bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing in the Australian health sector
Authors: Young Suzanne 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe paper discusses the reasons and approaches used at three health organisations in introducing outsourcing. It specifically answers the question: why have managers of health organisations outsourced some functions in preference to others?Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a case study method making use of qualitative analysis. The health organisations were chosen first as representatives of their type, and secondly due to the nature of the outsourcing decisions made. The first health organisation operates in the rural sector; the second is a metropolitan network; and the third is a large metropolitan hospital, which, in contrast to the other two case study organisations, had made only one decision to outsource, producing the largest outsourcing contract in health in Australia. Furthermore, this situation was distinctive as the contract was terminated and re‐issued to another private sector organisation.FindingsThe reasons for outsourcing varied within and between health organisations. Although generally they were made on the bases of the characteristics of the labour market, employee skill levels and the nature of industrial relations, the perception of what was core, the level of internal management skills, the ability of internal teams to implement change and the relationship between management and staff. Even though cost savings and a downsized labour force resulted, generally these occurred even when services were not outsourced, through the use of other change processes, such as introducing new technology, changing structures and promoting workforce flexibility. The interplay of political reasons and economic effects was evident along with the political nature of the decision‐making and processes used. The paper concludes that the power of managers was a moderating factor between the desire for outsourcing and whether outsourcing actually occurred.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this research was conducted solely within the health sector it has implications for other public sector bodies and the private sector.Practical implicationsManagerial decision making can be enhanced with the exploration of the full complement of reasons for the outsourcing decision.Originality/valueThe paper has value to both academics researching in the public sector and public sector managers.
Bridging or buffering?
Authors: DiPaola Michael F. , Tschannen‐Moran Megan 
Published: February 2005

PurposeRational and open system theories offer divergent sets of tactics on how best to deal with factors outside the boundary of the school. This study compared two competing strategies that emerge from these theories: bridging and buffering. The impact of how schools interact with their environments was examined in relation to student achievement.Design/methodology/approachThe competing theories were operationalized into two survey measures that tapped teacher perceptions of their schools’ orientations toward the environment. Using schools as the unit of analysis, two competing perspectives were contrasted together with their relative impact on student achievement on standardized tests.FindingsMultiple regression was used to assess the relative weight of each of these constructs in explaining the variance in student achievement. Bridging strategies explained a greater proportion of the variance than buffering.Research limitations/implicationsData were limited to teacher perceptions of the strategies employed by their schools to relate to the external environments. Enactments of these strategies are generally conceived and initiated by school administrators. Schools are dependent on their environments for survival. If the community is perceived as a threat, school leaders will attempt to insulate the technical core of teaching by buffering teachers from environmental disturbances. If, however, the community is perceived as a potential resource, school leaders will attempt to build bridges and create a symbiotic interdependence. Findings suggest that the latter is a more productive strategy for school administrators to employ.Originality/valueTo date, little research has been done on these competing strategies that would guide the practice of school leaders in how to best invest their energies in relation to their external environments.
Mountains, flatlands and tenuous meaning
Authors: Covrig Duane M. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeContingency and institutional theories of organizational development are used to describe and interpret the 100‐year history of a health science university and to then make a case for teaching organizational sociology in administrative preparation programs.Design/methodology/approachPrimary and secondary documents were analyzed to delineate the university's history.FindingsResults indicated that organizational development was the result of complex institutional commitments that were challenged by and reinterpreted in the face of controversial and unanticipated contingencies. Both contingency and institutional theories help explain organizational processes. Organizational sense‐making theories from Karl Weick explain conflicting findings related to the tensions between old and new, the known and unknown, and the set and novel environmental and organizational processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research shows the usefulness of organizational theory in helping administrators develop more elaborate ways of thinking about their schools. The process of theory crafting and testing encourages essential openness and curiosity in administrators.Practical implicationsAdministrative candidates should be introduced to the content and processes of organizational sociology as a way of thinking about their leadership and organizational processes.Originality/valueOrganizational theory, including organizational sociology, contingency theory, institutional theory, and sense‐making remain viable in the study of educational organizations and can provide new administrators with a guide for their own meaning construction.
