The purpose of the paper is to investigate identity change in savings banks. The savings bank movement is gradually shifting from a residual culture of using the bank to promote…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to investigate identity change in savings banks. The savings bank movement is gradually shifting from a residual culture of using the bank to promote savings, into a dominant culture closely resembling commercial banks.
Design/methodology/approach
Theory draws on key research in the field of organisational change and corporate identity. A qualitative methodology is used to investigate a large portion of the savings banks movement in Sweden.
Findings
The shift in culture is a result of decreasing values of original visions, a process of commercialising the savings bank idea and increasing chief executive officer (CEO) influence and professionalisation.
Research limitations/implications
The results are primarily applicable for savings banks.
Practical implications
The paper shows the ongoing changes in the savings bank community and the effects of these changes on critical stakeholders. In particular, the important role of CEOs in non‐profit organisations is illustrated and discussed.
Originality/value
Few studies focus on change in culture and the consequences for stakeholder relations. There is no prior study on savings banks and organisational change.
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Discusses the conditions which cause condensation, and suggests thecorrect methods to alleviate the problem. Outlines the results ofexcessive condensation and explains solutions…
Abstract
Discusses the conditions which cause condensation, and suggests the correct methods to alleviate the problem. Outlines the results of excessive condensation and explains solutions based on type of room and building affected. Suggests tactful ways of tendering advice.
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Tillal Eldabi, Zahir Irani, Ray J. Paul and Peter E.D. Love
Discrete event simulation (DES) is widely known to be a quantitative research tool. A simulation modelling process is mainly based on feeding quantitative data into a model to…
Abstract
Discrete event simulation (DES) is widely known to be a quantitative research tool. A simulation modelling process is mainly based on feeding quantitative data into a model to produce quantitative results in a structured sequential process. Qualitative approaches to research take a less structured approach with more of an inclination towards judgmental and expert knowledge rather than hard data. In this paper the authors suggest that DES can be employed as both a qualitative and quantitative research tool. The paper demonstrates how simulation may represent both stances either separately or combined. This is based on the fact that the basic objectives of simulation are either for understanding – which needs a qualitative perspective – or performance measurement – which a needs quantitative perspective. Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed showing how DES might cope with the weaknesses of both stances. A structure for using DES as a combined research methodology is proposed.
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Susan P. McGrath, Emily Wells, Krystal M. McGovern, Irina Perreard, Kathleen Stewart, Dennis McGrath and George Blike
Although it is widely acknowledged that health care delivery systems are complex adaptive systems, there are gaps in understanding the application of systems engineering…
Abstract
Although it is widely acknowledged that health care delivery systems are complex adaptive systems, there are gaps in understanding the application of systems engineering approaches to systems analysis and redesign in the health care domain. Commonly employed methods, such as statistical analysis of risk factors and outcomes, are simply not adequate to robustly characterize all system requirements and facilitate reliable design of complex care delivery systems. This is especially apparent in institutional-level systems, such as patient safety programs that must mitigate the risk of infections and other complications that can occur in virtually any setting providing direct and indirect patient care. The case example presented here illustrates the application of various system engineering methods to identify requirements and intervention candidates for a critical patient safety problem known as failure to rescue. Detailed descriptions of the analysis methods and their application are presented along with specific analysis artifacts related to the failure to rescue case study. Given the prevalence of complex systems in health care, this practical and effective approach provides an important example of how systems engineering methods can effectively address the shortcomings in current health care analysis and design, where complex systems are increasingly prevalent.
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Spaceflight presents a unique environment in which multiteam coordination is often required for mission success. This chapter will explore the topic of multiteam systems (MTSs…
Abstract
Purpose
Spaceflight presents a unique environment in which multiteam coordination is often required for mission success. This chapter will explore the topic of multiteam systems (MTSs) and their functioning in this environment.
Approach
This chapter describes the MTS case of human spaceflight in terms of a specific subset of the system involved in current human spaceflight missions: NASA Mission Control and the NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station. In addition to describing the system itself, this chapter describes notable advantages and disadvantages of this particular MTS, along with potential future issues in human spaceflight and research directions for use of MTSs in spaceflight.
