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Article
Publication date: 14 December 2010

Paul Whelan, Tresa Andrews, Seraphim Patel and Alex Lewis

In the UK there has been a shift over the last decade towards the setting of targets by commissioning or regulatory bodies so that health services provide improved levels of care…

118

Abstract

In the UK there has been a shift over the last decade towards the setting of targets by commissioning or regulatory bodies so that health services provide improved levels of care. For mental health services this has occurred in three phases: phase one related to simple key performance indicators (for example collection of patients' diagnostic codes); phase two placed greater emphasis on more meaningful clinical outcome data; the third and most recent phase placed prominence on patient‐focused data collection. We report the development and preliminary findings of a piloting of a patient‐related outcome measure (PROM) and patient‐related experience measure (PREM) created specifically for older adult mental health services in Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. PROMs/PREMs are in keeping with an increased focus on patients' experience of health care, the provision of quality services and various key policies such as the recent government white paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Wei Shao, Debra Grace and Mitchell Ross

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of self-regulatory focus (SRF) in the context of advertising effectiveness pertaining to rational vs emotional appeals. Past…

2473

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of self-regulatory focus (SRF) in the context of advertising effectiveness pertaining to rational vs emotional appeals. Past research has dichotomized self-regulatory (SR) foci (i.e. prevention or promotion) on the basis of an individual’s so-called “chronic” orientation, i.e. high or low prevention focus; high or low promotion focus. However, psychological theorists purport that SRF is orthogonal and, thus, various combinations of both foci are evident in any given population.

Design/methodology/approach

A two (rational appeal vs emotional appeal)×two (utilitarian product vs hedonic product) experimental design was used. Data was collected via an online survey instrument which included the stimulus advertisements (experimental manipulations) and the relevant independent (SRF) and dependent measures (advertising effectiveness).

Findings

The findings of this study support application of regulatory focus theory (RFT) as an appropriate framework to study consumer behaviour and as a mechanism by which to segment consumers. However, past advertising research has predominantly examined consumer’s “chronic” foci (i.e. prevention and promotion). This study found that consumers can adopt various combinations of information processing styles and goal orientations and cannot be boxed into dichotomous categories based on either a prevention of promotion focus. As such, the findings reveal very different conclusions in contrast to previous advertising and marketing research in the SRF area.

Originality/value

This study is the first to approach SRF from a quadratic perspective (i.e. involving all SRF combinations). In calling to question the validity of previous findings, this study paves the way for numerous future research opportunities.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2011

Peter Nuttall and Julie Tinson

This paper aims to contribute to the special issue theme by exploring the perceptions of anti‐consumption and resistant practices of adolescents by their peer group in the context…

1085

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the special issue theme by exploring the perceptions of anti‐consumption and resistant practices of adolescents by their peer group in the context of high school prom attendance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a mixed methods approach involving 12 in‐depth interviews with those who had attended a high school prom in the last three years and open questions on a survey to adolescents.

Findings

Four main perceptions of non‐attendance were identified: non‐choice, risk aversion, passive disengagement and intentional disengagement. Perceptions of anti‐consumption and resistance will have social implications for the non‐attendee/s but the extent to which non‐attendance is viewed negatively will also be moderated by existing social status of the non‐attendee/s.

Originality/value

Possible causes for avoiding consumption have been previously considered, however, as yet unexplored are how those who do not consume are perceived by their peers and how this manifests itself in relation to group affiliation, attendees' perception of “self” and social norms.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 45 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2021

Yan Bao, Ping Han, Shudi Liao and Jianqiao Liao

Based on the social exchange theory, this study explores the mechanism of leader–subordinate power distance orientation (PDO) congruence with employees' taking charge behavior…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the social exchange theory, this study explores the mechanism of leader–subordinate power distance orientation (PDO) congruence with employees' taking charge behavior (TCB) and also verifies the moderated mediation effect of employees' promotion regulatory focus (PROM-F) on leader–subordinate PDO congruence and on employees' TCB through trust in the leader (which is the mediator).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 296 questionnaires from 46 teams of Chinese enterprises, the authors use cross-level polynomial regressions and response surface techniques to analyze the effect of leader–subordinate PDO congruence on employees' TCB and use the block variable technique to test the mediating effect of trust in the leader.

Findings

(1) When leader–subordinates' PDO is congruent, the leader–subordinate low-low PDO matching pattern leads to more employees' TCB than the leader–subordinate high-high PDO matching pattern. (2) When leader–subordinate PDO is incongruent, the leader–subordinate low–high PDO matching pattern will lead to more TCB than the high-low PDO pattern.

Practical implications

(1) Encourage and promote the development of diverse cultures in enterprises. (2) Respect the power and status of employees and encourage a low-PDO leadership style. (3) Increase credibility by developing and establishing a good corporate leader image.

