bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring compliance with surgical antibiotic protocols: an intervention
Authors: Kable Ashley , Gibberd Robert , Spigelman Allan 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to measure compliance with agreed protocols for prophylactic antibiotics for five elective procedures: transurethral resection of the prostate, cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, joint arthroplasty and herniorrhaphy in two teaching hospitals.Design/methodology/approachCompliance was measured during the pre and post intervention periods by reviewing medical records.FindingsOverall, compliance improved by 18 per cent (95 per cent CI: 12 per cent, 23 per cent) with greater improvements for transurethral resection of the prostate and hysterectomy, increasing by 27 per cent (95 per cent CI: 14 per cent, 40 per cent) and 24 per cent (95 per cent CI: 16 per cent, 32 per cent) respectively. Compliance remained low for cholecystectomy (17 per cent) and hysterectomy (25 per cent). Overall, the proportion of patients not receiving any prophylaxis where its use was indicated, declined by 6 per cent (95 per cent CI: 1 per cent, 11 per cent) from 23 per cent. The use of additional anti‐microbials that were not recommended in the protocol was high for joint arthroplasty 65 per cent and hysterectomy 71 per cent, but overall this practice declined by 8 per cent (95 per cent CI: 3 per cent, 14 per cent). Costs were reduced from $11.72 to $10.53 per patient between the pre and post intervention groups, while a complete adoption of the protocols could reduce costs by 70 per cent to $3.40. There were large variations in correct dosages and timing of antibiotics between procedural groups.Practical implicationsAlthough compliance improved there were large differences between the specialties. The adoption of preventive strategies is fundamental to providing safe patient care. The use of inappropriate antimicrobials is also an important patient safety issue that contributes to antibiotic resistance and is associated with increased costs. Introducing change in health organizations is difficult and the factors influencing successful change strategies require further study.Originality/valueThe paper measures and improves compliance with agreed protocols in health care intervention procedures.
It's good to talk
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to consider the value of medicolegal telephone help‐lines for doctors.Design/methodology/approachThis is a brief review as to how members of a medical protection organisation use a medicolegal telephone help‐line by analysing 100 random calls during a two week period in March 2008. The range of themes and concerns are compared with annual figures from 2007. Recommendations with regard to the need for national advice are considered.FindingsThe nature of the service provided gives doctors an additional opportunity to explore matters of concern. Doctors appear to need guidance to support decision making in a variety of ways where a clinical or professional situation needs resolving within an appropriate ethical and legal framework.Practical implicationsHealth care organizations should reflect on what if any additional ethical / medicolegal training is required for their employees to assist in difficult professional decisions. There appears to be a significant need for doctors to be able to access independent telephone advice and the use of such services may need to be encouraged.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the benefit for health professionals to have access to independent, objective advice and discussions to support ethical decision making.
Information sources available to visitors: a segmentation analysis
Authors: Kozak Nazmi , Kozak Metin 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the information search behavior of visitors according to various socio‐demographic and travel‐related variables regarded as a criterion for market segmentation.Design/methodology/approachThe data were based on a survey carried out with the cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the State Institute of Statistics in 2001. The study findings were analyzed by employing two statistical techniques: χ2 and a correspondence analysis.FindingsAn overview of the study findings indicates that the individuals visiting Turkey are provided with information from a range of sources. The information sources accessed seem to vary according to the level of the respondents' education level and purpose of their visit.Research limitations/implicationsThrough the research findings, it cannot be denied that the information sources have an impact on visitors' decision‐making process in choosing the specific place or facility to spend their limited time. This impact may vary from one person to another according to their different social groups.Practical implicationsBased on six groups of external information sources, the study provides marketing implications for the tourism authorities to segment their target markets.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that, in addition to other social and psychological factors, service providers can also segment their customers and tailor their marketing strategies based on visitors' intentions of using information sources prior to, or during, their vacations.
