bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning from regulatory interventions in healthcare
Authors: Benson L.A. , Boyd A. , Walshe K. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present the findings from research commissioned by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI), which set out to examine the impact of CHI's clinical governance reviews on NHS trusts in England.Design/methodology/approachThis paper, giving a stratified random sample of 30 NHS trusts, was taken from a set of 75 trusts reviewed by CHI during a period from 2001 to 2003. Documents from these trusts' reviews were analysed. A postal questionnaire was sent to key stakeholders with an involvement or direct interest in each trust's review. Semi‐ structured telephone interviews were held with five to six people from each of four trusts selected as case studies.FindingsIn this paper the clinical governance review process was characterized by wide variability in methods, application and effects, in the initial CHI visit and report, and the subsequent NHS trust action plan and SHA progress review. The recommendations made by reviews for change in an NHS trust were often of a nature or expressed in terms, which made measuring their subsequent implementation and impact problematic. CHI recommendations concentrated on management and support processes rather than on direct patient care and outcomes. Trusts were generally willing to accept and then enact CHI review recommendations.Practical implicationsThe paper concluded that a more focused and controlled review process would support greater change and improvement. There was evidence to suggest that this kind of regulatory intervention can have largely positive impacts on the organisational performance of NHS trusts, although these positive effects were mainly indirectly related to the delivery of patient care and health improvement. Any future review or inspection processes should place a greater focus upon patient outcomes if such reviews are to demonstrate their value in making a contribution to improving health.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, internationally, there have been few empirical studies analysing the work of health care regulators and their impact on the organisations they regulate. While the work of CHI has been examined by others, this study is the first empirical and largely quantitative analysis of CHI's regulatory regime and its impact within the English NHS. The article is also published at a time when there is much debate about regulatory functions and forms for health and social care.
Ever consider a supply chain as a “community of practice”? Embracing a learning perspective to build supply chain integration
Authors: Sense Andrew J. , Clements Michael D.J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis article introduces a conceptual view of supply chains from a situated learning and “community of practice” perspective. This non‐conventional “soft systems” view places an emphasis on the social and practical dimensions of learning within a context as a means to improve supply chain integration and performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual and introduces a learning theory that offers practical relevance to practitioners in the supply chain field.FindingsThe findings presented in this paper are conceptual. However, the perspective offered draws upon recent successful research into the dynamics of situated learning activity in a project team environment.Practical implicationsBy embracing this humanistic and social learning perspective, practitioners have opportunities to initiate a “community of practice” condition in which they systematically focus on and collaboratively develop their learning skills and their supply chain interactions and integration.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is to invite the reader to consider supply chain scenarios as “situated learning opportunities involving communities of practice” which, if appropriately engaged, can contribute towards learning and innovation and the development of inter‐organizational integration along a supply chain.
The boundary spanner's role in organizational learning: unleashing untapped potential
Authors: Loon Hoe Siu 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe organizational behavior and management literature has devoted a lot attention on processes and technology in organizational learning. There has been little work to examine the role of boundary spanners in organizational learning. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of boundary spanners in enhancing organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThe existing boundary spanning literature was reviewed and the salient points on their role in organizational learning discussed.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a view on tapping the hidden potential of boundary spanners in organizations in order to enhance the organization's learning capacity form the external environment. Practicing manager would then be able to design knowledge processes to better support these boundary spanners that in turn promotes organizational learning.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing organizational learning literature by introducing the role of boundary spanners in organizational learning.
A declaration on learning: how do you respond?
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper is aims to promote both dialogue and action around learning in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe basis of the paper is in the collective experience of the 13 authors who produced the Declaration.FindingsThe paper argues for the central importance of learning for all organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research for the paper is in the collective writings of the 13 authors.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the ideas promoted can be considerable. Very few organizations practise what is suggested in the paper.Originality/valueThe paper is of value to anyone working in organizations, not just learning and development professionals. It can be the basis for developing organizational learning strategies.
