bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in the development of cyborgs
Authors: Rudall Brian H. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper reviews current advances in the development of Cyborgs and topics in systems and cybernetics. It includes reviews of: Biocybernetics – new applications of TMS, developments in nanotechnology, Cybernetics and automation reports, and research developments in Europe.Design/methodology/approachA general review and survey of selected research and development topics.FindingsIllustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics and systems and aims to further research and development activity.Practical implicationsThe choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.Originality/valueThe reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Control processes in survey interviews: a cybernetic approach
Authors: van der Zouwen Johannes , Smit Johannes H. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeIn survey interviews information is transferred to the researchers via a communication process between interviewers and respondents. This process is controlled directly by the interviewers, and indirectly by the researchers who constructed the questionnaire and instructed and supervised the interviewers. In spite of these control activities, errors occur. This paper investigates the sources of these errors.Design/methodology/approachIn order to investigate the sources of these errors, transcripts of 200 interviews were analyzed using a detailed coding scheme.FindingsIn 30 percent of all question‐answer sequences interviewer and respondent stick to the “script” designed by the researcher. In these “paradigmatic” sequences the open loop control by the researcher works well. In 25 percent of the sequences this control is not sufficient, but additional closed loop control, via “repair” activities of the interviewers, appears to be successful. In the remaining sequences both the open loop control of the researcher and the closed loop control by the interviewer failed.Originality/valueThe recently developed systematic analysis of question‐answer sequences in survey interviews, employed in this research, offers detailed insight into the errors occurring during the interview process, and illustrates the need for improved question design and improved training of interviewers.
Numerical analysis in position location: a frequency‐domain model
Authors: Pujol F.A. , Ferrández F.J. , García Chamizo J.M. , Pujol M. , Rizo R. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe development of wireless communication techniques has increased the employment of positioning systems, such as GPS. Concerning to this, telecommunication providers predicted that position location (PL) will be an integrated service in the third generation cellular phones. Consequently, in this paper we propose a new method to determine the transmitter/receiver distance, which is based on the transmission of several frames with different frequencies.Design/methodology/approachThe propagation of electromagnetic waves depends on internal factors related to its nature and external factors characterized by the medium in which the wave is propagated. In this work, we propose a method to determine the distance between the transmitter and the receiver by solving a system of non‐linear equations, which depends on the physical model of the medium in which the wave is propagated.FindingsThe parameters of the model may vary when the link conditions change. As a result, the positioning system must update the model in real time. Following these constraints, aMATLABsimulation to calculate the distance in a satellite‐earth link has been completed. We have shown that scattering phenomena can be used to estimate the transmitter/receiver distance in a radio frequency link. Moreover, any electromagnetic communication in which scattering appears could be considered in the same way.Originality/valueWe have explained a new method to develop a complete PL service. Some of the advantages of this system are that there are no measures in absolute time and that it is not necessary to synchronize the receiving antennas, unlike many current commercial systems.
A cybernetical analysis of dependence between entities
Authors: Lloret‐Climent Miguel , Luis Bonnet‐Jerez Jose 
Published: July 2005

PurposeWe believe that live studies in which individuals, organisms, ecosystems and human societies appear are flawed due to the inadequacy of conceptual structures with which their quantitative results should relate in order to generate new hypotheses which can be examined.Design/methodology/approachThe entities that make up systems and the connections between them will be determined by all existing binary relations. These binary relations may in some cases be replaced by functions, for which we may use tools inherent to differential calculus to calculate the dependence and independence relations between entities. Dependence and independence between entities have been developed using a few mathematical tools such as partial derivatives, the Wronskian and the Chain Rule.FindingsFrom a representation of the entities via mathematical functions we have analysed functional dependence. In this paper, we will present issues relevant to systems, analysing the causal structure of entities (systems, subsystems, variables) from a functional point of view.Originality/valueThis paper is an attempt to approximate the concept of causality to a numerical study of partial derivatives with implications that range from the foundations of the system, in other words entry, state and response variables. We believe that subsequent work may be carried out along these lines.
