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1 – 10 of 305
Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

Mohamed Ahmed, Eleri Jones, Elizabeth Redmond, Mahmoud Hewedi, Andreas Wingert and Mohamed Gad El Rab

– The purpose of this paper is to apply value stream mapping holistically to hospital food production/service systems focused on high-quality food.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply value stream mapping holistically to hospital food production/service systems focused on high-quality food.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple embedded case study of three (two private-sector and one public-sector) hospitals in the UK.

Findings

The results indicated various issues affecting hospital food production including: the menu and nutritional considerations; food procurement; food production; foodservice; patient perceptions/expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Value stream mapping is a new approach for food production systems in UK hospitals whether private or public hospitals.

Practical implications

The paper identifies opportunities for enhancing hospital food production systems.

Originality/value

The paper provides a theoretical basis for process enhancement of hospital food production and the provision of high-quality hospital food.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2008

R. Castro, J. Vega, A. Portas, A. Pereira, S. Balme, A. Duarte, H. Fernandes, J. Kadlecsik, P. Lebourg, A. Neto, F. Oliveira, K. Purahoo, F. Reis, C. Rodriguez, J. Signoret, J.M. Theis and K. Thomsen

The fusion energy research in Europe is developed by a set of laboratories of different countries and organisations. EFDA is an organisation whose main objective is to promote and…

Abstract

Purpose

The fusion energy research in Europe is developed by a set of laboratories of different countries and organisations. EFDA is an organisation whose main objective is to promote and improve the coordination and collaboration among these laboratories. This paper sets out to describe a working federation (EFDA‐Fed) that gathers EFDA (as organisation) and a set of fusion research laboratories: EURATOM/CIEMAT (Spain), CEA (France), JET (UK), IST (Portugal) and KFKI/HAS (Hungary).

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective a federation among all the organisations has been implemented based on PAPI as the authentication and authorization infrastructure that provides a security layer for accessing data among organisations.

Findings

During the implementation of EFDA federation some improvements in distributed single sign on systems have been achieved such as the integration of JAVA applications and a single sign off mechanism.

Practical implications

Users who belong to one of the federated organisations will be able to access from any IP address to resources located in any organisation of the federation in a secure way. On the other hand, new resources can be shared for federated users and access policies to these services can be implemented.

Originality/value

The paper describes a successful use of an open source technology (PAPI) for implementing a real multi‐organisation infrastructure for sharing services in a secure way, and integrating client applications and with a complete single sign off mechanism.

Details

Campus-Wide Information Systems, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-0741

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

Thanh Tiep Le, Nhu Bui Thi Tuyet, Thu Le Anh, Ngan Dang Thi Kim, Ninh Trinh Thi Thai and Anh Nguyen Lan

This study evaluates the impact of online menus and perceived convenience of online food ordering on consumer purchase intention and shows how a desire for food creates a…

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluates the impact of online menus and perceived convenience of online food ordering on consumer purchase intention and shows how a desire for food creates a relationship between an online menu and a customer's purchase intention. Suggestions for management are proposed to design an effective menu to improve business performance in the competitive market in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a quantitative method. Quantitative research aims to analyze and critically evaluate the research question(s) to discover new factors.

Findings

Findings indicate a positive relationship between menu visual appeal (MV), menu informativeness (MI), desire for food (DF), the perceived convenience (PC) of ordering food online and intention to purchase (PI). The attractiveness of images and information is a significant factor affecting diners’ desire to eat, while the demand for food and the convenience of ordering food online are also factors affecting purchase intention.

Practical implications

The study confirms the importance of online menus to purchase intention. Economically, when supply and demand are reasonable, the market is stable and technology develops. In terms of social, hygiene, attractiveness and price factors, it is helpful to have an overview. Research is the premise for further studies with factors from menu to customer trust.

Originality/value

The study provides a solid foundation for further studies on restaurant menu elements as well as a new perspective on how restaurants improve their dishes.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2024

Yumeng Feng, Weisong Mu, Yue Li, Tianqi Liu and Jianying Feng

For a better understanding of the preferences and differences of young consumers in emerging wine markets, this study aims to propose a clustering method to segment the super-new…

Abstract

Purpose

For a better understanding of the preferences and differences of young consumers in emerging wine markets, this study aims to propose a clustering method to segment the super-new generation wine consumers based on their sensitivity to wine brand, origin and price and then conduct user profiles for segmented consumer groups from the perspectives of demographic attributes, eating habits and wine sensory attribute preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

We first proposed a consumer clustering perspective based on their sensitivity to wine brand, origin and price and then conducted an adaptive density peak and label propagation layer-by-layer (ADPLP) clustering algorithm to segment consumers, which improved the issues of wrong centers' selection and inaccurate classification of remaining sample points for traditional DPC (DPeak clustering algorithm). Then, we built a consumer profile system from the perspectives of demographic attributes, eating habits and wine sensory attribute preferences for segmented consumer groups.

