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Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Anjum Naweed, Joshua Trigg, Matthew Allan and Janine Chapman

The rail driver workplace is full of challenges for effective health management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how known barriers in rail driving may be overcome by…

Abstract

Purpose

The rail driver workplace is full of challenges for effective health management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how known barriers in rail driving may be overcome by seeking enablers of positive health status and lifestyle.

Design/methodology/approach

Five focus groups were conducted with 29 rail drivers from four rail organisations across three Australian states. Transcribed data were analysed using directed content analysis and thematic coding to develop health enabler themes and categories.

Findings

Formal initiatives to manage health were piecemeal. Efforts to maintain health involved countering deteriorative, and promoting restorative, health factors. Themes systematically illustrated work environmental, adaptational, and autonomous features of health management. Participants expressed many different approaches to enabling positive health status, and how these connected to known barriers.

Research limitations/implications

Discussion of personal health issues within the rail industry is considered a taboo topic by some, therefore participants who took part in this study data may be more representative of health-conscious drivers.

Practical implications

Occupational health in rail can be enabled in multiple ways, including: improving social support, scheduling certainty, and cross-communication around health behaviours; increasing flexibility and environmental support for health behaviours; and directly promoting dietary control and physical activity engagement. Given the diversity and global representativeness of rail systems found within Australia, the findings have international application.

Originality/value

This study uses a strength-focussed approach to highlight multiple leverage points for organisational rail-driver health interventions across three levels of the system, helping improve health intervention efficacy despite the intractable nature of their environments.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2005

Uma V. Sridharan, W. Royce Caines and Cheryl C. Patterson

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of supply chain implementation issues on firm value.

19196

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of supply chain implementation issues on firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study methodology, this paper outlines the cases of Hershey and Nike and the impact of supply chain implementation issues on these firms’ value.

Findings

Difficulties in the implementation of supply chain management software designed to maximize firm value, can result in a disruption of a firm's supply chain, causing losses for the firm and a decline in firm value; thereby creating much disappointment for the firm's shareholders. Hence, great care should be taken with the implementation of new SCM solutions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may be directed at extending this work by examining the changes in the market values of a wide sample of client and provider firms following the implementation of new supply chain solutions.

Practical implications

When modifying a standard supply chain template to suit a customer's requirements, particular care should be used in implementation and provider firms should insist that clients follow the provider's implementation methodology. Complex SCM systems designed to track a multiplicity of product varieties, may lead to difficulties in implementation. Prior to switching to a new SCM system there should be adequate testing to see if the system meets the client's requirements. Premature switching can have disastrous consequences.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the impact of implementation issues on the effectiveness of SCM technology.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

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