The role of drug and therapeutics committees
Authors: Björkman Ingeborg K. , Bernsten Cecilia B. , Schmidt Ingrid K. , Holmström Inger 
Published: July 2005

PurposeImproved quality and safety in drug use is a public health goal of major importance. In Sweden, local drug and therapeutics committees (DTCs) have adopted the task of working for safe and rational drug use. This study aimed to explore how chairs conceived the role of the DTCs, to explore how information officers conceived their own role, and to determine whether the respondents included patients in their answers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using questionnaires and the answers were analysed according to phenomenographic method to identify conceptions. “Patient awareness” was studied by content analysis.FindingsIn both groups the prescribers were the focus of attention, and only a few respondents mentioned patients. A variation of four conceptions was found among chairs and three among information officers. It would be beneficial if DTCs used this knowledge in their development.Originality/valueThe importance of “patient awareness” within DTCs must be further explored.
Embedding organisational quality improvement through middle manager ownership
Authors: Balding Cathy 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo strengthen the middle manager role in a hospital quality improvement (QI) program, with a view to increasing and sustaining organisational QI implementation.Design/methodology/approachCase study based action research project, combining pre‐ and post‐action quantitative and qualitative data collection, relating to a QI program intervention in an Australian metropolitan specialist teaching hospital. A model for enhancing the middle manager role in QI was developed and then implemented as the action over a 12‐month period.FindingsMiddle manager understanding and ownership of the QI program and organisational QI implementation significantly increased, although their perceived enjoyment of being involved in QI decreased.Research limitations/implicationsThis case‐study based action research project was limited to one organisation of a specific type – a large specialist metropolitan teaching hospital. The composition of the middle manager group, therefore, is necessarily limited to particular specialties. It is acknowledged that findings from case study and action research methodologies are limited in their generalisability, but assist in the development of knowledge and principles that can be adapted to different settings.Practical implicationsThis QI implementation model can increase levels of organisational QI implementation by effecting a positive change in middle manager attitude to and involvement in QI.Originality/valueThere are many theories regarding the importance of the middle manager role in QI, but little empirical research into exactly what this role may be and how it may be strengthened. This research adds to the knowledge base, and provides clear steps for achieving increased staff involvement and QI implementation.
The organisational response to patient complaints: a case study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Sophie Y. , Thomas David , Rotem Arie 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo explore and evaluate how hospital staff respond to patient complaints.Design/methodology/approachA teaching hospital with 1,500 beds in Taiwan was purposefully chosen as a case study of hospital response to patients’ complaints. Data was obtained through interviews with quality surveying managers (n=53), government managers (n=4), staff of non‐government organizations (n=3) and a senior social worker, as well as analysis of documents (September 2001‐April 2002).FindingsUsing the managerial‐operational‐technical framework developed by the researchers, the study demonstrated problematic aspects of handling complaints at the case hospital. It was revealed that: complaint handlers were not sufficiently empowered, information sharing was limited within the organization, communication among professional staff and with management was inadequate, the physical safety of workers had been threatened, and improvements could not be sustained. Moreover, it became apparent that the case study hospital generally responded to patient complaints in a reactive and defensive manner.Originality/valueIt is evident that the hospital did not use patient complaints as a source of learning that could have promoted higher standards of care. The case study reveals some of the constraints and identifies requirements for appropriate use of information and feedback from patients. The study raises some issues requiring further research to ensure more appropriate use of patient complaints to improve quality of care.
The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act
Authors: Stephens David O. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the potential of The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act on financial accounting systems in publicly‐held companies.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act 2002, commonly referred to as The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, enacted by the US Congress in the wake of a series of business scandals in the USA. The focus is on the records management implications of the act.FindingsThe Sarbanes‐Oxley clearly has the potential to elevate the records management function to a new and higher level than it has ever enjoyed in the life of US business corporations. Future developments must be watched to see whether this proves to be the case.Originality/valueThis article will be helpful to those with more than just a passing interest in the significant happenings affecting records management in the USA.
