Simon Gibbon, Edward Silva, Rupinder Kaler, Inti Qurashi, Mrigendra Das, Jon Patrick, Manjit Gahir, Douglas Gray, Lakshmanan Ramachandran and Anthony Maden
High‐secure hospital patients often have complex presentations that are marked by co‐morbidity, violence, histories of poor concordance with oral medication, and treatment…
Abstract
Purpose
High‐secure hospital patients often have complex presentations that are marked by co‐morbidity, violence, histories of poor concordance with oral medication, and treatment resistance. The ability to give a long‐acting medication with a low propensity for extra pyramidal side effects is of potential value to clinicians treating these patients. Risperidone Long‐acting Injection (RLAI) is the first long‐acting atypical antipsychotic medication and may be potentially useful in this population. This paper aims to investigate this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a retrospective, naturalistic study to investigate the use and effectiveness, using hard outcome measures, of RLAI in the four UK high‐secure psychiatric hospitals. Hospital pharmacy databases at Ashworth, Broadmoor, Carstairs and Rampton hospitals were used to identify all patients who had been prescribed RLAI. Anonymised data were then obtained from the pharmacy databases and case notes which were then pooled.
Findings
A total of 159 patients were prescribed RLAI, most of whom had schizophrenia. The mean length of treatment with RLAI was 65 weeks (range two to 260 weeks) and the mean maximum dose was 43.2 mg every two weeks (range 25‐75 mg every two weeks). No serious adverse effects were reported. In total, 42 per cent (67) patients responded to RLAI in as much as that they either remained on it in the long‐term or were discharged to conditions of lower security whilst taking it. As there was no control group, it is not possible to determine if RLAI was a significant factor in such discharges to conditions of lower security. Of those patients who failed to respond to RLAI, 44 per cent were subsequently treated with clozapine.
Originality/value
This pragmatic multi‐centre study of a small but complex patient group demonstrated that RLAI was effective in 42 per cent of patients and was well‐tolerated.
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Amir Hossein Kohsary, Mohammad Fatehi Marji and Hasan Hosseini Nasab
This paper describes progress on the development of theoretical models required for studying failure mechanism, crack initiation and growth around the boreholes driven by…
Abstract
This paper describes progress on the development of theoretical models required for studying failure mechanism, crack initiation and growth around the boreholes driven by hydrofracturing processes in Hot Dry Rock (HDR) reservoirs of geothermal energy. Due to the importance of the stress intensity factor concept (K) in Fracture Mechanics, some advanced modeling techniques for accurate and fast determination of K for relevant problems are proposed. Alternative tools to deal with stress intensity factor determination are developed and assessed from the points of view of accuracy and computational cost. We concentrate on residual strength, crack initiation and crack growth as a means to model and understand experimentally observed behaviors. Several modeling methods such as compounding and weight function techniques, and boundary and finite element modeling for stress intensity factor calculation are discussed. Further to reviews of those techniques, work performed included (i) developing alternative solutions to deal with boundary‐to‐boundary interaction when using the compounding technique, (ii) relating the precision of K calculations with the level of precision of the crack opening displacement of a reference solution, in order to assess the precision of weight function technique, (iii) modeling relevant geometries using the finite element method (FEM), (iv) working on the implementation of direct stress intensity factor K determination in the Higher Order Displacement Discontinuity Method (HODDM), and (v) developing tools to deal with residual stress fields around the boundary of the hydraulically pressurized boreholes.
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Adedapo Oluwaseyi Ojo and Murali Raman
International joint ventures offer the appropriate platform for the host partners in an emerging economy to access the external knowledge embedded in the expatriate from foreign…
Abstract
Purpose
International joint ventures offer the appropriate platform for the host partners in an emerging economy to access the external knowledge embedded in the expatriate from foreign partners. However several factors could constrain the acquisition of this knowledge by the local employees who are engaged in the former. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying differences for the individual’s knowledge acquisition capability.
Design/methodology/approach
Individual’s knowledge acquisition capability was conceptualized as the individual dimension of absorptive capacity (ACAP). Given the engagement of employees in joint project teams, the team members are expected to differ in their experience and disposition to task. Thus, these differences are considered as predictors of the local team members ACAP, i.e., abilities to: recognize the value of; and assimilate the external knowledge embedded in the foreign partners. The hypothesized model was validated through the results of structural equation modeling on a cross sectional survey of 248 local team members of joint projects in the Nigerian upstream oil industry.
