bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dialectal system approach supporting environmental innovation for sustainable development
Authors: Kralj Davorin 
Published: October 2008

PurposeResearch deals with aspects of systemic thinking that explain environmental innovation in organizations, especially in the construction sector. The paper aims to address the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe research for this paper is based on the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, dialectal systems theory (DST), environmental management systems (EMS), life cycle analysis (LCA) and recycling.FindingsThe research results show that systemic thinking (and environmental innovations) are still a novelty; it can be regarded as an engine for novel changes in social, economic and political arrangements in companies and other organizations as well as for society as a whole. Research is aimed at finding an answer to the question: what dialectal system approach can bring in the long‐run sustainable development?Research limitations/implicationsResearch was limited to management of construction.Practical implicationsEnvironmental innovation efficiency and processes in organizations with a systemic thinking can be innovated more easily.Originality/valueThis paper breaks new ground in using systemic thinking to explain environmental innovation. In research, a model is proposed for recycling isolating materials, made of hard polyurethane and lightweight concrete with aggregates containing expanded glass, based on DST, EMS, LCA and recycling. This is the first attempt, to the best of one's knowledge, to make a new synergy of the dialectal systems theory, environmental management system and innovations supporting sustainable development, decision making and action.
Towards the development of knee prostheses: review of current researches
Authors: Torrealba Rafael R. , Fernández‐López G. , Grieco Juan C. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim is to set a state‐of‐the‐art in scientific research towards the development of knee prostheses for transfemoral amputees, by reviewing the literature in the field and by identifying different scientific research lines that have brought out through the years. Also, to provide the information about possible outcomes in the near future, and their links to cybernetics, given the present trends in the field.Design/methodology/approachLiterature related to scientific research carried out up‐to‐date in the field of knee prostheses, is reviewed in scientific articles, books and electronic sources. Then, different research lines are identified from the obtained information, and finally classified as presented in this work.FindingsThree scientific research lines regarding the development of knee prostheses were found, each one dealing with: the design of knee prostheses; the performance assessment of these prostheses; and the creation of control strategies for these prostheses which use electronics to control their performance. Also, two new possible eras of prostheses were encountered: the cybernetic era, and the electromyographic one. Considering both options, it is concluded that the cybernetic era of prostheses is likely to become real soon.Practical implicationsA useful state‐of‐the‐art review for researchers likely to be introduced in the field of development of knee prostheses and prosthetic technology in general.Originality/valueThis literature review not only sets a state‐of‐the‐art of the development of knee prostheses, but also proposes a frame of references which allows to classify the different works done in the field, as well as a better understanding of these through a clear presentation.
“Friends in Deed” for librarians in need
Authors: Hiebert Jean , Hollingsworth Yolanda 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a library‐based hardship fund for librarians in personal financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the proposal for library‐based financial support to sustain librarians' memberships to professional organizations and travel expenses for one year.FindingsLibraries supporting professional development should assist librarians achieve this goal in times of personal financial hardship when a crisis may prevent the librarian from carrying on with his/her normal commitments.Originality/valueAlthough similar plans exist at the university level, none exist at the immediate, personal level of the library.
Organizational culture: an important factor to consider
Authors: Linn Mott 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper argues that when managing strategically it is important for leaders to consider how to work with the group's culture.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses and gives examples to illustrate how one can determine the nature of a group's culture.FindingsIn advancing the library's issues, it is helpful for library directors to determine whether or not the organization's culture will assist the tactics proposed to implement a new plan.Practical implicationsThis provides concepts to be considered when a leader attempts to move forward a library's priorities.Originality/valueHopefully, this article will motivate librarians to think about the library's culture when working to advance their library's interests.
Time management part II: the action plan
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to continue the discussion of planning as an essential part of the leadership quality of good time management by presenting a step‐by‐step procedure for working out an action plan based on work goals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the importance of having an action plan to guide staff members in accomplishing work goals, sets forth the 5 key elements in an action plan, and then shows how to develop each of those elements.FindingsThe paper finds that an action plan is a helpful tool to ensure continuing progress toward work goals and that there are five key elements to be developed for every action plan in pursuit of a goal.Originality/valueThe value of developing an action plan is that it helps avoid many problems with projects and provides the mechanism for solving many others, so that projects designed to pursue work goals do not stall out indefinitely.
