bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational structure for customer‐oriented TQM: an empirical investigation
Authors: Jabnoun Naceur 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the organizational structure that supports the implementation of customer‐oriented total quality management (TQM).Design/methodology/approachQuality management has been developing through the interactive efforts of managers, academicians, and consultants. This paper surveys these groups of experts about the structure that supports the implementation of customer‐oriented TQM. A questionnaire including items related to TQM structure is developed. Respondents are asked to indicate to what extent the items support or impede the implementation of customer‐oriented TQM. Responses are analyzed to determine the dimensions of the instrument. Then, one‐sample t‐tests are used to determine which of the resulting dimensions support this implementation. Finally, ANOVA is used to determine the impact of the jobs of the experts and their nationalities on their perceptions of the role of the structural dimensions.FindingsFactor analysis resulted in seven dimensions including process network, mechanistic structure, classic structure, formalization, risk aversion, organic structure, and complexity. Results show that the dimensions of process network and organic structure support the implementation of customer‐oriented TQM, while mechanistic structure risk aversion, and complexity impede it. Academicians valued the dimensions of process network and organic structure more than quality managers. Arabs and Far Easterners looked at mechanistic structure more positively than Australians, Western Europeans, and Americans. This difference may be explained by differences in national cultures.Originality/valueThe fit between strategy and organizational structure is essential for the success of any strategy. Many authors attributed the failures of TQM initiatives to the presence of organizational structures that are incompatible with TQM. This paper identified the structural dimensions that support customer‐oriented TQM and those that impede it. This result has important implications for managers who are planning to successfully implement a customer‐oriented TQM. This paper also has important research implications on the relationship between national culture and the structure of a customer‐oriented TQM.
Organizational learning as a determining factor in business performance
Authors: Pérez López Susana , Manuel Montes Peón José , José Vazquez Ordás Camilo 
Published: May 2005

PurposeWith the decline of some well‐established firms, the diminishing competitive power of many companies in an increasingly globalized market and the need for organizational renewal and transformation, interest in organizational learning has grown. Senior managers in many organizations are convinced of the importance of improving learning in their organizations. Therefore, it is necessary not only to clarify the concept of organizational learning, but also to establish the relationship between it and business performance. This paper aims to explore this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe degree to which organizational learning influences business performance is investigated for 195 Spanish firms with more than 200 employees using the statistical technique of structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results provide support for the view that organizational learning contributes positively both to innovation and competitiveness and to economic/financial results. Furthermore, the results show a positive relationship between innovation and competitiveness and economic/financial results.Originality/valueClarifies the concept of organizational learning and establishes the relationship between it and business performance.
Knowledge wisdom and networks: a project management centre of excellence example
Authors: Walker Derek H.T. , Christenson Dale 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis conceptual paper aims to explain how “project management centres of excellence (CoEs)”, a particular class of knowledge network, can be viewed as providing great potential for assisting project management (PM) teams to make wise decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a range of knowledge network types and classifies them into a matrix using dimensions of social capital formation and learning levels. Examples were used of each identified type, drawn from the literature, to illustrate and clarify the capability maturity levels, fromad hocisolated communities of interest to integrated and strategic CoEs that serve to propagate and transfer knowledge about an organisation's advanced project management skills and tools.FindingsThe paper presens a useful framework for understanding this evolution and argues that CoEs can optimise, help coordinate and enhance the effectiveness of a range of knowledge networks operating within an inter‐organisational or intra‐organisational project team.Originality/valueThe framework: facilitates PM organisational leaders to understand knowledge networks from a social capital formation and learning organisation perspective; highlights limitations of each of the identified knowledge network types from this perspective; and challenges PM leaders to strategically create and maintain a workplace environment that both encourages PM best practice and maximises organic learning development from which knowledge networks spring. PM leaders need to realise that sustaining CoEs is highly corporate resource intensive, however, derived benefits can include reduced wasted effort, poor project outcomes and increase organisational learning that facilitates continual PM process improvement. The framework provided here helps to justify that commitment.
Videography in marketing and consumer research
Authors: Belk Russell W. , Kozinets Robert V. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeMarketing and consumer researchers have only recently been able to put videographic methods into their data collection and research representation toolkits. This paper provides an overview of these methods and offers some guidelines for their use.Design/methodology/approachWe offer an overview of videographic methods that illustrates the considerable choice and diversity offered to budding videographers. With examples from different kinds of marketing and consumer research, from academia as well as marketing research practice, we survey, critique, and make recommendations about some of the best ways to use this method. We also promote current and existing venues for distributing videographic work.FindingsWe find videographic methods full of promise and in the early introduction growth stage in marketing and consumer research. Combined with decreases in the cost and availability of digital recording media, videography is ready for prime time.Originality/valueMuch observational data have been to a large extent “left on the table” because there have been no convenient, reliable, and cost‐effective ways to capture and analyze them and build them into our research theories and representations. In this paper, we present an overview and a set of detailed examples that help to develop, systematize, and begin institutionalizing videographic methods in consumer and marketing research. The result is consumer and marketing research more attuned to the lived realities of everyday consumption, and a broadened research toolkit to capture and expressively present these realities.
