bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new magical incubator?
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeBuilding 20 of MIT was erected hurriedly during World War II to house the Radiation Laboratory which was the main US centre for research on radar. Later it housed the Research Laboratory of Electronics of MIT and was the site of a vast amount of innovative research, including much that laid foundations for cybernetics. The unpretentious building was demolished in recent years, and a bizarre and entirely different structure has replaced it. The new design is meant to encourage innovation by a quite different route. The purpose here is to show the importance in the history of cybernetics of what went on in Building 20, which can hardly be overstated, and to argue that for the new building it has to be a “hard act to follow”.Design/methodology/approachPrompted by an item in the Boston Globe, the old and new buildings are contrasted, with the part played by the old building illustrated by reminiscences.FindingsThe reference to the old building as a “magical incubator” is fully warranted.Practical implicationsAn instructive contrast is offered between a highly successful but largely fortuitous research environment, and one that is planned in detail and has yet to prove its worth. One valuable planned feature of the old environment, namely a comprehensive “document room”, is described.Originality/valueThe account should be valuable as a historical record.
How quality improvement programs can affect general hospital performance
Authors: Naveh Eitan , Stern Zvi 
Published: July 2005

PurposeGiven the enormous size of the health care industry, the problem of developing high‐quality, cost‐effective health care delivery systems is growing in importance. There is general consensus that health care systems require a continuous process of quality improvement (QI). Less agreement, however, surrounds the mechanisms to be implemented so that such a process is effective. This study aims to bring empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that a QI program in a general hospital – a special context of the health care delivery system – does not necessarily lead to better overall organizational performance results.Design/methodology/approachThe study was done at the hospital level, and included all acute care hospitals in Israel. Data was collected in 16 of the country's 23 hospitals, a 70 percent response rate. The study compared hospital performance before and after the QI program implementation.FindingsThe study shows that QI creates meaningful improvement events. In addition, the research supports the hypothesis that increasing the number of QI activities (items) included in the QI program brings about more improvement events. The results do not support the hypothesis that high, rather than low, intensive implementation of QI activities leads to more improvement events.Originality/valueThe special context of general hospitals decreases the effects of a QI program on overall hospital performance, whereas QI activities function as triggers in initiating improvement events.
Is audit research? The relationships between clinical audit and social research
Authors: Hughes Rhidian 
Published: July 2005

PurposeQuality has an established history in health care. Audit, as a means of quality assessment, is well understood and the existing literature has identified links between audit and research processes. This paper reviews the relationships between audit and research processes, highlighting how audit can be improved through the principles and practice of social research.Design/methodology/approachThe review begins by defining the audit process. It goes on to explore salient relationships between clinical audit and research, grouped into the following broad themes: ethical considerations, highlighting responsibilities towards others and the need for ethical review for audit; asking questions and using appropriate methods, emphasising transparency in audit methods; conceptual issues, including identifying problematic concepts, such as “satisfaction”, and the importance of reflexivity within audit; emphasising research in context, highlighting the benefits of vignettes and action research; complementary methods, demonstrating improvements for the quality of findings; and training and multidisciplinary working, suggesting the need for closer relationships between researchers and clinical practitioners.FindingsAudit processes cannot be considered research. Both audit and research processes serve distinct purposes.Originality/valueAttention to the principles of research when conducting audit are necessary to improve the quality of audit and, in turn, the quality of health care.
The effects of a randomised multi‐centre trial and international accreditation on availability and quality of clinical guidelines
Authors: Benedicte Juul Anne , Gluud Christian , Wetterslev Jørn , Callesen Torben , Jensen Gorm , Kofoed‐Enevoldsen Allan 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo examine the availability and quality of clinical guidelines on perioperative diabetes care in hospital units before and after a randomised clinical trial (RCT) and international accreditation.Design/methodology/approachInterventional “before‐after” study in 51 units (38 surgical and 13 anaesthetic) in nine hospitals participating in a RCT in the greater Copenhagen area; 27 of the units also underwent international accreditation.FindingsThe proportion of units with guidelines increased from 24/51 (47 percent) units before to 38/51 (75 percent) units after the trial. Among the 27 units without guidelines before the trial, significantly more accredited units compared to non‐accredited units had a guideline after the trial (9/10 (90 percent) compared to 5/17 (29 percent). The quality of the systematic development scale and the clinical scales improved significantly after the trial in both accredited units (both p<0.001) and in non‐accredited units (both p<0.02). The improvement of the systematic development scale was significantly higher in accredited than in non‐accredited units (p<0.01).Originality/valueThe combination of conducting both the DIPOM Trial and international accreditation led to a significant improvement of both dissemination and quality of guidelines on perioperative diabetic care.
