bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value and worth: probability analysis
Authors: French Nick 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider probability analysis in the context of value and worth.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the Data table, an inbuilt function of Excel (and Lotus 123), that allows the user to put a table on the input screen and tests the functions against a predetermined matrix of changing inputs.FindingsThe advantage of using a probability based analysis to test the variables is that it allows the user to get a better view of the possible outcomes, in this case the range of IRRs that may be achieved.Originality/valueThis paper looks at the usefulness of using data tables to predict different scenarios and outcomes.
An assessment of property performance forecasts: consensus versus econometric
Authors: Tsolacos Sotiris 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to evaluate accuracy and efficiency of consensus forecasts for all property rents and total returns in the UK. The aim of the paper is to investigate whether consensus forecasts, containing a high degree of judgement, are better than forecasts produced by uncomplicated time‐series and econometric models that practitioners can easily estimate and use for forecasting.Design/methodology/approachThis study estimates simple models of all property rents and returns and generates forecasts for one‐ and two‐year horizons on a rolling basis over the period 1999 to 2004. These forecasts are real time forecasts. That is they are made using information available to the analyst at the time of the forecast each year and no future knowledge is assumed. The forecasts made by these models are compared with the corresponding consensus forecasts. The comparative assessment is based on conventional tests for bias, variability and efficiency of forecasts.FindingsIf attention is focused on rents, the consensus forecast is ranked best for the one‐year horizon but it is outperformed by the regression model and a combination of the statistical models for the two‐year horizon. For the one‐year and two‐year forecasts of total returns a simple regression model with interest rates clearly improves upon the consensus forecasts. There is clear evidence that the consensus forecasts fail to incorporate the information contained in recent interest rate movements. Therefore subject to the sample period for this analysis the survey forecasts of total returns cannot be considered impartial. Analysts should include base rate information into their predictions.Originality/valueThis is one of the few attempts to formally evaluate consensus forecasts in the real estate field and perform a direct comparison with quantitative forecasts. It produces initial evidence suggesting that highly judgemental consensus forecasts do not necessarily outperform quantitative forecasts based on fundamentals. It prompts property forecasters and investors to engage in forecast evaluation and include missing information and past errors in their forecasts.
When foresight seems impeccable, things still go wrong. Why?
Authors: Richardson Jacques 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis article seeks to provide a systematic examination of the unanticipated results following the introduction of various types of new policy, process, design, product or service.Design/methodology/approachA rough taxonomy categorizes the generic kinds of unintentional consequences.FindingsCareless political, technical, commercial, military or even personal decisions often underlie the most problematic of secondary effects.Originality/valueUnscheduled second‐ or third‐order effects have often been attributed to a “law” governing such phenomena. Although no such law exists, there exist indeed the unwanted effects – and sometimes on a grand scale, too often a bane of humankind.
A vision for channel strategies
Authors: Pumphrey Stephen 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal the golden rules for formulating future channel strategies in consumer‐facing organizations in both commercial and public sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe rules for future channel strategy come to light through practical experience and subsequent critical examination of leading practice in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, and media and entertainment, as well as utilities, retail, retail financial services, travel and the public sector.FindingsCurrent trends in channel strategy require a fundamental re‐think of the roles played at the consumer interface by people on one hand, and by machines on the other; leading to social and technological implications respectively. Successful channel strategies will direct the target mix of channels to the serve the most common reasons for contact with customers; taking into account the associated costs, customer segments, and frequency of contact. They will exploit simultaneous channel interactions, higher levels of channel prescription and constraint in the number of customer access points. The emerging strategies will determine refresh of enabling customer‐facing IT systems and, crucially, drive the business transformation required for success in multi‐channel environments.Originality/valueOrganizations that observe the channel strategy rules in this paper will develop superior channel strategies. The rewards include genuine sales volume or margin improvements for retailers, major cost savings in the public sector, and more‐competitive business models in travel and entertainment.
