bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten years after: Measuring Quality revised
Authors: Poll Roswitha 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the new edition of the IFLA handbook Measuring Quality that since its publication in 1996 has influenced performance measurement in many countries.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used is to acquaint librarians and information professionals with the present state of performance measurement and the different ways of assessing quality in specified library services.FindingsBased on the research for the handbook, the paper presents an overview of today's performance measuring worldwide, as well in individual libraries as in joint library projects. Examples show typical varieties in measuring processes and results and possible methods for the evaluation of specified library services and products. The new edition widens the perspective to public libraries and adds indicators for electronic services and cost‐effectiveness. The 40 performance indicators in the handbook follow the structure of the Balanced Scorecard. Each indicator shows examples of results obtained in libraries and information about other possible methods.Originality/valueA comprehensive overview and state‐of‐the‐art analysis of the core publications concerning performance measurement in libraries.
Supported self‐evaluation in assessing the impact of HE libraries
Authors: Markless Sharon , Streatfield David 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the progress made in developing mechanisms for self‐supported impact assessment for a range of library service providers in the UK, and higher education libraries in particular. There is no established tradition for the higher education libraries to evaluate the impact that they have within their organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have created and developed a range of techniques which have been applied across the United Kingdom in school, health, public and higher education libraries, refining the techniques over the last decade.FindingsThe impact initiative so far is reviewed and areas for further promotion and development identified.Originality/valueThe work described is one of few that has achieved impact assessment across a wide range of libraries and over a significant period.
A comparison of usability techniques for evaluating information retrieval system interfaces
Authors: Zabed Ahmed S.M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to compare the results of two different usability techniques in evaluating the Web of Science interface.Design/methodology/approachAt first three human factors experts conducted a heuristic evaluation with the interface. Then, usability testing was conducted with 22 students recruited from various departments at Loughborough University, UK.FindingsA comparison of these techniques showed that heuristic evaluation revealed qualitative information whereas usability testing uncovered mostly quantitative data about usability of the interface. Although heuristic evaluation found more problems than usability testing, it also identified complementary information.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper recommends applying multiple usability techniques to ensure comprehensiveness in evaluating IR interfaces.Originality/valueThis paper shows that using multiple usability techniques resulted in a high degree of comprehensiveness in evaluating IR user interfaces.
Trust and organisational effectiveness
Authors: Ole Pors Niels 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to discuss the relationship between the concepts of social capital and organisational effectiveness in a library setting.Design/methodology/approachThe concepts are discussed in relation to two studies of information behaviour. One of the studies is a local public library study and the second is a nationwide survey into high school students' information behaviour.FindingsThe data indicate a discrepancy between the development of (especially) public library services and the perceptions of a library in the mind of both users and non‐users.Research limitations/implicationsIt has only been possible to raise a few questions on the basis of the two surveys. However, these questions relate to the theoretical concepts introduced in the beginning of this paper.Originality/valueThe paper highlights discrepancies that need to be remedied if the trust that is so important for public institutions is to continue to be at a high level.
Pay‐for‐performance programs in Israeli sick funds
Authors: Gross Revital , Elhaynay Asher , Friedman Nurit , Buetow Stephen 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the development of “pay‐for‐performance” (P4P) programs implemented by Israel's two largest sick funds, insuring 78 percent of the population.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of the main features and their evolution over time, the observed outcomes and concerns related to implementing these programs.FindingsOur analysis revealed that although implementation has been successful, both managers and physicians have voiced concerns regarding the effect of measuring clinical performance such as focusing attention on the measured areas while neglecting other areas, and motivating a statistical approach to patient care instead of providing patient‐centered care.Originality/valueThe Israeli case provides an interesting example of nation‐wide, long‐term implementation of the pay‐for‐performance program. Therefore, it provides other countries with the opportunity to assess features that may facilitate successful implementation, as well as highlighting issues related to the outcomes of P4P programs.