Implementing an electronic records management system
Authors: Gregory Keith 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis article seeks to consider the practical implementation of an electronic records management system in the National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency, a UK government agency.Design/methodology/approachIt examines the four main stages from specifying and selecting the system through to post‐implementation evaluation and identifies the lessons learned within the context of the specific organisation and its record‐keeping culture.FindingsThe implementation of an ERM system causes a massive cultural shift that can be made easier with the backing of senior management. However, the desired results can also be achieved with a strong team if senior management empowers the project but does not get personally involved.Originality/valueThis article will give insight to those organisations that are thinking of implementing an ERM system.
Corporate governance and management of information and records
Authors: Willis Anthony 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis article aims to look at the intersection between corporate governance and information and records management.Design/methodology/approachThe information provided in this article is based on the author’s own experience and literature reviews.FindingsIt is necessary to check that whatever systems are in place are working, and keep working, as organisational structures and requirements and laws and other circumstances change.Originality/valueThis article will assist in understanding what corporate governance is, what it involves and what its purpose is. In addition, some of the issues which arise in turning the concept into reality are also, hopefully, clear.
Archivist: friend or foe?
Authors: Moss Michael 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper sets out to explore the relationship between archives and the management of records, which are increasingly the product of the audit society, informed by a neo‐liberal agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on the author's views.FindingsIt argues that there is no relationship between the two activities, except of the records themselves.Originality/valueThis article will be of interest to those interested in the archiving of records and its management.
Power imbalanced relationships: cases from UK fresh food supply
Authors: Hingley Martin K. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis study investigates the issue of power in business‐to‐business relationships and constitutes an appraisal of the theory relating to issues of supply chain relationships; in which the received view from the relationship marketing literature with its emphasis on trust, dyadic symmetry and mutuality is questioned. It is contended, alternatively that other types of relationships, for example, those based on selfishness are equally relevant; and that power imbalanced business relationships are just as important to the understanding of business exchange.Design/methodology/approachSpecific reference is made to power relationships in vertical food supply channels in the UK, where the majority of control lies in the hands of large multiple retailers. The paper cites case material drawn from studies into the relationships between UK‐based fresh food supplier organisations and their principal customers, the leading UK food retailers.FindingsSpecific outcomes are determined with regard to issues of power, mutuality and the nature of power‐dependent relationships. Power play is omnipresent in exchange relationships and is not always seen in a negative light. Relationship‐building is perfectly possible in asymmetric relationships and weaker parties are tolerant of power imbalance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study concludes that power should be a central consideration when concerned with business relationships and that imbalances in power are no specific barrier to parties entering into relationships or to their success.Practical implicationsFindings from chosen case studies are transferable to other vertical channel circumstances. Any future investigation should consider the expression and limits of power and the boundaries of tolerance to power imbalance.Originality/valueProvides evidence of the nature of power‐dependent business relationships.
A new approach for understanding hindrances to collaborative practices in the logistics channel
Authors: Bonet Dominique , Paché Gilles 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe paper attempts to determine whether decision‐makers in the manufacturing and retailing industry really wish to implement cooperative logistical relationships in the long term.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the question, the authors have resorted to studying decision‐makers' private speech and to trying to discover the real meaning of their declarations. An original content analysis technique is implemented, which makes identifying hindrances to collaborative practices in the logistics channel possible.FindingsFrom the main results, it can be concluded that logistical relationships still tend to lead to vertical competition. This finding is surprising when confronted with the development of academic literature on the so‐called foreseeable evolution of food marketing channels.Research limitations/implicationsThe research relies on a reduced sample of 17 managers of major French manufacturing and retailing firms. Moreover, the data are generated by face‐to‐face interviews, which may introduce a biased view linked to the willingness to give a positive image of the firm.Originality/valueThe main results underline that the generalization of collaborative practices in the logistics channel is not always present in the frame of mind of decision‐makers as it appears through their private speech. From this point of view, the research can help in conducting negotiations, as well as in training future decision‐makers in business schools.