The recovery of BPR implementation through an ERP approach
Authors: Huq Ziaul , Martin Thomas N. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the approaches towards implementation of business process reengineering (BPR), and to provide some evidence as to which approach offers a greater chance of success.Design/methodology/approachA hospital case analysis is used to study where both top‐down/participative BPR and enterprise resource planning (ERP)‐driven BPR were used to reengineer its processes.FindingsWith an ERP‐driven BPR, it is easier to define the scope of the project, design of the process changes, mapping of the new system in the software, and to obtain a realistic preview of the outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsERP‐driven approach to BPR implementation used in this hospital represented a holistic rather than a piecemeal approach to an organization‐wide change effort. There is always a tendency for the motivation and support for such change efforts to dissipate. Research is needed on how to sustain the momentum for such change endeavors.Practical implicationsWith ERP‐driven BPR it is easier for management to offer a realistic preview of the expected outcomes, possible changes in the design and scope of the project, and to guard against unrealistic worker expectations. However, the ERP‐driven change approach requires close cooperation and mutual protocols between all the principal stakeholders, i.e. the executive suite, ERP system vendor, business process and support teams, and IT department.Originality/valueThe paper offers a rare insight into a company where both approaches to BPR implementation were tried and provides evidence in support of ERP‐driven BPR.
The campus environmental management system cycle in practice
Authors: Clarke Amelia 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo challenge the deliberate strategy approach of the environmental management system (EMS) cycle, and offer a model based on both the practical reality experienced at Dalhousie University and emergent strategy theory. Also, to share some of the lessons learned in the 15 years of environmental management at Dalhousie University.Design/methodology/approachA case study of environmental management at Dalhousie University between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Data were collected through 13 interviews with senior management and through 22 interviews with faculty, students and staff.FindingsTwo EMS cycles emerged with an overlap in the policy, planning and implementation phases, as well as unpredicted “maintaining implementation” and “renewing” phases. Emergent plans and best practices from other universities fed into the EMS cycle at the implementation and review stages, respectively.Practical implicationsAn improved EMS model is presented. It includes feedback loops, emergent plans, unrealized plans, the renew concept, and best practices. Six practical lessons extracted from the case study are: “early movers”; champions; administrative versus academic versus joint environmental policies; opportunism; and, the change cycle. The sustaining and renewing phases that Dalhousie University experienced are important for practitioners to be aware of. The case itself also presents an overview of numerous initiatives.Originality/valueIntegrates strategic management and campus EMS theory to create a new model, while also outlining 15 years of environmental management and change cycles experienced at Dalhousie University.
Core issues
Authors: Sherren Kate 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIn addition to mapping the consistency in rhetoric behind education for sustainability, despite changes in jargon over the past 30 years, this paper endeavours to estimate the degree to which these ideas have been integrated into the Australian tertiary sector.Design/methodology/approachThe results of a recent internet‐based audit of tertiary environmental and sustainability offerings are used to reflect upon key ideas associated with a liberal sustainability education: interdisciplinarity, cosmopolitanism and civics.FindingsSustainability is not yet well integrated in specialist or generalist coursework programs in Australia, largely due to a “customer”‐focused higher education sector. Additionally, the emphasis of such programs is usually technological solutions and scientific ken, to the detriment of human cultures and behavioural change.Practical implicationsConcrete recommendations are given to inform the development of appropriate generalist sustainability curricula, including liberal characteristics such as broad foundational years, and increased historical, spatial and cultural context.Originality/valueThis paper provides a valuable overview of progress towards sustainability in Australian university programs, based on a comprehensive survey, and with a minimum of new jargon to ensure accessibility for practitioners.
