Search results

1 – 10 of 40
Article
Publication date: 1 September 1992

Bert de Vries and John Warmerdam

Focuses on how to fit on‐the‐job training activities into theorganization of work, a problem area which will be gaining importanceover the next few years when the training load…

Abstract

Focuses on how to fit on‐the‐job training activities into the organization of work, a problem area which will be gaining importance over the next few years when the training load may become an important bottleneck when training policy is implemented. Investigates what reactions actually are to this fitting‐in problem, using an ITS study as a starting‐point which shows that a whole range of instruments are employed at management level to prevent or meet capacity problems: regulation of training moments, planning of training periods, spreading or limiting study leave, enlarging individual and departmental flexibility, limitation of the output (quality) and, if none of these things help, employing outside staff. The choice of instrument is mainly determined by: nature and organization of the work done in the department; the size of the workload; and the extent to which leave cumulates. If these instruments are applied adequately, the “burdens” of training do not necessarily have to slow down further growth in training.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 16 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2012

Lilia Abdelhamid, Lylia Bahmed and Azzeddine Benoudjit

The purpose of this paper is to provide an immediate image about the reality of the renewable energies as experienced by an Algerian company.

2135

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an immediate image about the reality of the renewable energies as experienced by an Algerian company.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted approach focused on assessment of renewable energies’ impact (especially the thermal solar power) on the environment and on the economic aspect of an Algerian company.

Findings

The perception of environmental dimension is highlighted by means of an evaluation study supported by the calculation of quantities of CO2 emitted by two power stations (the new hybrid power station of Hassi R’mel (SPPI) and a conventional one (Sonelgaz)).

Research limitations/implications

This research has limitations that the authors plan to study in perspective: assessing the impact of wind systems on the environmental and economic aspects.

Practical implications

The analysis of obtained results shows and puts emphasis on the importance of renewable energies, especially thermal solar power, by identifying and evaluating the environmental and economic aspects of the new hybrid power station of Hassi R’mel (SPPI) and a conventional one (Sonelgaz) and by comparing the importance of their atmospheric emissions.

Originality/value

The paper shows that this new technology represents in theory a solution for environmental problems and could also be economically competitive with conventional energies if wisely exploited.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 September 2020

Vincent Peters, Mervi Vähätalo, Bert Meijboom, Alice Barendregt, Levinus Bok and Esther de Vries

This study examines how modular interfaces manifest in multi-provider contexts and how they can improve coordination and customization of services. The aim of the study is to…

1251

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how modular interfaces manifest in multi-provider contexts and how they can improve coordination and customization of services. The aim of the study is to describe interfaces in multi-provider contexts and elaborate on how they support the delivery of integrated patient care.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted in two multi-provider contexts in healthcare services: one representing paediatric Down syndrome care in the Netherlands and one representing home care for the elderly in Finland. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews in both contexts.

Findings

This study provides insight into several types of interfaces and their role in multi-provider contexts. Several inter- and intra-organizational situations were identified in which the delivery of integrated patient care was jeopardized. This study describes how interfaces can help to alleviate these situations.

Originality/value

This study deepens the understanding of interfaces in service modularity by describing interfaces in multi-provider contexts. The multi-provider contexts studied inspired to incorporate the inter-organizational aspect into the literature on interfaces in service modularity. This study further develops the typology for interfaces in modular services by adding a third dimension to the typology, that is, the orientation of interfaces.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 40 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2010

Nicole Boot, Patricia van Assema, Bert Hesdahl and Nanne de Vries

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of a school health promotion (SHP) advisor in the implementation of the six steps of the Dutch “Schoolbeat” approach, aimed at…

554

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of a school health promotion (SHP) advisor in the implementation of the six steps of the Dutch “Schoolbeat” approach, aimed at establishing health promotion policies and activities in secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 80 school board members, and 18 prevention coordinators of 18 schools in the Southern Limburg region in The Netherlands completed a written questionnaire on the implementation of the six steps of the Schoolbeat approach, and on their satisfaction with the practical assistance offered by the SHP advisor in implementing the steps, as well as the advisor's organizational competencies.

Findings

Only one school implemented the Schoolbeat approach completely, and as intended. Schools were generally satisfied with the practical assistance in the process of implementing the Schoolbeat steps and with the organizational competencies of the SHP advisor. Schools which had partly implemented the Schoolbeat steps were more satisfied with the SHP advisor's practical assistance than schools who had not done so at all.

Practical implications

This study showed that the SHP advisor could make a positive contribution to health promotion in schools. Since this role demands new skills, the competencies of health promotion professionals must be further developed.

Originality/value

Structural school health promotion programs and policies are becoming increasingly important in many countries, and not enough is known about the role of health promotion agencies in structuring school health promotion. This paper describes the positive impact of the SHP advisor.