How to integrate the specificities of some food departments into a retail store organization?
Authors: Chabaud Didier , Codron Jean‐Marie 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo understand the impact of product specificity on organizational practices of retailers at the store level.Design/methodology/approachAn Aokian framework is used that enables one to discriminate between food products according to their informational properties, and to connect these properties with organizational choices of centralization/decentralization.FindingsEmphasizes the existing tension between the dominant “assimilation” organization pattern and the “encapsulation” pattern which fits better in with some specific product departments.Research limitations/implicationsProposals are confronted with empirical data coming from professional press and experts interviews. Further empirical research is needed to consolidate the findings.Practical implicationsThe paper points out the need to differentiate the management of departments according to their product specificity.Originality/valueThe paper stresses the impact of product specificity on department organization. It can be useful for the design of organizational mechanisms: work organization, incentives and career paths.
Private labels for premium products – the example of organic food
Authors: Jonas Astrid , Roosen Jutta 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper inquires into the tendency of German food retailers to market organic products as private‐label (PL) products.Design/methodology/approachAfter a review of the literature, results of a survey of retailers and processors, are presented.FindingsInterviewed processors of the 62.7 per cent produce organic PL. Retailers sell organic PLs, because they care about “food safety”, “retail as a brand” and “health”, hoping to reach new customers. Requests for entry fees, investment grants and equipment allowances are less important for processors of organic PLs than for those not producing PLs. However, PL producers have to meet other conditions imposed by retailers and feel slight more dependent on few customers.Originality/valueThe results present the first survey of the competitive relation between organic manufacturers and retailers in Germany.
Predicting technological disasters: mission impossible?
Authors: Chapman Judith 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to argue that, contrary to popular thinking, technological disasters are potentially predictable, and therefore amenable to risk assessment and mitigation. What is lacking at present is a more comprehensive understanding of the hazards, embedded in complex socio‐technical systems, which lead to such disasters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses several factors that contribute to hazard formation and development, including the interaction of human and mechanical components, ambiguity, evolutionary changes, innovation and poor communication in organisational systems. Two case studies of recent disasters in Australia are presented to provide illustrations of the complexity in socio‐technical systems and the hazards and risks that they harbour.FindingsThe paper finds that to progress, we need two things: better conceptual models and frameworks that reveal complexity and make systems more transparent, and more satisfactory approaches to risk management.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with some suggestions as to how the risks might be better understood and managed proactively.
Disaster management strategy for avoiding landslide induced losses to the villages in the vicinity of the Himalayan township of Mussoorie in Uttaranchal (India)
Authors: Uniyal Aniruddha , Rautela Piyoosh 
Published: July 2005

PurposeMany villages in the vicinity of the hill township of Mussorie in the Indian Himalayas are witnessing signs of an impending disaster. These villages are witnessing active wastage that might take an heavy toll of human interest during the monsoon season and therefore the paper proposes examining this subject.Design/methodology/approachA detailed study was undertaken in the area of Mussorie.FindingsIt is suggested that a series of prevention and mitigation measures (both structural and non‐structural) with the involvement of the local community are required for ruling out the possibility of any mishap in the area.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the importance of having a disaster management strategies for the region and involving the community with these.
Implications of ignoring the old disaster management plans
Authors: Rautela Piyoosh , Pande R.K. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to discuss the causes of the landslide event at Amparav in Kumaun Himalaya (Nainital district of Uttaranchal in India) and attempts to bring forth the importance of mass awareness regarding the past disaster events in their surroundings.Design/methodology/approachOn the aftermath of the landslide tragedy of 23 September, 2004 field investigations were carried out to probe the causes and lapses that resulted in tragedy at a place where a detailed mitigation plan had been implemented.FindingsThe investigations reveal that a detailed landslide management strategy was prepared and implemented to protect this zone almost a century ago, with a thorough understanding of the mass wastage processes. Implementation of this plan safeguarded this zone for a long time, but the lack of awareness among the masses led to the violation of the very spirit of this plan. This culminated in the Amparav tragedy that took three human lives, besides the loss of a huge public and private infrastructure.Research limitations/implicationsThe old study that led to the landslide management strategy could not be assessed and the article is based on information provided by the village elders.Practical implicationsThe paper is an attempt to bring forth the finer details of the landslide management plan enacted in the region almost a century ago. It suggests the need for detailed surveys and planning in enacting any disaster management plan.Originality/valueThis paper would bring forth the importance of documenting the disaster management strategies of the region and sharing the significance of these with the masses so that they are deterred from even unintentionally violating the spirit of these plans.