Pay‐for‐performance in New Zealand primary health care
Authors: Buetow Stephen 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the introduction of pay‐for‐performance in New Zealand primary health care; compare this policy development with analogous English initiatives; discuss the risk of unintended, adverse consequences of the New Zealand programme; and consider key lessons for the policy development of pay‐for‐performance in health care.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on description and analysis of policy developments for performance management in New Zealand and England.FindingsIt is not clear that the New Zealand Programme appropriately reflects the values and goals of primary health care providers. It encourages slow, incremental change by paying bonuses to Primary Health Organisations, rather than practices, for meeting targets on a small number of performance indicators. The bonuses account for a tiny proportion of the total income of PHOs and in general are for service improvement rather than to supplement practitioner incomes. It is important to align performance incentives with stakeholders' values and goals.Originality/valueThe paper discusses New Zealand developments in pay‐for‐performance in the context of English policy initiatives and considers lessons for all health systems.
Incentives and control in primary health care: findings from English pay‐for‐performance case studies
Authors: McDonald Ruth , Harrison Stephen , Checkland Kath 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe authors' aim was to investigate mechanisms and perceptions of control following the implementation of a new “pay‐for‐performance” contract (the new General Medical Services, or GMS, contract) in general practice.Design/methodology/approachThis article was based on an in‐depth qualitative case study approach in two general practices in England.FindingsA distinction is emerging amongst ostensibly equal partners between those general practitioners conducting and those subject to surveillance. Attitudes towards the contract were largely positive, although discontent was higher in the practice which employed a more intensive surveillance regime and greater amongst nurses than doctors.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was small and opportunistic. Further research is required to examine the longer‐term effects as new contractual arrangements evolve.Practical implicationsIncreased surveillance and feedback mechanisms associated with new pay‐for‐performance schemes have the potential to constrain and shape clinical practice.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the emergence of new tensions within and between existing professional groupings.
Whither British general practice after the 2004 GMS contract?
Authors: Huby Guro , Guthrie Bruce , Grant Suzanne , Watkins Francis , Checkland Kath , McDonald Ruth , Davies Huw 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide answers to two questions: what has been the impact of nGMS on practice organisation and teamwork; and how do general practice staff perceive the impact?Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on comparative in‐depth case studies of four UK practices.FindingsThere was a discrepancy between changes observed and the way practice staff described the impact of the contract. Similar patterns of organisational change were apparent in all practices. Decision‐making became concentrated in fewer hands. Formally or informally constituted “elite” multidisciplinary groups monitored and controlled colleagues' behaviour for maximum performance and remuneration. This convergence of organisational form was not reflected in the dominant “story” each practice constructed about its unique ethos and style. The “stories” also failed to detect negative consequences to the practice flowing from its adaptation to the contract.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how collective “sensemaking” in practices may fail to detect and address key organisational consequences from the nGMS.
Implementing payment by results in the English NHS
Authors: Mannion Russell , Marini Giorgia , Street Andrew 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper draws on economic theory and empirical evidence in order to explore the role of incentives and information in the successful implementation of the new hospital funding system in the NHS.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on case studies in two strategic health authorities comprising in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of background statistics and documentation.FindingsThe structure of tariffs under payment‐by‐results (PbR) provides high‐powered incentives for providers to increase activity because they are rewarded for hospital activity, and payments for increases in activity are made at full average cost. However, there is a danger that hospitals will increase activity beyond affordable levels and possibly induce demand inappropriately.Practical implicationsIn future, as PbR is extended, it will be important to monitor its intended and unintended effects. Such evaluation should consider the extent to which commissioners are able to live within their budgets and whether hospitals are engaging in opportunistic behaviour and gaming the new funding system.Originality/valueThis study has shed light on the incentive structure of PbR for NHS organisations and has provided insights for the development of information strategies for providers and commissioners in the NHS market. It also highlights a number of policy issues that need to be addressed as PbR is rolled out nationally as well as several important gaps in knowledge that are in need of more sustained investigation.