Findings
More than 40 years of successful human spaceflight missions have demonstrated many of the benefits and drawbacks of MTSs across some of the most challenging environments faced by any teams attempting coordination. These environmental challenges include extreme distances, limited modes of communication, complex systems, novel problems, and coordination between teams from multiple countries with differing goals and priorities. The specific advantages and drawbacks of MTSs in this environment, and the impacts of the aforementioned environmental challenges, are discussed.
Originality
This chapter examines a known operational and successful MTS that operates in an environment in which many of the standard assumptions regarding teams and MTSs may not apply.
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This paper considers an undergraduate student's coming to, and use of, an ethnographic approach as a particularly appropriate way in which to investigate aspects of life in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper considers an undergraduate student's coming to, and use of, an ethnographic approach as a particularly appropriate way in which to investigate aspects of life in a British hospital school. Such schools occupy a liminal position with regard to education policy and provision. There is a paucity of research on hospital schools and particularly of the experiences and perceptions of teachers who work in them. This lack of research has implications for policy development. The paper therefore offers some rare insights into one of these schools. It also gives insights into how ethnography can challenge taken for granted assumptions.
Design/methodology/approach
An ethnographic participant observer approach was adopted.
Findings
This paper gives insights into how ethnography can challenge researchers' taken for granted assumptions as well as offering illustration of some aspects of life in schools.
Originality/value
Although there is an extensive literature on uses of ethnography, this approach has rarely been applied to hospital schools. The paper makes a small step towards addressing this lack.
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Anne Kankaanranta and Leena Louhiala-Salminen
This chapter argues that in today’s complex, globalised and technologised world, business and communication cannot remain in their separate silos – neither in academia nor in…
Abstract
This chapter argues that in today’s complex, globalised and technologised world, business and communication cannot remain in their separate silos – neither in academia nor in practice. The chapter approaches the topic with the help of a case and discusses how communication studies have invaded the fortress of the Aalto University School of Business, Finland. The development of an international Master’s Programme in Corporate Communication was informed by three major research projects in particular, which focused on internal communication practices of multinational companies and the perceptions of communication professionals on the knowledge and skills required of future communicators. Although Corporate Communication studies have been accommodated by the business school fortress for over 10 years, the time has not been without multidisciplinary challenges.
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Tillal Eldabi, Zahir Irani and Ray J. Paul
Discrete event simulation (DES) application is not as widely perceived as being useful for problem solving in the health‐care arena as in other application areas. Suggests that…
Abstract
Discrete event simulation (DES) application is not as widely perceived as being useful for problem solving in the health‐care arena as in other application areas. Suggests that this might be due to the way DES is applied in health‐care modelling, as it follows a traditionally based‐on‐engineering approach. This may not be a problem in itself; however, health‐care systems are often complex in that they involve multiple decision‐makers and thus understanding and communication between the various stakeholders are potentially problematic. Thinks that problem understanding and efficient communication tools largely contribute to the solution; consequently, proposes a modelling approach to enhance stakeholder understanding and communication. The approach is based on participation of stakeholders; it is also iterative rather than step‐based. To demonstrate this approach, gives an example, aiming to show how this approach has been used successfully to facilitate the understanding process, concluding that involving stakeholders throughout not only helps them to understand their problem better, but also enables them to more fully appreciate the findings resulting from the model. This approach thus serves usefully to enrich the communication between the stakeholders.
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Despite nationwide decreases in school crime and violence levels, a relatively high and increasing number of students report feeling unsafe in their school environments. In…
Abstract
Despite nationwide decreases in school crime and violence levels, a relatively high and increasing number of students report feeling unsafe in their school environments. In response, many school and law enforcement officials are collaborating to develop school–police partnerships, especially in urban areas as an effort to significantly deter student criminal activity and violence in schools. This chapter examines the beginning efforts of New York City's Impact Schools Initiative, a punitive-based school–police partnership created in January 2004 to significantly increase police presence at some of New York City's most violent public schools. An initial examination of school-level demographic and environmental variables reveal that despite increased police presence, students enrolled at New York City's Impact Schools continue to experience higher than average problems linked directly to future criminality, including more student suspensions and lower attendance rates compared to other New York City Schools. Additionally, the data revealed that compared to other New York City public schools, Impact Schools experience greater student overcrowding and receive less funding.