bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Under the knife: a national survey of six sigma programs in US healthcare organizations
Authors: Feng Qianmei (May) , Manuel Chris M. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeMedical and policy literature reports many six sigma applications at specific healthcare organizations. However, there is a lack of studies that investigate the broader status of six sigma in US healthcare systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the results from a national survey of six sigma programs in US healthcare organizations.Design/methodology/approachThrough the design, distribution, and analysis of a nationwide survey, this paper assesses the implementation of six sigma in healthcare facilities. Two sets of surveys were designed based on whether an organization has adopted six sigma or not.FindingsFindings from this paper indicate the common six sigma projects implemented in healthcare organizations, typical implementation durations, cost benefits, and major barriers in implementation, and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited by the low‐response rate owing to time and budget constraints. Through the dissemination of this paper, it is hoped that more organizations will become interested in this subject and participate in future studies.Originality/valueThis work is the first study to investigate the implementation status of six sigma in US healthcare systems. It will share experiences amongst six sigma institutions and promote its application in many institutions. The findings will provide instructive information to six sigma practitioners and researchers, and particularly to health care management.
Customer focus level following implementation of quality improvement model in Tehran social security hospitals
Authors: Mehrabi F. , Nasiripour A. , Delgoshaei B. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe key factor for the success of total quality management programs in an organization is focusing on the customer. The purpose of this paper is to assess customer focus level following implementation of a quality improvement model in social security hospitals in Tehran Province.Design/methodology/approachThis research was descriptive‐comparative in nature. The study population consisted of the implementers of quality improvement model in four Tehran social security hospitals. The data were gathered through a checklist addressing customer knowledge and customer satisfaction.FindingsThe research findings indicated that the average scores on customer knowledge in Shahriar, Alborz, Milad, and Varamin hospitals were 64.1, 61.2, 54.1, and 46.6, respectively. The average scores on customer satisfaction in Shahriar, Alborz, Milad, and Varamin hospitals were 67.7, 65, 59.4, and 50, respectively. The customer focus average scores in Shahriar, Alborz, Milad, and Varamin hospitals were 66.3, 63.3, 57.3, and 48.6, respectively. The total average scores on customer knowledge, satisfaction and customer focus in the investigated hospitals proved to be 56.4, 60.5, and 58.9, respectively.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in showing that implementation of the quality improvement model could considerably improve customer focus level.
NHS Lanarkshire's leadership development programme's impact on clinical practice
Authors: Sutherland Angela M. , Dodd Frances 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of a clinical leadership programme on senior clinicians within National Health Service Lanarkshire, in terms of key constituents for fostering leadership development, specific skills developed and impact this has had on clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design was employed over several stages, involving 44 senior clinical managers, with member validation substantiating findings and thematic analysis used to analyse data collected.FindingsThe programme's impact was evident in acknowledged change to participants' attitude, behaviour and performance with examples conveyed to demonstrate both the effect on clinical practice and perceived organisational benefits gained. The use of role play, scenario planning and enquiry‐based learning approaches were deemed critical in achieving such change.Research limitations/implicationsTime constraints merited two different cohorts being examined simultaneously during the various stages of the programme. A longitudinal study is underway encompassing the evaluations of several cohorts through various stages of the programme to enable time‐based comparisons to be made and enhance the rigour and scrutiny of the programme's impact on clinical practice.Originality/valueThe paper is foremost in determining structure and processes employed on the programme, specific leadership skills developed, subsequent effect on clinical practice and perceived organisational benefits gained but not necessarily contemplated by staff prior to embarking on the programme, such as the emergence of communities of practice.