Erosion in the tube entrance region of a shell and tube heat exchanger
Authors: Habib M.A. , Ben‐Mansour R. , Badr H.M. , Said S.A.M. , Al‐Anizi S.S. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeIn oil and gas industries, the presence of sand particles in produced oil and natural gas represents a major concern because of the associated erosive wear occurring in various flow passages. Erosion in the tube entrance region of a typical shell and tube heat exchanger is numerically predicted.Design/methodology/approachThe erosion rates are obtained for different flow rates and particle sizes assuming low particle concentration. The erosion prediction is based on using a mathematical model for simulating the fluid velocity field and another model for simulating the motion of solid particles. The fluid velocity (continuous phase) model is based on the solution of the time‐averaged governing equations of 3D turbulent flow while the particle‐tracking model is based on the solution of the governing equation of each particle motion taking into consideration the viscous and gravity forces as well as the effect of particle rebound behavior.FindingsThe results show that the location and number of eroded tubes depend mainly on the particle size and velocity magnitude at the header inlet. The rate of erosion depends exponentially on the velocity. The particle size shows negligible effect on the erosion rate at high velocity values and the large‐size particles show less erosion rates compared to the small‐size particles at low values of inlet flow velocities.Originality/valueIn oil and gas industries, the presence of sand particles in produced oil and natural gas represents a major concern because of the associated erosive wear occurring in various flow passages. The results indicate that erosion in shell and tube heat exchanger can be minimized through the control of velocity inlet to the header.
Turbulent flow and heat transfer enhancement of mixed convection over heated blocks in a channel
Authors: Wu Horng‐Wen , Perng Shiang‐Wuu 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo investigate the heat transfer enhancement performed by installing a rectangular plate turbulator for internal flow modification induced by vortex shedding.Design/methodology/approachThe large eddy simulation (LES) and SIMPLE‐C method coupled with preconditioned conjugate gradient methods have been applied to the turbulent flow field and heat transfer enhancement of mixed convection in a block‐heated channel.FindingsProvides information about heat transfer performance indicating that heat transfer performance can be affected by various width‐to‐height ratio of turbulator and Grasehof numbers with a constant Reynolds number. The results show that the installation of turbulator in cross‐flow above an upstream block can effectively enhance the heat transfer performance by suitable width‐to‐height ratio of turbulator and Grasehof numbers.Research limitations/implicationsIt is limited to two‐dimensional mean flow for the turbulent vortex‐shedding flow past a long square cylinder.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information and favorable advice for people developing heat transfer enhancement for electronic devices.Originality/valueThe results of this study may be of interest to engineers attempting to develop thermal control of electronic devices and to researchers interested in the turbulent flow‐modification aspects of heat transfer enhancement of mixed convection in a vertical channel.
Foundation degrees: a risky business?
Authors: Rowley Jennifer 
Published: February 2005

PurposeFoundation degrees, the new proposal for sub‐degree vocational education in the UK, are characterised by innovation both in their design (curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment) and in the marketplace for which they are designed. This article argues that the development and delivery of foundation degrees carry a high level of risk, and encourages reflection on the nature and impact of those risks.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses the sources of the risks associated with the development of foundation degrees, as a platform for the development of strategies for the management of risk, and positive quality management. The discussion is developed under the following headings: working in partnership, validation processes, curriculum and learning issues, marketplace and admission issues, staffing and organisational issues, and the student experience.FindingsThere are a number of sources of support and advice to assist in mitigation of the risks, but ultimately the responsibility for the management of the risks rests with employers, educational institutions, their staff and students.Originality/valueThe article surfaces a range of issues relating to risks and their management in the context of foundation degrees. It should inform curriculum development, and the development of quality management systems for the management of foundation degrees.