Does one culture all think the same? An investigation of destination image perceptions from several origins
Authors: McCartney Glenn 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is primarily to examine the impact of cultural background on image formation by looking at Macao's regional tourism destination image perceptions by its main tourist markets of China (PRC), Hong Kong and Taiwan. Other image formation components are explored within this context, such as the impact of travel behaviors, travel motives and sources of information on Macao's image.Design/methodology/approachA face‐to‐face survey (random sampling) was conducted in the departure areas of the international airports in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Taiwan (Kaohsiung). This uncovered perceptions of actual visitors and potential visitors to Macao, and allowed for only those with the ability to travel to be interviewed.FindingsMultivariate analysis conducted on the data revealed significant differences between the Chinese travelers from the various cities on leading image perception attributes, travel behaviors, travel motives and influences of sources of information.Research limitations/implicationsCultural background, while recognized in the image research as an important component in destination image formation, has been rarely examined in tourism destination image studies with research conducted on one nationality or group of people based on specific demographic indicators (such as student, leisure or business traveler). The research reveals important implications for the successful positioning and branding of a destination targeting at various markets even within one nation or culture, and questioning overall effectiveness of future image research that proposes national marketing and promotional strategy based on one source group.Originality/valueAs competition continues to intensify within cities and regions for domestic and international travel, the paper shows that there is a need to design tailored marketing, promotion and public relations programs in order to optimize influence on specific travel segments.
An empirical assessment of owner‐manager motives in the B&B and vacation home sector
Authors: Schuckert Markus , Peters Mike , Fessler Beate 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse the motives and the socio‐economic profile of bed and breakfast (B&B) and vacation home owners in the tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachThe first part of the paper provides a literature review of types of entrepreneurship as described in tourism and leisure research. The second part presents a survey which was carried out in 2006 in the Austrian province of Vorarlberg to assess owner‐managers' perception of entrepreneurial activities (n=246).FindingsThe data do reveal the motives which drive these owners or entrepreneurs and highlight why vacation homes are going to be a growing field of accommodation in the tourism industry. The findings show that the B&B business model can be interpreted as a market entrance model, while owner‐managers change towards vacation homes after approximately five years of firm existence.Research limitations/implicationsIt is argued that some stakeholder groups within an enterprise, such as young trainees or apprentices, might have deeper insights into entrepreneurial processes and leadership skills. However, more research is needed to analyse the supply side of vacation homes and B&Bs because the owner‐manager is still a neglected area of tourism research. The study is limited by its focus on one specific region, the province of Vorarlberg in Western Austria, a region of rural and Alpine nature.Originality/valueA decrease in B&B firms can be forecast for Western Austria. Owner‐managers should be aware of recent tourism developments and need to investigate how and to what extent value might be added to or subtracted from their businesses. For tourism policy is it of the utmost importance to learn more about owner‐managers' motivations to run their businesses and to maintain a certain quality of the vacation home supply.
Strategic positioning and performance of winter destinations
Authors: Sainaghi Ruggero 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to demonstrate the critical importance of the destination's decisions made in relation to market positioning in understanding the competitive performance achieved by local businesses.Design/methodology/approachThe aim of the empirical research was to check the following hypotheses: clear positioning on longer‐stay customers makes it more likely that the conduct of ski corporations and hotel businesses will complement each other; clear positioning on longer‐stay customers improves the competitive performance of ski corporations; and clear positioning on longer‐stay customers improves the competitive performance of tourist hospitality businesses. The multiple case study methodology was adopted as a means of refuting or confirming these hypotheses, with the use of a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, although giving greater weight to the quantitative sources.FindingsTwo dimensions are of decisive importance: the commercial mix of customers attracted to the destination (distinguishing between day‐trippers and longer‐stay customers), and the structural mix of plant capacity and high turnover tourist accommodation facilities.Originality/valueThe case studies chosen have made it possible to test three hypotheses according to which a clear positioning on longer‐stay customers: increases the extent to which the behaviour of ski corporations and hotel structures complement each other; improves the competitive performance of the ski corporations; and improves the competitive performance of the businesses offering tourist accommodation.
