bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting energy storage technologies
Authors: Harell Georgina , Daim Tugrul U. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeIn order to compliment the growing use of renewable energies in the US, additional technologies must be employed on the bulk power system. This paper aims to forecast the most probable energy storage technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was deployed in two steps: evaluate the potential energy storage technologies that could complement a wind turbine or photovoltaic system; and forecast which of these technologies is best poised to become a viable solution to the energy storage problem facing these renewable technologies.FindingsBased on the publication and patent data, compressed air energy is set to be the fastest growing complimentary technology to wind energy. Two of these types of plants are currently in existence today as mentioned previously indicating the technology is commercially available. This technology has great potential; however, implementing this technology involves finding or creating underground airtight caverns in usable locations.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of variables have been limited due to the methodologies chosen for this analysis. The research can be expanded using other criteria such as cost, cost of capital, economies of scale, environmental concerns, social and political constraints.Originality/valueThis paper provides an assessment that was indicated as necessary by those who identified the need for the development of energy storage technologies for future electricity generation.
Forecasting effectiveness of policy implementation strategies: working with semi‐experts
Authors: Savio Nicolas D. , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: November 2009

PurposePolicy implementation strategies (PIS) are schemes designed by a government with an aim of hitting targets or attaining objectives set out by a policy. Forecasting by analogies (FBA) has been shown to be successful in situations of high uncertainty and low quantitative data as is that of PIS effectiveness forecasts. What is more, a structured approach to FBA helps the expert structure his thoughts in an organized manner before making a prediction, which is hypothesized to improve accuracy. This paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis research suggests a semi‐structured analogies (S‐SA) approach for such a task. A pilot experiment was carried to test the performance of the S‐SA approach in the hands of semi‐experts when compared with unaided judgment (UJ).FindingsThe results of the experiment showed that for this level of expertise, there is no statistical evidence to suggest any approach is better than the other. Possible explanations of this result is that analogy recall of experts was hindered by four constructs: information, complexity, worldview, and expertise. It was concluded that the structured analogies approach for forecasting PIS effectiveness must be investigated further by means of a study involving “true experts”.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample sizes were small.Practical implicationsForecasting PIS effectiveness is seen as an important tool for deciding upon which PIS to ultimately adopt (as there may be many available!) and this then has important implications for governmental budgeting.Originality/valueThe paper offers further insight into the performance of a structured analogies approach to forecasting PIS effectiveness in the hands of individuals with a mid‐level of expertise.
Positively deviant networks: what are they and why do we need them?
Authors: Casebeer Ann , Popp Janice , Scott Cathie 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to report “positively deviant” experiences of three public sector networks seeking to enhance organizational and system level capacities. It is the authors' thesis that the knowledge base concerning the true benefits and pitfalls of networks can be captured and interpreted only through intense, ongoing learning effort embedded in practice on the ground, combined with sustained in‐depth observation and collaborative research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes through case examples why and how different kinds of networks within different jurisdictional contexts and different organizational cultures are being used to enhance the climate for change towards better health care and improved health. The authors describe the contexts, structures, processes and impacts of three “positively deviant” networks.FindingsThe network form can provide opportunity for nurturing changes and innovations within large organizational and complex system environments. This opportunity to create additional and different pathways for improved decision making and service provision comes with challenges that should be recognized.Practical implicationsThe authors' experiences indicate that, for networks, a key component of success relates to pulling and pushing at the edges of multiple connections and boundaries in “positively deviant” ways. This pushing and pulling is intrinsically evidence of organizational and intraorganizational learning – in the examples presented – for the improvement of health care and health.Originality/valueOther networks can learn from the reported experiences and add their own cases to the empirical understanding of how networks can make a difference; this in turn can help the conceptual and theoretical understanding of them.
Organisational professional conflict and hybrid clinician managers
Authors: Kippist Louise , Fitzgerald Anneke 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis article aims to examine tensions between hybrid clinician managers' professional values and health care organisations' management objectives.Design/methodology/approachData are from interviews conducted with, and observation of, 14 managerial participants in a Cancer Therapy Unit set in a large teaching hospital in New South Wales, Australia, who participated in a Clinical Leadership Development Program.FindingsThe data indicate that there are tensions experienced by members of the health care organisation when a hybrid clinician manager appears to abandon the managerial role for the clinical role. The data also indicate that when a hybrid clinician manager takes on a managerial role other members of the health care organisation are required concomitantly to increase their clinical roles.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research was represented by a small sample and was limited to one department of a health care organisation, it is possible that other members of health care organisations experience similar situations when they work with hybrid clinician managers. Other research supports the findings. Also, this paper reports on data that emerged from a research project that was evaluating a Clinical Leadership Development Program. The research was not specifically focused on organisational professional conflict in health care organisations.Practical implicationsThis paper shows that the role of the hybrid clinician manager may not bring with it the organisational effectiveness that the role was perceived to have. Hybrid clinician managers abandoning their managerial role for their clinical role may mean that some managerial work is not done. Increasing the workload of other clinical members of the health care organisation may not be optimal for the health care organisation.Originality/valueOrganisational professional conflict, as a result of hybridity and divergent managerial and clinical objectives, can cause conflict which affects other organisational members and this conflict may have implications for the efficiency of the health care organisation. The extension or duality of organisational professional conflict that causes interpersonal or group conflict in other members of the organisation, to the authors' knowledge, has not yet been researched.