Searching beyond Google
Authors: Maxymuk John 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the alternatives to Google web searching.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the alternatives to Google web searching, focusing on different approaches, specific topics and particular formats.FindingsThat competition is especially fruitful for those who make our livings searching for information.Originality/valueThe paper presents different approaches to searching by Google.
Issues in library human resources management
Authors: Kieserman Robert H. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a guideline for a good employee relations program in any type of library organization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used the personal expertise of the author who has been a professor of human resources management as well as a library consultant to all types of libraries for over 15 years.FindingsThis paper proposes the concept of LISTEN – learning, involvement, structure, training, empathy, and needs – as the basis of a good employee relations program, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to the needs and expectations of employees.Originality/valueThis paper helps the library director and the library department manager more intelligently manage employees.
The impact of policy on immigrant entrepreneurship and businesses practice in Israel
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle , Kushnirovich Nonna 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine governmental support to immigrant entrepreneurs and its impact on their businesses. The study seeks to explore the needs of immigrant entrepreneurs as to government support schemes, and the impact of government policy upon mobilization of resources and growth of immigrant businesses.Design/methodology/approachCombining convenient and snowball sample, 218 former Soviet Union immigrant entrepreneurs from all over Israel and all business spheres were surveyed via a questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted by quantitative statistical methods.FindingsEntrepreneurs who encountered more problems at business start‐up are more likely to receive government support. Receiving support facilitates mobilizing resources and compensates for fewer opportunities of initially weak businesses.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research might focus upon comparing the impact of policy on immigrant entrepreneurs between countries. Utilization of the findings by policy makers may improve the impact of policy and help to focus the allocation of resources more efficiently.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable insight for academics and practitioners who are interested to foster immigrant entrepreneurship as mechanism of economic integration.
Interorganizational cooperation: the structural aspect of nurturing trust
Authors: Tubin Dorit , Levin‐Rozalis Miri 
Published: October 2008

PurposeInterorganizational cooperation (IOC) is like harnessing a swan, a crab, and a pike to a single wagon and still expecting it to go. One issue that appears significant under such conditions is building trust and inscribing it into the structure of IOC. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between trust and IOC structure.Design/methodology/approachTrust‐structure relationships are studied by drawing upon a case study of complex and effective IOC in The Early Childhood Center in Israel.FindingsThe analysis reveals several structural factors that support the building and maintenance of trust: choice of contribution, involvement in decision making, committee configuration, IOC culture, the director's role, and the representatives' high‐ranking positions and professional background.Research limitations/implicationsThree conditions help to inscribe trust into IOC structure: Low risk and minor expectations from the IOC, a leader willing to share information throughout the IOC structure, and high positions and professional representatives.Originality/valueThe study contributes to IOC literature by highlighting the fact that trust between organizations cannot depend on the goodwill of particular people, but must have an organizational structure to enable and support it.
Citizens' attitudes towards e‐government and e‐governance: a UK study
Authors: Kolsaker Ailsa , Lee‐Kelley Liz 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to further understanding of citizens' attitudes towards electronic government (e‐government) and e‐governance.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study was conducted of 3,000 citizens of a relatively prosperous town in South‐East England. A 10 per cent response rate provided 302 completed questionnaires; 216 users of e‐government portals and 86 non‐users.FindingsFindings indicate that whilst interest in e‐government is generally low overall, users appreciate personalisation, user‐friendliness and the ability to communicate. Users and non‐users perceive moderate value in e‐government for knowledge acquisition and communication, but little as a vehicle of democratic engagement. Those using e‐government frequently are more positive than other groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe relatively low‐response rate (though not unusual for quantitative methods) suggests a general lack of interest; however users of e‐government are appreciative of a few, key benefits. In relation to enhancing participation, the findings suggest that Government ambitions far outstrip those of its citizens. To improve usage, the authors propose that non‐users need to be tempted online in a secure environment, that users should be provided with personalised pages in line with their expectations, that elected members should be encouraged to view with web as a means of reaching out to voters and that citizens should be educated in exploiting the potentially valuable online tools to enhance participation. The study is limited by the exclusive use of quantitative methods; the outcomes suggest that further, qualitative, research could be valuable in exploring user needs, motivations, competence, and level of political engagement.Originality/valueThe paper adds insight into citizens' attitudes towards e‐government and e‐governance.
