Richard Laughlin, Jane Broadbent, David Shearn and Heidrun Willig‐Atherton
While the original proposals of Local Management of Schools (LMS) had awide‐ranging agenda for management change, the actual outworking hastended to emphasize the management of…
Abstract
While the original proposals of Local Management of Schools (LMS) had a wide‐ranging agenda for management change, the actual outworking has tended to emphasize the management of devolved financial resources. Looks at the way these new financial responsibilities are handled. Empirical insights suggest that the dominant approach is through a small group of staff, invariably dominated by the headteacher, to absorb the management tasks involved. Draws from a wide range of theoretical literature to highlight the nature and function of the small absorbing group. Uses these theoretical insights to inform the empirical analysis which explores the nature and diversity of the small group “doing LMS” in 24 different schools from three local education authorities. Highlights the importance of the headteacher both in the functioning of this small group as well as providing pointers to its underlying character and nature. Presents a range of critical comments about the strengths, weaknesses and dangers of this handling process as well as providing some wider evaluatory points concerning the value of LMS more generally for the education service.
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MARK STEWART and PETER WILLETT
This paper describes the simulation of a nearest neighbour searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. The documents in a database are organised in…
Abstract
This paper describes the simulation of a nearest neighbour searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. The documents in a database are organised in a multi‐dimensional binary search tree, and the algorithm identifies the nearest neighbour for a query by a backtracking search of this tree. Three techniques are described which allow parallel searching of the tree. A PASCAL‐based, general purpose simulation system is used to simulate these techniques, using a pool of Transputer‐like microprocessors with three standard document test collections. The degree of speed‐up and processor utilisation obtained is shown to be strongly dependent upon the characteristics of the documents and queries used. The results support the use of pooled microprocessor systems for searching applications in information retrieval.
Evaluating a family therapy service for adults with learning disabilities and their families presents a challenge to clinicians. To begin this process we focused on collecting…
Abstract
Evaluating a family therapy service for adults with learning disabilities and their families presents a challenge to clinicians. To begin this process we focused on collecting data from the first and last sessions, by using our own tools developed to assess whether goals identified at the beginning of therapy had been achieved at the end. Routine information was also collected from the nine families seen by the team, including number of sessions, duration of interventions, major themes and models of intervention used. The results suggest that the evaluation tools were being used consistently by the different raters. Socio‐demographic data and details of interventions of all families seen are also summarised. Although we are still in the early stages of assessing whether the service we provide is effective, some encouraging results are evident, enabling us to continue to refine our methods of evaluation.
The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors which explain teachers' resistance to the implementation of functional behaviour assessment (FBA). The implications for provision…
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors which explain teachers' resistance to the implementation of functional behaviour assessment (FBA). The implications for provision of adequate administrative support that will reduce or prevent resistance are identified and briefly discussed.
Questions research from a number of countries which suggests that following an initial high level of job satisfaction, headteachers experience a diminution of job satisfaction…
Abstract
Questions research from a number of countries which suggests that following an initial high level of job satisfaction, headteachers experience a diminution of job satisfaction over time‐in‐post. Using a grounded theory approach based on interviews with 39 secondary headteachers in the North East of the UK, identifies a number of satisfiers and dissatisfiers , an analysis of which indicates that while there is an initial high level of satisfaction, this would appear to dip before rising once again. Focuses mainly on the satisfiers and dissatisfiers experienced by the headteachers according to the time they have been in post. Explains in a detailed examination, the pattern indicates the need for support of headteachers in mid‐career if we are to avoid the loss of experienced staff as a result of early retirement.
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Ian Laird, Kirsten Olsen, Leigh‐Ann Harris, Stephen Legg and Melissa J. Perry
The aim of this paper is to present the literature which identifies the characteristics of small enterprises and outlines the opportunities to utilise them in working with small…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present the literature which identifies the characteristics of small enterprises and outlines the opportunities to utilise them in working with small businesses to prevent and reduce exposures to hazardous substances.
Design/methodology/approach
A search of a variety of data sources, including Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, was conducted which combined the keyword search terms “small business”, “small enterprise”, “management”, “health and safety management”, “hazardous substances”, “hazardous chemicals”, “management of hazardous substances”. High quality studies were selected and combined with studies known to the authors.
Findings
A strong body of evidence exists which shows that the management of OSH in small enterprises has been extensively reviewed and the most recurring theme is the identification of problems and challenges. A growing body of literature also confirms that models for chemical risk management and social responsibility issues can play a key role in managing hazardous chemical exposures in small enterprises. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are certain characteristics of small business that potentially provide positive opportunities for the implementation of preventive interventions.
Originality/value
The paper identifies these characteristics and features and suggests these can be effectively utilised in the design and development of interventions to prevent and reduce exposures to hazardous substances in small enterprises. Few interventions, however, have been developed utilising these positive characteristics.
