bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New and improved poem
Authors: Lenthen Simon 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis poem aims to present a contemplation of the impact of marketing on creativity.Design/methodology/approachThis takes the form of a fictional poem, polemic, irony (the last two words are ironic as well).FindingsThe poet considers the nature of creative communication; and finds that in order to reach a wide market the poet has to sacrifice self expression (you made me give the game away).Originality/valueA unique contemplation on the nature of creativity and communication (but I am open to challenge).
Healthcare quality and moderators of patient satisfaction: testing for causality
Authors: Badri Masood A. , Attia Samaa , Ustadi Abdulla M. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive structural equation based service quality and patient satisfaction model taking into account the patient's condition before and after discharge. The authors aim to test for causality in a sample of patients from United Arab Emirates public hospitals.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using questionnaires completed by adults discharged (n=244) from UAE public hospitals. The proposed model consists of five main constructs. Three represent service quality: quality of care (four variables); process and administration (four variables) and information (four variables). There is also one construct that represents patient's status (two variables – health status before admission and after discharge). Finally, there is one construct that represents patient's satisfaction with care (two variables – general and relative satisfaction). Structural equation modeling and LISREL using maximum likelihood estimation was used to test hypothesized model(s)/parameters(s) derived deductively from the literature.FindingsThe structural equation modeling representation provides a comprehensive picture that allows healthcare constructs and patient satisfaction causality to be tested. The goodness‐of‐fit statistics supported the healthcare quality‐patient status‐satisfaction model.Originality/valueThe model has been found to capture attributes that characterize healthcare quality in a developing country and could represent other modern healthcare systems. Also, it can be used to evaluate other healthcare practices from patients' viewpoints. The study highlights the importance of healthcare quality as patient satisfaction predictors by capturing other effects such as patient status.
Orthopaedic procedure coding
Authors: Britton Edward , Chambers Charles , Ashmore Alexander 
Published: June 2009

PurposeCoding clinical work should allow accurate and precise methods of assessing individual or department activity. The NHS financial reforms have increased correct diagnostic coding importance by introducing “payment by results” so that funding is directly linked to patient activity. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of procedure codes (OPCS 4.4), and its effect on Healthcare Resource Group tariff codes that directly affect revenue.Design/methodology/approachA total of ten procedures from ten consultants were randomly selected over one month. Each consultant coded his or her own procedures. From these codes, Healthcare Resource Group tariff codes were assigned to each patient. These were compared with procedure and Healthcare Resource Group tariff codes generated by coding department staff.FindingsOf 100 procedures, four were un‐coded by coding department staff. There was concordance in 35 per cent of cases. Coders only gave one code for each procedure, whereas 35 per cent of procedures coded by consultants were assigned multiple codes. This resulted in 27 per cent of cases generating a different Healthcare Resource Group tariff code. Of the cases, five resulted in a difference of £4,000 or more; however, the overall difference was a £3,367 revenue loss if coder's codes were used.Research limitations/implicationsStudy numbers were limited to 100 with five cases showing excessive financial gain or loss significantly influencing the overall result.Practical implicationsPresent procedure coding practice is inaccurate and results in Healthcare Resource Group tariff codes that do not accurately represent clinical activity and productivity. Under payment by results, this can result in a significant revenue loss and possibly ultimately future referrals. Therefore, coding practice needs to be improved as a matter of urgency. Arguably, this could be achieved by closer communication between coders and clinicians.Originality/valueThe paper identifies a flaw in the way clinical activity and productivity is assessed at present. This is fundamental to the process on which “payment by results” is based, and therefore must be addressed if trusts are to be financially successful.
View of Islam on earthquakes, human vitality and disaster
Authors: Ghafory‐Ashtiany Mohsen 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase public participation in the reduction process of growing disaster risk in developing countries by making optimum benefit from the richness of Islamic teaching toward developing an effective and scientifically sound risk communication and education plan that blends with historical traditions, religious beliefs and indigenous knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the correlation between the guiding principle of earthquake risk reduction and the views of Islam on disaster, earthquake, God's bounty, the earth, good deeds, as well as human behavior, safety and vitality in order to clear existing misconceptions and it shows the issues of environment protection, risk management, safety and human life in terms of religious teaching.FindingsThe dissemination of this type of knowledge has helped to clear the misconceptions and increase people's understanding of and knowledge about disaster‐related issues; as a necessary step in the process of disaster risk reduction and improving safety and development, all of which can be viewed as demonstrations of God's love for humankind.Originality/valueIt is the first time that this noble correlation between religion and risk reduction has been explained in a paper, and it is expected to open the road for research and discussion on this topic.