The impaired state: assessing state capacity and governance in Bangladesh
Authors: Zafarullah Habib , Rahman Redwanur 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to assess state capacity in Bangladesh and to analyse the reasons for the apparent failure of public agencies in creating the conditions for and in enhancing sound governance in the country. Conflicts between political parties and the government's lack of clear policy goals have led to a political situation, which is fragile and largely dysfunctional.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the main conceptual literature on governance and state capacity and assesses the status of state institutions in Bangladesh – how they fare, the way they operate and their implications for governance.FindingsThe paper points to the failure of the state machinery in formulating and implementing sound policies. Successive governments have politicised the administrative system and compounded the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government. Corruption, nepotism, and clientalism have produced flaws and shortcomings at both political and administrative level. Political instability in government and poor governance has produced a state that is weak and fragmented.Research limitations/implicationsIt is mainly focused on one country and is a general overview of key developments, trends and flaws in the functioning of the state.Practical implicationsIt is relevant for understanding the general trends and dynamics of state capacity building within a broad framework of governance in a developing country. The findings may be useful for policy makers in reform initiatives.Originality/valueIt provides an assessment of the practical problems of political and administrative management in an unstable political environment.
Uncertainty avoidance: public sector clients and procurement selection
Authors: Love Peter E.D. , Davis Peter R. , Edwards David J. , Baccarini David 
Published: October 2008

PurposeChoosing the appropriate procurement system for construction projects is a complex and challenging task for clients particularly when professional advice has not been sought. To assist with the decision‐making process, a range of procurement selection tools and techniques have been developed by both academic and industry bodies. Public sector clients in Western Australia (WA) remain uncertain about the pairing of procurement method to bespoke construction project and how this decision will ultimately impact upon project success. This paper seeks to examine “how and why” a public sector agency selected particular procurement methods.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of two focus group workshops (with 18 senior project and policy managers involved with procurement selection) is reported upon.FindingsThe traditional lump sum (TLS) method is still the preferred procurement path even though alternative forms such as design and construct, public‐private‐partnerships could optimize the project outcome. Paradoxically, workshop participants agreed that alternative procurement forms should be considered, but an embedded culture of uncertainty avoidance invariably meant that TLS methods were selected. Senior managers felt that only a limited number of contractors have the resources and experience to deliver projects using the non‐traditional methods considered.Practical implicationsThe research identifies a need to develop a framework that public sector clients can use to select an appropriate procurement method. Learning from previous experiences with regard to procurement selection will further provide public sector clients with knowledge about how to best deliver their projects.Originality/valueThe paper adds insight as to how public sector agencies select particular procurement methods.
Measurements and markets: deconstructing the corruption perception index
Authors: De Maria William 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to examine how the measurement of African “corruption” has been manipulated to serve western economic interests.Design/methodology/approachIn depth secondary source analysis within a post‐colonial framework.FindingsThe most popular measure of corruption, Transparency International's corruption perception index (CPI), is a flawed instrument. Capable only of calculating proxies of corruption, the measure is oblivious to cultural variance and is business‐centric in style. The CPI is embraced in good faith by African governments and donor organisations oblivious to its deeper purpose of serving western economic and geo‐political interests under the guise of weeding out something falsely portrayed as a universal negative.Practical implicationsThe paper will assist efforts to ground the anti‐corruption effort in the realities of Africa.Originality/valueThe paper is part of a minority scholarship that seeks to provide space for the consideration of alternatives to the dominant conceptions of corruption and its measurement.