ABITS: learning more about students through intelligent educational software
Authors: Mowlds Frances , Roche Bernard‐Joseph , Mangina Eleni 
Published: July 2005

PurposeOne of the greatest challenges facing any intelligent tutoring system is being able to adapt its behaviour based on the student's current knowledge level, ability, needs and wishes within a course. This paper aims to present a framework of BDI agents within an agent‐based intelligent tutoring system (ABITS).Design/methodology/approachA conceptual discussion approach is taken.FindingsThe agents provide the core reasoning ability. In particular, the paper demonstrates how the system sources and refines a particular set of commonly available data. Also shows how these data are incorporated into the agents' belief set so that they may adapt their behaviour to support individual students.Originality/valueProvides a framework that can improve learning procedures for future users of ABITS.
Differing student views of online learning modes across two programs in an Australian university
Authors: Dixon Kathryn , Pelliccione Lina , Dixon Robert 
Published: July 2005

PurposeAims to investigate reactions to online delivery, student perceptions of the rates and depth of participation, and levels of engagement with the learning process in a Western Australian University.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for this study comprised 108 students who were enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. An interpretative method was adopted using a case study approach, with groups of internal and external students within one education department. This method was more appropriate than a more quantitative approach.FindingsThe results indicated that, while the students were technically competent overall, issues associated with equity and access varied between the groups and also between students enrolled in the same units. The sample had also re‐conceptualised the notion of “personal” which moved beyond simple physical proximity to enable the students to create their own community of learners.Originality/valueAddresses the challenge for universities and instructional designers on how to increase the level and depth of interactivity in the online environment to further empower students to become independent learners.
The evaluation of a staff development (pilot) programme for online tutoring: a case study
Authors: Gerrard Catherine 
Published: July 2005

PurposeAims to outline the issues and debates about a five‐week fully online staff development programme piloted in the University of Paisley, Scotland.Design/methodology/approachA case study was the approach taken.FindingsThe programme was designed to introduce lecturers to the theoretical and pedagogical issues surrounding online tutoring, while allowing them to get to grips with the delivery technology. The programme also provided academic staff with the opportunity to explore their attitudes towards using Computer‐Mediated Communications (CMC) in their teaching and to reflect on how they could utilise it to enhance their face‐to‐face teaching activities. Staff found the programme challenging but they also appreciated the opportunity to take part. Some reported feeling much more confident about using the technology.Originality/valueProvides information on a programme designed to introduce face‐to‐face lecturers to the theoretical and pedagogical issues surrounding online tutoring while allowing them to become familiar with the technology.
Assumptions about participating in teacher education through the use of ICT
Authors: Olofsson Anders D. , Ola Lindberg J. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeWith a philosophical stance in relation to education, this paper aims to discuss different understandings of participation in an information and communication technology (ICT)‐supported distance‐based teacher education program in Sweden.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on early results from two studies, both of which involved a group of teacher‐trainees, with one interview and one questionnaire.FindingsThe findings indicate that there is a need to be explicit about the ontological assumptions inherent in the intended use of ICT. The conclusion is that the program in question is built on assumptions of realism and that ICT lays the ground for individual participation and works to tell the students apart.Originality/valueHelps in understanding how ICT, and its use, can have different effects on different groups.
Asynchronous discussion forums in the changing landscape of the online learning environment
Authors: Lewinson Jennifer 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis report seeks to address the preliminary findings from a large‐scale study of the different ways in which the asynchronous discussion forum (ADF) is being used in the online learning environment.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach is taken.FindingsThe structural and functional variation of the ADF is depicted within a framework of institutional and instructional models. Epistemological distinctions are made with respect to the role of the instructor, student requirements, and the assessment of student learning.Originality/valueThe paper brings to light fundamental aspects of instructional quality and best practices involving the use of the ADF.