bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SOX: “best practices” or too much accountability
Authors: Holt Glen E. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to provide an overview on how the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act may impact on standard library management operations.Design/methodology/approachThe study extracts key elements from the legislation and illustrates how they can be incorporated into library management.FindingsThe paper finds that, while there is confusion about the IRS status of libraries and to what extent the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act will directly affect them, there is much in the legislation that can be adopted now for better accountability and governance.Originality/valueThe paper provides examples of key elements in the legislation and how they can be incorporated into library governance now. By proactively complying with the parts of the legislation that are natural fits with library operations, it places the library on a better footing for future needs and demands.
An enlightened use of educational monitoring for Greece
Authors: Korilaki Panayota 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the issues surrounding educational monitoring systems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a general review of the situation in Greece.FindingsThis paper suggests that a superior educational monitoring system aiming to alleviate educational and social inequalities as well as discrepancies between schools and/or between classrooms would rely on both attainment and progress criteria, as these criteria operate differently and allow to bring into the fore different aspects of problems/educational inadequacies.Originality/valueThe benefits and pitfalls associated with the employment of different criteria for educational monitoring are discussed, so that a new monitoring system can be suggested for the Greek setting of public primary and secondary schools.
Teachers' sense of collective efficacy: an international view
Authors: Schechter Chen , Tschannen‐Moran Megan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study explores the notion of collective teacher efficacy, a characteristic of schools that has emerged as a significant factor in school productivity. More specifically, this paper examines the construct validity and reliability of the Israeli Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale and explores variables that may influence teachers' sense of collective efficacy.Design/methodology/approachA sample of teacher respondents from 66 elementary schools (876 teachers) in Israel's central school district was used.FindingsA comparison of the English (USA) version and the Hebrew (Israel) version of the Collective Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale revealed marked similarities, supporting the constitutive meaning of this construct and the construct validity of its subscales. In the Israeli sample, urban school teachers tended to have a higher sense of collective efficacy than suburban school teachers. Teachers' collective sense of efficacy was unrelated to the demographic variables examined, including the workload of teachers, the longevity of teachers in that particular school setting, and the average number of years of teaching experience of a faculty.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this study was elementary schools, and it may be that a larger study across school levels would have revealed difference across them that play a significant role in shaping teachers' sense of collective efficacy.Originality/valueThe study strengthens the construct validity of the teachers' sense of collective efficacy scale and adds an international perspective to the small but growing body of research on teachers' collective sense of efficacy, which has been found to be significantly related to student achievement.
Influence of managers' empathic skills on school success
Authors: Töremen Fatih , Ekinci Abdurrahman , Karakuş Mehmet 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe main purpose of this investigation is to find out the influence of empathic skills of managers on the success of schools.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, survey based descriptive scanning model was used. This study was fulfilled in Batman city on teachers working at public and private primary schools in 2003‐2004 education year. According to the results of the central evaluation examination, schools were divided into three success groups (each group having seven schools). About 10 teachers were randomly selected from each of these schools, and then the 23 itemed questionnaire was administered.FindingsAs a result of the research it was seen that empathic skills of managers and school success had a very close relationship. There were meaningful differences between the first group and the other two groups. Successful schools' managers clearly had better empathic skills and unsuccessful schools' managers had little empathic skills. The same situation was seen between the second group and the third group as well.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this research may be affected by local conditions in which it was conducted.Practical implicationsThe empathic skills which are revealed as important indicators of success should be taken into consideration during the selection and training of managers.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the empathic aspect of school management which has been rarely taken up and displays the importance of empathic skills on school success.