Continuous improvement framework: implications for academia
Authors: Temponi Cecilia 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo analyze the main elements of continuous improvement (CI) in higher education and the concerns of academia's stakeholders in the implementation of such an approach. Suggests guidelines for the development of a culture more receptive to the implementation and maintenance of a CI approach in higher education.Design/methodology/approachA review of published literature (1982‐2004) facilitates identification of elements of CI, and concerns of academia's stakeholders for the adoption of a CI approach in higher education. The reviewed sources are grouped into three major sections: the CI approach, implications of CI, and an illustrative example – EQUIS.FindingsThe adoption of a CI approach in higher education requires not only upper administration commitment, but also uncovering the current underlying culture and examining the appropriateness of the objectives to adopt CI. A culture of a long‐term commitment to CI implies engaging the administrative and academic systems and all the stakeholders of the institution. This was identified as a major road‐block for quality initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a wide range of stakeholders to consider and some stakeholders have diverse objectives in pursuing a CI approach. Future research should explore these agendas to identify core issues needing to be addressed to speed up the shift towards a CI culture.Practical implicationsRequired accreditations in colleges and universities offer an increasingly important role to a CI approach in higher education and its impact on academic stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to colleges of business seeking accreditations and institutions of higher education pursuing CI initiatives.
Examining architects' performance in Nigerian private and public sectors building projects
Authors: Oyedele Lukumon O. , Tham Kwok W. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine and compare the performance of architects with respect to clients' rating of importance over a set of performance criteria in Nigerian public and private sector building projects.Design/methodology/approachA survey involving clients from both public and private sectors of recently completed building projects in Nigeria was undertaken. Data analysis includes comparing similarities and differences using standardised ratio, Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests.FindingsThe results show that private sector clients are likely to be more concerned with cost, while public sector clients are more concerned with buildability of design. A total of 79 per cent of the criteria were similarly selected by both sectors with respect to importance of the criteria. Architects need to improve their performance significantly in about 82 per cent of the whole set of 28 criteria. The architects performed better in the public sector than the private sector and 14 per cent of the criteria were indicated as being statistically different in terms of architects' performance.Originality/valueThe results provide feedback which can be incorporated in architects' future projects so as to ensure successful project implementation in the building delivery process.
Taking the pulse of UK construction project managers' health
Authors: Love Peter E.D. , Edwards David J. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeIn this paper the predictive capabilities of the full job strain model (JSM) for construction project managers is examined. The principal aim of the work is to determine whether employees' psychological wellbeing in terms of worker health and job satisfaction can be reliably predicted.Design/methodology/approachThe full JSM is tested by investigating perceived work demands, job control and social support. The predictive capability of the full JSM (which encompasses job demands, job control and social support) is applied to a sample of construction project managers from the UK.FindingsThe analysis of the results indicates that the JSM can significantly predict employees' psychological wellbeing in terms of worker health and job satisfaction among the construction project managers sampled. A key finding was that social support had significant (p<0.0001) main effects on psychological wellbeing. Contrary to previous research, however, non‐work‐related support was found to be more significant than work support in alleviating psychological strain.Research limitations/implicationsA model that incorporates a wider range of variables should be developed to account for the variance in strain between different roles that construction project managers adopt within an organisation and projects so they can be useful for job design.Originality/valueFor the specific sample, the JSM captured the key characteristics that contributed to the job strain that they experienced. With the exception of non‐work‐related social support, the results support previous studies that examined the predictive capacity of the JSM.
Technology brokering and innovation: linking strategy, practice, and people
Authors: Hargadon Andrew 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe author has spent the last ten years studying the innovation process in modern organizations and found that the most successful firms pursue an innovation strategy termed technology brokering.Design/methodology/approachHow are the objectives achieved? Include the main method(s) used for the research. What is the approach to the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper?FindingsRather than chasing wholly new ideas, these successful firms focus on recombining old ideas in new ways. The results have sparked many technological revolutions and produced a steady stream of growth opportunities for existing businesses.Research limitations/implicationsNeeds cases showing that technology brokering, and the complementary work practices and people, can successfully execute such a strategy.Practical implicationsBy transforming traditional R&D organizations through a strategy of technology brokering firms can build competencies for continuous innovation..Originality/valueTo pursue a strategy of recombinant innovation, corporate leaders must put themselves in position to be the first to see how existing technologies in one market could be used to create breakthrough innovations in another.
