Wickham Martin , Zou Ling , Hunt Christopher 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAs the transition away from lead‐containing solders gathers momentum, isotropic conducting adhesives (ICAs) are being considered as possible replacements for conventional SnPb solder in a range of applications. Consequently, the reliability of ICA joints is under scrutiny. The purpose of this paper is to report the effect of printed circuit board (PCB) and component finishes on the reliability of ICA joints.Design/methodology/approachPrevious work by the authors identified a suitable test regime to generate relevant reliability data. In the present work, those tests are employed to investigate whether the finishes on the components and/or PCBs have any effect on the reliability of the ICA joints after exposure to damp heat conditions.FindingsThe effect of different finishes is found to be very adhesive material dependent. Two adhesives are studied, and for one material the joint reliability is relatively unaffected by changes in component or PCB surface finish. However, for the second material, and components with a high‐tin content‐plated finish, the joints display a less stable resistance. The surface finish on the PCB is found to have a smaller effect on joint reliability than the component finish, with results dependent on adhesive material type. Performance with one material exhibited little difference in reliability irrespective of the PCB surface finish. For the second material, the joint reliability performance with components having the electroless nickel/immersion gold finish, is not as good as that with components having the immersion tin or silver finishes.Originality/valueThe paper shows that surface finish is an important factor in determining the conductivity of ICA joints during exposure to the 85°C/85%RH environment. Systems containing tin are more prone to lose conductivity and, conversely, noble metal systems are more immune to degradation. This is a major concern as the industry is showing many signs that the component termination of choice will be pure tin.
Local melt process of solder bumping by induction heating reflow
Authors: Xu Hongbo , Li Mingyu , Fu Yonggao , Wang Ling , Kim Jongmyung 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a local melt process of solder bumping employed in electronic packaging applications by an induction heating reflow method, for a combined numerical and experimental study involving a temperature measurement using an infrared thermometer during the reflow process and microstructural observations after reflow, which can be used to control the height and shape of solder interconnects.Design/methodology/approachIn the induction heating reflow process, the temperature distribution within the solder ball during the heating phase is of prime importance for the success of the process and the geometry control quality of final joints. This paper investigates the local melt process of solder balls reflowed onto Cu/Ni/Au pads, and focuses on the effect of the inductive heat on the thermal distribution during the melting process. A finite‐element model is applied to simulate the thermal field in a solder bump during the induction heating period in a reflow process. The effects of the coil current and the electromagnetic frequency on the thermal performance are investigated by using the validated thermal model. The local melt phenomenon in the solder joint is observed and identified by the microstructures taken using scanning electron microscopy.FindingsIn this paper, the numerical results match the experimental results quite well to validate the finite element modeling model. The local melt phenomenon predicted by simulation, and verified by experiments, is demonstrated to be capable of controlling the solder joint shape. Several parametric studies are carried out to understand the effects of different frequencies during assembly, and to suggest that a higher frequency is easier to get a greater temperature gradient, thus a more obvious local melt phenomenon, which is good for achieving the geometry control for solder joints.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper will help to understand the detailed solder bumping process during induction heating reflow and the effects of electromagnetic field frequency on solder joint shape controlling.
Identifying and prioritizing critical intellectual capital for e‐learning companies
Authors: Chen Shiou‐Yu 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the measures of intellectual capital (IC) of e‐learning service companies that ultimately influence firms' competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachThrough focus group interviews, content analysis, and the analytic hierarchy process, this paper identifies five dimensions and 15 indicators to measure the IC of e‐learning service companies in Taiwan.FindingsThe findings and prioritization of ICs can help the e‐learning companies to understand the critical success factors that facilitate gaining their competitive advantages in Taiwan.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this paper is only on e‐learning companies located in Taiwan, thus the results cannot be generalized to all e‐learning companies. Additionally, only five main dimensions are identified from the study, there is a possibility that this study does not cover all the important dimensions of IC of e‐learning companies.Practical implicationse‐Learning companies can use the IC measurement tool developed in this study to detect IC weaknesses and strengths. Moreover, e‐learning companies need to re‐consider the portfolio of their IC that make e‐leaning more competitive in industry.Originality/valueThis paper finding contributes to the present body of knowledge and also highlights IC dimensions that can provide a reference for e‐leaning companies to develop favorable strategies for achieving their goal of enhancing competitive advantages.
A new business model for the gift industry in Taiwan
Authors: Jian Chung Yuan Benjamin , Tai Ping Chiu Henrik , Ming Kao Kun , Wei Lin Ching 
Published: October 2009

PurposeIn the gift industry, there are many large enterprises with strong brand image, customer loyalty, marketing, or service, and they are also rich in retail channels and resources. In this situation, how can brand‐new or small companies thrive in a competitive market? The purpose of this paper is to present a case study from the experiences in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses intensive interviews with company managers; considers the opinions of experts; and collects useful historical data for analysis.FindingsThe paper summarizes eight key success factors for Franz: products and places; unique technology and process; unique business model; cost control capability; high growth in the gift market and popularity of orientalism; access to clients; small organizations; and human resources.Research limitations/implicationsAn intensive interview is a kind of oral questionnaire. The interviewee responds to the questions in his/her own way to provide significant answers but this may be considered too subjective.Practical implicationsIn order to launch a global brand in the shortest time possible through open innovation strategy, some basic prerequisites need to be met. This must be achieved by creating an open company culture fostering the sharing of ideas and promoting innovative and creative skills, along with flexible management strategies leading to a flat organization structure. Only with the existence of such prerequisites an open innovation system can be integrated properly.Originality/valueFranz is a classic example of Taiwan's brand‐new companies, which accumulate original equipment manufacturer, original design manufacturer, and own branding and manufacturing experience to succeed in their chosen market.