Present and future of building performance assessment tools
Authors: Sinou Maria , Kyvelou Stella 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe assessment of building performance in terms of environmental impact and overall sustainability approach is carried out by several methods, different in terms of structure, application and parameters involved. A review of the most frequently used tools available at the moment is presented and a comparison of the tools in terms of general characteristics and environmental parameters is undertaken. Moreover, suggestions are made with regards to a future, easy to use, sustainable building Mediterranean assessment tool.Design/methodology/approachThe methods are investigated in terms general parameters such as their applicability and also in terms of their primary environmental issues of concern involved. A comparative analysis is undertaken.FindingsThe investigation showed that none of the methods seem to incorporate all the parameters involved. Especially, the economic and social factors as well as comfort, which are all significant parameters directly involved to sustainability, are assessed only by half of the tools presented. The focus of the methods seems to be on issues regarding energy, landscape‐site, resources and quality of indoor environment.Practical implicationsThe paper encourages the development of a more complete tool, which will include as many parameters as possible and would be applicable at a macro‐regional scale (e.g. the Mediterranean region).Originality/valueThe paper can be used as the starting point for future research as well as a reference paper.
The request of sustainability and architecture as cultural paradigm
Authors: Chiotinis Nikitas 
Published: September 2006

Purpose“Sustainability” presupposes first and foremost a change in human attitude. It summons contemporary societies to take measures for the sake of future societies. It requires that each individual develops historical conscience, that each human being views himself or herself at least as a participator in his/her history, and that he/she differentiates his/her current life priorities. The latter, however, is associated with the philosophic foundation of societies, and the truth is that the philosophic institution of neoteric times that we experience at present seems to exclude such a possibility.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual discussion is the approach.FindingsMan should review once more his existence as an integral part of a spatial and chronological whole which transcends time and space in the so‐called contemporary “physical” life, and moreover, to regain awareness of the fact that he constitutes a catalytic factor in the creation of history or that he himself is the creator of (his) history. Furthermore, societies should reset collective goals as regards the spatial and chronological, i.e. historic, expansion of their scope and impact, as a requirement for this novel (novel in the context of our neoteric era) meaning of life. We believe that we are at the threshold of such a cultural change.Originality/valueIn the actual continuation, renaissance, recreation of history – where undoubtedly the demands of sustainability will be regarded a self‐evident priority – it is only natural that the practice of managing and designing space, as well as architectural practice itself, which will determine in the future the image of the urban environment and consequently thought itself, partake, and in particular, by playing a pivotal role.
Comparative statics and optimal portfolios
Authors: Fernand Nguema Jean 
Published: September 2006

PurposeFollowing Hadar and Seo, the paper aims to determine, in the case of a portfolio with three assets, the condition of preservation of comparative statics results under which a change in risk increases the optimal value of the decision variables for all risk‐averse investors.Design/methodology/approachUsing the first‐ and second‐order conditions, the paper examines a theoretical approach of a particular portfolio problem in two stages. The first step considers the case of dependence between assets where the second extends previous results in the case of dependence between assets.FindingsIt is found that even in the case of portfolio with two risky assets and one risk less asset that an FDS or an MPC deterioration that affects either the distribution will increase the weight of this asset in the optimal fund for all decision makers whose preferences exhibit decreasing absolute risk aversion.Originality/valueThe paper extends the previous study in the case of dependence between assets and examines portfolio with more than two assets.
Cellular manufacturing versus a hybrid system: a comparative study
Authors: Zolfaghari Saeed , Lopez Roa Erika V. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo compare the performance of a new hybrid manufacturing system (HMS) with a conventional cellular manufacturing system (CMS). The hybrid system is a combination of the cellular manufacturing and job shop.Design/methodology/approachA hypothetical manufacturing facility with eight machines and 20 parts is used as a case. Simulation models are developed for two manufacturing systems. A multi‐factor comparison is carried out to test the performance of the systems under different scenarios.FindingsIt was found that group scheduling rules (GSR) and the manufacturing system design factors have significant impact on the performance of the system. In particular, the hybrid system shows its best performance when the MSSPT GSR is applied, whereas the cellular system is superior when DDSI is implemented. The results also demonstrate that, by adding non‐family parts to the production schedule of the HMS, significant benefits in the performance measures can be attained.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusion cannot be generalized, as the result is dependent upon the input data and the size of the problem.Practical implicationsThe application may be limited to certain industry sectors. Further studies may be needed to identify the appropriate industry.Originality/valueWhile the majority of the literature focuses on either a job shop or a pure CMS, this paper has a distinctive approach that allows the combined use of both systems. This could be a useful transitional approach from one system to the other.