WebTrust and the “commercialistic auditor”
Authors: Barrett Michael , Gendron Yves 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine how auditors sought to establish their trustworthiness as trust providers on the internet; a vision which has remained largely unrealized. The investigation focuses on the WebTrust assurance project, launched by the North American accounting institutes to reinvigorate the alleged declining market for the expertise of external auditors.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth longitudinal case study drew on a social theory of trust to examine the complexity of relations upon which trustworthiness of professional claims is predicated and investigate how commercialism has influenced the development of WebTrust.FindingsAnalysis illustrates the critical role that experts have in professionalization processes in trusting (or not) their own systems of expertise. Also, face‐to‐face relationships continue to play a key role in establishing the trustworthiness of professionals and their systems of expertise – even in the cyberspace domain.Practical implicationsIt is argued that the WebTrust case and other commercialistic ventures sustained in accountancy provide a persuasive argument against the benefits of the free‐market logic in professional domains. Professional associations should be more vigorous in defending professionalism.Originality/valueThe research indicates that élite bodies of the profession, including professional associations, conceived of WebTrust mainly through a commercialistic lens – which is particularly revealing of the mindset that seemed to characterize a number of experienced professional accountants across North America shortly before the collapse of Andersen. The WebTrust saga illustrates how the profession has strayed from its ideals, or myths, of service ethic towards more focused efforts in developing “innovative” services based on a commercialistic logic.
Epistemological objectivity in financial reporting
Authors: Baker C. Richard 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to illustrate the complexity surrounding the meaning of the terms “economic reality” and “neutral representation” as these terms are applied to the resolution of financial accounting issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the concept of epistemological objectivity in financial reporting through an analysis of issues raised by the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) with respect to accounting for internet activities and the concomitant manner in which the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) approached these issues.FindingsAn analysis of communications between the SEC and the FASB pertaining to accounting for internet activities reveals that, while these bodies seek to resolve issues in a manner that is neutral and objective, they often employ subjective reasoning in pursuing their regulatory purpose, thus raising questions about the extent of their concern with neutral representations of economic reality.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the criticisms of efforts which claim to be neutral representations of economic reality.
The internet and possibilities for counter accounts: some reflections
Authors: Sikka Prem 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the debate about the emancipatory potential of the internet by commenting on the papers in this issue by Gallhofer et al. and by Paisey and Paisey.Design/methodology/approachThe paper locates the internet within the politics of neoliberalism.FindingsThe internet is just another technology and its use and influence depend on the social and political contexts. The internet is not seen as a panacea but rather as a communicative device which has the potential to facilitate change. Whether that is realised depends upon how the counter accounts and critiques disseminated through it connect with the common sense of the people.Originality/valueThe paper encourages engagement with technology and also persuades readers to develop counter accounts and critiques of contemporary social problems.
Quality assessment of family planning services in urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, 2004
Authors: Simbar Masoumeh , Ahmadi Mahboobeh , Ahmadi Golnoosh , Reza Alavi Majd Hamid 
Published: September 2006

PurposeQuality of family planning services is now considered as a global concern and importance. The purpose of the present study is to assess quality of family planning services in the urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University.Design/methodology/approachThis was a descriptive study to assess structure, process and outcome of the family planning care services. A total of 15 health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University were randomized and the quality of provided care by 65 family planning care providers of these health centers were observed and assessed using checklists. A total of 75 family planning clients were interviewed to assess their knowledge about their selected family planning method all of whom completed the related forms of satisfaction with the services. The tools for data collection were two observational checklists, and two questionnaires with subsequent data analyzed using SPSS 11.5. In total 75 clients with an average age 24 (7±4) (mean±SD) participated in the study. The provision of family planning services by 65 providers was assessed by observation at three intervals. Of the providers, 60 (92.3 per cent) were midwives.FindingsMean satisfaction score of clients was 83.3±9.05 percent meaning clients were highly satisfied with the services. Mean knowledge score of clients about their family planning method of use was 59.1±18 percent, which shows their moderate knowledge about their method of use.Originality/valueA more advanced tool to assess quality of care of family planning services with more focus on special care for the contraceptives was developed. Quality of care in family planning services of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University health centers showed adequate facilities and equipment and to have trained personnel however their client's knowledge about the selected method was moderate. Therefore, interventional programs are needed to improve counseling and the educational process of clients, which should be considered in future research and planning of the programs.