A user evaluation of a local air ambulance service in North Wales
Authors: Siôn ap Gruffudd Gwilym 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the current state and utilisation of user evaluation consultation adopted by Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) within the policy context. It is intended to provide a baseline for further evaluative research in the field and to highlight existing practices and resources. Gaps in strategic planning and service delivery are identified, with local recommendations proposed.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured, in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with ten participants drawn from a convenient sample representative of stakeholders including practitioners, fundraisers and operational staff. These groups represent primary actors involved in the delivery of services and policy implementation and also secondary actors involved in the delivery as users. Documentary analysis of WAA dispatch policy and protocols combined with secondary quantitative data of key performance indicators was undertaken.FindingsIn total, 80 per cent of the sample stated their satisfaction with WAA dispatch policy with no perceived need or benefit to further development of policy or local agreements. About 70 per cent of participants had received direct comments that were 100 per cent positive from primary users/patients. All organisations shared the same concerns regarding lack of appropriate present communication.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design was driven by practicalities of time‐scale and resources. Owing to these constraints, plus the legal and ethical requirements relating to the involvement of patients in research, primary users were not included in this study. Areas for future research are identified.Practical implicationsRecommendations being implemented by WAA include further engagement with primary users of the service in order to enhance standards.Originality/valueThis paper reports the first empirical research conducted with WAA and users of the service.
Primary health care service delivery in South Africa
Authors: Phaswana‐Mafuya Nancy , Petros George , Peltzer Karl , Ramlagan Shandir , Nkomo Nkululeko , Mohlala Gorden , Mbelle Margaret , Seager John 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to determine the role of non‐profit organizations (NPOs) in filling possible gaps in primary health care (PHC) service provision.Design/methodology/approachDistrict (n=10) and sub‐district needs (n=14) analyses were conducted in five South African provinces. In each case, the district/sub‐district manager was interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide.FindingsThe service gaps identified were understaffing/lack of capacity, difficulty in retaining and recruiting staff, service disparities, inaccessibility of services/low‐service utilisation and limited funding. It was believed that NPOs could fill these gaps. About 83 per cent perceived the relationship between government and NPOs as good. Contract monitoring, quality of service, communication and quality control were said to be unsatisfactory. The majority of sub‐districts (11) indicated that they provided supplies to NPOs; 50 per cent perceived the relationship between the sub‐districts and NPOs as good or very good. NPOs have critical role to play in PHC service delivery.Originality/valueThe study provides critical information required to make informed effective strategic decisions that support district/sub‐district performance and sustainability in a decentralized health system.
Personal and organizational determinants of well‐being at work
Authors: Diez‐Pinol M. , Dolan S.L. , Sierra V. , Cannings Kathleen 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe traditional perspective in the occupational and organizational psychology literature aimed at understanding well‐being, has focused almost exclusively on the “disease” pole. Recently, however, new concepts focusing on health are emerging in the so‐called “positive psychology” literature. The purpose of this paper is to test multiple possible linkages (or profiles) between certain personal, organizational, and cultural variables that affect both burnout and vigor. Burnout (disease) and vigor (health) are assumed to represent two extreme poles of the well‐being phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachAn innovative statistical treatment borrowed from data mining methodology was used to explore the conceptual model that was utilized. A self‐administered questionnaire from a sample of 1,022 physicians working in Swedish public hospitals was used. Standardized job/work demands with multiple items were employed in conjunction with the Uppsala Burnout scale, which was dichotomized into high (burnout) and low (vigor) score. A combination of ANOVAs and “classification and regression tree analyses” was utilized to test the relationships and identify profiles.FindingsResults show an architecture that predicts 59 percent of the explained variance and also reveals four “tree branches” with distinct profiles. Two configurations indicate the determinants of high‐burnout risk, while two others indicate the configurations for enhanced health or vigor.Originality/valueIn addition to their innovative‐added value, the results can also be most instrumental for individual doctors and hospitals in gaining a better understanding of the aetiology of burnout/vigor and in designing effective preventative measures for reducing risk factors for burnout, and enhancing well‐being (vigor).
Cross‐cultural invariance of consumers' price perception measures
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu) , Yan Ruoh‐Nan , Yurchisin Jennifer 
Published: September 2008

PurposeIn response to the impact of market globalization and concerns over the universality of marketing measures, this study seeks to examine the measurement invariance of consumers' price perception scales cross‐culturally with samples drawn from four Eastern Asian countries, i.e. China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). In addition, this study further examines the differences and similarities in the mean levels of consumers' price perceptions across the four samples.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of undergraduate college students was employed. A total of 958 students with business‐related majors completed a questionnaire in Beijing, China; Seoul, South Korea; Tainan, Taiwan; and Chonburi, Thailand.FindingsHaving established psychometric properties and demonstrated the partial scalar invariance of measurements and structural parameters, the results indicated that the consumers' price perception scale containing five dimensions (i.e. price‐quality schema, prestige sensitivity, value consciousness, sale proneness, and price mavenism) appears to be useful in Eastern Asian cultures. In addition, results of latent mean comparison revealed not only some similarities but also differences related to the five dimensions of price across the four Eastern Asian samples.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is the issue of generalizability of the findings because of the use of student samples.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine cross‐cultural invariance of consumers' price perception within Eastern Asian countries using MGCFA.