Exploring innovative methodologies for child‐centric consumer research
Authors: Banister Emma N. , Booth Gayle J. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeWe discuss the use of creative qualitative techniques for research studies focusing on young participants and encourage the development of what we term a “child‐centric” approach. We hope that by sharing our experiences we can help move forward the discussion of child‐centric approaches and methods, providing a useful starting point for researchers considering conducting qualitative research with children, and food for thought for those experienced at researching the lives of young consumers.Design/methodology/approachWe begin our paper with a general overview of approaches to childhood as a social category, discuss methodological approaches to research with children and review the literature that informed our methodological approach. In the second part of the paper we focus on an empirical investigation, outlining a methodology with which we sought to embrace children's active participation. Our qualitative approach incorporates the following: quasi‐ethnographic methods; interviews; projective techniques and photography.FindingsIt is suggested that by shifting our research focus from a top‐down perspective into one that embraces childhood as a culture in its own right, we can greet children within their own language, using terminology they understand, and ultimately providing the context for a more fruitful and exciting data collection process. Our research design was effective in providing children with a voice with which to relate their experiences, and in this way we saw ourselves as facilitators, letting children tell us their own story in their own words.Originality/valueWe argue that it is only by recognising and taking on board some of the recommendations that have emerged from the debate concerning research with children that consumer researchers will discover a fuller appreciation of the participants we seek to understand. Lessons from this approach can also be fruitfully used to enhance the experiences of research involving participants other than children who should also benefit from more participant‐centred research designs.
Shopping with consumers: reflections and innovations
Authors: Lowrey Tina M. , Otnes Cele C. , McGrath Mary Ann 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper reflects on the protocol suggested for using shopping with consumers (SWC) as a means for gathering high‐quality, naturalistic text in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe original SWC method combined accompanying consumers in the field as they shopped with in‐depth interviews.FindingsThis paper reflects on how SWC has been used in past research, including new and innovative applications of the method to a variety of research phenomena.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation of the approach is the amount of time required to implement SWC thoroughly.Practical implicationsSWC has the advantages of a multi‐method research design. In addition, SWC hastens trust and rapport with informants, potentially yielding richer data.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in terms of reflections on how a variety of scholars have used SWC to investigate phenomena of interest beyond that investigated in our original data collection. In addition, we offer suggestions for future research in areas that could clearly benefit from application of the method.
I can read you like a book! Novel thoughts on consumer behaviour
Authors: Brown Stephen 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo show how consumer researchers can learn from novels and analogous works of fiction.Design/methodology/approachClose reading of two recent novels,The Savage Girlby Alex Shakar andJennifer Governmentby Max Barry.FindingsThe paper shows how works of fiction can be used as a intellectual resource by the consumer research community. It argues that fiction refreshed the parts that other research methods cannot reach.Research limitations/implicationsMuch depends on the caliber of the novels. Not every work of art is a work of genius. The article contends that consumer researchers need to move beyond singing the praises of fiction and, in pursuit of new paths to thick description, seek instead to novelise our findings. Or narrate them better at least.Practical implicationsMarketing practitioners might learn more from reading novels than the academic marketing literature.Originality/valueThere is nothing particularly original in the paper. It reiterates what several scholars have said already. The message is sufficiently important to warrant constant repetition, however.
Moxifloxacin‐based strategies for first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Nista E. C. , Candelli M. , Zocco M. A. , Cazzato I. A. , Cremonini F. , Ojetti V. , Santoro M. , Finizio R. , Pignataro G. , Cammarota G. , Gasbarrini G. , Gasbarrini A. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Standard anti‐Helicobacter pylori therapy may not achieve a satisfactory eradication rate. Fluoroquinolones, such as moxifloxacin, are safe and promising agents for H. pylori eradication.Aim : To compare the efficacy of two 1‐week moxifloxacin‐based H. pylori eradication regimens with two standard treatments.Methods : Three hundred and twenty H. pylori‐positive subjects were randomized into four groups to receive: moxifloxacin, amoxicillin, esomeprazole (Group MAE); moxifloxacin, tinidazole and esomeprazole (Group MTE); standard triple therapies with clarithromycin, amoxicillin and esomeprazole (Group CAE) or tinidazole (Group CTE) for 7 days. H. pylori status was re‐assessed 6 weeks after the end of therapy by 13C urea breath test.Results : Three hundred and twenty patients completed the efficacy analysis per protocol; H. pylori eradication rate in group MTE was 90% (72 of 80) and 92% (72 of 78), in group MAE was 88% (70 of 80) and 89%, (70 of 79) in Group CAE was 73% (58 of 80) and 78% (58 of 74), and in Group CTE was 75% (60 of 80) and 79% (60 of 76), respectively, in intention‐to‐treat and in per protocol analyses. Eradication rates of moxifloxacin‐based triple therapies were significantly higher than that observed using standard triple schemes. The incidence of side effects was significantly lower in moxifloxacin groups than in control groups.Conclusions : Seven‐day moxifloxacin‐based triple therapies provide optimal eradication rates with a good compliance when compared with the standard triple therapy schemes.