ICT and the tension between old and new: the human factor
Authors: Górniak‐Kocikowska Krystyna 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of tensions between old and new in the emerging global society driven by information and communication technology (ICT); and to argue that creation of a theory of this society would contribute in the easing of these tensions.Design/methodology/approachThe methods used in this paper are mostly analytical, descriptive, and qualitative. An analysis of the creation and development of ICT from a mathematical discipline of computer science to a universal tool and a driving force of the emerging global society, a development which is paralleled by the commercialization of ICT, is followed by two case studies illustrating the tensions between old and new and the role ICT plays in them. One case is centered on the challenges of traditional models of education by new, ICT‐friendly approaches, like the Multiple Intelligences Theory; the other addresses tensions between old and new that in many societies presently take the form of tensions between local/national and global.FindingsA claim is formed that the existing tensions between old and new are closely linked to the tensions between the two most common forms of society, inclusive (egalitarian) and exclusive (elitist).Originality/valueThe paper will help understand some of the reactions to the process of globalization. It can serve as a tool for assessment and prediction regarding this process. Lastly, the paper contains a justification of merit in the creation of a “grass root” theory of an ICT‐driven global society built on a universally accepted ethical foundation.
Computer ethics for the computer professional from an Islamic point of view
Authors: Al‐A'ali Mansoor 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the ethical behaviour of Muslim IT professionals in an attempt to stop many unethical practices such as software piracy, software intellectual property violations and general software development.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the computer ethical principles presented in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) code of conduct from an Islamic point of view through studying some relevant verses of The Holy Quran and Hadiths of Prophet Mohammed. An evaluation of the benefits of this newly proposed Islamic computer code of ethics is presented by surveying how IT students, IT professionals and software house owners would adhere to it. The evaluation was carried out by teaching different groups of participants aspects of the ACM code of conduct and the proposed Islamic computer ethics code and then surveying their opinions by a questionnaire.FindingsThe study demonstrates that teaching computer ethics in general, and computer ethics from an Islamic point of view in particular, clearly contributes to ethical behaviour of Muslim IT professionals with regards to software development issues.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not possible to put participants through real life scenarios and practically observe how they would react to different ethical situations. The empirical research thus relies on what participants said they would do.Practical implicationsThe newly developed Islamic code of computer ethics and its proposed implementation method can be utilised by organisations for their benefit.Originality/valueThe study is the first to address the issue of computer ethics and Islam for IT professionals. This paper presents a first Islamic computer code of ethics and presents a methodology for applying it. It also reports a study undertaken in Bahrain of how attitudes might be influenced by teaching computer ethics in general, and computer ethics from an Islamic point of view in particular.
The clash between standardisation and engagement
Authors: Gerdes Anne 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how standardisation influences home care work practice.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a qualitative interview‐based case study from the elderly care sector in a Danish council. The interviews reveal care workers and administrative staffs' interpretation of how the implementation of IT and standards affects their work situation. Findings from the case study are supported by a large‐scale quantitative study regarding organisational transformations in the elderly care sector.FindingsThe paper discusses how standardisation, in the form of implementation of IT‐systems and categorization tools, influences the potential for development of competencies. The findings show that an engaged practice is difficult to maintain when working under circumstances characterized by lack of time and a requirement for standardisation and documentation.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into the divergence between standards and the importance of relying on experience‐based knowledge and value rational skills in relation to care work. The paper stresses the point that standards are necessary to coordinate workflow activities and support decision making. Nevertheless, it is shown that when reification dominates, the degree of standardisation will lend itself to an instrumental practice not supportive of growing competencies within the field of care giving.