Under‐reporting of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders in the Veterans Administration
Authors: Siddharthan Kris , Hodgson Michael , Rosenberg Deborah , Haiduven Donna , Nelson Audrey 
Published: September 2006

PurposeWork‐related musculoskeletal disorders following patient contact represent a major concern for health care workers. Unfortunately, research and prevention have been hampered by difficulties ascertaining true prevalence rates owing to under‐reporting of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors for under‐reporting work‐related musculoskeletal injuries and their reasons.Design/methodology/approachMultivariate analysis using data obtained in a survey of Veterans Administration employees in the USA was used to determine underreporting patterns among registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants. Focus groups among health care workers were conducted at one of the largest Veterans Administration hospitals to determine reasons for under‐reporting.FindingsA significant number of workers reported work‐related musculoskeletal pain, which was not reported as an injury but required rescheduling work such as changing shifts and taking sick leave to recuperate. The findings indicate that older health care workers and those with longer service were less likely to report as were those working in the evening and night shifts. Hispanic workers and personnel who had repetitive injuries were prone to under‐reporting, as were workers in places that lack proper equipment to move and handle patients. Reasons for under‐reporting include the time involved, peer pressure not to report and frustration with workers' compensation procedures.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into under‐reporting musculoskeletal injuries in a major US government organization. The research indicates that current reporting procedures appear to be overtly cumbersome in time and effort. More flexible work assignments are needed to cover staff shortfalls owing to injuries. Health education on the detrimental long‐term effects of ergonomic injuries and the need for prompt attention to injuries should prove useful in improving rates of reporting.
Hospital quality management system in a low income Arabic country: an evaluation
Authors: Øvretveit John , Al Serouri Abdul 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to present findings from an evaluation of a quality management system implemented in a low‐income country hospital.Design/methodology/approachThis is a single‐case before and after evaluation.FindingsThe quality system, although only 70 per cent implemented, resulted in increasing compliance with a few selected standards and produced modest improvements in patient satisfaction and utilisation. Hospital doctors and managers wanted to continue to develop the system and described conditions they thought important to spread to other hospitals.Research limitations/implicationsNo objective, clinical outcomes data were gathered, and the short timescale meant that the system was not fully implemented at the time of the evaluation.Practical implicationsIt is possible to improve patient care in rural hospitals with a few extra resources, in a culture not familiar with management processes, and to engage otherwise poorly motivated doctors in systematic improvement. However, certain conditions are necessary for introducing, sustaining and spreading quality improvement programmes.Originality/valueThis study and report is one of the first, detailed and systematic evaluations of a hospital quality management system in a highly resourced constrained situation in an Arabic country, which has implications for improving health care in other developing countries.
Quality management standards for facility services in the Italian health care sector
Authors: Cesarotti Vittorio , Di Silvio Bruna 
Published: September 2006

PurposeHealth care, one of the most dynamic sectors in Italy, is studied with a particular focus on outsourcing non‐core activities such as facility management (FM) services. The project's goals are to define national standards to balance and control facility service evolution, and to drive FM services towards organisational excellence. The authors, in cooperation with a pool of facility service providers and hospitals managers, studied cleaning services – one of the most critical areas.Design/methodology/approachThis article describes the research steps and findings following definition and publication of the Italian standard and its application to an international benchmarking process. The method chosen for developing the Italian standard was to merge technical, strategic and organisational aspects with the goal of standardising the contracting system, giving service providers the chance to improve efficiency and quality, while helping healthcare organisations gain from a better, more reliable and less expensive service.FindingsThe Italian standard not only improved services but also provided adequate control systems for outsourcing organisations. In this win‐win context, it is hoped to continually drive FM services towards organisational excellence.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is specific to the Italian national healthcare system. However, the strategic dynamics described are common to many other contexts.Practical implicationsA systematic method for improving hospital FM services is presented.Originality/valueThe authors believe that lessons learned from their Italian case study can be used to better understand and drive similar services in other countries or in other FM service outsourcing sectors.