Details

Health Education, vol. 110 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Ad H. van der Zwaan and Eric Molleman

An increased level of self‐organization, particularly in autonomous work teams, is widely believed to be a necessary part of a successful firm and a factor in many modern…

1403

Abstract

An increased level of self‐organization, particularly in autonomous work teams, is widely believed to be a necessary part of a successful firm and a factor in many modern restructuring initiatives. This article investigates the limitations of self‐organized groups and surveys these limitations from two important perspectives: (1) limits that are inherent to the production structure and equipment, and (2) limits that relate to the firm’s workforce. With respect to the first issue, the predictability of markets and the standardization of production situations provide strong reasons for limiting the opportunities for self‐organization. In terms of a firm’s workforce, problems such as learning capability, motivation, identity, ambition, and prestige must be taken into account before introducing self‐organizational practices. Additionally, the delegation of authority, the resulting redundancy of middle managers and the relevant compensation for the workers concerned must also be considered. In conclusion, self‐organizing teams relate to many constraints, all of which should be considered before putting these teams into practice.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Yaw A. Debrah and Ian G. Smith

Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on…

11530

Abstract

Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 23 no. 2/3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Jennifer L. Kent and Melanie Crane

Transport shapes the health of urban populations. It can support healthy behaviours such as participation in regular physical activity and access to community connection

Abstract

Transport shapes the health of urban populations. It can support healthy behaviours such as participation in regular physical activity and access to community connection. Transport systems can also have major negative impacts on health. For example, through air pollution from fossil fuel-based modes of travel, the risk of injury and death from transport related collisions, and in the way sedentary modes of travelling can contribute to less physically active lifestyles.

This chapter considers the long-term impact of the pandemic on a series of well-researched transport-related health outcomes. It first describes the established connections between transport and health. It then considers the future implications of three potential pandemic-induced shifts: the increased uptake of working from home (WFH); decreased usage of public transport and increased interest in walking and cycling in the local neighbourhood. The impacts of these shifts on the transport-health nexus are then discussed, revealing both positive and negative outcomes. The authors conclude by providing policy recommendations to mitigate possible negative outcomes and strengthen the positive consequences into the future.

Details

Transport and Pandemic Experiences
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-344-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2020

Hannah Van Borm, Marlot Dhoop, Allien Van Acker and Stijn Baert

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanisms underlying hiring discrimination against transgender men.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanisms underlying hiring discrimination against transgender men.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a scenario experiment with final-year business students in which fictitious hiring decisions are made about transgender or cisgender male job candidates. More importantly, these candidates are scored on statements related to theoretical reasons for hiring discrimination given in the literature. The resulting data are analysed using a bivariate analysis. Additionally, a multiple mediation model is run.

Findings

Suggestive evidence is found for co-worker and customer taste-based discrimination, but not for employer taste-based discrimination. In addition, results show that transgender men are perceived as being in worse health, being more autonomous and assertive, and have a lower probability to go on parental leave, compared with cisgender men, revealing evidence for (positive and negative) statistical discrimination.

Social implications

Targeted policy measures are needed given the substantial labour market discrimination against transgender individuals measured in former studies. However, to combat this discrimination effectively, one needs to understand its underlying mechanisms. This study provides the first comprehensive exploration of these mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study innovates in being one of the first to explore the relative empirical importance of dominant (theoretical) explanations for hiring discrimination against transgender men. Thereby, the authors take the logical next step in the literature on labour market discrimination against transgender individuals.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 41 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Morgan P. Miles, Huibert de Vries, Geoff Harrison, Martin Bliemel, Saskia de Klerk and Chick J. Kasouf

The purpose of this paper is to address the role of accelerators as authentic learning-based entrepreneurial training programs. Accelerators facilitate the development and…

1284

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the role of accelerators as authentic learning-based entrepreneurial training programs. Accelerators facilitate the development and assessment of entrepreneurial competencies in nascent entrepreneurs through the process of creating a start-up venture.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from applicants and participants of four start-accelerators are used to explore the linkages between accelerators and the elements of authentic learning. Authentic learning processes are then mapped onto the start-up processes that occur within the accelerators.

Findings

Accelerators take in nascent entrepreneurs and work to create start-ups. This activity develops the participants’ entrepreneurial competencies and facilitates authentic self-reflection.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores how accelerators can be useful as authentic learning platforms for the development of entrepreneurial competencies. Limitations include perceptual measures and the inability to conduct paired sampling.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurship training is studied through the lens of authentic learning activities that occur within an accelerator. Participants develop and assess their mastery of and interest in entrepreneurship through tasks, exposure to experts and mentors, peer learning, and assessments such as pitching to investors at Demo Day.

Originality/value

This paper reports on the authentic learning processes and its usefulness in competency development and self-appraisal by accelerators participants. The opportunity for competency development and self-appraisal by nascent entrepreneurs before escalating their commitment to a start-up may be an accelerator’s raison d’être.

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Bert Meijboom, Laurens Van den Bosch and René Schalk

Providers of healthcare services face increasing performance demands in terms of cost-efficiency as well as client centeredness. Dementia care is an illustrative example in this…

Abstract

Purpose

Providers of healthcare services face increasing performance demands in terms of cost-efficiency as well as client centeredness. Dementia care is an illustrative example in this respect. Due to the aging society, the number of dementia clients is expected to grow significantly, which implies increasing costs. At the same time, demands in terms of coherent and high-quality care for dementia clients are increasing, putting a stronger emphasis on demand driven, responsive care and service processes. Literature shows that case management in dementia care is beneficial for persons with dementia and caregivers, but costly. Using insights from operations management (OM), the purpose of this paper is to develop a new model for case management in dementia care.

Design/methodology/approach

To address both cost containment and customer orientation, insights from OM, in particular front/back office (FO/BO) configuration and modularity theory, are used to develop an innovative conceptual model for case management in dementia care.

Findings

This framework offers a new way of conceptualizing care provision throughout the different phases of a chronic disease process. Linking FO/BO configurations and modular organizing with case management makes it possible to create a cost-effective and client-centered system of healthcare management.

Originality/value

A new model is developed to address both cost containment and customer orientation based on insights from OM, in particular FO/BO configuration and modularity theory.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

1 – 10 of 40