Kuwait's 1991 environmental tragedy: lessons learned
Authors: Mohamed Al‐Damkhi Ali , Ahmed Abdul‐Wahab Sabah , Mansour Al‐Khulaifi Nabeel 
Published: June 2009

PurposeIraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990 precipitated an ecological tragedy in the Arabian Gulf region. During the course of the invasion Kuwait suffered severe losses to both its oil industry and its ecological system. The scale of damage was enormous, ranging from destruction as a result of oil fires and spills to the economic deterioration of Kuwait's oil industry. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the lessons learned from Kuwait's oil well catastrophe in the hope of preventing or at least minimizing future such man‐made disasters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews and analyzes Kuwait's oil well tragedy in terms of its scope, logistical services provided to cope with the disaster, the techniques used in firefighting operations and related political issues. The paper also discusses the need to review existing environmental laws and the concept of environmental crime in light of this catastrophe.FindingsThere are many important lessons that can be drawn from Kuwait's catastrophic disaster, the most important of which is to ensure that dictators in the future never believe they can destroy the environment without severe repercussions from the international community.Practical implicationsThe conflagrations in Kuwait demonstrate the dangerous consequences of large‐scale modern combat in an environmentally fragile area. Not just Kuwait but all oil‐producing nations, especially the Gulf countries, are vulnerable to this type of environmental and economic disaster.Originality/valueKuwait's tragedy highlights the need for immediate consideration of possible similar disasters in the future and how the global community will deal with them. The high cost of environmental degradation only gets more expensive when left unattended. The price is paid not only in hard currency for firefighting but in damage to the public's health and in other environmental problems. This paper shows that sustainable development is impossible in the presence of wars and terrorist activities.
Web‐based support system for flood response operation in Malaysia
Authors: Katuk Norliza , Ruhana Ku‐Mahamud Ku , Norwawi Norita , Deris Safaai 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the utilization of a web‐based support system for flood response operation in Malaysia. The system is intentionally designed to improve process and data management towards providing prompt and effective response to victims.Design/methodology/approachThe implementation of the research adopted the knowledge acquisition method for implementing expert systems in organizations. The methodology consists of four phases of activities which are planning for knowledge acquisition, knowledge extraction, knowledge analysis, and knowledge verification.FindingsThe findings include the architecture of the web‐based support system for flood response operation which is presented in the form of conceptual and software models. The architecture of web‐based support systems for flood response operation can assist the flood management related agencies in managing and maintaining data related to floods. It also allows them to monitor the current situation of flood‐related matters.Practical implicationsWeb‐based support systems for flood response operation is expected to improve the overall aspect of flood response operation by providing electronic features which facilitate the flood response process and data management. In future, expert systems for flood response operations is one of the enhancements to the current architecture.Originality/valueThis paper presents the architecture of a web‐based support system for flood response operation in Malaysia. The proposed architecture is beneficial for the flood management related agencies in order to plan further improvements in the current procedure for flood response.
Stress‐prevention in secondary schools: online‐ versus face‐to‐face‐training
Authors: Fridrici Mirko , Lohaus Arnold 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the evaluation of an internet‐delivered stress‐prevention program for adolescents as a possible alternative for school‐based implementation of mental health promotion.Design/methodology/approachA total of 904 adolescents in grades eight and nine were assigned to four treatment conditions (online‐training in school, online‐training via internet from home, school‐based face‐to‐face training, control group without intervention). Before and after the training interval, all adolescents were questioned about their knowledge regarding stress and coping and their appraisal of stress‐evoking situations. The participants self‐assessed their perceived stress vulnerability, their coping behavior and their stress symptoms. In addition, the training groups were asked about their training acceptance.FindingsThe results show a considerable knowledge gain for participants of the online‐program. The number of positive cognitions in stress‐evoking situations also increased, although this effect was only observed in the school‐based online‐training setting. Regarding training acceptance, the best results were obtained for participants of the classical face‐to‐face intervention.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine factors that influence compliance rates in internet‐delivered prevention programs.Practical implicationsAlthough online‐prevention cannot completely substitute school‐based face‐to‐face‐training, it can be seen as an effective and economic complement to conventional methods of health promotion.Originality/valueThis paper presents not only a comparative evaluation of internet‐ and school‐based health promotion targeting adolescents, but also a comparison of the effects of online‐prevention under “real” and “ideal” conditions.