Critical success factors in collaborative multi‐disciplinary design projects
Authors: Koutsikouri Dina , Austin Simon , Dainty Andrew 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore critical success factors (CSFs) in interdisciplinary building design projects from the view point of the project members themselves. While there is a plethora of research on CSFs, there is a paucity of studies that examine CSFs within this unique project context.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews, a survey and facilitated workshops were used to identify factors and their interrelationships within the project context.FindingsThirty‐one primary CSFs were distilled which were then further grouped into four interdependent group factors: management factors, design team factors, competencies and resources factors and project enablers. It would appear that there are factors that are particularly important in such project environments, which do not figure strongly in other project environments. These factors are related to the socio‐political dynamics of inter‐disciplinary team work such as passion and enthusiasm, shared values, creativity and innovation and represent so‐called “super soft factors” which reflect personal success and its importance in achieving positive project outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough there has been significant research on CSFs in construction projects, little attention has been paid to those which are related to the collaborative design phase of such projects.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that it is worthwhile for managers in construction related organisations and beyond to recognise the interdependencies which exist between the project context, processes and the project members' experience and affinity to the project and the team itself in project work to achieve desired outcomes.Originality/valueThis paper extends the CSF literature by identifying the nature of the primary factors and their interrelationships which influence project outcomes in collaborative design projects.
An investigation of construction wastes: an empirical study in Shenzhen
Authors: Wang Jia‐Yuan , Kang Xiang‐Ping , Wing‐Yan Tam Vivian 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze on‐site production and sources of construction wastes through data obtained from a detailed questionnaire survey and structured interviews conducted in Shenzhen.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate the compositions of these construction waste and their sources. One hundred and ten copies are sent to governmental officers, designers, engineers, and contractors, and 84 responses are received, in which the respondent rate is about 76.4 percent.FindingsAccording to the survey results, concrete, cement, brick, timber, tile, steel, and aluminum wastes are the main waste sources produced on construction sites. The sources of these wastes are varied. Suggestions to improve the existing waste situation are also discussed.Originality/valueVarious types of construction wastes are generated during construction activities. Expansion of construction wastes not only represents an enormous dissipation of resources but also results in serious environmental pollution, thus creating negative effects to the sustainable development of environmental industry and society. With the developing of economy and industry, waste problems have become more serious in recent years; therefore, waste management is becoming a pressing issue.
Corporate social responsibility for solving the housing problem for the poor in South Africa
Authors: Othman A.A.E. , Mia B. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to integrate the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the South African quantity surveying firms (SAQSF) as an approach for solving the housing problem for the poor.Design/methodology/approachA research methodology consisted of a literature review and field study designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, the literature review studied the housing problem in South Africa, the quantity surveying profession and the CSR concept. Secondly, the field study investigated the perception and application of the CSR concept by SAQSF. Thirdly, an innovative business improvement framework integrating the concept of CSR within SAQSF is developed. Finally, research conclusions and recommendations are summarised.FindingsThere is a severe housing problem for the poor in South Africa. Government initiatives for delivering housing for the poor have to be supported by quantity surveyors through utilising their practical knowledge and expertise in social context. SAQSF are aware of the CSR and welcome the developed framework. The CSRF is recommended to be used as an innovative tool to assist in alleviating the housing problem for the poor.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focused only on the quantity surveying firms in South Africa.Practical implicationsThis research presents a practical solution to the housing problem for the poor through activating the social role of SAQSF towards supporting government initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative business improvement framework integrating the CSR concept into SAQSF towards solving the housing problem for the poor. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.
Does vocational training meet the construction industry needs in Malaysia?
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz A‐R. , Jaafar M. , Enshassi A. , Mohamed‐Salleh M‐N. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeMalaysia has been facing a shortage of construction craftworkers since the late 1980s. This is despite the fact that various public vocational training institutes have been established by the government ever since independence. This study aims to determine whether ex‐trainees of National Youth Skills Institutes (NYSIs) in the One Phase Electrical Wiring course had joined the construction industry to determine whether the shortage is in any way contributed by them. The reasons why they took up the course and why they chose to work as electricians were among the specific matters that were looked into to help in understanding their industry choice.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through postal questionnaire survey.FindingsThe study found that half of the respondents joined the construction industry, the other half in other economic sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was confined to those who had undertaken the One Phase Electrical Wiring course. It was also limited to one training institution. Other stakeholders were excluded from the study.Practical implicationsThe paper makes recommendations as to what the NYSI administration might want to consider doing in terms of promoting the course.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the knowledge of electrical course ex‐trainees about what they thought about their course, in which economic sectors they chose to work and the reasons behind their selection.