Critical pedagogy in a health service management development programme
Authors: Sambrook Sally 
Published: November 2009

PurposeManagement development programmes available to NHS managers focus on a performance orientation and sustain a culture of managerial and medical domination. This paper aims to question whether it is possible to consider NHS management development from a critical (empowerment culture) perspective. Features of the critical management studies approach (CMS) are identified. A new MSc is evaluated against these characteristics, examining the teaching and learning processes and students' perceptions of the programme. The aim is to develop critical thinkers who can return to their organizations and challenge existing power structures and practices to change local cultures and enhance health services.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research employed anonymous student questionnaires and a focus group.FindingsStudent evaluations suggest the MSc can deliver a critical pedagogy and help managers understand issues of power and empowerment, challenge dominant cultures, innovate and effect small, local changes in the NHS culture.Research limitaions/implicationsThere is a need to continue evaluating the programme and include other stakeholders. Longitudinal research should assess the impact of the managers' changed values, attitudes and behaviours on colleagues, clients and the local cultures.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies some of the tensions of developing “critical” health service managers, and the problems they encounter back in the “uncritical” NHS context, as well as some of the challenges in “facilitating” a critical curriculum. It questions the ethics of developing (or not) a critical perspective in a local context unfamiliar with CMS.Originality/valueManagement development in the NHS largely ignores critical pedagogy. This paper makes a small and unique contribution to understanding how developing “critically thinking” managers can challenge the dominant culture. However, the limitations of such a small‐scale study and ethical implications are noted.
Increasing hotel responsiveness to customers through information sharing
Authors: Tiedemann Nicole , van Birgele Marcel , Semeijn Janjaap 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate customer responsiveness in the hotel industry, and the role of market orientation including both internal and external information sharing.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the supply chain management and marketing literature, a conceptual model was constructed and tested based on a survey of European hotel managers using PLS path modeling.FindingsMarket orientation seems to be an important basis for cross‐functional and inter‐organizational information sharing. Information exchange, both internal and external, can explain over 50 percent of customer responsiveness, as perceived by hotel managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study mainly focused on European four‐ and five‐star hotels. The final sample is considered representative, but relatively small (50 respondents). The observed importance of information sharing warrants further investigation.Practical implicationsWhile many hotel managers may focus on cleanliness, comfort of rooms, quality of food and friendliness, it seems that both internal and external information sharing are important antecedents of customer responsiveness, and hence satisfaction and loyalty.Originality/valueThis paper, by combining marketing and supply chain management concepts into one model, offers new insights into the hotel business. Customer responsiveness can be improved through market orientation and information sharing.
Managing music festivals for tourism purposes in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: González‐Reverté Francesc , Miralbell‐Izard Oriol 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the touristic potential of music festivals in Catalonia. It is an opportune goal because even though this region is experiencing an important increase of new festivals and cultural events, there is a lack of adequate coordinating and guiding tourism policies.Design/methodology/approachThe data was gathered with a survey to managers of music festivals that provided information about their management structure and economic results. The study findings are the result of an analysis done with a statistical multivariate technique and constructing indicators of event economic feasibility and tourism specialisation.FindingsData reveals the coexistence of two different types of festivals in Catalonia depending on their cultural or touristic orientation and with clear differences in their management style. Both types have a professionalized management structure and an economic self‐sufficiency when compared with the rest of Catalan cultural events, so they can be considered as an asset for regional tourism development. Nevertheless, some problems are detected in management practices that should be improved when implementing a specific tourism event policy.Originality/valueThe research has built a unique event data base that can be useful for decision making in tourism public administration. The paper suggests that local and regional administration should consider music festivals and cultural events, in general, as excellent resources to create new tourism products. Some of the characteristics of festivals, such as their important potential as tourism attractions and their cultural identity or the economical success, are critical assets to their high potential in local tourism development. These findings should justify a more resolute public policy of events and music festivals in Catalonia.
Healthcare capacity measurement
Authors: Bamford David , Chatziaslan Elizabeth 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings from an action research intervention in the outpatient department of a National Health Service (NHS) Hospital. It investigates the perceived and actual problems of measuring capacity at a UK hospital.Design/methodology/approachAn action research methodology was adopted: relevant literature on capacity measurement and performance was reviewed; the motivation behind its usage explored. Systems requiring improvement were identified and the adoption and implementation of new working methods initiated and explored. In addition to considering capacity measurement and performance issues, the authors examined the effects this may have on the long‐term potential of the organisation.FindingsThe research identified gaps in the capacity and activity measures used and in the dissemination of performance information. To address these problems and meet the changing needs of the department a new performance measurement and reporting tool was implemented.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology applied was appropriate, generating data to facilitate discussion and draw specific conclusions from. A perceived limitation is the single case approach, however, Remenyi argues this can be enough to add to the body of knowledge.Practical implicationsThe paper gives details about the introduction of new performance measures and the development of a performance measurement tool for the Outpatient Department of the Hospital. The conclusions drawn add substantially to previous commentaries, and develop interesting questions for future research.Originality/valueSpecific recommendations for the implementation of a new performance tool for healthcare organisations are made.