Innovative marketing in SMEs: a theoretical framework
Authors: O'Dwyer Michele , Gilmore Audrey , Carson David 
Published: October 2009

PurposePrevious research has identified and clarified the nature of innovative marketing in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), providing a list of key constituent elements. While this list of innovative marketing variables goes some way towards explaining the nature of innovative marketing it does not aid the understanding of the relevance and inter‐relationship of these variables. The aim of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework to facilitate further exploration of the core elements of innovative marketing in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted in order to facilitate the emergence of new theoretical relationships based on the understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of innovative marketing in SMEs. Eight case SMEs are recruited, two of the case SMEs from the service industry, three from manufacturing and three of the SMEs combined elements of both service and manufacturing.FindingsThe findings of the study illustrate the component parts of innovative marketing and the inter‐relationships between those parts in accordance with their role in innovative marketing and practices in SMEs. In order to categorise SME innovative marketing constructs, the conceptual framework transformation, assimilation, prediction and exceptionality (TAPE) is developed from relevant literature. This helps to encapsulate and explore elements of SME innovative marketing. Based on this study, the TAPE framework can more appropriately be changed to transformation, assimilation and prediction (TAP), to reflect the finding that exceptionality is inconclusive in terms of its relevance to innovative marketing in SMEs. The exclusion of exceptionality from the framework is a surprising insight emanating from the research as it contradicts previous studies. Traditionally, these elements will have been considered to be the core of innovative marketing. The conclusion here is that exceptionality be treated with caution in relation to SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper presents a theoretical framework TAPE to re‐conceptualise elements of innovative marketing. In light of the role each element plays in SME marketing activities and practices, this paper confirms the value of TAP but not exceptionality.
Positioning a firm's initial market offering: a strategic application of a consumer‐oriented model
Authors: Darling John R. , Heller Victor L. , Tablada Daniel M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a consumer‐oriented model of the market offering (marketing mix) whereby business practitioners, as well as academic scholars and students, can better understand the parallel‐based logic of how the four elements of a market offering are closely related and interdependent at the initial stage of market entry.Design/methodology/approachA consumer research study is conducted to identify the key factors that influence consumer buying decisions of particular products in Europe and North America. The five key factors identified are: importance of the product, time and effort to be spent in buying, technical complexity of the product, need for services in the buying process, and rate of product change. In addition, a thorough analysis of the marketing mixes used for numerous major categories of products is conducted. Based upon this research study and product category analysis, a consumer‐oriented model is developed. This model can then be used in establishing the initial market offering and subsequent competitive differentiation.FindingsA basic foundation exists regarding the parallel relationship between and among the four elements of a firm's market offering – product, terms of sale, distribution, and communication – and why a change in any one of the elements generates a logical change in the other three.Practical implicationsThe paper has used this model both in business consulting practices, and as an academic‐based learning tool.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on this interdependent relationship and the normal “fit” between and among the four elements of a successful initial market offering (marketing mix).
Key variables in the control of color in the textile supply chain
Authors: Cárdenas Lina Maria , Shamey Renzo , Hinks David 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the key variables that determine the level of control of color in a typical textile supply chain, including lighting variability, color perception, and color measurement.Design/methodology/approachA fishbone diagram is used to demonstrate the wide range of variables that affect the control and communication of color within the textile supply chain.FindingsIt is important to identify the important parameters and variables that influence the control of color within various stages of the textile supply chain. In regard to visual assessment variability, the results obtained in an ongoing study at North Carolina State University based on the psychophysical testing of 50 observers demonstrate a statistical difference for visual judgments of small color differences between naïve and expert observers. Results of a pairedt‐test between the second and the third trial conducted by naïve observers indicate that the repetition of the visual observations significantly affects the assessment of small color differences.Research limitations/implicationsAssessment of lighting measurements of several stores in the USA demonstrate variability in lighting, with many stores having at least two different light sources. This variability, in combination with uncontrolled lighting from external windows and entrance/exit areas, can lead to significant variability in the color perception of textile garments displayed in such areas, and may lead to consumer experience being significantly different from that intended by the designer.Practical implicationsThe optimization of variables that influence the assessment and communication of color is vital to achieving effective communication between all parties involved. This can significantly reduce costs and lead times resulting in improved competitiveness and cost efficiency associated with increased consumer satisfaction and confidence in the industry.Originality/valueThe repetition of visual observations significantly affects the assessment of small color differences.
Dynamic analysis on the thermal and electrical properties of fabrics in the process of moisture absorption and liberation
Authors: Cui Weigang , Wang Xin , Li Wenbin , Xu Weilin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a dynamic analysis on the thermal and electrical properties of fabrics under wet conditions.Design/methodology/approachA purpose‐built apparatus is applied to test the thermal and electrical properties of textiles in moisture absorption and liberation process. Relation between temperature and resistance of a cotton/polyester double‐layer fabric is also analysed.FindingsThe surface temperature of textiles shows three different stages in the process. The electrical resistance is linearly related to the reciprocal of the moisture regain of fabrics. In the moisture absorption and liberation process, surface temperature of cotton layer is higher than that of polyester layer. And the electrical resistance of cotton layer decreases more quickly than that of polyester layer. The electrical resistance changes earlier than surface temperature in the moisture‐liberation process.Practical implicationsThe paper is helpful in not only the designing of sportswear, but also the devising of moisture‐testing apparatus.Originality/valueA dynamic testing method is applied to characterize the thermal and electrical properties of textiles.