Meat safety as a tool of differentiation for retailers
Authors: Sans Pierre , de Fontguyon Guy , Briz Julian 
Published: July 2005

PurposeSince several food crises have strongly affected the production of animal food products, food safety has become one of the most important aspects of quality products for both consumers and retailers. The aim of this article is to analyse how the health crises have contributed to increasing the segmentation of the supply of fresh and little‐processed food products under the impetus of a reinforcement of regulations (affecting the supply chain as a whole) and of strategies adopted by the stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carry out an empirical and comparative analysis of the reactions of two neighbouring countries (Spain and France) faced with major health crises caused by similar events: the emergence of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) cases. A special focus is made on the initiatives taken privately by two French retail groups (Carrefour and Auchan) operating in both countries.FindingsThe analysis shows that retailers have developed systems of quality insurance developed in order to reduce uncertainty and to restore consumers' confidence in the quality of the products they buy. These programmes of actions pave the way for policies of product differentiation. In a relatively different context from that of France, the two big French retail groups Carrefour and Auchan operating in Spain have developed similar approaches, which had not been the case in France. In a context of sharp competition between quality designation on the one hand, and the relative dissatisfaction of the retailer with respect to “minimum quality” standards on the other, the two groups have adopted marketing communication strategies adapted to the Spanish situation, and have used “supply chain brands” as tools of differentiation to ensure consumers' loyalty.Originality/valueProvides an analysis of the effects of health crises on the segmentation of the supply of fresh food products.
Design of an environmental information system for monitoring water and air quality in urban areas
Authors: Patra B. , Pradhan B. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeOver the past 50 years India has been experiencing rapid population growth, causing the migration of a large part of the population to the cities looking for livelihood. This resulted in massive increments of population in the cities that has led to the increase of pollution. Gujarat, being a highly industrialized state, is a case in point. The systems for treatment and water disposal of this state are highly challenged. The north‐western state of Gujarat has no effective systems for treatment or disposal of waste water. The purpose of this article is to address this problem, introducing a geographic information system (GIS) approach to record the characterization, analyze the needs and generate a conceptual GIS database in the state.Design/methodology/approachThis paper outlines the background, suggested methodology for the development of a GIS database pollution dependent control of water pollution in the state of Gujarat in India. The present research is to install a document management system that has been developed in providing organizing chart, sorting, querying and retrieving of key data. A computerized laboratory information system on monitoring of quality of ambient air has been developed.FindingsAn integrated GIS database has been generated involving creation of pollutant contours, querying and visualizing the query output in spatial and non‐spatial form.Originality/valueThe authors have created a complete geo‐spatial database for the environmental monitoring for the whole state of Gujarat. They have dealt with nearly 36,000 different files from different sources and put them together to create the database. A computerized laboratory information system on monitoring of quality of ambient air has been developed. Front‐end application programs have been developed in Visual Basic and the back‐end database to integrate the laboratory data and the existing data in oracle database.
Future UK emergency management: new wine, old skin?
Authors: O'Brien Geoff , Read Paul 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the changes made to civil protection in the UK, both legislative and capacity building, that aim to make the UK more resilient.Design/methodology/approachReviews the background to changes in UK civil protection and compares these with the work being done by the broader disaster management community on the meaning and development of resilience to a range of threats.FindingsFinds that the UK approach has been deflected by the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 and is clearly focused on organisational resilience. This top‐down approach does not augur well in terms of promoting a more resilient society. The paper also questions if it is time to take a broader view of what constitutes an emergency.Originality/valueThe recent changes in UK civil protection are in many ways welcome. But the promotion of more resilient communities requires a bottom‐up as opposed to a top‐down approach. Government funding is aimed mainly at institutional resilience. This raises the question of how to promote a broader agenda of more resilient societies able to respond to a broad range of threats.
Applying the organizational failure diagnosis model to the study of information systems failure
Authors: Goulielmos Markos 
Published: July 2005

PurposeProposes to analyze known case studies of information systems failure.Design/methodology/approachUses the organizational failure diagnosis model.FindingsFinds that there is the need to assess the organization's “health” prior to information systems development and to raise the organization's actual capacity for systems development to the necessary levels for success.Originality/valuePrevious studying of these cases has underplayed the role of technical problems as the surface manifestations of deeper‐rooted organizational pathologies causing the failure. The usefulness of the organizational failure diagnosis model is shown in recognizing these deeper‐rooted issues and a number of suggestions are made for the prevention of failure.