User involvement in healthcare technology development and assessment
Authors: Ghulam Sarwar Shah Syed , Robinson Ian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeMedical device users are one of the principal medical device technology stakeholders. The involvement of users in medical device technology development and assessment is central to meet their needs. This study aims to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachA structured review of the literature published from 1980 to 2005 in peer‐reviewed journals was carried out from a social science perspective to investigate user involvement practice in the development and assessment of medical device technologies. This was followed by a qualitative thematic analysis.FindingsMedical device users include clinicians, patients, carers and others. Different kinds of medical devices are developed and assessed by user involvement. The user involvement occurs at different stages of the medical device technology lifecycle and the degree of user involvement is in the order of: design>testing and trials>deployment>concept stages. The methods most commonly used for capturing users' perspectives are usability tests, interviews and questionnaire surveys.Research limitations/implicationsThe relevant engineering, medical and nursing literature, which might have been useful, was not reviewed. However, useful findings emerge that apply to health care generally.Originality/valueThis study shows that medical device users are not homogeneous but heterogeneous in several aspects, such as needs, skills and working environments. This is an important consideration for incorporating users' perspectives in medical device technologies.
Metaphorical mediation of organizational change across space and time
Authors: Waistell Jeff 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how metaphors mediate organizational change across space and time.Design/methodology/approachThe data consist of 113 speeches by vice‐chancellors of a distance learning university, recorded in texts. Texts are apposite for this research as they transmit meaning across time and space. Hermeneutics is an appropriate methodology because it enables interpretation across temporal and spatial distance.FindingsThe paper finds that textual metaphors mediate organizational change across space and time in five ways: transferring from familiarity to strangeness, providing coherence, “breaking distance” changing reality through changing language, and recontextualising.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on formal organizational texts and excludes informal texts and conversation. Change outcomes are not studied; there should be further research on how metaphors affect change over time and space.Practical implicationsMetaphors enable managers to communicate change across time and space. Textual metaphors are continuously available and interactive, enabling dialogue between managers and staff across space and time.Originality/valueThe paper furthers our knowledge of how metaphors mediate change across both space and time. Metaphors translate the organization across distance, fusing spatial and temporal horizons, effecting organizational change by changing language. The organization becomes a metaphor of itself, recontextualising across time and space.
Selection of six sigma projects in the UK
Authors: Banuelas Ricardo , Tennant Charles , Tuersley Ian , Tang Shao 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe literature suggests that a key ingredient for the successful six sigma implementation is project prioritisation and selection. The purpose of this paper is to identify what criteria are considered for selecting six sigma projects and how six sigma projects are selected in organisations in the UK.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey as a method of investigation, respondents were asked what criteria are considered to select projects and how potential projects are identified, prioritised, selected and evaluated.FindingsThe results of the survey indicate that UK organisations tend to select projects based on criteria such as customer satisfaction, financial benefits, top management commitment and those projects integrated with the company's strategy. Several tools and techniques such as cost benefit analysis, cause and effect matrix, brainstorming, Pareto analysis are employed to identify and prioritise projects.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to the selection of six sigma in the UK. Further, empirical studies using larger sample sizes and greater geographical diversity may be helpful in validating the results of this study.Practical implicationsThe identification of the most commonly used criteria to select six sigma projects can aid practitioners to select projects based on multiple criteria and using tools and techniques identified in this survey.Originality/valueThe provision of empirical data on the criteria used to select six sigma projects and how six sigma projects are selected.
Non‐linearity in the hedonic pricing of South African red wines
Authors: Priilaid D.A. , van Rensburg P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeProceeding from the van Rensburg and Priilaid (“An econometric model for identifying value in South African red wine”, International Journal of Wine Marketing, Vol. 16 No. 1, 2004, pp. 37‐53) econometric valuation methodology mapping out the relationship between wine price and value, this paper seeks to explore the relationship between wine value and value‐for‐money.Design/methodology/approachA series of regression models are developed from a database of some 537 South African red wines available during the 2004 period. Five cultivars are included here: cabernet, merlot pinotage, pinot noir, and shiraz.FindingsThis research finds that successive increments in wine quality ratings are not equally priced. As a result, the relationship between value and price can be better modelled when increments in wine quality (as measured in stars) are proxied by dummy variables.Originality/valueAllowing for the possibility of the non‐linear hedonic pricing of wine avoids the bias of value‐for‐money misleadingly being identified excessively at the bottom end of the quality spectrum and neglected at the top end.