bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals?
Authors: Leese Brenda 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to show that the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract will provide opportunities for NHS staff to enhance their roles, so it is important that adequate training assessment and quality control systems are set in place. This paper assesses the implications for NHS staff in primary care.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper a review of policy documents was undertaken.FindingsThe paper finds that enhanced services set out in the new GMS contract may be provided by primary care organisations and healthcare professionals other than those located in general practitioner (GP) practices. As nurses and other healthcare professionals take on tasks previously conducted by GPs, so GPs will take on more consultant tasks previously confined to secondary care. Personal Medical Services (PMS) and GMS are converging in their contractual obligations and the opportunities offered to staff. As well as General Practitioners with Special Interests (GPwSIs), Practitioners with Special Interests (PwSIs) are important developments, which could promote recruitment and retention in the nursing and allied health professional workforce. Nurses and other healthcare professionals will be the main source of staffing for services shifted from secondary care.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that it will be important to identify whether these professionals can substitute for GPs, the boundaries to that substitution, and whether recruitment and retention are enhanced. Training for GPwSIs and PwSIs will be introduced or expanded but also needs accreditation and validation.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of the implications of the new GMS contract for nurses and other NHS professionals.
Health system in India: opportunities and challenges for improvements
Authors: Ramani K.V. , Mavalankar Dileep 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to show that health and socio‐economic developments are so closely intertwined that is impossible to achieve one without the other.Design/methodology/approachThis paper sees that building health systems that are responsive to community needs, particularly for the poor, requires politically difficult and administratively demanding choices. Health is a priority goal in its own right, as well as a central input into economic development and poverty reduction.FindingsThe paper finds that, while the economic development in India has been gaining momentum over the last decade, the health system is at a crossroads today. Even though Government initiatives in public health have recorded some noteworthy successes over time, the Indian health system is ranked 118 among 191 WHO member countries on overall health performance.Originality/valueThis working paper describes the status of the health system, discusses critical areas of management concerns, suggests a few health sector reform measures, and concludes by identifying the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders for building health systems that are responsive to the community needs, particularly for the poor.
Emerging risks in out‐of‐hours primary care services
Authors: Price Julie , Haslam Jonathan , Cowan Jane 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess the impact of recent changes to out‐of‐hours primary care services.Design/methodology/approachThe changes to out‐of‐hours primary care services since the introduction of the new GP contract in 2004 are considered. A recent survey of out‐of‐hours providers helps to give a view of how these organisations have diversified. An analysis of recent claims and complaints handled by the Medical Protection Society highlights the risks of this new approach.FindingsThere have been significant changes in the way that out‐of‐hours care is delivered and this has led to a number of emerging risks. In particular, problems with communication skills are the most frequently occurring factor in out‐of‐hours incidents.Practical implicationsQuality standards currently focus on working practices, rather than soft skills such as communication. Training for out‐of‐hours providers in these skills is essential, particularly where children are concerned.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the areas of risk which contribute to substandard out‐of‐hours care.
Turning Point: implications for collaborative governance
Authors: Nicola Ray M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the Turning Point Initiative to improve the health of populations by improving the USA public health system has many lessons on collaboration for governance systems.Design/methodology/approachThe article synthesizes published literature outlining the results of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant program to 21 USA states and 43 communities and relationships to administrative practice.FindingsTurning Point's creation of a formalized network of public health partners across the USA has led to innovations in collaboration, increased system capacity, and alternative structures for improving health.Originality/valueTurning Point's efficacy in community health system improvement can be mirrored in clinical governance. A major potential for improvement in clinical delivery systems is available by re‐thinking key partners, organizational structures, and system administrative capacity.
