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With the increase in the development of treatments that aim to improve the symptoms of dementia, more attention is focussed upon the effect that these treatments have on the patient's quality of life (QoL). There are specific challenges to be met in measuring the QoL of a patient who is in the later, more severe, stages of dementia. The main challenge to be met is whether the QoL measure can measure QoL in an individual who is unable to provide a subjective report of his or her own QoL. This paper presents five QoL measures that have been designed or used to measure the QoL of patients with severe dementia who are unable to provide self‐reports and to examine whether these measures are a valid and reliable means of assessing QoL in patients with severe dementia. It was found that all of the QoL measures have moderate to good reliability and validity, but the question still remains that without a subjective account, such as a self‐report from the person with dementia, is the outcome of these QoL measures a true reflection of the patient's QoL?

ALAN Armitage, managing director and Paul Thompson, manager, engineering of Gretone Engineering Limited in Lytham St. Annes believes they now know at least as much about the introduction and practical application of true high‐speed machining as anyone else. Before deciding to take this radical step they spent some six months assessing the technical, commercial and personnel implications of introducing these new and sophisticated machines to their 35‐year‐old business, and studied the specifications of the various machines on offer.

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.

The paper's aim are to: review the value and credibility of oral history for historical research in marketing; and conceptualize oral history as more than a data source in historical research but also a subject to investigate memory and a conceptual approach for understanding historical events.

The paper comprises an international historical review of oral history theory and practice linked to an examination of oral history methods in marketing.

Oral history is perceived as an “essentially contested concept”; a lack of consensus on universal principles has been sustained over a long time and has led to incredible diversity in theory and practice but has also made it difficult to grasp and manage. It is shown to be perspectival with analytical reach beyond individuals' recollected experiences and actions. Memory is identified as the subject as well as the source for oral history and a misconception that oral history can provide literal expressions of what experience and events were like is clarified. Oral history has been under‐utilized in marketing history and this is presented as a methodological paradox given the ubiquity of the interview in the marketing discipline more generally.

Central to oral history are a range of questions around issues of memory and remembering that have been largely unacknowledged in marketing and the oral history approach is perhaps uniquely placed to address some of these. Oral history critically examines the making of history and the paper highlights some of the issues this presents for historical research. Disciplinary efforts to standardize oral history are queried.

Whether from a desire to be seen to be socially responsible, in pursuit of perceived profit opportunities, or as a reaction to increased professionalism on the part of charities, UK banks are paying increasing attention to the voluntary sector. Using secondary data, this paper investigates the market shares of banks amongst charities. It reveals that NatWest is the current market leader, but comparisons with a paper published a decade ago suggest that its market share and lead have diminished significantly. Further analysis reveals that one reason for that decline might be the recent growth in the share accounted for by the Co‐operative Bank, possibly as a consequence of the introduction of its ethical policy, some of the implications of which are discussed.

Most contemporary business developments can, if you try hard, be linked to 1992 and the single market. With takeovers you don't even have to try. The official Cecchini Report makes clear that mergers and acquisitions to eliminate smaller and supposedly less efficient units will be the driving force of intensified competition and restructuring to exploit economies of scale.

The paper focuses on the formation and implementation of new manufacturing strategies in two UK drinks conglomerates ‐ United Distillers (UD) and Allied Distillers (ADL). Traditionally both companies have been marketingled and relatively indifferent to the achievement of marginal gains in operating efficiencies. But recently each has launched major innovation programmes, ADL's ‘Project Star’, and ‘Towards World Class’ in the case of UD.

The capacity of trade unions to renew themselves clearly depends on a variety of political and organisational factors. British trade unionism has long been seen as defensive, sectional and reactive. If trade unions are to develop strategically, they will need their own positive agenda. This paper looks at the obstacles and potential for doing this, utilising comparative research in the UK and Sweden.

Sexuality is complex, concerning concepts such as power relations, sensuality, personal integrity, capacity to consent, decision making, identity and self‐awareness, intimacy and relationships. Despite this complexity, it is an integral part of every human being, affected by race, socio‐economic status and intellectual ability. However, the expression of the sexuality of people with learning disabilities is denied and rarely facilitated. Often the importance of gender identity is ignored and this is reflected, for example, in how women with learning disabilities see their own bodies. Explanations include historical beliefs like eugenics, service principles such as normalisation, economics and an over‐riding concern to protect women and men with learning disabilities from abuse. Acknowledging that such factors play an important role in preventing the facilitation or expression of sexuality by men and women with learning disabilities, this paper focuses on the development of the criminal law, the role and potential of current sexual offences and the Home Office Report Setting the Boundaries.

Presents 35 abstracts from the 2001 Employment Research Unit Annual conference held at Cardiff Business School in September 2001. Attempts to explore the theme of changing politics of employment relations beyond and within the nation state, against a background of concern in the developed economies at the erosion of relatively advanced conditions of work and social welfare through increasing competition and international agitation for more effective global labour standards. Divides this concept into two areas, addressing the erosion of employment standards through processes of restructuring and examining attempts by governments, trade unions and agencies to re‐create effective systems of regulation. Gives case examples from areas such as India, Wales, London, Ireland, South Africa, Europe and Japan. Covers subjects such as the Disability Discrimination Act, minimum wage, training, contract workers and managing change.