Measuring and comparing the performance of Portuguese secondary schools
Authors: Sarrico Cláudia S. , Rosa Maria J. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss methods for measuring and comparing the performance of Portuguese schools, confronting metric and practice benchmarking exercises.Design/methodology/approachData on the schools was collected within the context of a programme for school evaluation launched by the Ministry of Education in 2007. The paper first uses a non‐parametric technique, data envelopment analysis, to assess the sample of schools using the data collected, taking a value‐added approach. The results obtained are compared with the results obtained by the panels of evaluators within the national evaluation programme of schools.FindingsThe paper concludes that the performance of the schools under the metric benchmarking exercise does vary substantially. However, the results do not correlate with the judgements made by the panels of assessors regarding schools' results. This might be because assessors find it difficult to take a value‐added approach and instead assess schools mostly on output measures, such as exam classifications and graduation rates, having difficulty in taking into account pupils' socio‐economic background and other variables not under the control of the school.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on the Portuguese context, and its findings might not be directly applicable to other contexts. Also, if other quantitative and qualitative methods were used, other results might have been obtained.Practical implicationsAlthough the study is focused on the Portuguese context, contributing towards a better understanding of Portuguese secondary school performance, it is believed it will be helpful to inform the debate on school evaluation, performance improvement and policy setting in other contexts.Originality/valueThe paper concludes by arguing for metric benchmarking exercises of the type proposed, to inform schools, evaluators and policy decision‐makers, in combination with practice benchmarking exercises, which are better suited for qualitative aspects of performance.
Cross‐gender networking in the workplace: causes and consequences
Authors: Ng Ignace , Hau‐siu Chow Irene 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to examine how individual and organizational characteristics as well as attitudinal factors can affect the network composition of female managers. Another of its objectives is to examine the effect of cross‐gender network on the quit intention of female managers.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was administered, seeking information on the personal characteristics and attitudes of the 91 managers, the characteristics of the organization for which the respondent works, and the network characteristics of the respondents in Hong Kong.FindingsThe results show that positive attitudes towards women's leadership qualities and higher ratio of females in top management positions are associated with a lower cross‐gender instrumental network for females. Perceived discrimination or being married encourages female managers to seek a cross‐gender network. Cross‐gender networks reduce the quit intentions of female managers.Originality/valueThe study offers a better understanding of how networks change involves an examination of both the characteristics of the network holder and the larger context in which the network holder is located. It contributes to the scant evidence on the consequences of cross‐gender networking for female managers in the Chinese context.
A more proactive approach to addressing gender‐related employment disparities in the United States
Authors: Graham Mary E. , Hotchkiss Julie L. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a proactive public policy approach to complement relatively reactive existing policies addressing gender‐related employment disparities in the USA, and to provide an initial empirical illustration of the proposal.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conceptual application of theories of total quality management (TQM) to the topic of gender‐related employment disparities, followed by an empirical illustration using US Current Population Survey data and a gender equal employment opportunity (EEO) scorecard.FindingsUsing the TQM framework, company outliers were conceptualized on the EEO scorecard as “special” causes of economy‐wide equal employment variation and the industries in which companies are situated as “common” causes. The paper identifies two underperforming industries on gender‐related employment outcomes: Mining and Construction, and Transportation, Communication and Utilities.Research limitations/implicationsFurther conceptual work on the application of TQM to gender disparities in employment is recommended. Also, the study considered broad industry categories; future research should refine these categories further.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that US enforcement agencies incorporate industry considerations more explicitly into their activities. Employer insights may be beneficial to improving equal employment opportunity performance at the industry level.Originality/valueThe application of TQM theory to the topic of gender‐related employment disparities is a novel approach that may motivate new public policies.
The spouse of the female manager: role and influence on the woman's career
Authors: Välimäki Suvi , Lämsä Anna‐Maija , Hiillos Minna 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of the spouse, specifically the husband, for the woman manager's career by focusing on the gender role construction between spouses, and the relationship of these roles to the woman's career.Design/methodology/approachThe topic was investigated within a Finnish context by analyzing the narratives of 29 female managers. A common feature among the women was their managerial position and extensive work experience. All the women had or had had one or more spouses in the course of their careers, and all but one were mothers, mostly of teenage or adult children.FindingsA typology distinguishing five types of spouses was constructed: determining, supporting, instrumental, flexible, and counterproductive. The results suggest that fluidity in gender roles between spouses is associated with the woman manager's sense of success and satisfaction in her career compared with more conventional gender role construction. It seems that traditional gender roles between spouses can be one reason for women's difficulties in attaining (top) managerial positions in Finland.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the prior literature concerning the work‐family relationship by extending research into an area so far overlooked: namely, the role of the spouse in relation to the woman manager's career. The study calls into question the straightforward and unequivocal view of the family – so typical in discussions about work‐family issues – by showing the many different meanings that women managers attach to one of the family members.