Findings
All the hypothesized relationships were supported, with the exception of that between prior experience and ability to recognize the value of knowledge.
Originality/value
This study offers empirical clarification on the underlying differences for individual ACAP within the context of asymmetric joint project teams set up to facilitate knowledge transfer. The findings have implications for academic and practical understanding on the role of individuals in the acquisition of external knowledge.
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The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of employability in Portugal.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of employability in Portugal.
Design/methodology/approach
Calculations were made using official data for 1991, 1994 and 1997 on education, skills and tenure, and on 1990, 1991, 1996 and 1997 regarding training.
Findings
High skills, high levels of education and high levels of tenure seem to generate employability in Portugal. However, it was also found in Portugal that low skills, low education and low levels of tenure also generate employability, indicating that Portugal has a very dual labour market. Furthermore, in what concerns training, the public sector and the private sector seem to be complementary: when the investments are publicly financed they generate more employability, while privately funded investments tend to be a way of substituting untrained workers with trained ones.
Research limitations/implications
The concept of employability used is linked to the growth of employment by sub‐sector of activity. This is a considerable limitation, but it was not possible to obtain better data, given that the study uses published data. A more detailed analysis is under way, using unpublished company‐based data, provided by the public authorities.
Practical implications
First, the Portuguese authorities should try to help the establishment in the country of companies that might extract returns from the skilled, educated and experienced workers that exist. Those actions would improve the employability of the HR possessors. Second, the Portuguese authorities should continue to support the investments in education and in training. That support would generate a form of Welfare State in which the public presence is considerable, far away from the liberal guidelines and ideas that tend to marginalize the public actions in the social domain.
Originality/value
The paper tries to apply the concept of employability to a country, and this is seldom the case in HRD studies, due mainly to lack of data.
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Adedapo Oluwaseyi Ojo, Murali Raman and Chin Wei Chong
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the factors that underlie the differences in individual absorptive capacity (ACAP) within the context of joint project teams, following…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the factors that underlie the differences in individual absorptive capacity (ACAP) within the context of joint project teams, following the individual-level perspective on potential ACAP.
Design/methodology/approach
The model was empirically validated through structural equation modeling conducted on a cross-sectional survey of 248 local team members of joint projects in the Nigerian upstream oil industry.
Findings
Prior experience and learning goal orientation are positively associated with the ability to assimilate knowledge, whereas performance approach goal orientation and need for cognition are positively associated with the ability to recognize the value of knowledge. Surprisingly, no significant relationship exists between prior experience and ability to recognize the value of knowledge. In addition, the positive relationship between ability to recognize the value of knowledge and ability to assimilate knowledge is supported.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the empirical justification of the role of individuals in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge, and extends classroom-based constructs (i.e. need for cognition and goal orientation) to the project domain.
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Ayman Mashali, Emad Elbeltagi, Ibrahim Motawa and Mohamed Elshikh
The construction industry is facing massive challenges due to the huge construction development, and stakeholder management (SM) practices, especially on megaprojects. The purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is facing massive challenges due to the huge construction development, and stakeholder management (SM) practices, especially on megaprojects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) encountered by key construction stakeholders to enhance SM practices on mega construction projects (MCPs).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey is carried out among the most important construction companies in Qatar. Three steps are used to finalize and evaluate the questionnaire before proceeding with the full survey, validity, pretesting and pilot study. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science software.
Findings
This paper identifies the key factors contributing to improving SM performance in MCPs; none of these is uncommon, but here they come together in a more integrative way.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations related to this research are briefly outlined as follows: the research was carried out in the State of Qatar. So, the findings are limited to the Qatari construction industry. The construction industry in Qatar is different from other countries where public projects have the priority to develop the infrastructure of the country prior to the world cup competition. The scope of this research is limited to MCPs. The impact of low awareness and knowledge of SM is not considered. However, the study is still reasonable and fortunately suitable to evaluate SM in MCPs.
Practical implications
Identifying these factors is expected to assist project participants in MCPs in improving projects’ performance and completing construction within the predefined time and cost.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution through identifying the CSFs that lead to develop efficient SM in MCPs. Moreover, the research findings are important for project stakeholders, organizations, contractors, engineers and local authorities who implement SM in MCPs. Moreover, it will enhance the application of SM practices in construction megaprojects and allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling the crucial challenges identified in this research.