Originality/value

(1) The unique background of this survey offers important cross-cultural information on the effects of leader–subordinate PDO congruence. (2) The results of this research enrich the theoretical understanding of the factors that influence TCB. (3) Reveal the internal mechanisms of CPD congruence with TCB and demonstrate an indirect effect of trust in leader. (4) The discussion of the moderating role of employee's PROM-F will also deepen the understanding of the exchange relationship between leaders and subordinates.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2013

Stefan Burgard, Ortwin Farle and Romanus Dyczij-Edlinger

The goal is to derive a numerical method for computing parametric reduced-order models (PROMs) from finite-element (FE) models of microwave structures that feature geometrical…

Abstract

Purpose

The goal is to derive a numerical method for computing parametric reduced-order models (PROMs) from finite-element (FE) models of microwave structures that feature geometrical parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a parameter-dependent FE mesh is constructed by a topology-preserving mesh-morphing algorithm. Then, multivariate polynomial interpolation is employed to achieve explicit geometrical parameterization of all FE matrices. Finally, a PROM based on parameter-dependent projection matrices is constructed by means of interpolation and state transformation techniques.

Findings

The resulting PROMs are of low dimension and fast to evaluate. Moreover, the method features high rates of convergence, and the number of FE solutions required for constructing the PROM is small. The accuracy of the PROM is only limited by that of the underlying FE model and can be controlled by varying the PROM dimension.

Research limitations/implications

Since the method uses topology-preserving mesh-morphing algorithms to instantiate FE models at a number of interpolation points in geometrical parameter space, there are limitations to the amount of deformation that can be handled.

Practical implications

PROM evaluations are computationally cheap. In many cases they can be evaluated hundreds or even thousands of times per second. Therefore, PROMs are very well-suited for parametric studies or numerical optimization.

Originality/value

The presented methodology employs a new way of constructing parameter-dependent interpolation matrices, based on interpolation and space transformations. The proposed methodology yields better accuracy and higher rates of convergence than previous approaches.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2013

Eduardo Alves Portela Santos, Rosemary Francisco, Maja Pesic and Wil van der Aalst

Increasing flexibility and complexity of modern process‐aware information systems (PAIS) usually leads to less guidance for its users and consequently requires more experienced…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing flexibility and complexity of modern process‐aware information systems (PAIS) usually leads to less guidance for its users and consequently requires more experienced users. A flexible PAIS allows users to freely choose a specific execution sequence of activities. However, there are no guarantees that the chosen sequence conforms to established business rules. This context proposes a supervisory control service (SCS), which can be used to support end‐users of flexible PAIS during process execution by giving a list of disabled (or enabled) events (activities), i.e. at any point in time a list of possible next steps is given.

Design/methodology/approach

The SCS has been implemented in process mining framework (ProM – www.processmining.org) and the experiment that has been performed shows its feasibility. The computational infrastructure already implemented in ProM allows communication with external applications and allows the SCS to be integrated with PAIS that records events. This paper demonstrated that the SCS in ProM can cooperate with PAIS system in order to support users.

Findings

The SCS proposed in this paper monitors and restricts execution sequences of activities such that business rules are always obeyed. The system offers support based on business rules but does not limit the user by imposing rigid control‐flow structures. Users can adopt this service as a guide to execute activities with a guarantee that business rules are followed and goals are met. The SCS also offers flexibility to users to choose execution sequences.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the proposed approach has many advantages on controlling/supporting flexible processes. Supervisory control theory allows an automatic control synthesis instead of the usual manual and heuristic procedures. Thus, new control actions may be rapidly and automatically designed when modifications, such as redefinition of business rules or activities arrangements, are necessary. The flexible processes can be made to behave optimally with respect to a variety of criteria, where optimal means in minimally restrictive way.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 January 2024

Alessandra Da Ros, Francesca Pennucci and Sabina De Rosis

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, presenting unforeseen challenges that necessitated the implementation of change management…

Abstract

Purpose

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, presenting unforeseen challenges that necessitated the implementation of change management strategies to adapt to the new contextual conditions. This study aims to analyze organizational changes within the total hip replacement (THR) surgery pathway at multiple levels, including macro, meso and micro. It employs data triangulation from various sources to gauge the complexity of the change process and comprehend how multi-level decision-making influenced an unexpected shift.

Design/methodology/approach

A multicentric, single in-depth case study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Data sources included patient-reported outcome measures specific to the THR pathway and carefully structured in-depth interviews administered to managers and clinicians in two healthcare organizations serving the same population.