Differing perceptions of category killers and discount stores
Authors: Gable Myron , Topol Martin T. , Lala Vishal , Fiorito Susan S. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the responses of women college students to discount stores and category killers in terms of the importance of seven‐store characteristics as well as their expectations for these attributes. Another purpose was to determine differences, if any, between these two store formats. Further the moderating variables of shopping frequency and orientation were introduced to determine if they influenced the results.Design/methodology/approachPersonal interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of women college students from one university through the administration of a structured survey instrument. Statistical analyses were employed to generate the results.FindingsDifferences were found in the respondents' perceptions for both importance and expectations for six of the seven‐store attributes. For one characteristic, continuity of supply, no differences emerged and this characteristic was deemed important for both store formats. Moderating variables did not alter the results.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the limited nature of the sample, there is a need for replication of this research in other geographic regions, including international sites in order to corroborate these findings. Also, replication with men is needed.Practical implicationsThis study provides guidance to both discount store and category killer executives on the types of strategies and tactics needed to better attract and retain women college students.Originality/valueAttention was directed to women college students, a highly desired but often neglected market segment. Further, continuity of supply, an attribute not often indicated in most retailing texts emerged as very important and highly expected by respondents.
Dimensions of online community attributes
Authors: Kim Hye‐Shin , Yong Park Jin , Jin Byoungho 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop online community attributes based on Preece's sociability and usability framework to assess how online community attributes hosted by retailers or national brand companies may generate positive outcomes for consumers. Also, this study seeks to examine the effects of attribute dimensions on consumer benefits to verify its predictability.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered in South Korea. A questionnaire was constructed which contained 26 items measuring online community attributes. These items were developed by the researchers to measure seven dimensions defining Preece's sociability and usability conceptual framework. The items were based on examples of determinants and measures of successful online communities. The Korean sample consisted of 135 male and 216 female adults in a large metropolitan area in South Korea.FindingsResults partially supported Preece's sociability and usability framework. Results show three online community attribute dimensions purpose, people, and policy to be represented by a higher order factor sociability and two attribute dimensions dialogue and social interaction and navigation represented by usability. The structural model testing the relationship between sociability and social benefits and usability and functional benefits was confirmed and proved predictive validity for the online community attribute dimensions and the sociability/usability framework. On the other hand, no evidence of sociability influencing perceptions of functional benefits and usability influencing perceptions of social benefits could be found. Nonetheless, these results provide evidence that Preece's online community attribute framework measures “success” from a consumer benefits standpoint.Originality/valueThis study provides retailers and companies who host online communities with a practical tool with which they can assess their online communities as well as their online strategy.
The Learning Organization turns 15: a retrospective
Authors: Smith Peter A.C. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the Special Issue; to provide a practitioner's retrospective views of the learning organization concept; and to comment on the status of The Learning Organization journal.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted involves recounting a personal history of a practitioner's experiences with the concept, and an observation on the health of The Learning Organization journal.FindingsThe paper finds that, although the learning organization concept is deemed narrow and out of date, it is judged to have had significant positive influence on organizational thinking. The Learning Organization is shown to be a healthy and popular journal.Originality/valueThe paper is included in a Special Issue that is part of the series commissioned by the journal on organization‐related topics of interest to its readers. Its originality stems from its examination of the learning organization concept through a particular practitioner's lens, provoking reflection amongst others engaged in both the delivery and the consumption of practice and study.
Video killed the radio star, but has Google killed the learning organization?