Strategic performance measurement and the use of capital subsidies
Authors: Tzelepis Dimitris , Skuras Dimitris 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to show that capital subsidies are used as instruments of long‐term corporate strategy. Previous research indicates that capital subsidies do not improve firm performance, as this is reflected by measures of productivity growth or by financial measures of profitability and improved capital structure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that a large, publicly available database of firms in the Greek food and beverages, covering a significant time span, is used to evaluate the effects of capital subsidies on strategic performance. Strategic performance is reflected by three novel indicators capturing a firm's orientation towards market power and leadership.FindingsThe paper finds that capital subsidies have a positive impact on firms' long‐term strategic orientations such as the firms' net market growth and the optimal scale of operation. The provision of capital subsidies assists firms to overcome the cost disadvantages coming from operation at a sub‐optimal scale of output and fixed capital, and increase their net market share.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that more measures of long‐term strategic corporate performance should be employed in order to provide more research evidence that is required to detail the exact impacts of capital subsidies on corporate strategy.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the capital subsidies have an impact on strategic performance and thus their provision should be the outcome of careful design from the point of view of both the individual manager and the policy authorities.Originality/valueIn this paper three new indicators of a firm's strategic orientation are employed and provide the first empirical evidence of the impacts of capital subsidies on corporate strategy.
Critical management studies (not) in The Netherlands
Authors: Letiche Hugo 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore what “critical” could mean in “critical management studies” (CMS) in the current (Dutch) regime of re‐commodification.Design/methodology/approachConflicts that typify the context, within which “criticalness” does or does not emerge, are examined. The specific circumstance of “criticalness” in organizational studies within the Dutch political and intellectual circumstance is appraised.FindingsThe critical management studies of experimentation (“essai”) can respond to de‐solidarization and the need for ethical democratic governance; but it can also lead to philosophizing without contextual engagement.Practical implicationsCMS has to be judged for what it tries and how it engages with its context and not the cleverness of its ideas.Originality/valueCMS is examined not idealistically but in terms of current social and intellectual conditions
Organizational studies: (not‐) smothering each other as a behavioural strategy
Authors: Maas Alexander J.J.A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that relationships between academics and professionals can gain in organizational studies by prioritizing practical wisdom, which also benefits teaching.Design/methodology/approachTo explore practical corollaries of Flyvbjerg's claim that social scientists are better equipped than natural scientists to produce phronesis or practical wisdom.FindingsPractical wisdom emerges when social scientists interact with professionals. In (relational) practice, Organizational Science scientists and practitioners develop local knowledge that cannot be taught a priori but which develops bottom up and emerges from practice. Scientists and practitioners converse, exchange interpretations and perspectives, in specific contexts. Interaction and communication with OS practitioners seems for OS professionals to be a necessary human condition to develop phronesis.Practical implicationsExplores implications of Flyvberg's method to critically study discourse among OS scientists and between them and OS practitioners. Examine how discourse changes on the basis of an example of phronesis.Originality/valueTo provide a practical contribution to the theory/practice debate.
Existential management
Authors: Bolle Eric 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify what the philosophy of Martin Heidegger (1889‐1976) can contribute to the training of managers.Design/methodology/approachAfter a short introduction focussing on philosophy and management, Heidegger's potential contribution to managers will be addressed via Safranski's book Martin Heidegger: Between Good and Evil.FindingsIt is often said that change in organizations is hard or even impossible to achieve because people are afraid of change. Safranski however shows how Heidegger considers anxiety as a gateway to change. I propose to read Heidegger's Being and Time as a handbook on management skills.Originality/valueIn terms of philosophy and management an unexpected juxtaposition is made and interpreted.
Strategic planning of regional development in higher education
Authors: Kettunen Juha 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study seeks to show how higher education institutions can plan regional strategies to increase their external impact on the environment.Design/methodology/approachThe balanced scorecard approach is used to provide a general framework to communicate the strategy.FindingsThe approach is useful in accomplishing the strategic themes and objectives.Practical implicationsThe study presents an example of how higher educational institutions are able to plan their joint regional strategy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge and practice of strategic planning in the network of educational institutions. The findings of this study are useful to administrators of educational institutions aiming to plan a regional strategy and improve the external impact of institutions.
