Debra Irene Harcourt, Clancy Jack McDonald, Leonie Cartlidge-Gann, Nathan J. Brown and Kim Rayner
Patient dependence on an emergency department (ED) for ongoing, non-urgent health care is a complex issue related to poor mental and physical health, disability, previous trauma…
Abstract
Purpose
Patient dependence on an emergency department (ED) for ongoing, non-urgent health care is a complex issue related to poor mental and physical health, disability, previous trauma, social disadvantage and lack of social supports. Working Together to Connect Care is an innovative program that provides an assertive community case management approach coupled with an ED management plan to support people who frequently attend the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital ED. The program, which is yet to be fully evaluated, currently helps to manage a large number of patients with a wide variety of complex needs. To demonstrate the scope and capabilities of the program, the purpose of this paper is to present a series of case studies of patients who frequently attended the ED and subsequently became program participants.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of five case studies is used to illustrate the variety of patient characteristics and available management pathways. Outcomes, including rates of ED attendance, at five months after program commencement are also described.
Findings
The variety of characteristics and experiences of the patients in the case studies is representative of the program cohort as a whole. Program participation has resulted in improved patient outcomes as demonstrated by crisis resolution, housing stability, engagement with primary health care and reduced frequency of ED presentations.
Originality/value
A personalized, integrated-care management approach is both flexible and effective in responding to the complex needs of five patients who frequently attend EDs.
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Research in the area of interpersonal relationships can be employed to assist marketers in developing strong customer relationships to gain competitive advantages or to position…
Abstract
Research in the area of interpersonal relationships can be employed to assist marketers in developing strong customer relationships to gain competitive advantages or to position themselves in the marketplace. The process of relationship formation, maintenance and dissolution is used as a framework for examining key elements of successful relationships. Three important elements of relationships are discussed and recommendations are made to marketers in handling these aspects of a relationship. Additionally, scales to measure consumer trust and commitment are provided.
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The purpose of this paper is to analyse the emergence of organizational isomorphism in the industry superannuation sector in Australia. The largest not-for-profit private…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the emergence of organizational isomorphism in the industry superannuation sector in Australia. The largest not-for-profit private businesses in the country, the industry funds were created in the 1980s in light of a broader union campaign to extend occupational retirement savings provision to all employees in Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
The emergence of organizational isomorphism among the industry funds is assessed from the perspective of institutional theory. The study is based on interviews with key players in the establishment of the industry superannuation sector, original archival research as well as contemporary public commentaries and more recent historical assessments.
Findings
The tripartite framework of institutional isomorphism established by DiMaggio and Powell is unable to explain the emergence of the widespread organizational isomorphism found in industry superannuation. Using the more recent notion of institutional logics allows a more satisfactory explanation for the convergence in models of retirement-savings provision in the industry superannuation sector.
Originality/value
Organizational isomorphism cannot be described simply in terms of a tripartite framework of professional normativity, state coercion and market-based mimesis. Alternatively governed organizations such as those created by trade unions may develop in a different manner than social enterprises founded by less powerful social actors.
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Duminda Rajasinghe, Chinthaka Aluthgama-Baduge and Gary Mulholland
Entrepreneurship is a complex social activity. Hence, knowledge production in the field requires inclusivity and diversity within research approaches and perspectives to…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurship is a complex social activity. Hence, knowledge production in the field requires inclusivity and diversity within research approaches and perspectives to appreciate the richness of the phenomenon. However, the dominance of positivist research in the field is visible, and the current qualitative research is also predominantly restricted to popular templates. This seems to have limited the understanding of entrepreneurship. This paper critically discusses the appropriateness of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as an innovative qualitative research methodology that facilitates a fuller appreciation of the richness and diversity of entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper critically evaluates IPA's relevance for the stated purpose by reviewing both entrepreneurship and IPA literature. It discusses how IPA's philosophical underpinnings facilitate scholars to appreciate the wholeness of the phenomenon and provides literature informed data analysis guidance, thereby addressing some of the weaknesses of the qualitative research within the field.
Findings
Critical evaluation of the literature suggests that IPA is an appropriate research methodology for entrepreneurship. It has the potential to address some interesting and timely questions to elaborate, deepen and qualify existing theory or to study relatively unexplored areas within the field. The laid-out guidance helps scholars to develop informed rationale for their research decisions and to ensure quality and rigour in qualitative research.
Originality/value
This paper promotes the analysis of how people make sense of their experience as a valid way of knowing. IPA has a unique identity as it incorporates phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography as a way to explore first-hand human experience to uncover qualitative understanding of entrepreneurship. The clear guidance and justifications in the paper promote scholarly confidence and address some preconceptions related to rigour, quality and validity of qualitative studies. Incorporating IPA into entrepreneurship, the paper also contributes to the demand for diversity, inclusivity and pluralism in qualitative research perspectives and approaches.