Infection control: behavioural issues for healthcare workers
Authors: Creedon Sile A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore healthcare workers' infection control practices from a behavioural viewpoint. Major behavioural theories are explored. Findings from a study which drew heavily from the PRECEDE theoretical framework are presented. The main purpose of this quasi‐experimental study was to observe health care workers' behavioural compliance with hand hygiene guidelines during patient care in an Intensive Care Unit in Ireland before (pre test) and after (post test) implementation of a multifaceted hand hygiene program. Health care workers' attitudes, beliefs and knowledge in relation to compliance with hand‐washing guidelines were also investigated.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through non‐participant observation and survey methods. A convenience sample of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and care assistants (n=73 observational subjects, n=62 questionnaire respondents) was used.FindingsData (n=314 observations, 62 questionnaires) were analysed descriptively and cross‐tabulated using Chi Square (Pearson's) and Mann Whitney statistical tests. Results revealed that a significant shift (32 per cent) occurred in health care workers' compliance with hand washing guidelines (pre‐test 51 per cent/post‐test 83 per cent, p<0.001) following the interventional hand hygiene program. Similarly, significant changes were also found in relation to health care workers' attitudes, beliefs and knowledge (p<0.05).Originality/valueFindings from this paper are also of value to future researchers investigating any form of behavioural change. Recommendations from this study are that future research which aims to investigate behaviour should be underpinned by an appropriate theoretical framework. Only multifaceted interventions are justified.
Quantum theory and self‐managed learning
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this viewpoint is to argue a case for self‐managed learning in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe piece is based on research carried out by Strategic Developments International on organizational learning.FindingsThe paper discovers standard assumptions by many trainers about what they need to do are shown to be faulty.Practical implicationsOrganizations can look at their own practice and assess if they are responding to knowledge about learning.Originality/valueThe use of Quantum Theory as an exemplar of a paradigm shift is unique in the context of articles on organizational learning. The value of the paper is also apparent in its challenge to misguided organizational practices.
What Darwin can teach us about success
Authors: Denton D. Keith 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how Darwin's Theory of Evolution can be used to help managers and organizations adapt to change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses Darwin's Theory of Evolution in relation to the management of organizations.FindingsThe paper finds that Darwin's Thoery has many applications in management. However, the ability to adapt also rests on other important organizational characteristics. It also takes a special kind of leadership which will accept a high level of failure while the organization learns to adapt.Practical implicationsDarwin's Theory shows us the need to create opportunity and motive for change to be effective. The paper emphasizes the need to look for a crisis so you can create a sense of adversity for change.Originality/valuePsychology and sociology are the centerpieces of management, however, other disciplines, including biology, and specifically Darwin's understanding of evolution, can be used to improve the creativity and adaptability to change.
The problem of going from training to learning: the case of Hungary
Authors: Csath Magdolna 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aims of the research behind the paper are to understand better the present situation of the problem of going from training to learning and to try to suggest methods and solutions to improve the situation.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses her experience in teaching cross‐cultural management and interviews with top executives to find out how some typical cultural factors influence management practices and employee behavior.FindingsThe key findings of the paper are the following: cultural factors play a great role in how companies are managed and people in them handled: controlled and motivated. But it looks like there is another important group of factors that influence all these managerial elements: this is the economic and political situation of any country. In the case of Hungary, which is a cheap production site for global and multinational companies, managers manage, control and motivate differently than for example “at home”, in a highly developed country.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on a larger sample is needed to support the ideas mentioned in the article better.Practical implicationsOne implication could be to write a professional textbook on the topic. A further one is to put together a proposal for the government in order to focus the attention on the importance of learning in all kinds of institutions and at all levels. One practical result of the findings is these are already being taught by the author thorugh the international management courses for foreign students studying at the Corvinus University in Budapest.Originality/valueThe paper presents a research approach of trying to find relationships between cultural factors and learning approaches and philosophies. It can be of value for those interested in cross‐cultural research, and also for companies interested in finding the best approaches to learning in a particular society.
Dialogue at work? What it is and isn't
Authors: Bokeno R. Michael 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to distinguish productive and unproductive understandings of the dialogue concept for employment in organizational practice.Design/methodology/approachA decade of theoretical/philosophical literature about “dialogue” in organizations both trivializes the concept and makes its accomplishment seem routine. This manuscript synthesizes that literature and separates unproductive or inauthentic understandings from those indicative of how dialogue is conceived and intended.FindingsThe paper finds that if it is to accomplish what it has the potential to accomplish in organizational life, dialogue must be understood as interpersonally tough and unfamiliar, politically challenging and psychologically disconcerting.Originality/valueThe manuscript should be of value to all those interested in employing dialogue at work, but who currently understand it in unclear ways due to the way it is talked about in the popular business press.