Findings

In this study, 10 typical public datasets and 6 basic test algorithms are used to evaluate the proposed method, and the results showed that the ADPLP algorithm was optimal or suboptimal on 10 datasets with accuracy above 0.78. The average improvement in accuracy over the base DPC algorithm is 0.184. As an outcome of the wine consumer profiles, sensitive consumers prefer wines with medium prices of 100–400 CNY and more personalized brands and origins, while casual consumers are fond of popular brands, popular origins and low prices within 50 CNY. The wine sensory attributes preferred by super-new generation consumers are red, semi-dry, semi-sweet, still, fresh tasting, fruity, floral and low acid.

Practical implications

Young Chinese consumers are the main driver of wine consumption in the future. This paper provides a tool for decision-makers and marketers to identify the preferences of young consumers quickly which is meaningful and helpful for wine marketing.

Originality/value

In this study, the ADPLP algorithm was introduced for the first time. Subsequently, the user profile label system was constructed for segmented consumers to highlight their characteristics and demand partiality from three aspects: demographic characteristics, consumers' eating habits and consumers' preferences for wine attributes. Moreover, the ADPLP algorithm can be considered for user profiles on other alcoholic products.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2022

Saddam A. Hazaea, Jinyu Zhu, Saleh F.A. Khatib and Ahmed A. Elamer

Although many firms are investing considerable resources in building and designing strong and effective internal auditing (IA) to improve corporate governance and internal control…

Abstract

Purpose

Although many firms are investing considerable resources in building and designing strong and effective internal auditing (IA) to improve corporate governance and internal control processes, IA literature is still relatively fragmented. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a systematic review of studies on IA in 27 European countries and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Scopus database, 142 papers published between 1987 and 2022 were analyzed. This study focused on evaluating and analyzing the characteristics of literature and the themes investigated with a focus on four key aspects: governance, the effectiveness of IA, the relationship between internal auditors and other parties and risk management to provide directions for future research.

Findings

This study found that IA literature did not provide the integrated knowledge of internal audit functions (IAFs) and the factors that could contribute to their implementation as required. The results showed that the UK, Greece and Italy dominate the published literature in terms of the number of studies. There are a few studies that investigate IA in private institutions and nonprofit organizations. Interestingly, a vast majority of studies are not based on theoretical grounds. The results also showed that there is an absence of studies that discuss the impact of cultural and political systems as well as the demographic characteristics of auditors on the implementation of IAFs.

Originality/value

This study is useful for researchers, organizations and regulators because it contributes to the literature by highlighting the intellectual development of IA in the European countries and the UK, providing several directions for future studies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first study to use a systematic review approach in evaluating the intellectual development of IA research in European countries, identifying areas and elements that received less attention in previous studies and providing a roadmap for future studies.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2018

Luciano Oreste Dal Mas and Karin Barac

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the leadership style of a chief audit executive (CAE) and the perceived effectiveness of the internal auditing…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the leadership style of a chief audit executive (CAE) and the perceived effectiveness of the internal auditing (IA) function that he/she leads. Perceived IA effectiveness is based on identified attributes in the literature influencing IA effectiveness. The aim of this paper is thus to expand the IA effectiveness debate by adding individual differences in CAEs’ leadership styles as a research focus.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is followed. A survey was conducted on a sample of 58 IA students enrolled in a master’s degree programme at a South African university; all students hold senior positions in IA.

Findings

The study confirms that the CAE leadership style significantly influences the identified attributes of perceived IA effectiveness. It further shows that the traditional conceptualisation of leadership (as transformational, transactional and/or laissez-faire) might not be appropriate for or compatible with leaders of professional teams in a regulated environment.

Practical implications

Practically, the study identifies and explores attributes influencing IA effectiveness that are within the purview of the CAE’s leadership style and within his/her ability to influence. This information could (re)direct leadership development training programmes presented in industry and by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and at organisational level, it could inform appointment and retention and succession practices for heads of and senior management in IA.

Social implications

CAEs are cautioned about the limitations imposed by laissez-faire leadership on IA effectiveness. They should strive to become both transformative and transactional leaders as it has a significant influence on the effectiveness of their IA functions, and by being more effective, they can demonstrate the value proposition of IA. Organisations need to create the environment in which CAEs can act as transformational and transactional leaders. The IIA, as the pre-eminent professional body, could become involved in developing leadership skills of its members. The IIA could provide guidance on leadership styles for CAEs and could also offer formal training initiatives to internal auditors on skills needed to lead IA teams.

Originality/value

This paper may open a new research area in IA effectiveness by focussing on the role and leadership qualities of the CAE.