“Crazy? So what!”:
Authors: Conrad Ines , Dietrich Sandra , Heider Dirk , Blume Anne , Angermeyer Matthias C. , Riedel‐Heller Steffi 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the health‐promoting and stigma‐reducing effect of the German school‐based programme “Crazy? So what!”.Design/methodology/approachA quasi‐experimental longitudinal control‐study was carried out with assessments one week prior to the school programme, immediately after it and three months later. A total of 210 Year 9 and 10 students (aged 13‐18 years) were surveyed in four schools in Saxony, Germany. Data analysis was done descriptively based on frequency distributions. Random effects regression models for unbalanced panel data were used to estimate the change of the outcome variables over time.FindingsAt baseline, only 5.2 per cent of the intervention group would talk with their teacher about a mental health problem. Immediately after the programme, this number increased to 10.6 per cent and after three months to 17.9 per cent. There was also a positive, short‐term effect on students' social distance, i.e. an increase in positive attitudes towards those with a mental illness, but this was not sustained over time. By contrast, self‐efficacy proved resistant to change.Originality/valueThis school programme is successful in that the “experts on their own behalf” (young people, who have gone through mental illness) were able to encourage and reassure others on how to face a mental health crisis with more confidence, which also contributes to strengthening students' resilience. The results of this study indicate the importance of sensitising children and youth, but also teachers and other adults to mental health.
Succeeding in the new economic environment – three targets for leaders
Authors: Berman Saul , Davidson Steven , Longworth Sara , Blitz Amy 
Published: June 2009

PurposeCompanies are now struggling to cope with the most severe recession in more than half a century. This paper aims to study how leading companies have successfully reacted to the crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers identified early winners in the current recession, beginning with large US‐listed companies whose stock appreciated by at least 5 percent in 2008, at a time when the S&P declined by 37 percent. They looked at best practices of 61 companies.FindingsWinners have learned to ask, “Which strategies will allow the company to both survive in this economic transformation and, potentially, to thrive in it?”Practical implicationsOverall, the early winners the following: focus on value via sustainable strategies that emphasize long‐term value; exploit opportunities presented during downturns, including growing through low‐cost acquisitions and stock buy‐backs; and act quickly, with the agility to respond ahead of, or at least to keep pace with, rapid changes in the new economic environment.Originality/valueAs winning firms have learned, there are the three targets for leaders in the new economic environment. The article offers a how‐to guide to achieving them: leadership target no. 1: focus on value; leadership target no. 2: exploit opportunities; and leadership target no. 3: make speed a competitive advantage.
Distressed M&A and corporate strategy: lessons from Marvel Entertainment Group's bankruptcy
Authors: Calandro Joseph 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate the viability of distressed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by way of case study utilizing the modern Graham and Dodd valuation approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a distressed acquisition case study of the 1996 Marvel Entertainment Group (Marvel) bankruptcy. It draws on previously published Graham and Dodd methodological materials as well as a financial case study of Marvel that was prepared at the time. The valuation presented in this paper is the sole work of the author.FindingsThe case study supports the view that distressed M&A can be a viable corporate strategy alternative. It also demonstrates how a multi‐layered valuation approach such as Graham and Dodd can be ideal for identifying value that may be hidden in the confusion and distress of bankruptcy.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study illustrates the valuation insights that the modern Graham and Dodd approach can produce in a distressed setting.Practical implicationsThe case study illustrates the viability of distressed M&A as a corporate strategy alternative.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that we are aware that applies Graham and Dodd‐based distressed M&A valuation to corporate strategy.
