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1 – 10 of over 19000
Article
Publication date: 28 November 2012

Derek Birrell and Deirdre Heenan

This paper assesses the recommendations and proposals contained in Transforming Your Care, the recent review of health and social care in Northern Ireland, in the context of the…

288

Abstract

Purpose

This paper assesses the recommendations and proposals contained in Transforming Your Care, the recent review of health and social care in Northern Ireland, in the context of the existing integrated structures. It is designed to promote a better understanding of the implications of the proposed reconfiguration of health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews a number of published documents encompassing an independent review and subsequent plans and strategies. It also draws upon a case study of a Rapid Access Clinic undertaken by the authors as part of a wider research project.

Findings

The paper concludes that the planned changes question the ability of an integrated structure operating across primary, secondary and social care. It notes that there are real concerns about the capacity of the social care workforce to deliver services. It is suggested that the proposal for Integrated Care Partnerships can be seen as a reflection of the need for a more localised approach to delivery.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are derived from a small‐scale study and as such may make generalisation difficult. There is a clear need for a more robust evidence‐based approach to the evaluation of structural integration in health and social care and a process for monitoring of this change process.

Originality/value

The article is a reminder of the unique example of structural integration within the UK. As such it could have important lessons for England, Scotland and Wales which are moving in a similar direction.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2009

G ap Dafydd, Janet Roberts and Kevin Doughty

Many telecare services will in the future rely on service users to subsidise their existence through a charging policy. This will reduce the level of uptake, and hence the…

Abstract

Many telecare services will in the future rely on service users to subsidise their existence through a charging policy. This will reduce the level of uptake, and hence the economic efficiency, unless services are shown to offer value for money. As part of a wide audit and evaluation of telecare provision in Gwynedd, service users were asked both about the value of the service to them and to their families. The responses showed that the service was perceived to be valuable to the vast majority of services users, but even more so to their families. Most thought that telecare played a valuable role in helping them to maintain their independence. When asked about the financial value of the service, more than half felt that it was worth £4.50 per week or more without a dedicated response team. The majority would not wish to pay extra for a response team.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 August 2022

Ehsan Ahmad and Ali Alammary

Saudi universities have incorporated capstone projects in the final year of an undergraduate study. Although universities are following recommendations of the National Commission…

618

Abstract

Purpose

Saudi universities have incorporated capstone projects in the final year of an undergraduate study. Although universities are following recommendations of the National Commission for National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), no detailed guidelines for management and assessment of capstone projects are provided by these accreditation bodies. Variation in the management and assessment practices of capstone project courses and analysis of the students' capabilities to align with industry demands, to realize Vision 2030, is challenging. This study investigates the current practices for structure definition, management and assessment criteria used for capstone project courses at undergraduate level for information technology (IT) programs at Saudi universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based questionnaire is administered using a web service commonly used for questionnaires and polls to investigate the structure, management and assessment of capstone projects at the undergraduate level offering software engineering, computer science and information technology (SECSIT) programs. In total, 42 faculty members (with range of experience of managing/advising capstone projects from 1 to more than 10 years) from 22 Saudi universities (out of more than 30 universities offering SECSIT undergraduate programs) participated in the study.

Findings

The authors have identified that Saudi universities are facing challenges in the utilized process model, the distribution of work and marks, the knowledge sharing approach and the assessment scheme. To cope with these challenges, the authors recommend the use of an incremental development process, the utilization of a project-driven approach, the development of a national level digital archive and the implementation of homogeneous assessment scheme.

Social implications

To contribute to the national growth and to fulfill the market demand, universities are recommended to align the capstone project courses with latest technology trends. Universities must collaborate with the industry and update the structure and requirements of capstone project courses accordingly. This will further facilitate to bridge the gap between industry and academia and will develop a win–win scenario for all the stakeholders.

Originality/value

Although universities are committed to increase innovative capacities of their students for enabling them to contribute to economic and social growth, it is still hard to know the knowledge creation and sharing at national level. Variations in the management and assessment practices for capstone projects further intensify this challenge. Hence, there is a need of smart assessment and management of software capstone projects being developed in Saudi universities. Incorporating latest technologies, such unified management can facilitate discovering the trends and patterns related to the domain and complexity.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Anton Saveliev and Denis Zhurenkov

The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze how the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for social responsibility are defined in the…

1590

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze how the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for social responsibility are defined in the national AI strategies of the USA, Russia and China.