Ground subsidence: a silent disaster in Himalaya
Authors: Rautela Piyoosh 
Published: July 2005

PurposeIt is observed that the slow onslaught disasters do not normally catch media attention as these often do not result in human casualties. Inadequate media attention results in insufficient rehabilitation support for the victims. The paper aims at highlighting the problem of ground subsidence in the Himalayan terrain together with the hardships of the victims.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the detailed field investigations carried out by the author in the remote Himalayan habitations of Garbyang in Dharchula block of Pithoragarh, Talla Dhumar and Umli‐Bhandarigaon in Munsyari block of Pithoragarh and Bagi in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttaranchal in India. All these habitations are being affected by ground subsidence and the inhabitants of these villages are facing severe resource crisis.FindingsGarbyang village in Central Himalaya is observed to be situated over the varve deposits laid down in the proglacial lake abutting against Chialekh ridge and is witnessing the problem of ground subsidence resulting in the destruction of the once thriving and prosperous habitation. The studies relate the subsidence at Garbyang with the seismicity in the region as also the subsequent toe erosion and downslope mass movement. The other sites discussed in the paper are witnessing the problem of ground subsidence due to the active toe erosion by rivers and streams.Research limitations/implicationsThere exist no records of the exact date of initiation of the ground subsidence in the investigated areas and these are grossly based on the information provided by the village elders.Originality/valueThe article would help in making the disaster managers responsive to the problems the masses are facing due to ground subsidence in this fragile zone and this would result in mustering resources for reducing the hardships of the masses.
Making room for career change
Authors: Hind Patricia 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explore a model, “The Four Roomed Apartment of Change” developed by Swedish psychologist claes Janssen which uses existential psychology to understand and manage the processes of change. The model has been used extensively in organisations as a diagnostic tool to facilitate changes in organisations, which involve some psychological discomfort. This paper specifically examines whether the model is equally useful when applied to the management of personal career change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the roots of existential psychology and outlines and critically reviews the “Four Roomed Apartment” model. The paper also provides evaluative analysis of the links between existential psychology and career development.FindingsThe paper finds that change may be thought of as a cyclical process involving different frames of mind and different emotions and that understanding those frames of mind is the key to successful, well managed change. The paper concludes that the model offered by the Four Roomed Apartment does provide a useful framework for understanding the emotions and feelings experienced during career change, and offers some guidance as to how to manage the process.Originality/valueCareer success today is measured against a broad raft of criteria, such as fulfilling work, work/life balance, skill utilisation and valued relationships. In order to achieve this success today, individuals must be acutely aware of their experiences and sufficiently reflective to understand their emotional significance. This model offers a helpful framework for that reflection and provides answers to some of the questions that must be answered for successful career management.
Career‐focused employee transfer processes
Authors: Prince J. Bruce 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe employee selection process has generally focused on the near‐term performance potential of internal candidates in filling vacant positions. This research addresses the potential influence of adding a career development emphasis to the employee transfer decision process. In a career‐focused transfer process the applicants' individual career development needs and growth opportunities are a key basis for internal selection decisions.Design/methodology/approachUsing web‐based survey methodology, a US financial services firm is used to evaluate the relationship between the use of career‐focused employee transfer criteria and key employee attitudes.FindingsThe study finds that the use of career‐focused processes are positively related to employees' developmental opportunity satisfaction and perceived support for career development. Regression analyses finds that these two attitudes mediate the positive relationship between the use of career‐focused transfer criteria and perceived organization support (POS). Other research efforts (e.g. Allen and Shore) have linked POS to a variety of positive outcomes, including lower employee turnover. Past research, however, has not considered how specific human resource practices can be the basis for the development of key attitudes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research – while limited due to it cross‐sectional methodology – builds on that stream of research by focuses on the design of the employee transfer process and how it can be a key practice for achieving a developmental focus and associated benefits.Originality/valueThe results suggest that focusing on performance potential of applicants and career‐focused criteria are not necessarily antagonistic but can be used jointly to make internal selection decisions.