Polypharmacy and Crohn's disease
Authors: Cross R. K. , Wilson K. T. , Binion D. G. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Polypharmacy has not been defined for Crohn's disease.Aims : To determine the prevalence of polypharmacy, factors associated with polypharmacy, and consequences of polypharmacy in a Crohn's disease population.Methods : A review of 291 Crohn's disease patients was performed. Polypharmacy was defined as either minor (two to four medications) or major (≥5 medications). Clinical status was evaluated with the Harvey‐Bradshaw index of disease activity (HBI) and the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ).Results : Major polypharmacy was identified in 50% of patients. Crohn's disease patients on less than two medications at the intake visit had an HBI of 3.6 compared with 5.4 and 6.0 in the minor and major polypharmacy groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients on less than two medications had an SIBDQ of 60.3 compared with 55.7 and 53.4 in the minor and major polypharmacy groups (P = 0.11). Predictors of polypharmacy included age >40 years (OR 1.9), duration of disease >10 years (OR 2.0), and female sex (OR 2.5).Conclusions : Polypharmacy is common in Crohn's disease and correlates with increased disease activity and decreased quality of life. Increasing age, increasing duration of disease, and female sex are associated with major polypharmacy. These findings emphasize the need for improved treatment algorithms to optimize Crohn's disease patient management.
Probiotic supplementation improves tolerance to Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy – a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind randomized pilot study
Authors: Myllyluoma E. , Veijola L. , Ahlroos T. , Tynkkynen S. , Kankuri E. , Vapaatalo H. , Rautelin H. , Korpela R. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : H. pylori is the major cause of chronic gastritis, and a risk factor for peptic ulcer and gastric cancer.Aim : To investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation on the tolerance and efficacy of H. pylori eradication treatment in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.Methods : A total of 338 volunteers were screened for H. pylori infection. The eligibility criteria were met by 47 subjects whose H. pylori infection was verified at the outset and re‐evaluated after the treatment by the 13C‐urea breath test and by enzyme immunoassay serology. The subjects were randomized to receive probiotic therapy (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosusLC705, Bifidobacterium breve Bb99 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS) or a placebo during H. pylori eradication and for 3 weeks following the treatment, and recorded their daily symptoms in a standardized diary.Results : When the frequencies of new or aggravated symptoms were evaluated, no significant differences were found between the two groups for individual symptoms. However, the probiotic group showed less treatment‐related symptoms as measured by the total symptom score change (P = 0.038) throughout the H. pylori eradication therapy in contrast to the placebo group. The H. pylori eradication rate was non‐significantly higher in the group receiving probiotic therapy (91% vs. 79%, P = 0.42). In this group the recovery of probiotic bacteria in the faeces increased significantly (P < 0.001).Conclusions : In this pilot study, probiotic supplementation did not diminish significantly the frequency of new or aggravated symptoms during H. pylori eradication. However, our data suggest an improved tolerance to the eradication treatment when total symptom severity was taken into account. Furthermore, the results show that probiotic bacteria are able to survive in the gastrointestinal tract despite the intensive antimicrobial therapy.
Long‐term use of acid suppression started inappropriately during hospitalization
Authors: Zink D. A. , Pohlman M. , Barnes M. , Cannon M. E. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Practitioners routinely misuse acid suppression medications on general medical floors and inappropriately continue the drug at discharge.Aims : To: (i) retrospectively study the appropriateness of acid suppression use on the general medical floors; (ii) characterize the patient population discharged on unnecessary acid suppression and (iii) evaluate whether patients discharged on unnecessary acid suppression continue the medicine long term.Methods : Retrospective chart review of general medical patients admitted to an in‐patient teaching service over 6 consecutive months.Results : About 60% of patients lacked an indication for initiation of acid suppression and 34% of these patients were discharged on the medicine. The only independent predictor of continuation of acid suppression at discharge was longer length of stay. Multivariate analysis did not identify a characteristic distinguishing those patients discharged inappropriately on acid suppression. At 3 and 6 months of follow‐up, 80% and 50% of patients, respectively, remained on acid suppression therapy without an appropriate indication.Conclusions : Our data verifies that practitioners routinely start general medical in‐patients on acid suppression without an appropriate indication. Many of these prescriptions are continued at discharge for no apparent reason, leading to their long‐term misuse.