Leadership prototypes: a Russian perspective
Authors: Elkaterina Omeltchenka Alla , Armitage Andrew 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this research is to study leadership prototypes of Russian employees, which are dependent on their gender, organizational position and age.Design/methodology/approachAs a research method a cross‐sectional survey was employed where 223 employees of Russian middle‐sized company were interviewed. Instruments included a questionnaire containing 21 leadership dimensions adopted from the global leadership and organisational behaviour effectiveness (GLOBE) Research Program Project, together with three factual questions. Respondents had to rate it using seven‐point Likert Scale.FindingsThe research findings revealed that leadership prototypes of Russian employees differ depending on gender, organisational position and age. All three factors influence the leadership prototype simultaneously. Female managers value leaders who are more humane‐orientated, open and being capable of solving conflicts, whereas male managers are more willing to exercise power and authority in their positions. The younger employees are less concerned for others, which may be a result of major cultural changes in the society. Operational level employees, middle and senior managers.Originality/valueSo far, this is the first research of its type on Russian leadership, as the GLOBE program, one of the most prominent studies on cross‐cultured leadership, considered only middle managers regardless of age or gender.
Visual images: a technique to surface conceptions of research and researchers
Authors: Bryans Patricia , Mavin Sharon 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis article presents pictorial representation as an innovative and challenging technique for exploring how new and experienced researchers see research and researchers. Pictorial representation provides a means of exploring the various factors that may influence, limit or inhibit researchers in their practice.Design/methodology/approachThree groups were engaged in creating pictorial representations of either “research” or “researchers”. Groups of new doctorate in Business Administration students, second year PhD students and a network of women academic staff from two UK university business schools described their drawings to their group and engaged in general discussion of the issues raised.FindingsDrawing and discussing pictures allows emotional and unconscious aspects of engaging in research to surface, helping drawers put into words what may be difficult to voice. Such images enrich and enliven the difficult area of research methods teaching and their personal nature helps to “acknowledge the individual in the researcher”.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on research with a small number of participants. It focuses on the use of the visual image technique, rather than detailed analysis of the images generated.Practical implicationsWe offer the technique to teachers of research methods who can use it to make research methods more interesting and relevant to their students.Originality/valueThe paper outlines an innovative approach to teaching research methods which engages students in discussion about the nature of research, the skills and qualities needed to become effective researchers and assists them to begin the difficult but essential process of reflexivity.
A conceptual metric for managing collaborative networks
Authors: Parung Joniarto , Bititci Umit S. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to provide a model that could be used to define success in a collaborative network by measuring: partners' contribution, partners' involvement (shown in the health of the relationship between partners), and partners' outcome.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this research consists of three stages: review, constructing and testing. Review stage comprised of a critical review of the literature in order to understand the characteristics of collaborative network organisations and the reasons behind the failures in collaborative networks. Construction stage resulted in development of a conceptual metric for managing collaborative networks. Testing stage tested the model through case study in a collaborative networks organisation.FindingsThe model shows three kinds of measurements that might influence the success of collaborative networks. The contribution measurement uses Analytical Hierarchy Process approach to measure partners' contribution. Likert scale is also applied to measure the health of the relationships based on key performance indicators of relationship attributes. Analytical with mathematical approach is employed to measure the partners' outcome of the collaborative network.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is developed based on analytic strategy and need to be chained to present reality in a particular case(s). This paper presents application of the model into a single collaborative network. The fact that this collaboration has been engaged for more than a year in order to develop a particular product, but it was difficult to identify all outcomes precisely. Further research is required with larger sample sizes and with longer time in collaboration to confirm and enhance the conclusions of this paper.Practical implicationsThe model provides a practical way of assessing three network's measurements with respect to their objectives. It also provides a useful mechanism for facilitating a discussion between partners in a network.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge by developing a methodology for measuring partners' contribution, involvement and outcome in the collaborative network as a system within IDEF0 functional modelling. The paper presents a novel metric for measuring contribution, health and outcome of a collaborative network.