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Gwen M. Hannah, Colin R. Dey and David M. Power
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of government reforms to improve the accountability of primary healthcare providers in Scotland. As a result of the…
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of government reforms to improve the accountability of primary healthcare providers in Scotland. As a result of the reforms, funding arrangements for GP practices changed and new financing mechanisms were introduced; this paper seeks to investigate the impact of these changes. Design/methodology/approach – The investigation is undertaken using a case study method involving a medical practice in Dundee. Interviews were conducted with staff at the practice and one researcher spent a week on site studying documentation and observing procedures. Findings – The main findings from the case study suggest that as a result of the government reforms, new funding allocation procedures for the practice better resemble a system of financial control rather than demonstrating financial accountability. GPs were more willing to engage in discussions regarding new procedures being introduced to demonstrate clinical accountability; they did not anticipate that practice accreditation or professional revalidation would alter their established practices in any way. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of this research is that it only relates to one case study in Dundee. In addition, further government reforms in this area mean that follow up case studies are needed to see how subsequent changes have addressed the issues raised in the current research; indeed, some longitudinal studies might investigate how cumulative reforms have impacted upon GPs. Orginality/value – Nevertheless, despite these limitations, this paper does build on previous work in this area and provides a platform on which subsequent work can build.
Jane Broadbent and Richard Laughlin
The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is designed to introduce new resources into the national infrastructure. It introduces the idea that the public sector can provide services by…
Abstract
The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is designed to introduce new resources into the national infrastructure. It introduces the idea that the public sector can provide services by purchasing them from the private sector rather than by direct provision. There have been considerable disagreements about how to account for these transactions. Key in this has been differences of view as to whether PFI transactions involve purchase of assets and thus whether the transaction should appear on the balance‐sheets of the public sector. This seemingly technical question has generated considerable debate and disagreements between the UK government and the Accounting Standards Board (ASB). Closer investigation into this disagreement demonstrates a range of alternative views and tensions. Describes and analyses these different views and the inter‐ and intra‐relationships and tensions between these parties using an interests‐based, political framework for this contextual analysis. Demonstrates how accounting standard setting, in cases such as accounting for PFI, if only analysed at the technical level, misses a range of social dynamics that are central to understanding the role of accounting in the development of society.
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Christopher Humphrey and Peter Miller
The starting point for the paper is an assessment of the impact of a 1993 special issue of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, which provided an interdisciplinary…
Abstract
Purpose
The starting point for the paper is an assessment of the impact of a 1993 special issue of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, which provided an interdisciplinary analysis of the pursuit of accountable management reforms in the UK public sector. From this assessment, the paper offers a set of reflections on the development over the last two decades of “new” public management practice and research, and also indicates some of the obligations and responsibilities of academic researchers and managers alike in the context of a continuing appetite for such reforms.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is written in a reflective fashion, including assessments of: our role as guest editors of the special issue; the continuing pertinence of key messages emanating from the special issue; and broader considerations drawn from our own working experience in managerial roles in universities and personal reflections on the state of the public management literature.
Findings
The paper highlights the long‐standing litany of failure attached to such public management reform movements, as well as the limited degree of cross‐disciplinary learning within the field. The paper emphasises that we need to rethink the parameters of “public sector” (accounting) research, and avoid the partitioning of (accounting) research into ever smaller and self‐referential sub‐areas. We need more cross‐national studies. We need to know more about which management practices travel readily, and which travel less easily, and what happens when implementation is problematic. We need also to reinforce the importance of historical analyses, if we are to derive the most benefit from studies of the interrelations among accounting and public management reforms and wider transformations in ways of governing economic and social life. Finally, we need to retain or reinstate curiosity at the heart of our concerns, in order to dispel the self‐evidence or taken‐for‐grantedness of so much of our present.
Research limitations/implications
Personal reflections, while being beneficially close to the subject under consideration, inevitably suffer from claims of bias and a lack of independence. We have sought to control for such risks by drawing on a variety of sources of information with respect to impact, including (albeit ironically) citation counts and an analysis of the writings of individual authors contributing to the special issue.
Originality/value
The paper is novel in that it seeks to combine an analysis of the literature on public sector accounting and management reforms over several decades with our own, multi‐faceted, engagement with public management research and practice.
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Tony Tinker and Rob Gray
Sustainability – in the sense of a system of deep‐rooted social justice and a fair and responsible allocation and use of ecological resources – requires a political philosophy…
Abstract
Sustainability – in the sense of a system of deep‐rooted social justice and a fair and responsible allocation and use of ecological resources – requires a political philosophy adequate to its unique task in effecting change. Traditional Cartesian epistemes, that rely on formalistic policy declarations and which appeal to morality, are seen as inadequate without a rigorous historical and politically informed praxis, wherein our own cognitive, spiritual, and aesthetic development is seen as integral to developing processes “out there”. Several examples of attempts to form organic ties are provided to illustrate the use of praxis as a methodology of intervention.