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2019

Charilaos Mertzanis, Vangelis Balntas and Thodoris Pantazopoulos

This paper aims to present the views of internal auditors in Greece on the relation between the internal audit function (IAF) and corporate governance (CG) after several years of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the views of internal auditors in Greece on the relation between the internal audit function (IAF) and corporate governance (CG) after several years of European market integration and in the aftermath of the sovereign debt crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 internal auditors working in firms with different size and in different sectors of activity. Interviewees have diverse experience and hold various positions in the firm.

Findings

Respondents perceive a strong relation between the IAF and CG. They view the IAF as a preventive tool that provides monitoring and advisory services to firms. They stress the inadequate monitoring role of the board in the IAF, and they support a proactive intervention in the strategic audit planning process. They see a small role for shareholders in CG. They stress the need to focus more on the efficiency and effectiveness considerations in carrying out the IAF. They perceive CG-related information as important for meeting formal compliance needs rather than contributing to decision-making or audit process planning. They believe that audit committees (AC) are weak in implementing effective monitoring, due to inadequate knowledge and expertise of their members. They would like to see a two-way interaction between auditors, AC and management. They would like to enjoy more independence through the implementation of international standards of auditing and statutory regulation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample covers 15 auditors from an equivalent number of firms and few sectors of activity. Accessing potential interviewees was difficult due to the perceived conflict between their work requirements and public statement of their views.

Practical implications

The proposed method adds to the qualitative analysis literature with regard to measuring and evaluating the personal views of auditors on CG. The study provides empirical evidence of the need to use extensive qualitative research to assess the auditors’ views on the role of CG for their work.

Originality/value

The role of internal audit in CG effectiveness is a key policy concern, especially in countries with diverse market environments. Greece is such an environment for it has undergone a major institutional change within a short period and suffered greatly from its sovereign debt crisis. Further, few studies have sought and evaluated the views of internal auditors by using semi-structured interviews. The latter provide details, which other methods cannot capture. The results of this study are especially useful to the competent regulators, for they reflect market perceptions on the importance and effectiveness of CG practices. They are also useful to practitioners to identify potential root causes of audit deficiencies.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

Hany Elbardan, Maged Ali and Ahmad Ghoneim

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that helps to investigate how the internal audit function (IAF) responds to both the introduction of the control…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that helps to investigate how the internal audit function (IAF) responds to both the introduction of the control logic of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and corporate governance’s (CG) institutional pressures. Furthermore, the paper aims to articulate the concurrence between the external pressures of CG and internal control logic of ERP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of the normative literature pertaining to the increase in significance of CG in the light of the worldwide economic crisis. The paper highlights a literature gap related to the lack of studies focusing on the impact of ERP systems implementation on the IAF practices.

Findings

The authors articulate institutional theory to formulate a conceptual framework that explains the reciprocal interplay between the macro external governance pressures, micro internal institutional logics inscribed in the ERP systems and their effect on IAF practices and structure within organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature and therefore the proposed framework will be subsequently validated using a qualitative research approach in future research.

Practical implications

The conceptual framework would offer the internal auditors some strategies for enabling adaptation to the different internal and external pressures. Also the paper provides a platform for research community to investigate the influence of CG and ERP systems implementation on IAF adaptation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clearer articulation of the various constructs that affect the IAF, which has gained great attention for assuring good CG.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1989

Nigel Kemp

Personal development involves individuals acting and reflecting onthe world and themselves, and learning from this. The practical issuesfaced by facilitators in setting up and…

Abstract

Personal development involves individuals acting and reflecting on the world and themselves, and learning from this. The practical issues faced by facilitators in setting up and running self‐development groups are discussed. The structure of the process is focused on and a number of guidelines presented.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 June 2017

Yochai Eisenberg, Erin D. Bouldin, Nancy Gell and Dori Rosenberg

The size of the population classified as people with disabilities or older adults is increasing globally. The World Health Organization estimates that the average prevalence of…

Abstract

The size of the population classified as people with disabilities or older adults is increasing globally. The World Health Organization estimates that the average prevalence of disability is around 18% among adults age 18 and older. People with disabilities and older adults have lower levels of physical activity and experience significant barriers to walking in local neighbourhoods. A new perspective is needed that views disability in the context of the built environment and across the lifespan. The purpose of this chapter is to examine walking as an activity that is inclusive of any age, ability or assistive device used for mobility. Through a literature review, we illustrate the complex relationship that exists between individuals with disabilities/older adults and the built environment. We describe environmental and social factors, which have been found to be associated with walking among people with disabilities and older adults as well as factors perceived to be barriers to walking. Factors cited in the literature include aspects that fall into the environmental domains of the International Classification of Functioning. We conclude by highlighting key factors needed for planning supportive walking environments for people with disabilities and older adults. Recommendations include the use of walking audits to gain information on detailed aspects of the built environment, developing inclusive walking initiatives, including people with disabilities and older adults in the planning process and planning for maintenance.

Details

Walking
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-628-0

Keywords

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