Affirming entrepreneurship: the best hope for organizations
Authors: Morrisette Shelley , Schraeder Mike 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe business world has long heralded the value of entrepreneurial talent. Not surprisingly, there has been tremendous growth in entrepreneurship over the past 25 years. Sustaining this momentum will depend, in part, on elevating entrepreneurship education to the next level, through the adoption of entrepreneurship into both graduate and undergraduate core curricula. This paper aims to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents and investigates major points illustrating why it is necessary to more fully integrate entrepreneurship into business education.FindingsThe paper finds that the catalysts for change include: the lack of entrepreneurial talent at executive levels in most organizations; the dominance of analysis‐driven “managers” at all levels of business organizations; the fact that entrepreneurship skills and processes can be learned; and the current state of entrepreneurship education.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the development of entrepreneurial talent through education.
Application of alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactor “AAFBR” for the treatment of saline wastewater
Authors: Abou‐Elela Sohair I. , Abdel‐Halim Hisham S. , Ibrahim Hanan S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to provide a simple, efficient and economic system for saline wastewater treatment.Design/methodology/approachIndustrial auditing was conducted to determine the water usage and wastewater characteristics during the manufacturing processes of pickling vegetables. In‐plant control measures were carried out prior to the end‐off‐pipe treatment. The treatment process was a simple pilot scale using two compartments alternated anaerobic fixed bed reactors (AAFBR).FindingsThe study indicated that applying the in‐plant control measures prior to final treatment of wastewater reduced the organic load and total suspended solids by almost 50 per cent. Post treatment of the end‐off‐pipe reduced the chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and dissolved salts by 84.2 per cent, 71 per cent and 52.4 per cent, respectively.Originality/valueThe proposed scheme was already implemented. The treated effluent from the factory was complying with the National regulatory standards for wastewater discharge into the public sewage network.
An alternate methodology for the evaluation of the performance of basic sanitation
Authors: Mendes de Alencar Filho Francisco , Monteiro de Abreu Lucijane 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify and examine the main factors which have explained the sanitation companies' performance and to expand the information on basic sanitation as a way of subsidizing the planners of this important component in the population's quality of life.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach used consisted of the selection of a set of 36 indicators from the 26 sanitation companies regarding the year 2003, divided into two groups, with the intent of avoiding spurious correlations. The groups were separated, taking into account their economic, financial and operational features. Subsequently, the indicators were submitted to the factorial analysis, by using the method of the main components extraction.FindingsBased on variables examined it was possible to identify the Operational Management factors: Monitoring and control; Water demand management; Sewage coverage; Urban structure; Environmental protection; Disposition and use of the urban space; Economic and financial capacity; Tariff policies; Collection efficiency; and Liabilities quality as the most representatives ones and those which can better explain the Sanitation Companies' performance.Practical implicationsThe results achieved from the factorial analysis intend to be a contribution to the formulation of management actions for the sanitation companies. They may also be used in a city or in a set of cities as a subsidy to the elaboration of various policies.Originality/valueThis article is an innovation as far as it applies the multivariate analysis for the construction of factors which explain the sanitation companies' performance.
A matrix tool for assessing the performance of intelligent buildings
Authors: Kolokotsa D. , Sutherland G. , Stavrakakis G. , Karatassou S. , Santamouris M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the analysis of a methodology for the buildings' intelligence assessment through the development of a matrix tool. Techniques and technologies for use in designing, constructing and operating intelligent buildings are well known or available on the market and many intelligent buildings have been built. However, just how intelligent these buildings actually are in comparison to conventional buildings is often a question. Due to the lack of commonly accepted methods and pertinent supporting data, the assessment of the overall performance of intelligent buildings cannot be carried out. It remains difficult, if not impossible, to carry out a fair comparison between different buildings in term of intelligence. As a result, the construction industry proceeds without adequate knowledge about the best practice in intelligent building.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of the present assessment, the definition of an intelligent building has been reviewed and refined. Based on the adopted definition, a matrix tool is developed. The objective of this tool is to provide facilities managers with an effective methodology for improving the energy and indoor environmental performance of their building stock. With appropriate development, the methodology could also form the basis of voluntary or regulatory methodology for building intelligence accreditation.FindingsThe paper describes the matrix tool's global performance indicators and specific performance indicators for the intelligent buildings' assessment. Moreover the application of the matrix tool in assessing two buildings is described.Practical implicationsThe paper encourages a deeper analysis of the buildings' intelligence providing the initial framework.Originality/valueThe present paper proposes an innovative methodology for intelligent buildings assessment.
