bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patent strategizing
Authors: Dolfsma Wilfred 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to further the development of strategic thinking, relevant for both academics and practitioners, about a key asset in the knowledge economy: patents.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on existing insights on the strategic use of patents, presenting them in a coherent framework.FindingsThe paper discusses the different aspects to patent strategizing that need dedicated management attention, and discusses the key considerations to be taken into account. The paper also indicates at which levels in the organization patent strategizing needs to take place.Practical implicationsPractitioners will be much more aware of the strategic options for using patents to further a firm's competitive position.Originality/valueThe paper draws to some extent on existing knowledge about patents. Such knowledge has, however, been scattered across different domains. The strategic options for a firm of using patents have not been discussed at length or in the context of a comprehensive framework either in the academic literature or in that for practitioners.
Valuing intellectual capital of innovative start‐ups
Authors: Grajkowska Aleksandra 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to contribute to the theory of intellectual capital (IC) with the new IC valuation method based on the economic value added (EVA®) concept as well as to present the Innovation Funnel, which is a useful management method and tool from which companies would benefit.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first explains the links and differences between IC and intellectual assets (IAs) and aims at improving the reader's understanding of the share of the two classes of shareholders, monetary capital investors and intellectual capital investors, of the innovative start‐ups. The paper provides practical guidance for use in IC valuation and financial management of innovation rather than a theoretical framework, and is based on the literature on innovation, IC, corporate finance as well as the practical experience of a few early stage venture capitals with whom the author cooperates.FindingsThe findings show a way of calculating fair share of an innovative company's shareholdings. The method reflects the risk adjusted future value of cash invested by monetary capital investors and a real market value of IC contributed by the founders. The paper also presents a method of financial management of innovation projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented methods focus on creating shareholder value and on financial aspects of IC rather than on IC indicators and their graphical representation, hence, members of the IC community who seek more practical concepts may be more interested in the paper.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a practical perspective on the method for IC valuation, innovation projects' financial management, as well as fair division of a start‐up shares between intellectual and monetary capital investors that would be useful for venture capital officers, innovative companies founders and R&D centers' managers.
Disclosure of non‐financial information in the annual report
Authors: Arvidsson Susanne 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the management teams' views regarding different aspects related to the disclosure of non‐financial information in the annual report. The focus is on the following aspects: incentive, quantity, focus, use of non‐financial key performance indicators (KPIs) and trends.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey addressed to investor‐relation managers (IRMs) at the largest companies listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.FindingsThe study confirms an increasing focus of non‐financial information related to intangible assets in corporate disclosure. This increase appears to be both regulatory and demand driven. Encouraging indeed is that management teams seem to have acknowledged the importance not only to describe the less tangible values per se, but also to explain the roles they play in the value‐creation process and in corporate strategy. Furthermore, the study reveals a trend shift from research and development (R&D) and relational information towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee‐related information, an increasing number of non‐financial KPIs and a positive attitude to mandatory requirements. Overall, the findings indicate that voluntary disclosure compensates for the deficiencies of financial statements to properly disclose intangible assets. This may lessen the risk of the argued impairment of the efficient allocation of resources on the stock market.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal that quite a few challenges lie ahead in shaping efficient corporate disclosures where also intangible assets are in focus. The most critically relate to dealing with the concerns of reliability and comparability associated with disclosures of intangible assets and their related non‐financial KPIs. This needs to be taken on promptly by management teams, policy makers and financial market regulators if the corporate‐disclosure process shall function efficiently and facilitate decreased information asymmetry and uphold an efficient allocation of resources on the stock market.Originality/valueHerein not only one aspect related to disclosure of non‐financial information is being analysed, but also several and from a management‐team perspective, which is a perspective often neglected for the sophisticated‐user perspective.