Findings

Decisions made at the macro level resulted in an overall reduction in surgical activities. Organizational changes at the meso level led to a complete cessation or partial reorganization of activities. Micro-level actions for change and adaptation revealed diverse and fragmented change management strategies.

Practical implications

Organizations with segmented structures may require a robust and structured department for coordinating change management responses to prevent the entire system from becoming stuck in the absorptive phase of change. However, it is important to recognize that absorptive solutions can serve as a starting point for genuine innovations in change management.

Originality/value

The utilization of data triangulation enables the authors to visualize how specific changes implemented in response to the pandemic have influenced the observed outcomes. From a managerial perspective, it provides insights into how future innovations could be introduced.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Chetna Choudhary, Deepti Mehrotra and Avinash K. Shrivastava

As the number of web applications is increasing day by day web mining acts as an important tool to extract useful information from weblogs and analyse them according to the…

Abstract

Purpose

As the number of web applications is increasing day by day web mining acts as an important tool to extract useful information from weblogs and analyse them according to the attributes and predict the usage of a website. The main aim of this paper is to inspect how process mining can be used to predict the web usability of hotel booking sites based on the number of users on each page, and the time of stay of each user. Through this paper, the authors analyse the web usability of a website through process mining by finding the web usability metrics. This work proposes an approach to finding the usage of a website using the attributes available in the weblog which predicts the actual footfall on a website.

Design/methodology/approach

PROM (Process Mining tool) is used for the analysis of the event log of a hotel booking site. In this work, authors have used a case study to apply the PROM (process mining tool) to pre-process the event log dataset for analysis to discover better-structured process maps than without pre-processing.

Findings

This article first provided an overview of process mining, then focused on web mining and later discussed process mining techniques. It also described different target languages: system nets (i.e. Petri nets with an initial and a final state), inductive miner and heuristic miner, graphs showing the change in behaviour of the dataset and predicting the outcome, that is the webpage having the maximum number of hits.

Originality/value

In this work, a case study has been used to apply the PROM (process mining tool) to pre-process the event log dataset for analysis to discover better-structured process maps than without pre-processing.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2021

Abdorrahim Afkhamzadeh, Khaled Rahmani, Rojin Yaghubi, Mahsa Ghadrdan and Obeidollah Faraji

This study aims to conduct to determine the adverse perinatal outcomes of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in Kurdistan, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct to determine the adverse perinatal outcomes of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in Kurdistan, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In a prospective cohort study, 1,080 pregnant women were categorized into 433 and 647 women, respectively, exposed and unexposed to IPV followed by 48 h post-delivery. The values of incidence rate, relative risk and corresponding 95% confidence interval were calculated for interesting outcomes.

Findings

There was a statistically significant association between IPV exposure during pregnancy and perinatal mortality, pre-term birth (PTB), intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), placental abruption and low birth weight (LBW).

Social implications

Iran is a developing country with a mosaic of different ethnicities and cultures. It seems that the less developed regions of Iran, such as Kurdistan, are also culturally different from most other regions of Iran. Based on a systematic review study, the prevalence of domestic violence is estimated to be 66% (CI 95%: 55–77) in the general population of Iran. This value was 75% (CI 95%: 56–94) in western Iran, the geographic area of the study, and higher than other parts of the country. IPV during pregnancy can result in many adverse outcomes for mothers and children.

Originality/value

According to the results of this study, the occurrence of prenatal mortality, PTB, IUGR, PROM, placental abruption and LBW was significantly higher in pregnant women exposed to IPV during pregnancy compared with unexposed women. Strategies such as training the skills needed for health system staff to identify female victims of violence, counseling, treatment and referral to related specialized centers are suggested.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Li‐teh Sun

Man has been seeking an ideal existence for a very long time. In this existence, justice, love, and peace are no longer words, but actual experiences. How ever, with the American…

Abstract

Man has been seeking an ideal existence for a very long time. In this existence, justice, love, and peace are no longer words, but actual experiences. How ever, with the American preemptive invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq and the subsequent prisoner abuse, such an existence seems to be farther and farther away from reality. The purpose of this work is to stop this dangerous trend by promoting justice, love, and peace through a change of the paradigm that is inconsistent with justice, love, and peace. The strong paradigm that created the strong nation like the U.S. and the strong man like George W. Bush have been the culprit, rather than the contributor, of the above three universal ideals. Thus, rather than justice, love, and peace, the strong paradigm resulted in in justice, hatred, and violence. In order to remove these three and related evils, what the world needs in the beginning of the third millenium is the weak paradigm. Through the acceptance of the latter paradigm, the golden mean or middle paradigm can be formulated, which is a synergy of the weak and the strong paradigm. In order to understand properly the meaning of these paradigms, however, some digression appears necessary.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 25 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000