Surveillance at workplace and at home
Authors: Vuokko Riikka 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how surveillance facilitates new power relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis longitudinal qualitative study is predicated on observations of the home care workers interacting with their managers and clients. The emerging picture was complemented with interviews of the participants. The home care workers were chosen as being crucial in the construction of new everyday relationships, and their interpretations were given most value in presenting how surveillance and monitoring relationships are constructed as embedded mundane practices and as emerging from practical needs.FindingsThe paper discusses an implementation and use case of surveillance capable technology in a social home care setting. The findings suggest discrepancy of how surveillance is being interpreted by different participants depending on their positioning in the context of use.Originality/valueThe study presents a case study where surveillance issues emerge not only at the workplace but also in the domestic sphere. The paper explores the workers' role in defining surveillance at the workplace, and questions the limits of legitimate surveillance in the social care context concerning vulnerable citizens as clients.
Global ICT‐ethics: the case of privacy
Authors: Collste Göran 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe world wide use of information and communication technology (ICT) is one aspect of globalisation. In the ethical discussion of the implications of ICT the right to privacy is in focus. However, ICT‐ethics has been developed in a Western context and hence, privacy might be a Western value without relevance in other cultures. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the general problem whether one can expect a global convergence on ICT‐ethics, with the right to privacy as a case in point. Is privacy a universal or contextual value?Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the research question, methods for conceptual and ethical analysis are used. The concept of privacy is analysed and an argument asserting that there is a deep disagreement between Western and Japanese understanding of a right to privacy is critically examined.FindingsPrivacy is a vague concept and it is not possible to identify one Western view of privacy and, hence, to distinguish between the Western and – for example – the Japanese views of privacy. Common arguments for privacy within ICT‐ethics do not presuppose contextual Western premises. While globalisation implies increasing inter‐cultural communication one may well envisage a growing global convergence of a right to privacy. Thus, there is not a deep cultural disagreement concerning the right to privacy.Originality/valueThe paper critically examines arguments for the view that privacy is a Western value without relevance in Japan. It clarifies the meaning of privacy and provides reasons why one can expect a global convergence of a right to privacy in particular and ICT‐ethics in general.
Improving construction planning through 4D planning
Authors: Allen Chris , Smallwood John 
Published: April 2008

PurposeConstruction planning will play an increasingly more critical role within the realm of the built environment due to the unprecedented growth in the industry and a general skills shortage. Existing practices are failing to deliver the desired results for construction companies and clients alike. The increasing availability of 3D models has facilitated their use in a process known as 4D planning, allowing the visual planning of activities including the communication of logistical and other interfaces. The purpose of the research was to better understand the implementation of such a process, and determine the benefits thereof.Design/methodology/approachA survey of the literature was followed by an observation/participation case study. A further survey of construction personnel was conducted to provide data to inform opinion's generated during the case study.FindingsThe results of the research suggest that 4D planning provides the tools for visualising the process implications in creating 3D reality whilst facilitating the improved coordination, communication and delivery of a project to programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study emanate from a single project environment, namely a case study, and therefore further research should be undertaken to substantiate and validate the findings.Originality/valueThe findings have major implications in that the benefits of the use of 4D planning have been documented. Consequently, clients need to mandate the use of 3D in the design phase, to enable design phase information to be used downstream for planning, off‐site pre‐fabrication and facilities management. Contractors need to use 4D models to evaluate their critical activities, maximise the use of labour and materials, and communicate the site‐based planning process.
Architectural and building features disparity and preservation of structural and fabrics integrity
Authors: Ilozor B.D. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and discuss those architectural and building features associated with certain faults and defects, and by implication, impact preservation of buildings' structural and fabrics integrity.Design/methodology/approachBuilding condition survey and analysis was conducted.FindingsIt was observed that the differing structural and fabrics integrity of these buildings overtime was connected most significantly to their different roofing styles and features.Research limitations/implicationsInvestigation was limited to two distinct buildings located on the same block at Hampton University, Virginia, USA.Practical implicationsThis finding underscores the importance of choosing and designing features of buildings with their operation, maintainability, and life‐cycle preservation in mind, if structural and fabrics integrity must be maintained, and sustainability achieved, while restoration dollars are saved.Originality/valueIlozor et al.'s building defects cause‐effects model was applied in understanding the contributions of various architectural and building features to certain faults, defects or failures that impact the preservation of buildings' structural and fabrics integrity.