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1 – 10 of 420Md Akhtaruzzaman, Hormoz Ahmadi, Wendy James and Ratan Ghosh
Our study aims to investigate the learning effectiveness of business schools in Australia using the framework of authentic learning. Additionally, it proposes the acceptability of…
Abstract
Purpose
Our study aims to investigate the learning effectiveness of business schools in Australia using the framework of authentic learning. Additionally, it proposes the acceptability of authentic learning measures within the Australian context.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to assess the efficacy of authentic learning constructs across different time frames from January 2021 to July 2022. Relevant measurements were employed to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity scales used to measure authentic learning experiences.
Findings
The results indicate that all nine dimensions (constructs) of authentic learning have statistical significance in assessing learning outcomes in Australian business schools. No variability in the significance of the constructs across different time frames was observed, demonstrating the robustness of the results.
Practical implications
Our study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and corporate recruiters by highlighting the development of authentic learning capabilities in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Australia. This approach can enhance academic development through industry-academia collaboration, reducing the gap between education and industry needs, and producing market leaders for sustainable economic development.
Originality/value
This study is a novel attempt to evaluate authentic learning scales in Australian HEIs, specifically within business schools, and to assess how academic practices align with recruiters' expectations.
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Jeffrey Braithwaite, Kristiana Ludlow, Kate Churruca, Wendy James, Jessica Herkes, Elise McPherson, Louise A. Ellis and Janet C. Long
Much work about health reform and systems improvement in healthcare looks at shortcomings and universal problems facing health systems, but rarely are accomplishments dissected…
Abstract
Purpose
Much work about health reform and systems improvement in healthcare looks at shortcomings and universal problems facing health systems, but rarely are accomplishments dissected and analyzed internationally. The purpose of this paper is to address this knowledge gap by examining the lessons learned from health system reform and improvement efforts in 60 countries.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 60 low-, middle- and high-income countries provided a case study of successful health reform, which was gathered into a compendium as a recently published book. Here, the extensive source material was re-examined through inductive content analysis to derive broad themes of systems change internationally.
Findings
Nine themes were identified: improving policy, coverage and governance; enhancing the quality of care; keeping patients safe; regulating standards and accreditation; organizing care at the macro-level; organizing care at the meso- and micro-level; developing workforces and resources; harnessing technology and IT; and making collaboratives and partnerships work.
Practical implications
These themes provide a model of what constitutes successful systems change across a wide sample of health systems, offering a store of knowledge about how reformers and improvement initiators achieve their goals.
Originality/value
Few comparative international studies of health systems include a sufficiently wide selection of low-, middle- and high-income countries in their analysis. This paper provides a more balanced approach to consider where achievements are being made across healthcare, and what we can do to replicate and spread successful examples of systems change internationally.
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Wendy Treadwell and James A. Cogswell
The University of Minnesota Libraries have established a full‐service information center to facilitate end‐user access to machine‐readable datafiles, particularly U.S. government…
Abstract
The University of Minnesota Libraries have established a full‐service information center to facilitate end‐user access to machine‐readable datafiles, particularly U.S. government datafiles such as the Census. The Machine Readable Data Center (MRDC), funded through a three‐year, $240,000 grant from the College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants Program (HEA Title II‐D), presents an alternative, library‐centered model for providing students, faculty, and independent researchers with direct access to machine‐readable data.
Kathy Lowe, Edwin Jones, Shelley Horwood, Diane Gray, Wendy James, Jock Andrew and David Allen
A system of evidence‐based periodic service review (PSR) was implemented in specialist health services for people with challenging behaviour, to support the adoption of a positive…
Abstract
A system of evidence‐based periodic service review (PSR) was implemented in specialist health services for people with challenging behaviour, to support the adoption of a positive behavioural approach. The extent and accuracy of PSR implementation, its impact on staff knowledge and attitudes, and its value as a practice leadership tool were assessed. The results indicated that PSR was implemented regularly, scoring was based accurately on tangible evidence, and increased scores over time indicated service improvement in line with PSR principles. Staff generally welcomed PSR as a quality monitoring tool, and greater knowledge of the rationale and process for PSR was associated with more positive attitudes. Managers regarded PSR as a valuable aid to practice leadership and had used innovative implementation methods to maximise its acceptance by staff teams. The style of management and need for support from the wider organisational structure are discussed as critical factors in successful implementation.
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David Allen, Wendy James, Jayne Evans, Sarah Hawkins and Rosemary Jenkins
This article summarises the historical development of positive behavioural support. The main features of this approach are described, and the evidence for its effectiveness…
Abstract
This article summarises the historical development of positive behavioural support. The main features of this approach are described, and the evidence for its effectiveness outlined. Despite clear empirical support for its use, relatively few people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour appear to have access to this form of therapeutic intervention. Reasons for this are discussed, along with recommendations for future development.