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Gry Agnete Alsos, Elisabet Ljunggren and Ulla Hytti
The purpose of this article is to present a framework for research on gender and innovation. The framework is developed based on a review of the current literature in the area; it…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to present a framework for research on gender and innovation. The framework is developed based on a review of the current literature in the area; it is applied to provide a context for the articles in this special issue and to offer suggestions for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The article relies on a literature review of gender and innovation. Additional literature searches on Scopus were conducted to provide an overview of the area. In addition, comparative analogies are sought from research fields of gender and entrepreneurship as well as gender and technology.
Findings
The article presents the scope and issues in the current research on gender and innovation. Based on the overview, research in this area is conducted in various disciplines applying a variety of methodological approaches. In order to make sense of the current research, the paper developed a framework consisting of various approaches to, gender and innovation; these include gender as a variable, construction and process and innovation as a result, process and discourse.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the review, several recommendations for future research are made. First, future research should question the connection between technology and innovation and purposefully seek innovation activity also in low-tech and service sectors and firms. Innovation scholars and policy makers should not primarily target radical and product innovations but should be equally interested in incremental and process innovations. Second, understanding women's innovation activity needs to be embedded in understanding the normative frames and structural factors at play. A particular theoretical call is linked to the study of power and innovation. Third, it is imperative to develop and apply new methodological approaches and new operationalizations of innovation and innovators.
Practical implications
By focusing on gender and innovation, it is possible to discover innovation as a gender biased phenomenon. Policy makers should bear this in mind when developing innovation policies.
Social implications
An understanding of innovation literature and innovation policy as gender biased has important social implications. Discovering gendered structures is important to further develop gender equal societies. Further, innovation may be hampered by biases in the understanding of the concept, including gender biases.
Originality/value
This introductory article puts forward a framework on gender and innovation that helps to make sense of the current state-of-the-art and to develop new research questions that need to be addressed for further theorising within the field.
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Pedro Silva, Vera Teixeira Teixeira Vale and Victor Ferreira Moutinho
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the network and exhibitor’s performance. The entrepreneurial orientation is seen as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the network and exhibitor’s performance. The entrepreneurial orientation is seen as a highly competitive factor for the company, which can foster its trade fair business.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-based quantitative approach was adopted, including a questionnaire (n = 362) applied to companies participating in trade fairs. To arrive at results, the study developed structural equations modeling techniques, using SPSS 24 and AMOS 20 software.
Findings
The study demonstrates positive impacts of entrepreneurial orientation on network capability and consequent exhibitor’s non-sales performance and exhibitor’s sales performance. A conceptual model is presented.
Research limitations/implications
The study was carried out mainly on Portuguese companies, restricting its generalization. In addition, the exhibitor’s performance was measured based on the exhibitors’ level of satisfaction and not on real sales results.
Practical implications
The study offers a process which the results highlight such as innovativeness, proactivity, risk-taking, competitiveness and autonomy (dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation) as a mix of important ingredients for the exhibitor’s networking. The networking promotes intangible results (non-sales performance) that can generate sales (sales performance).
Originality/value
The study is the first research to apply entrepreneurial orientation in the trade fair context and it also presents a relationship between non-sales performance and sales performance.
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This chapter proposes a framework which relates the Firm Specific Advantages (FSAs) of the multinational enterprise with the timing of entry in VUCA-type host environments…
Abstract
This chapter proposes a framework which relates the Firm Specific Advantages (FSAs) of the multinational enterprise with the timing of entry in VUCA-type host environments, characterised by high volatility (V), uncertainty (U), complexity (C), and ambiguity (A), and which have become extraordinarily high risk. Drawing on historical evidence, in particular on Geoffrey Jones’ research - to whom this volume is dedicated - on the evolution of international business, it shows that in extraordinarily high-risk environments multinational enterprises need to have additional FSAs beyond those considered in the traditional FSAs/CSAs (country specific advantages/firm specific advantages) framework. The proposed framework distinguishes between prevention, mitigation, avoidance and withdrawal strategies carried out before and after entry in host markets that have become of extraordinary high risk.