Authors: Peters John , Snowden Kate 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the journal and organizational learning over the years.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is that of providing a viewpoint perspective to look at the concept of the learning organization.FindingsBy looking at organizational learning partly from the perspective of a publisher, this will, hopefully, provoke reflections, particularly amongst others engaged in both the delivery and the consumption of practice and study.Originality/valueThe paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal. Its originality stems from the subject‐matter and the authors' interpretation of organizational learning.
Once upon a time … tales of organisational learning
Authors: Tosey Paul 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to enrich the conceptual vocabulary of organisational learning by discussing the relevance of the interdisciplinary work of Gregory Bateson, an original and challenging twentieth century thinker.Design/methodology/approachThe paper debates a number of principles identified by Bateson, which reflect patterns that appear in stories (including, for example, Sufi teaching stories) as well as in practical experiences of organisational learning.FindingsBateson's ideas have the potential to overturn assumptions about organisational learning and to offer new perspectives on the subject. The belief is that Bateson's thinking implies, for example, that communication is multi‐layered and paradoxical; that learning is always political; that organisational learning is emergent and transient; and that stories can provide more effective encapsulations of the complexities of organisational learning than rational analyses.Originality/valueThe paper offers fresh views on the conceptualisation of organisational learning that may assist practitioners to “think outside the box”, together with some practical insights and good stories.
Why we should abandon the idea of the learning organization
Authors: Grieves Jim 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose that the idea of the learning organization should be abandoned on the grounds that it was an imaginative idea that has now run its course. The paper seeks to explore the roots of the definition and provoke debate about the wisdom of retaining the concept. The argument is a challenge to readers to explore their own views in order to open up debate.Design/methodology/approachBased on an investigation of definitions of the term “learning organization”, the paper explores the theoretical premises of the learning organization concept. The relevance of empirical examples or applied nature of the concept is defined as the principal focus.FindingsThe literature review reveals two basic premises. These are, first, that the learning organization is an ideal worth striving for and, second, that systems theory provides a sound theoretical underpinning for the concept. The concept has resulted in confusion because of the theoretical and methodological premises on which it is based. Each premise is explored and found wanting.Originality/valueThe implications for research and publication are significant in that, whilst the paper seeks to open up debate about taken for granted assumptions related to the concept of the learning organization, it proposes that the concept should be abandoned and research should be focused instead on more pragmatic issues related to organizational learning. The argument uses a brief case example of Siemens to explore the difficulty in applying the “learning organization” concept.
Knowledge management and organizational learning
Authors: Walczak Steven 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis article aims to examine international studies of knowledge management (KM) and organizational learning (OL).Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a literature review of KM and OL research that focuses on a business or businesses located outside traditional Western economies.FindingsThere is a need to increase research that examines KM and OL existing in different and multiple countries. Additionally, cultural factors should be included in KM and OL research analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation is that the only practical empirical evidence is supplied through the highlighted articles in the literature review.Originality/valueThe article shows that, in order to increase the application of KM and OL research world‐wide, national culture and other geopolitical influences need to be represented in KM and OL models and measurement instruments.
Audit service quality in compulsory audit tendering
Authors: Boon Kym , McKinnon Jill , Ross Philip 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse audit service quality attributes that were perceived to be important in compulsory audit tendering (CAT) in local councils in New South Wales (NSW). It focuses principally on whether CAT leads to an impairment of auditor independence and audit quality.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted of 235 NSW local council finance professionals and 35 local council internal auditors in May 2006.FindingsThe most important attributes in evaluating audit service quality were industry expertise, audit firm experience with a council, technical competence, independence, ethical standards and due care. The least important attributes were scepticism, freshness of perspective, audit firm size, and non‐audit services. There is considerable consistency in the findings with those in non‐CAT contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is subject to the general limitations of the survey questionnaire method. A further limitation is that audit quality was assessed using perceptions of audit service quality by preparers of local council financial statements, rather than by users of those statements.Practical implicationsAudit firms will be better able to understand the audit service quality attributes valued by local council clients, to differentiate their promotional and service‐provision strategies, improve their audit quality, and better satisfy local council clients. Concerns that CAT may impair audit independence and audit quality do not appear to be founded.Originality/valueBecause the results are generally consistent with findings in non‐CAT contexts, there can be more confidence in CAT as a regulatory form of audit procurement.