Renee Fleming, Katherine Maslak Madson and Bradley Perkins
The purpose of this study was to examine how data from the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Control have evolved…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine how data from the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Control have evolved with relation to engineering controls for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to mitigate the spread of spread of aerosols (specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic) in occupied buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
A document analysis of the pandemic-focused position documents from the aforementioned public health agencies and national HVAC authorities was performed. This review targeted a range of evidence from recommendations, best practices, codes and regulations and peer-reviewed publications and evaluated how they cumulatively evolved over time. Data was compared between 2020 and 2021.
Findings
This research found that core information provided early in the pandemic (i.e. early 2020) for engineering controls in building HVAC systems did not vary greatly as knowledge of the pandemic evolved (i.e. in June of 2021). This indicates that regulating agencies had a good, early understanding of how airborne viruses spread through building ventilation systems. The largest evolution in knowledge came from the broader acceptance of building ventilation as a transmission route and the increase in publications and ease of access to the information for the general public over time.
Originality/value
The promotion of the proposed controls for ventilation in buildings, as outlined in this paper, is another step toward reducing the spread of COVID-19 and future aerosol spread viruses by means of ventilation.
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Lisa Chauveron and Daniel Perkins
Empirically‐based programmes are the cornerstone of the prevention science field. Beyond curriculum content and design, several aspects of school‐based prevention and intervention…
Abstract
Empirically‐based programmes are the cornerstone of the prevention science field. Beyond curriculum content and design, several aspects of school‐based prevention and intervention programmes have been found to contribute to their effectiveness, including implementer training, programme fidelity and principal [head teacher] support. The current investigation examined whether the degree of heterogeneity among classroom members (ie. students' racial or ethnic backgrounds, students' neighbourhood socio‐economic status (SES), students' neighbourhood education level and students' neighbourhood immigrant status) influences the effectiveness of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) social and emotional learning programme. The analyses found a relationship between the degree of classroom heterogeneity and students' pre‐test scores on social and emotional variables. Moreover, gender differences were evident on pre‐test scores, reflecting differential baselines. The findings for analysis on classroom heterogeneity as a moderator of the programme's effectiveness in improving students' social and emotional competence were mixed. Future research and policy implications are discussed related to advancing the field and ensuring culturally relevant evidence‐based programming.
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Investment in automation technology by Perkins Engines has now spread into the assembly area. Recently unveiled was a flexible line to assemble cylinder heads in which quality is…
Abstract
Investment in automation technology by Perkins Engines has now spread into the assembly area. Recently unveiled was a flexible line to assemble cylinder heads in which quality is the key. Brian Rooks reports.
One of the most notable recent events in factory automation in the UK has been the installation by Perkins Engines of an automated line for assembly of cylinder heads. The line is…
Abstract
One of the most notable recent events in factory automation in the UK has been the installation by Perkins Engines of an automated line for assembly of cylinder heads. The line is remarkable because of the number of operations — it includes eight robotic assembly stations and associated peripheral equipment — and also because of the flexibility of production and high product quality.
Daniel Vloeberghs and Liselore Berghman
Argues that for competence management to be a valuable tool in leveraging individual competencies to dynamic organisational core competencies, more stress should be laid on…
Abstract
Argues that for competence management to be a valuable tool in leveraging individual competencies to dynamic organisational core competencies, more stress should be laid on competence development. More specifically, focuses on the effectiveness of development centres (DC), in terms of personal development and pursuit of the development plan. In this way, attempts to meet the need for more studies on the whole DC process and, more specifically, on its effectiveness. Furthermore, looks to take a first step in integrating fields of coaching, self‐development and line management human resources involvement in DC studies.
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The purpose of this paper is to critically explore the evidence that human resource management (HRM) could contribute to the improvement of organizational and individual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically explore the evidence that human resource management (HRM) could contribute to the improvement of organizational and individual performance. It aims to examine the historical development of HRM and its emergence as a distinct management discipline. The evidence indicates that HRM is the product of several different traditions that range from a concern with employee welfare to the development of workplace relationships. The paper critically re‐evaluates what human performance is and assesses its contribution to organizational effectiveness. What is particularly important is the lack of empirical literature on the contribution of HRM and business performance. This paper will call for the re‐evaluation of more contemporary criteria of how people contribute to organizational performance in private, public and the emerging non‐profit making sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology adopted in this research uses critical literature on the contribution of human resource management performance.
Findings
The main finding of this research is the understanding of the problems of research design in measuring the contribution of HRM to develop performance in organizations.
Research limitations/implications
The research presented in this paper needs to review and standardize comparative research design to confirm the performance of HRM in organizations. It compares the alternative perspectives of measuring performance in financial criteria.
Originality/value
This paper reviews the research between key authors for exploring the correlation between HRM and organizational performance for future research and examines the influence of human resource professional bodies.
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Alan D. Smith and William T. Rupp
One major purpose of performance appraisals is to determine individual merit, especially where pay for performance systems are employed. Based upon expectancy theory, high…
Abstract
One major purpose of performance appraisals is to determine individual merit, especially where pay for performance systems are employed. Based upon expectancy theory, high performance ratings should entail high merit increases while low performance ratings result in low merit increases. However, it appears that decoupling performance ratings and merit increases is a common practice, as evident from a survey that was administered to knowledge workers at multiple sites in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Human capital themes that appeared to be fair and/or equitable among the sampled knowledge workers, using a grounded theory approach, included the following collective concepts: marginal, actual performance, good reviews associated with good raises, nice raises, management's reviews are partly or mostly objective, employee intrinsic motivation, attitude, years of service, and appropriate education level. Negative aspects of the performance/reward systems were also explored. Associated training suggestions included constant attention by management that keeps the coupling of performance evaluations and motivational/incentive pay systems alive and well, as well as a system to track corporate goals that allow management to compare training, performance metrics, employee retention, and other data with company‐wide goals and employees’ expectations.
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Marios Sotiriadis and Ciná van Zyl
The aim of this chapter is twofold: (i) to perform a synthesis of the academic research regarding the changes of tourist consumer behavior brought about by social media; and (ii…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this chapter is twofold: (i) to perform a synthesis of the academic research regarding the changes of tourist consumer behavior brought about by social media; and (ii) to suggest a set of strategies for tourism businesses to address resulting challenges.
Methodology/approach
Extensive literature reviews have been executed on the motivating factors and the effects of online reviews.
Findings
This analysis of the related research identified three main topics, namely: (1) the antecedents, the factors motivating tourists to write online reviews; (2) the impact of eWOM on providers of tourism services (business perspective); and (3) the influence of online reviews on consumers’ behavior (demand perspective). This chapter focuses on the impact of online reviews on tourism businesses and suggests suitable strategies.
Research limitations/implications
This study is based on a literature review and implications indicated by previous studies; hence the suggestions are indicative rather than conclusive. A need exists for empirical studies to fully validate the chapter’s suggestions.
Practical implications
This chapter outlines a series of adequate strategies formulated for business practitioners divided into two fields, namely managerial and marketing activities.
Originality/value
This study provides practical recommendations/suggestions for tourism businesses in addressing the challenges and opportunities raised within the online context.