Integrated management system
Authors: Zutshi Ambika , Sohal Amrik S. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeManagement systems and standards have become a key part of the organisation's lifeline and a prerequisite for survival in the twenty‐first century. Systems for quality environmental and occupational health and safety (OHS) now form the three main pillars of the organisation, the fourth one being financial accounting. In light of the increasing pressure and demands from different stakeholders, it is becoming necessary for organisations to adopt the different systems/standards. However, to achieve the benefits from the implementation and subsequently maintenance of these systems it is only a practical and logical step that the existing management systems/standards be integrated into a single system.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the experiences of three Australian‐based organisations that have successfully undertaken the integration of their management systems/standards. Data for this paper were collected through in‐depth interviews conducted with the managers responsible for quality, environment and OHS systems.FindingsThe interviews revealed a number of quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits experienced by the companies from operating one integrated system, such as saving of dollars, better utilisation of resources and improved communication across the organisation, to name a few. However, for the benefits to be realized it is essential that organisations are aware of the challenges and obstacles accompanying integration of systems/standards. If these challenges are not addressed early in the process they can delay the completion of the integration process.Originality/valueRecommendations for other organisations contemplating integrating their management system include: obtaining commitment from the top management; having adequate resources to integrate the systems; having communication and training across the organisation in aspects of integration; and, last but not the least, having integrated audits. Implementation of these recommendations may vary from one organisation to another; however, it would result in lesser resistance for the organisations following them.
Receptor‐like proteins involved in plant disease resistance
Authors: KRUIJT MARCO , DE KOCK MAARTEN J. D. , DE WIT PIERRE J. G. M. 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARYRace‐specific resistance in plants against microbial pathogens is governed by several distinct classes of resistance (R) genes. This review focuses on the class that consists of the plasma membrane‐bound leucine‐rich repeat proteins known as receptor‐like proteins (RLPs). The first isolated resistance genes of the RLP class are the tomato Cf genes, which confer resistance to the fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum. To date, several other RLP genes are known to be implicated in resistance in other plant–pathogen interactions. These include HcrVf2 from apple, Ve1 and Ve2 from tomato, and RPP27 from Arabidopsis, which are involved in resistance to Venturia, Verticillium and Peronospora, respectively. Furthermore, the tomato RLP gene LeEix initiates defence responses upon elicitation with a fungal ethylene‐inducing xylanase (EIX) of non‐pathogenic Trichoderma. The tomato Cf genes, which are the most intensively studied RLP resistance genes, are usually found in clusters of several homologues. Whereas some of these homologues are functional Cf resistance genes, others have no known function in resistance. Different evolutionary processes contribute to variation in functional Cf genes, and functional as well as non‐functional homologues may provide a source for the generation of novel Cf resistance genes. To date, little is known of the proteins that interact with Cf proteins to initiate defence responses. In contrast to the LeEix protein and the corresponding EIX elicitor, for which a direct interaction was found, no direct interaction between Cf proteins and the corresponding C. fulvum elicitors has been demonstrated. Analogous to the CLAVATA signalling complex, which comprises an RLP, a receptor‐like kinase (RLK) and a small proteineous ligand, Cf proteins may form a complex with RLKs and thus initiate signalling upon recognition of the corresponding elicitors. The presence of RLP resistance genes in diverse plant species suggests that these genes play an important role in the extracellular recognition of plant pathogens.
Coronatine and salicylic acid: the battle between Arabidopsis and Pseudomonas for phytohormone control
Authors: BLOCK ANNA , SCHMELZ ERIC , JONES JEFFREY B. , KLEE HARRY J. 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARYThe phytotoxin coronatine is a jasmonate mimic produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Coronatine acts as a virulence factor in Arabidopsis and mutants insensitive to coronatine are resistant to Pst and have higher levels of salicylic acid (SA). In this work we used the SA‐deficient lines NahG and sid2‐2 to determine if coronatine acts directly as a virulence factor or indirectly by SA suppression. Using coronatine‐deficient Pst mutants we demonstrated that the lack of coronatine compromises Pst virulence in both wild‐type and SA‐deficient Arabidopsis. Thus, the action of coronatine is not due to SA suppression. Rather, SA‐independent jasmonate‐responses are the most likely mechanism for its action.