Design/methodology/approach

The notion of responsibility concerning AI is currently not legally defined by any country in the world. The authors of this research are going to use the methodology, based on Luciano Floridi’s Unified framework of five principles for AI in society, to determine how social responsibility is implemented in the AI strategies of the USA, Russia and China.

Findings

All three strategies for the development of AI in the USA, Russia and China, as evaluated in the paper, contain some or other components aimed at achieving public responsibility and responsible use of AI. The Unified framework of five principles for AI in society, developed by L. Floridi, can be used as a viable assessment tool to determine at least in general terms how social responsibility is implied and implemented in national strategic documents in the field of AI. However, authors of the paper call for further development in the field of mutually recognizable ethical models for socially beneficial AI.

Practical implications

This study allows us to better understand the linkages, overlaps and differences between modern philosophy of information, AI-ethics, social responsibility and government regulation. The analysis provided in this paper can serve as a basic blueprint for future attempts to define how social responsibility is understood and implied by government decision-makers.

Originality/value

The analysis provided in the paper, however general and empirical it may be, is a first-time example of how the Unified framework of five principles for AI in society can be applied as an assessment tool to determine social responsibility in AI-related official documents.

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Diane Seddon, Anne Krayer, Catherine Robinson, Bob Woods and Yvonne Tommis

The authors aim to present findings from their research on the implementation of Unified Assessment (UA) policy and the work of care coordinators who oversee the delivery of…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors aim to present findings from their research on the implementation of Unified Assessment (UA) policy and the work of care coordinators who oversee the delivery of support to older people with complex needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach included staff interviews (n=95) and focus groups (n=3).

Findings

The care coordinator role is controversial and the lack of common terminology across health and social care obscures its importance. It is seen as a social care responsibility. Limited ownership amongst healthcare professionals leads to tensions in practice. The challenges of breaking down silo thinking embedded in established professional practices are highlighted as are infrastructural and capacity deficits. Disparities between policy intentions and practice means that UA is failing to meet core objectives relating to the delivery of seamless support.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to develop and evaluate evidence‐informed interventions that test solutions to the problems faced in practice and support the delivery of more effective arrangements.

Practical implications

Practice development may be supported by: guidelines that are more prescriptive and include a formal role definition; joint training to promote shared understanding of key concepts; investment in administrative and IT infrastructures; and more coordinated direction at strategic level.

Originality/value

Over a decade has elapsed since the publication of UA Policy Guidance; however, there is limited published evidence on the effectiveness of UA policy and its translation into practice.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

J.H.M. TAH and V. CARR

The construction industry is greatly plagued by risk; too often, this risk is not dealt with adequately, resulting in poor project performance. Communication of construction…

2091

Abstract

The construction industry is greatly plagued by risk; too often, this risk is not dealt with adequately, resulting in poor project performance. Communication of construction project risks in practice is poor, incomplete and inconsistent, both throughout the supply chain and through the project lifecycle. Part of the problem is the lack of a formalized approach to the project risk management process. Recently, attempts have been made to overcome this and this paper uses these attempts as a foundation for building a better approach to construction risk management. Underlying this approach is the development of a common language for describing risks and remedial actions. This is grounded in a taxonomy of risk based on a hierarchical risk breakdown structure. In addition, to facilitate the production of a working risk management system, a number of models have been developed using unified modelling language (UML) and IDEFO. Finally, the use of the system has been tested via a working software prototype. This prototype is being used as a basis for discussion with practitioners with regard to the practical requirements of the approach for further development.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 2 September 2010

Richard D. Osguthorpe and Jennifer L. Snow-Gerono

The report from our recent accreditation visit indicated that the unit has an emerging framework for an assessment system that collects data at necessary transition points…

Abstract

The report from our recent accreditation visit indicated that the unit has an emerging framework for an assessment system that collects data at necessary transition points. However, the report also suggests that the unit does not analyze that data in an effective way to conduct meaningful program change. The events that led to this discovery (and the actions that have been taken since) have provided important lessons learned for our institution that relate to continuous program improvement and the accreditation process itself. This chapter details those events and lessons learned.