Improving service delivery in FM: case study of a UK hospital facilities directorate
Authors: Sarshar M. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of SPICE FM implementation in the Facilities Directorate of a major UK hospital. SPICE FM is a process improvement framework for FM organisations, which was developed through university research in the UK. SPICE FM identified strengths and weaknesses of the facilities operation and provides specific guidelines for organisational improvements.Design/methodology/approachThe study was limited to four areas of operations, namely: catering; estates; domestics and portering. A brief organisational strategy is developed, through document review, semi‐structured interviews and a small workshop. A vertical section of staff in the Facilities Directorate participated in the case study to determine the operational capabilities of the organisation. The staff ranged from Director of Facilities to line employees. The managers partook in semi‐structured interviews, while the employees participated in workshops.FindingsThe case study highlights some of the operational deficiencies in the organisation, such as health and safety management, and risk management. It identifies specifically how these processes can be improved, and which improvements are effectively linked to strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only focuses on level 2 of the SPICE FM framework. Level 3 has not been researched yet. Also the SPICE FM approach must be linked to other major organisational development tools, such as EFQM, IIP and ISO.Practical implicationsA very useful approach in linking strategy with operational process improvements.Originality/valueThis case study puts the SPICE FM organisational learning framework in context. Previous papers have not reported on any major case studies, in order to demonstrates how the framework can be implemented.
Managing NHS records: complying with the new code of practice
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess the new NHS code of practice on records management, published in March 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe guidelines are put into the context of good practice, and changes to the way that medical practice is being delivered. Recent MPS experience of complaints and claims is also used to inform the analysis.FindingsThe code of practice includes much that is useful, in particular reviewing the legislation on the subject and providing more detailed retention schedules than the previous guidance. However, there are also some omissions, and some areas where more detail would have been helpful.Practical implicationsHealth professionals can take advantage of the new code of practice to refresh their knowledge and, if they have responsibility, review the records management within their own organisation.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the continuing risks of substandard records management.
Towards lean product lifecycle management
Authors: Hines Peter , Francis Mark , Found Pauline 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a holistic framework for guiding applied research within the field of new product development. This work is a precursor to developing a framework for undertaking lean product lifecycle management (PLM).Design/methodology/approachThe research approach taken in this work has been based around theory development from a review and synthesis of a range of primary industry cases, practical approaches and partial solutions available within the existing literature.FindingsThe result is a six‐step theoretical framework that can be used as a point of reference for academics discussing the development of systemic approaches to the subject, as well as those from industry searching for a framework for their new product development activity. At this point the framework as a whole has not been tested, although each of the various elements has been successfully applied in isolation. The implications of this paper are that the existing technical product development literature has a number of gaps and weaknesses. These include, but are not limited to: a propensity to be functionally myopic, tending to be mostly dominated by marketing or quality/engineering perspective; a lack of focus on the human aspects of product development and a lack of focus on real world environments that often involve a high volume of medium to low innovation products being developed simultaneously.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to space limitations, we have not covered in detail the wider process of lean PLM which will be covered in future workOriginality/valueThe originality of this paper is not in its constituent framework elements but more in its synthesis of existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a coherent framework for the achievement of effective lean PLM.
Green productivity indexing
Authors: Mohan Das Gandhi N. , Selladurai V. , Santhi P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to illustrate an approach for developing a framework of indicators for integrating environmental protection into corporate performance. This paper also highlights Green Productivity Index (GPI) of the Continuous Improvement (CI) performed in a foundry casting, which includes both economic and environmental performances.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper data were collected from a foundry and used for developing indicators and Green Productivity Index (GPI). Mass balance concept was used for quantification of environmental indicators.FindingsThe paper finds the approach adopted will provide a clear guidance for developing indicator and GPI to various types of industries. A casting case indicates that the GPI can be used as an actionable feedback for leadership to make effective decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThis research in this paper developed a framework of indicators for measuring direct environmental impact from the foundry, while indirect environmental impact due to electricity consumed has yet to be performed. Limited external validity of the indicator framework, as the analysis was performed in a single foundry.Practical implicationsThe paper relies on a unique foundry data. Environmental indicators may vary, since the melting furnace used for melting metal and type of molding process used for making molds may vary from one foundry to another.Originality/valueThis paper is a holistic approach of combining theory and practical ideas to cover the scope of sustainable development. From a research perspective, it establishes a framework of indicators for the integration of environment into foundry and creates new research and application opportunities to other pollution‐intensive industries. From a practical perspective, the framework of indicators developed to this point provides a guideline of immediate applicability.