Municipal solid waste management in Kanpur, India: obstacles and prospects
Authors: Zia Hina , Devadas V. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess the existing state of MSW in Kanpur city with the aim of identifying the main obstacles to its efficiency and the prospects for improvisation of the solid waste management system in the city.Design/methodology/approachThe research has been conducted in three stages. The first stage involved collection of background information through various reports, publications of various organizations to understand the state of MSWM in the city, followed by interviews with various heads of the Municipal Corporation involved in SWM, municipal workers and residents of the city. Field studies were conducted in few wards of the city and official dump sites. The third stage involved conducting interviews with planning experts and representatives from NGOs to derive information on various SWM related problems and prospects for improvising the system.FindingsThe existing solid waste management system in the city appears to be highly inefficient. Only primary and secondary collection, transportation and open dumping are practiced, that too in a non‐technical manner.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to establish a detailed database regarding the quantity and quality of the waste generated by various generators category wise. There is a need to find the exact size of the informal waste recycling sector and the economics of waste recycling in the city to integrate it with the formal sector.Originality/valueThis paper systematically assesses the obstacles in the existing solid waste management system in Kanpur city and tries to assess the potentials for its improvisation.
Stationarity and stability of underwriting profits in property‐liability insurance
Authors: Leng Chao‐Chun 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo examine the existence of underwriting cycles for the property‐liability insurance industry as a whole, and by line of business. Specifically to consider whether the combined ratio is stationary and stable.Design/methodology/approachThe augmented Dickey‐Fuller (ADF) test is employed for unit roots, while dummy variable methods, the Chow test, and switching regression are used for stability.FindingsUnderwriting profits of most lines of business and all lines combined are not stationary and have structural changes. For the whole property‐liability industry, a structural change occurred in 1981. Before the change, underwriting cycles existed since combined ratios followed an AR(2) process. After the change, combined ratios are non‐stationary.Practical implicationsWithout clear underwriting cycles, there is more difficulty for the insurance industry in pricing and reserving, for regulators in monitoring the financial strength of insurers, and for customers in terms of the affordability and availability of insurance.Originality/valueThe paper recognizes the non‐stationarity of combined‐ratio series, years of structural changes in the insurance industry and specific lines of business, and the possibility that underwriting profit is cointegrated with investment income.
Multi‐national underwriting cycles in property‐liability insurance
Authors: Meier Ursina B. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the existence of underwriting cycles in property‐liability insurance for Switzerland, the USA, Japan, and West Germany over a period of 40 years (1957‐1997), i.e. it looks at the question of whether the unit price of insurance coverage (given by the inverse of the loss ratio) fluctuates cyclically over time. The article serves as basis and starting point for Part II, where some of the limitations of the model presented here are dealt with.Design/methodology/approachLoss ratio data for the four countries are used for the recent period 1957‐1997. To test for the existence of cycles and calculate their length, the article applies autoregressive processes of second order, which were brought to a broader audience by a paper by Cummins and Outreville in 1987. The article also conducts a spectral analysis of the series.FindingsFor West Germany, much longer cycles than in earlier studies were found for the basic model. In general, the cycles get longer for the longer period, 1957‐1997. The article concludes that the hypothesis of cycles of six years in length no longer holds globally. It also finds cross‐country differences for the primary markets of the four countries.Originality/valueMost empirical work on underwriting cycles has so far been carried out on US data. This study replicates a previous study for four countries on three continents and discusses the results and some limitations. It serves as the basis for Part II of this work.