Kelley O'Reilly and David Paper
A paucity of literature considers a growing trend within the retail space whereby franchise companies and their franchisees market and sell products and services across multiple…
Abstract
Purpose
A paucity of literature considers a growing trend within the retail space whereby franchise companies and their franchisees market and sell products and services across multiple channels, including company‐owned retail stores. This case study aims to explore the processes used to support the customer experience, the control mechanisms that are in place, and the channels by which these customer‐company interactions occur.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach employing an adaptation of the grounded theory method for data collection, coding, and analysis was used and this study specifically focused on an international van‐based service franchise during the integration of the franchise company's service into the retail brick‐and‐mortar locations of the parent company. Participants included retail employees of the parent company, franchise company support staff, franchisees, and third‐party call center agents working for the parent company.
Findings
Findings suggest a relationship exists between the alignment of the internal factors of the customer relationship management (CRM) experience (e.g. people, processes, and technology) and the relative strength or weakness of each external factor (e.g. customer, company, and competition). Moreover, it is postulated that weaker customer‐centric service results in greater misalignment of internal factors and leads to larger service variability, or sub‐optimized CRM.
Originality/value
The unique contribution of this research is the juxtaposition of the disparate marketing approaches of the parent company and franchisees and the subsequent impact on CRM efforts of the company. A conceptual model of internal and external factors of the CRM experience is presented.
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Australian public sector organisations are faced with their greatest challenge in decades, as public sector reforms essentially re‐examine the role of the State in the economy…
Abstract
Purpose
Australian public sector organisations are faced with their greatest challenge in decades, as public sector reforms essentially re‐examine the role of the State in the economy. These changes have led to a shift away from a traditional administrative approach of public sector organisations to one that fosters managerialism and economic rationalism, the underlying philosophies of new public management. Queensland, the Northeastern state of Australia, has experienced a period of government committed to change and reform specifically related to corporatisation and a national competition policy. Aims to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
To understand the effect of changes in budgeting, the researcher explores the processes of change over a period of time as they occur, through the use of a case study approach. The processual approach adopted for the study is consistent with old institutional economic theory, which is used to inform the findings.
Findings
It was found that indiscriminate changes to the budgeting process, together with the introduction of a transfer pricing system, caused considerable resistance. Streamlining was introduced late in the study, which, for the most part, despite the embeddedness of the earlier system, overcame many of the obstacles identified with relation to the budgeting process, while the conflict as a result of the transfer pricing system remained an unresolved and thorny issue.
Originality/value
The implications for organisational change management suggest the consideration of embedded institutions within an organisation, while determining the processes and directions of change. The implications for reform setters and the Queensland electricity supply industry are such that the short‐term goal of cost‐efficiency may not necessarily be in the best interest of the overall long‐term benefits to the community.
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This study seeks to survey managers of an Australian government‐owned enterprise undergoing organisational change as a result of public sector reform, specifically, National…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to survey managers of an Australian government‐owned enterprise undergoing organisational change as a result of public sector reform, specifically, National Competition Policy and Corporatisation. The purpose of the study is to examine the extent/type of organisational change and leadership style adopted to implement this change.
Design/methodology/approach
To understand the effect of reforms, the researcher explored the extent of change and leadership style through the use of an intra‐organisational survey in a government‐owned Electricity Supply Corporation in Queensland, Australia. The instrument also included qualitative components to enable the researcher to qualify the statistical results.
Findings
Within the public sector, there is an uneasy tension between the need for a revolution of outdated bureaucracies in order to enhance flexibility and innovation, on the one hand, and the desire to maintain the standards and procedures that are necessary for quality civic service for a broad range of stakeholders, on the other. The results of this study indicate that there was significant organisational change and, according to responses, a change of leadership style indicative of this dilemma.
Research limitations/implications
The implications suggest the consideration of embedded factors while determining the processes and directions of change. Furthermore, it is necessary to choose a leadership style that is indicative of the type of change to be implemented. Additionally, greater participation by organisational members can increase the success of organisational change. The limitations of the study include the measurement of organisational change and leadership style. This instrument was originally used in structured interviews; however, measures were taken to validate the instrument in its altered setting. Further, the study is confined to a single electricity organisation. Fertile fields for future research projects could include a larger quantitative study conducted with multiple states or nation‐wide electricity distribution companies.
Originality/value
The study provides empirical evidence of the extent of change as a result of public sector reform. In doing so the study utilises organisational change and leadership style models within a public sector environment.
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