An Egyptian case study: financial services for young people who work
Authors: Hossein Caroline , Redfern Julie , Carothers Richard 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show some of the innovative ways loans are being disbursed to help microfinance institutions (MFIs) diversify their portfolios and reach a young and viable market. The paper attempt to highlight how MEDA/PTE's project in Egypt can contribute to the industry learning on microfinance (MF) and occupational hazards and young people.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an Egyptian case study to present how financial products can impact social issues such as working children and at – risk youth.FindingsThe study finds that the young people market has been rarely researched in the MF sector. Children and youth like many other groups face a host of issues especially unemployed and poor ones. Program design has often focused on social interventions and keeping young people away from work and in the school system. Through a rights‐based approach, this project is learning that the young people are key actors in many micro enterprises as workers and in some cases as business owners themselves. The market is diverse and so are the needs of the children and youth who are involved. It is time to consider innovation in designing programs for young people. There are alternative learning techniques and skill development for young people in poor countries where school and social services do not meet their needs. Learning within actual workplaces can provide alternate educational opportunities for children provided the work is safe and age appropriate. Programs focused on young people and economic empowerment and job creation will assist many developing nations in stabilizing systems and supporting the productive human assets. The authors have found that despite the rhetoric for youth and employment, the youth arena has been neglected of practical and relevant research. MF industry can advance thinking for young people market. We are finding that MF may impact business owners to improve workplace conditions. Loans also contribute to increase learning, higher wages and lower work hours for young people who work.Research limitations/implicationsLack of current studies focused on young people and MF. Studies carried out are based on very small samples and vignettes. A recently completed study carried out by MEDA/PTE with financial support from CIDA shows MF impacts on children as workers and business owners but there is plenty of opportunity for increasing levels of research in this area.Originality/valueThis paper shares original case material from Egypt's project, to share lessons on the ground and design and implementation learnings. This paper will be of interest to youth serving organizations, MFIs, banks, child rights community, donors and governments with an interest in children and youth.
A prospective cohort study on orally administered heroin substitution for severely addicted opioid users
Authors: Frick Ulrich , Rehm Jürgen , Kovacic Susanne , Ammann Jeannine , Uchtenhagen Ambros 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To assess the efficacy and safety of orally administered heroin [diacetylmorphine (DAM)] tablets in substitution treatment of severely addicted opioid users.Design  An open‐label, prospective cohort study with two non‐randomly assigned treatment arms and historical controls: DAM tablets only versus DAM tablets combined with injected DAM and/or other opioids, with an observation period of 1 year.Setting  Twenty‐one out‐patient treatment centres of the Swiss heroin‐assisted treatment programme.Participants  A total of 128 patients received DAM tablets only, and 237 patients received a combination of orally and intravenously applied DAM and other opioids.Measurements  Retention rate after 1 year; number of serious adverse events; dosage of DAM over time; subjective tolerance of study medication.Findings  In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, 1‐year retention rates after 1 year in the DAM tablets‐only group [0.804, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.735–0.873] as well as in the subgroup combining oral application of DAM with intravenous application or other opioids (0.843, 95% CI = 0.797–0.889) were higher compared to historical controls (Swiss cohort of patients who had been substituted intravenously with DAM; 1‐year retention rate = 0.70). Rates of serious adverse events under study medication (tablets only = 0.038 per application year; tablets in combination = 0.028 per application year) were comparable to the historical rate of the Swiss heroin‐assisted treatment (0.043).Conclusions  DAM tablets seem to be an effective and safe application mode of heroin‐assisted substitution treatment. Randomized clinical trials to compare its relative efficacy to other substances are necessary.