An agent‐based intelligent virtual learning environment for construction management
Authors: Obonyo E.A. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the deployment of an e‐learning environment for construction courses based on enhancing virtual computing technologies using agent‐based techniques.Design/methodology/approachThis research involves designing and deploying a complex application that combines advanced visualisation, interactive management through complex virtual devices, distributed multi‐user communication and intelligent components. The proposed agent‐oriented methodology and resulting application organises construction knowledge into a structure that enables the students to undertake more self‐directed, systematic and scientific exploration.FindingsThere is great potential for experimenting with a wider variety of educational technologies such as “intelligent” virtual environments. This is a concept that needs further experimentation within construction courses to enrich students' learning with practice‐based experiences. The use of ageny‐oriented objects within simulations and modeling make the virtual learning environment a highly interactive experience. Attempts to do this using traditional intelligent tutoring systems have been frustrated by integrations challenges. Agent‐based systems can handle such challenges. The agent approach is also more efficient in analysing the impact of different decisions in various scenarios by automating the execution of repetitive, time‐consuming actions.Research limitations/implicationsThis research identifies specific gaps in the existing e‐learning infrastructure that can be addressed using the intelligent agent paradigm. In particular, the research demonstrates how the notion of learning by actively exploring and controlling environmental variables can be best utilised in the selected domain by giving the learners the means to rapidly visualize the effects of their decisions.Originality/valueConstruction disciplines have increasingly embraced the use of advanced visualisation applications and display systems that allow students to gain a better understanding of the construction process and the resulting facility's performance. Existing efforts are based on image visualisation or animation detailed using, for example, Virtual Reality Modeling Language and 3D Studio Max‐based design animations and walkthroughs. None of these efforts has explored the use of an agent oriented, virtual tutoring approach. A comprehensive literature review established that of no formalised methodologies exist for deploying agent‐based virtual learning environments.
Mapping of synchronous activities through virtual management momentum simulation
Authors: Beran V. , Dlask P. , Eaton D. , Hromada E. , Zindulka O. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to present an approach to the improvement of the risk analysis of construction projects by linking risk analysis to the potential variances in time and cost performance of endogenous variables. This link is synchronous, such that changes in either the cost or time schedule variables are uniquely modelled to the overall time and cost profile of a project.Design/methodology/approachThe presented approach is based on synchronous time and cost scheduling, simulation and the methodology presented here develops technical indicators on the basis of virtual management momentum (VMM).FindingsThe paper shows a potential improvement to management decision making by the use of VMM. Senior management can test alternative strategies and develop probability matrices defining the potential results.Research limitations/implicationsThe current model simulates the impact of endogenous risks, and therefore by implication excludes all exogenous risks. This limitation can be removed by the introduction of other risk vectors, but is beyond the scope of the current research.Originality/valueThe mapping technique utilised to display these changes makes the appreciation of such impacts visually simple and is extremely effective in improving the management of endogenous project risk.
Logistics simulation modelling across construction supply chains
Authors: Vidalakis Christos , Tookey John E. , Sommerville James 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a logistical analysis of construction supply chains by assessing the impact of varying demand on the performance of builders' merchants' logistics.Design/methodology/approachTaking into consideration that the vast majority of construction materials are distributed through intermediary organisations, the paper focuses on the logistics of builders' merchants. The study follows a field study approach to develop a conceptual logistics model facilitating experimentation using simulation modelling.FindingsThe paper highlights the importance of incorporating intermediary organisations in the study of construction supply chains and reveals the implications of varying demand on logistics performance related to inventory and transportation costs.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to limit assumptions associated with individual company characteristics, the sample has included data from one builder's merchant company. To allow external benchmarking, the suggested approach has to be applied to a wider sample.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a practical understanding in terms of the function of intermediary organisations in construction supply chains and the application of logistics management in construction.Originality/valueConsidering the complexity involved in construction supply chain operations, the value of this research is twofold. First, the research contributes to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of construction supply chains and second, provides a risk‐free environment for modelling supply chain cost performance.