Heartburn‐dominant, uninvestigated dyspepsia: a comparison of ‘PPI‐start’ and ‘H2‐RA‐start’ management strategies in primary care – the CADET‐HR Study
Authors: Armstrong D. , Veldhuyzen van Zanten S. J. O. , Barkun A. N. , Chiba N. , Thomson A. B. R. , Smyth S. , Sinclair P. , Chakraborty B. , White R. J. ,   The CADET‐HR Study Group
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : There are few data on empiric, stepped therapy for heartburn relief or subsequent relapse in primary care.Aims : To compare heartburn relief produced by a proton pump inhibitor‐start or an H2‐receptor antagonist‐start with step‐up therapy, as needed, followed by a treatment‐free period to assess relapse.Methods : Heartburn‐dominant uninvestigated dyspepsia patients from 46 primary care centres were randomized to one of two active treatment strategies: omeprazole 20 mg daily (proton pump inhibitor‐start) or ranitidine 150 mg bid (H2‐receptor antagonist‐start) for the first 4–8 weeks, stepping up to omeprazole 40 or 20 mg daily, respectively, for 4–8 weeks for persistent symptoms. Daily diaries documented heartburn relief (score ≤3/7 on ≤1 of 7 prior days) and relapse (score ≥4 on ≥2 of 7 prior days).Results : For ‘proton pump inhibitor‐start’ (n = 196) vs. ‘H2‐receptor antagonist‐start’ (n = 194), respectively, heartburn relief occurred in 55.1% vs. 27.3% (P < 0.001) at 4 weeks and in 88.3% vs. 87.1% at 16 weeks. After therapy, 308 patients were heartburn‐free (159 vs. 149); median times to relapse were 8 vs. 9 days and cumulative relapse rates were 78.6% vs. 75.8%, respectively.Conclusions : An empiric ‘proton pump inhibitor‐start’ strategy relieves heartburn more effectively than an ‘H2‐receptor antagonist‐start’ strategy up to 12 weeks but has no effect on subsequent relapse, which is rapid in most patients.
Clinical features of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in elderly Italian patients
Authors: Granito A. , Muratori L. , Pappas G. , Muratori P. , Ferri S. , Cassani F. , Lenzi M. , Bianchi F. B. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : The usual onset of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis occurs at puberty or around menopause, whereas disease presentation in the advanced age is less often reported.Aim : To assess the clinical, immunological and histological features of Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in elderly Italian patients.Methods : We assessed, at diagnosis, the clinical and immunological features of 76 consecutive Italian patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, focusing particularly on a subgroup of 20 patients presenting at ≥65 years (females 95%, median age 72 years, range 65–82).Results : In comparison with the younger group, at the time of autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis, elderly Italian patients are more often asymptomatic (25% vs. 7%; P = 0.04), are more frequently positive for antinuclear autoantibodies (95% vs. 52%; P = 0.0004) and HLA‐DR4 (45% vs. 18%; P = 0.03); among the extra‐hepatic manifestations, autoimmune thyroid disorders are prevalent in the elderly group (25% vs. 5%; P = 0.02). However, no difference was observed in the histological/biochemical expression of the liver disease and response to immunosuppression.Conclusions : In elderly Italian patients, autoimmune hepatitis has typical serological and genetic characteristics, is more frequently asymptomatic, although prognosis and response to therapy is similar to that of younger patients. As a concomitant autoimmune thyroid disorder is common, autoimmune hepatitis should be suspected and investigated in elderly patients with autoimmune thyroid disorder and abnormal liver function tests.
Utility of the Health Belief Model in predicting compliance of screening in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wai C.‐T. , Wong M.‐L. , Ng S. , Cheok A. , Tan M.‐H. , Chua W. , Mak B. , Aung M.‐O. , Lim S.‐G. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryBackground : Regular surveillance is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis B, to select candidates for anti‐viral therapy and detect early complications. However, factors that determine compliance are not well studied.Aim : To determine the utility of the Health Belief Model in explaining non‐compliance, among a group of chronic hepatitis B patients for screening.Methods : A total of 192 chronic hepatitis B patients who responded to advertisement for free screening took part in a telephonic interview study. Subjects were asked about the five constructs of the Health Belief Model, and factors associated with recent screening were analysed.Results : The mean age of the subjects was 42.1 ± 0.7 years; 77% white male, and 97% Chinese. About 108 patients (56%) had recent screening. At multivariate analysis, only the ability to remember date of follow‐up (OR: 4.37; 95% CI: 2.07–9.17) and the perception of having to wait a long time for venepuncture (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19–0.79) were significantly associated with recent screening.Conclusion : Future public health measures should include improving the logistics of follow‐up procedures and providing reminders for screening to improve compliance.