Contribution of knowledge management activities to organisational business performance
Authors: Chen Le , Mohamed Sherif 
Published: October 2008

PurposeWithin the construction industry there is a growing awareness of the need for linking knowledge management (KM) to business strategy, organisational objectives and existing performance measures. This study was undertaken within the context of construction organisations, and attempts to provide the empirical evidence about the relationships between KM activities and organisational business performance.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contractors operating in Hong Kong to investigate the opinions of construction professionals regarding the intensity of KM activities and business performance within their organisations. In parallel to the survey, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken to provide qualitative insights that helped to clarify and deepen understanding of the KM process within the context of the research target.FindingsThe investigation shows that knowledge utilisation is the strongest contributor to general business performance. In addition, the impact of KM activities on the lagging performance indicators of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), such as “financial performance”, is in an indirect manner, and through the leading indicators such as performance from “internal process” as well as “learning and growth” perspectives.Originality/valueThe study empirically establishes the linkage between intensity of KM activities and business performance, and demonstrates that KM strategies need to be explicitly formulated and measured according to organisational business objectives.
Information quality implications of planning process integration
Authors: Gustavsson Mattias 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of manufacturing planning and control (MPC) process integration on information quality (IQ).Design/methodology/approachTwo case studies are conducted in the aerospace industry. The paper examines the influence of internal and external, and technical and organisational integration on the IQ perceived in the MPC processes.FindingsThe paper posits links between high‐integration levels and low IQ deficiency levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical framework developed in this study is applicable to most industries. The case implications are based on the aerospace industry. For future research, a multi‐industry survey study supporting the theoretical framework is suggested, explaining the adaptations needed in different environments and testing the propositions derived in this paper.Practical implicationsProduction, logistics and supply chain professionals' understanding of the relationships between integration and the level of IQ can be improved. Considerations about strategic development towards a required level and type of integration in order to support better IQ levels could be simplified by using the framework and results provided.Originality/valueThere has been little previous research on the links between integration level and the level of IQ. In this paper, structured frameworks of both integration and IQ are used to provide insights on and describe the relationships between integration and the quality of information.
Capacity upgrade criteria of large‐intensive material handling and storage systems: a case study
Authors: Caputo Antonio C. , Pelagagge Pacifico M. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss some relevant issues in the design and operation of material handling and storage systems (MH&SS) characterized by complex material flows and high‐traffic intensity. The paper seeks to provide solution examples and an analysis methodology to face large increases of materials flows through a redesign of the material handling and storage system.Design/methodology/approachAt first, possible strategies to improve system performances when facing strong increments of material flows are presented and discussed. A significant case study is then analyzed in order to present a practical application of the proposed methodology. Resorting to discrete‐events simulation, the alternatives are verified, correct design choices are identified, and the resources are properly sized to develop a streamlined layout.FindingsThe paper recognises that design and upgrade of intensive material handling systems is a complex task asking for a careful study of alternatives and detailed system analysis, otherwise capacity problems and bottleneck phenomena may not be effectively solved.Research limitations/implicationsThis work focuses on a specific case study. The paper, therefore, will be of interest mainly to managers and designers of similar plants and large – intensive material handling systems.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how the correct planning and analysis of design alternatives integrated with a detailed system simulation enable a drastic reduction of bottleneck phenomena, thus meeting the required capacity improvement goals when upgrading and redesigning complex and high‐volume material handling systems.Originality/valueThe paper, while providing insights to practitioners engaged in design and management of complex MH&SS, outlines a methodological approach which can be useful when facing major capacity improvement projects.