Details

Tensions in Teacher Preparation: Accountability, Assessment, and Accreditation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-85724-100-9

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1991

Tito Conti

Second of a two‐part series. Suggests that external, third‐party assessment schemes no longer meet the needs of total quality organizations and that what is needed is a self…

Abstract

Second of a two‐part series. Suggests that external, third‐party assessment schemes no longer meet the needs of total quality organizations and that what is needed is a self‐assessment process, based on a new reference model, capable of unifying an organization′s diverse assessment criteria regarding total quality. Highlights the “quality sub‐system” as the most important component in self‐assessment and examines a possible model in detail, including its relationship to the organizational system model. Concludes by summarizing ways in which external assessment can be improved significantly through incorporating these self‐assessment methods.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2022

Rodrigo Heldt, Cleo Schmitt Silveira and Fernando Bins Luce

Customer, product and brand (CPB) management constitute relevant and inextricably linked levels of decision-making that marketers should manage to drive business success. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Customer, product and brand (CPB) management constitute relevant and inextricably linked levels of decision-making that marketers should manage to drive business success. However, they are generally treated separately in extant research. It leads to a disconnected assessment and management of customers and products/brands, preventing marketers to take advantage of the positive implications of managing them simultaneously. This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to unify these perspectives: the CPB bottom-up approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a range of extant literature on customer equity, brand equity and product performance to identify how financial performance is assessed in each of these perspectives and support the conceptual proposition to unify these different levels of decisions-making.

Findings

The proposed framework allows predicting and managing the expected values of these three intertwined perspectives together, providing a unified forward-looking metric to more effectively drive marketing efforts.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework opens the path for future discussion concerning possible models that can be adopted to implement it.

Practical implications

The proposed framework allows managers to make decisions having a holistic assessment of CPB performance.

Originality/value

In practice, marketing managers have to deal with brand and product as well as customer levels of decision-making simultaneously. Besides this, adopting customer centricity does not decrease the importance of managing the performance of brands and products. Therefore, the proposition of a solution able to bridge the gap between these levels of decision-making enhances both the marketing practice and literature.

Propósito

A gestão de clientes, produtos e marcas constituem níveis relevantes e interrelacionados de tomada de decisão que os profissionais de marketing devem gerenciar para impulsionar o sucesso dos negócios. No entanto, eles são geralmente tratados separadamente na literatura. Isso leva a uma avaliação e gestão desconectada de clientes e produtos/marcas, impedindo os profissionais de marketing de aproveitar as implicações positivas de gerenciá-los simultaneamente. Neste artigo, propomos uma estrutura conceitual para unificar essas perspectivas: a abordagem bottom-up de cliente, produto e marca.

Design/metodologia/abordagem

O artigo sustenta-se em uma variedade de pesquisas passadas sobre valor do cliente, valor da marca e desempenho do produto para identificar como o desempenho financeiro é avaliado em cada uma dessas perspectivas e apoiar a proposta conceitual para unificar esses diferentes níveis de tomada de decisão.

Descobertas

A estrutura proposta permite prever e gerenciar os valores esperados dessas três perspectivas interligadas, fornecendo uma métrica preditiva unificada para impulsionar os esforços de marketing de forma mais eficaz.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

A estrutura proposta abre caminho para futuras discussões sobre possíveis modelos que podem ser adotados para implementá-lo.

Implicações práticas

A estrutura proposta permite que os gerentes tomem decisões com uma avaliação holística do desempenho do cliente, do produto e da marca.

Originalidade

Na prática, os gerentes de marketing precisam lidar simultaneamente com os níveis de tomada de decisão de marca e de produto, bem como de clientes. Além disso, adotar foco no cliente não diminui a importância de gerenciar o desempenho de marcas e produtos. Portanto, a proposição de uma solução capaz de preencher a lacuna entre esses níveis de tomada de decisão aprimora tanto a prática de marketing quanto a literatura.

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2009

Nick Andrews, Deborah Driffield and Vicky Poole

The need for more holistic and inclusive approaches to assessment and care management for older people is widely promoted but difficult to achieve. This paper describes the All…

Abstract

The need for more holistic and inclusive approaches to assessment and care management for older people is widely promoted but difficult to achieve. This paper describes the All Together Now initiative in Swansea, South Wales, which seeks to promote better practice in assessment and care management by actively involving all stakeholders, older people and family carers, and practitioners and service providers from across the statutory and third sectors. The project is underpinned by a relationship‐centred approach based on the belief that an enriched environment of care will only be created when the needs of all stakeholders are acknowledged and given attention. How such a model was used to establish the goals for the project is described, together with the proposed model of evaluation.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

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