The future of interpretive accounting research
Authors: Durocher Sylvain 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the polyphonic debate on the future of interpretive accounting research (IAR) by addressing the issues of cumulative knowledge and embedment of IAR in wider literatures.Design/methodology/approachMcCracken's method of inquiry, adapted to incorporate meso‐level considerations, can be used to help resolve these issues. Accounting‐related phenomena can be studied by first identifying the cumulative knowledge contributed by different theoretical perspectives that provides broad skeletal categories to be investigated in the context of an interpretive study. In addition, micro‐ and macro‐level “external” theories are incorporated in a global meso‐level framework to provide a high‐level lens to guide data generation and analysis, fostering the embedment of IAR in wider literatures.FindingsMeso‐level research implies thinking organizationally and behaviourally, and thinking about linkage. By extension, it requires reflecting on the characteristics of the context in which the phenomenon occurs and the actors behave, the nature of the task or decision to perform, and possible links between macro‐ and micro‐factors that help identify “external” theories and frameworks that contribute to understanding the phenomenon.Research limitations/implicationsThe contribution of the suggested approach is highlighted in the context of financial accounting research. Reflexive accounts on the choice and use of a meso‐level approach are presented, and the issue of appropriate balance between theoretical and empirical material is addressed.Originality/valueCreativity is fostered when cumulative knowledge about a specific phenomenon is embedded in wider meso‐level theoretical perspectives, leading to the discovery of new insights about the topic under study and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
The impact of sports on team performance management
Authors: Ratten Vanessa 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to introduce the special issue on the relationship of performance management to sports teams.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the importance of performance management to sports teams and justifies the need for the special issue.FindingsThe paper finds that there are a variety of different types of teams that operate in the sports context, including professional league teams, college teams, teams at the workplace, volunteer teams and coaching teams.Originality/valueThis editorial provides an overview of this special issue, which comprises eight original papers that are best practice examples of the latest developments in the research on teams in the sports context. Each of these articles is briefly discussed in terms of its contribution to the literature.
Managing legitimacy and uncertainty in professional team sport: the NBA's draft lottery
Authors: Soebbing Brian P. , Mason Daniel S. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the complexity of – and conflicts inherent in – managing sports leagues at both the league and franchise level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on changes to the National Basketball Association's (NBA) amateur entry draft, which has attempted to balance the need to preserve league parity and reduce the incentive for teams to deliberately lose games in order to improve draft position.FindingsThe discussion reveals the conflict between league and team goals. In addition, using Oliver's strategic decisions as a framework, the findings also illustrate how sport league commissioners have to balance pressures from both the internal and external environments.Originality/valueThis paper expands our understanding of how leagues manage institutional pressures, and how these pressures impact the team, leagues, and the decision makers involved.
Organizational structure and home team performance
Authors: Foster William M. , Washington Marvin 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to demonstrate that organizational task interdependence has an impact on the performance of home teams in sport.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a cross‐sectional research design. It tests the authors' hypothesis using a probit analysis of nine years of data from Major League Baseball and eight years of data from the National Hockey League.FindingsThe paper determines that the underlying task interdependence of a sport has a significant impact on the performance of a sport team.Originality/valueThe paper argues that sport managers need to consider organizational structure when accounting for team performance. Moreover, the structure of the sport(s) needs to be considered when making adjustments to the league(s) that might affect the competitive balance.
Volunteer motivation and demographic influences at a professional tennis event
Authors: Pauline Gina , Pauline Jeffrey S. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the demographic make‐up of volunteers and their motives for participating in a professional tennis event.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a cross‐sectional descriptive study to investigate the primary motivation of volunteers from a US Open Series professional tennis event. A MANOVA was also conducted to compare the volunteer motivation factors (purposive, egoistic, leisure, material, external) by demographic factors (gender and age).FindingsVolunteers' demographics closely resemble the tennis participation population and are similar to other tournament volunteers in the sport of golf. Volunteers were strongly motivated by material and purposive factors. Gender and age had no significant effect on the motivation to volunteer.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample being from a single event can limit the generalizations, but the work can serve as a framework for more extensive studies, including focusing on a women's event to examine the differences in motivation.Practical implicationsImplications of the results are provided in an effort to assist sport managers to design quality volunteer experiences that enhance the overall experience, supporting episodic volunteers' work ethic, and management of the event. There is clear evidence that volunteer satisfaction is higher when their motives are met. It is intended that this research will offer more support for event organizers based on the growing usage of volunteers and concerns in the sport industry.Originality/valueThis study is the only one that examines tennis volunteers in general as well as exploring the effect of the dependent variables of gender and age on motivation.