Patient satisfaction in a Riyadh Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Alaloola Nesreen A. , Albedaiwi Waleed A. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeAs one of the healthcare organizations striving to reach optimum quality level, King Abdulaziz Medical City staff believed that knowing the patients' service perspective is one core service quality indicator. This article aims to spotlight the level of patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction in one Riyadh tertiary centre.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional survey involving 1983 inpatient, outpatient and emergency care patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh using a self‐developed patient satisfaction questionnaire.FindingsThere was a significant satisfaction with room comfort (88.5 percent), room temperature (78.1 percent), room call button system (87.9 percent), room cleanliness (79.6 percent) and respectful staff (87.4 percent). Patients were significantly dissatisfied with phlebotomists not introducing themselves (74 percent), not explaining procedures (57.2 percent) and physicians not introducing themselves (59.1 percent).Research limitations/implicationsOnly the overall satisfaction dimensions were studied in a socio‐demographic context. Not every service was studied separately, so the patients' answers may not represent the hospital.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that service standards in the areas in which patients were significantly dissatisfied should be raised by involving senior leaders. Areas for which patients were significantly satisfied will need to be sustained or even improved.Originality/valueSo far no similar service quality and patient satisfaction based studies from Saudi health care systems are reported in international peer reviewed journals.
Quality management and quality of care in nursing homes
Authors: Heras Iñaki , Cilleruelo Ernesto , Iradi Jon 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the appropriateness of applying “manufacturing sector” quality management strategies to residential care homes sector and to analyze its influence on the quality of care.Design/methodology/approachObservation and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 41 Spanish care home top and middle managers, consultants and employees.FindingsThe quality management paradigm based on ISO 9001 has certain shortcomings in the elderly residential care home sector. There is a need to fit general quality management models to the sector's specific characteristics and to integrate generic quality management with specialized models.Practical implicationsResearch findings should be noted by different agents involved in the process of improving services.Originality/valueUseful, up‐to‐date conceptual overview for different agents interested in the sector (managers, consultants, academics, etc.) as well as interesting evidence for reflection.
Automated versus manual audit in the emergency department
Authors: Doherty Steven , Davis Lin , Leschke Paul , Valpiani Anna , Whitely Emma , Yarnold Della , Stevens Helen 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare data collected by automated form processing with manual data collection for clinical indicators (CIs) in paediatric emergency medicine.Design/methodology/approachPaediatric patients presenting with croup, asthma, bronchiolitis, head injury and gastroenteritis in August 2006 were identified by ICD 9 coding and a traditional manual audit was performed by two data collectors. Data were collected on a total of 16 CIs for these five illnesses. Manual audit data were then compared to information collected for this same patient population using TELEform™, an automated forms processing (AFP) system that had been employed for over two years.FindingsTeleform™ data were only available for 24 patients compared to information for 127 patients identified by ICD 9 coding and manual audit. Teleform™ data overestimated compliance with clinical guidelines by 17 percent giving an overall departmental agreement with CIs of 90.6 percent compared to 73.5 percent in the manual audit. Additionally, manual audit demonstrated that when the clinical guideline was incorporated into the clinical record, compliance was 92.5 percent compared to 51.3 percent when it was not.Originality/valueThis single center study demonstrates that data collected by AFP such as TELEform™, overestimate emergency department performance regarding CIs compliance. Departments that use automated data collection tools need to establish relationships between such data and data collected via more traditional auditing methods.
The role of laboratory information systems in healthcare quality improvement
Authors: Harrison Jeffrey P. , McDowell Geoffrey M. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of US hospital Laboratory Information Systems. Laboratory Information Systems are critical to high quality healthcare service provision. Data show that the need for these systems is growing to meet accompanying technological and workload demands. Additionally, laboratory tests provide the majority of information for clinical decision‐making. Laboratory processes automation, including patient result verification, has greatly improved laboratory test throughput while decreasing turn‐around‐times, enabling critical results to reach physicians rapidly for improved clinical outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData were drawn from the 2007 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Database, which includes over 5,000 US healthcare organizations and provides extensive data on the hardware, software, and information technology infrastructure within healthcare organizations.FindingsUS hospitals are actively involved in laboratory systems planning to improve health service quality. Specifically, data show 76 new laboratory information systems are currently being installed in 2007 with another 399 under contract for future installation. As a result, increasing investment in laboratory information systems is providing state‐of‐the‐art clinical laboratory support, which enhances clinical care processes and improves quality. These state‐of‐the‐art Laboratory Information Systems, when linked with other clinical information systems such as Computerized Physician Order Entry and Electronic Medical Record, will support further healthcare quality improvement.Originality/valueThis article includes the most current information available on the US hospital laboratory information system applications.