The adoption of innovative asphalt equipment in road construction
Authors: Habets Thijs , Voordijk Hans , van der Sijde Peter 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the adoption process of innovative asphalt equipment in road construction and how the level of knowledge as characterised by the level of education in the companies affects this process. The emphasis is on equipment used for transporting asphalt from asphalt plant to construction site or at the construction site itself. It is assumed that the uptake of this equipment is influenced by the radicality of the innovation and the company's level of education.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the innovation behaviour of construction companies is assessed through a case study, an expert opinion, and an industry survey (of which 55 per cent of the total population participated).FindingsThe results show that on average, experts and companies alike give more radical equipment innovations less adoption chances. Companies prefer to make minor improvements and perceive no benefits in implementing a risky radical equipment innovation. Companies that have a higher level of knowledge are found to show a more positive and professional attitude towards implementing innovative asphalt equipment.Research limitations/implicationsThe defined knowledge is restricted to the formal level of education of both management and the firm in one part of the construction industry. The knowledge indicator used in this study has a high validity (it is easy to measure). Further research could focus on other types of knowledge affecting innovation adoption in other parts of the construction industry.Originality/valueThe value of this study is that it addresses the important questions of how managers of construction firms select equipment and how it is affected by the level of knowledge.
Organisation of facilities management in relation to core business
Authors: Anker Jensen Per 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to clarify the organisational relationships between facilities management (FM) and core business (CB) and how these relationships vary for strategic and operational support functions.Design/methodology/approachThe research takes a starting point in Michael Porter's theory of value chains but also draws on theory of strategic FM, governance and forms of coordination. The value chains for CBs and support functions are analysed and related to empirical data from a case study on a broadcasting corporation during a major relocation.FindingsA particular support value chain is identified and a typology of archetypes of support functions is developed. The relationship between CB and strategic support is identified as primarily a general business orientation, while the relationship between CB and non‐strategic functions is identified as mainly a specific customer orientation. It is concluded that a market relationship – internally or externally – is appropriate for non‐strategic functions, while it is important to create a kind of coalition between strategic FM functions and the CB management.Originality/valueThe paper provides a theoretical‐ and empirical‐based analysis of the organisation of FM in relation to CB. The proposed solution of creating a strategic coalition has not been suggested before in scientific literature, but a recent example in practice has occurred. This supports the proposal and shows its value for practitioners.
Outsourcing of housing services in Hong Kong: optimization of transaction value
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeOutsourcing is now a common strategy for delivery of property services. Recent reviews of empirical literature find support for the efficiency and cost savings from outsourcing is at best mixed. In the housing context, organizations are still sceptical to the real cost benefit and are reluctant to enter into multiyear outsourcing contracts to deliver their housing management and facilities services. This study aims to investigate whether outsourcing can bring significant cost savings to housing services, and if so to explore how the transaction process should be structured in order to optimize the transaction value through minimization of production and transaction costs.Design/methodology/approachSingle‐case study methodology, based on a typical major housing corporation in Hong Kong, was used to quantitatively examine the impact of outsourcing on cost savings using independent‐samplest‐test, and competition on fees (production cost) using Pearson correlation analysis. Pearson analysis was also conducted to examine the correlation between the levels of transaction costs and the degrees of complexity of housing services.FindingsThe quantitative study found that outsourcing could lead to significant cost savings for housing services in a contestable property service market. The levels of competition had significant negative correlation with the tendered prices, inferring that more competent bidders should be invited for competitive tendering to minimize production cost. Complex services with intensive resident involvement and uncertain scope of works were associated with high monitoring costs, inferring that monitoring resources should be allocated according to the complexity of services to minimize transaction costs. This approach can ensure optimization of transaction value, which is particularly relevant to high‐density developments requiring high transaction costs for performance monitoring of the outsourced housing services.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst cost savings and transaction structure for optimization of transaction value are verified in the context of a representative major housing organization, the results form a baseline on which further research can build to test their significance in many other settings. Ultimately, a more robust transaction value theory can be developed for outsourcing of housing services.Practical implicationsWith the findings of this research, housing organizations can make an informed decision to outsource the services. They can also adopt the transaction structure to optimize transaction value from outsourcing, i.e. minimization of production and transaction costs through market competition and allocation of monitoring resources based on the complexity of services.Originality/valueThis study makes economic contribution to corporate outsourcing policy by establishing a transaction structure which policy makers and facilities managers can adopt to optimize cost savings. Consequently, this will benefit the society through optimal use of resources.
Implementation of a considerative checklist to improve productivity and team working on medical ward rounds
Authors: Herring Roselle , Caldwell Gordon , Jackson Steve 
Published: May 2011

PurposeIn the changing environment of the National Health Service (NHS) medical ward rounds have become increasingly complex. With complexity comes the inevitable risk that things will go wrong. Serious failures in care can have important consequences for individual patients, their families, cause distress to health care staff and undermine public confidence in the NHS. The paper's aim is to introduce the concept of a medical ward round considerative checklist to improve ward round processes, effectiveness, reliability and efficiency, aid team working and foster better communication.Design/methodology/approachThe checklist includes aspects of ward round preparation, the consultation, progress assessment, discharge planning and handover. It is a “considerative checklist” as it not simply checking if an essential component has been done but rather that it has been considered, discussed, action identified and communicated effectively and involves an “at the point of care check and correct” process.FindingsThe introduction of the checklist has provided a systemic approach to medical ward rounds, provided reassurance that quality care is given, aided active participation from all health care professionals and reignited team work. It has streamlined handover, improved patient and professional communication, improved medical documentation and provided an audit tool for ongoing improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe diversity of general medicine makes standard measures of quality of care such as length of stay, morbidity and mortality outcomes hard to measure; however, qualitative data can be obtained.Originality/valueThe authors have developed a systemic ward round approach which ensures attention to quality and safety at the point of care, encourages team working and improvements can be documented.
Patient safety: a wake‐up call
Authors: Sheps Samuel B. , Cardiff Karen 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe aim of this review is to examine factors that may explain why other industries are considered ultrasafe while progress toward preventing adverse events in health care is not considered to have reached that level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a narrative review.FindingsDespite a decade of intense effort, the problem of patient harm in health care facilities remains a challenge. A recent study of ten hospitals in North Carolina, which have actively engaged in patient safety initiatives, reported rates of adverse events similar to those in the Institute of Medicine report, To Err Is Human in 1999. Seven key issues and their interaction are described.Research limitations/implicationsThis review focuses on broad issues that likely impede progress generally, not on individual project or individual hospital program success stories.Originality/valueThe authors believe the difficulty in making significant headway on the patient safety agenda is due in part to the fact that it was always going to be a long (indeed never ending) struggle – aviation for example took almost 60 years to become ultra‐safe – and in part to misunderstanding the nature of the dynamics that are involved in the generation of adverse events in risk critical industries. The paper reflects on the nature of the safety initiatives that health care has tended to focus on, but which have not sufficiently taken note of central concepts of safety science, as well as on features of the health care system itself that have impeded, in the authors' view, progress on enhancing patient safety.
The role of the municipality in waste water management in Bahawalpur city
Authors: Shafqat Adila 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to analyze the role of municipalities in waste water services in Bahawalpur city.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted by a variety of sources, such as regulations, status reports, position papers, as well as articles and research reports.FindingsNo technology, capital or expertise can protect the environment if local governance is not participatory and pluralistic. Local government refers to specific geographically delineated areas to deliver a range of specified services. But the role of governance is not only to provide services consistent to the residents but also to preserve the life and liberty of residents and to create and promote an environmentally sustainable development. This largely depends upon the relationship which local authorities are able to create with the local communities. These cross sectoral programs can improve the environmental performance of the municipalities in Bahawalpur, where many local problems are the result of the poor supervision and planning of municipal authorities. An articulation of legislation and participatory approach can be proclaimed at the local level if real progress is to be made towards sustainability.Practical implicationsWater and waste water services are highly capital‐intensive so district and city government should start projects and schemes in the urban center to govern all the wastewater systems properly. Involvement of the private sector in these services is also expected in new and more efficient ways. According to a good governance principle planning should take into account not only the economical and technical factors but also local participation, priorities and traditions etc. so the benefit and experience of different organizations can be utilized.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the role of municipalities in water and waste water services in an area of Pakistan.