The paper discusses the various models that can be used to analyse the aggregate impact of active labour market policy (ALMP) on labour market outcomes. The aggregate approach to…
Abstract
The paper discusses the various models that can be used to analyse the aggregate impact of active labour market policy (ALMP) on labour market outcomes. The aggregate approach to policy evaluation is important. Contrary to evaluations based on micro data, it takes substitution, displacement and other indirect effects into account. The most promising framework for analysing the aggregate impact of ALMP is offered by a flow model approach of the labour market. However, other approaches such as VAR models are also treated in the paper. After discussing the theoretical models the paper gives a review of the empirical literature, in which these models are used to measure the aggregate impact of ALMP. On the basis of the results we are bound to conclude that ALMP makes a big difference to the level of unemployment. There is some evidence that disadvantaged groups benefit more from this type of policy than other groups. The fact that the impact is small on average may hide considerable variation between regions and sites. Future research should concentrate on attempting to relate this variation to differences in implementation. Then we might be able to identify the factors that are decisive for the success or failure of programmes which could then be used to improve ALMP.
Details
Keywords
Outlines the need for evaluating training at the company level.Notes that there has been little research in this area. Uses data fromsurveys undertaken in The Netherlands to…
Abstract
Outlines the need for evaluating training at the company level. Notes that there has been little research in this area. Uses data from surveys undertaken in The Netherlands to illustrate the advantages and problems of carrying out such research. Indicates that the companies themselves know little about the costs and benefits of their training schemes.
Details
Keywords
Jaap de Koning and Arie Gelderblom
The purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Workers of various age groups are surveyed in two sectors: printing industry and wholesale trade. The use of (various types of) ICT is compared for a number of age groups, controlling the influence of other explanatory variables and correcting the fact that older users are a selective group. In the next step, the use of ICT is one of the factors explaining performance.
Findings
The results show that, compared with younger workers, older workers make less use of ICT in their job, use less complicated applications and have more difficulties in using ICT. This is to their disadvantage as the use of ICT and particularly the level of use appear to affect performance positively.
Research limitations/implications
The research is concentrated on two specific sectors which are forerunners in the field of ICT. A generalization of the results is therefore most applicable to industries and jobs in which ICT plays an important role.
Practical implications
The results suggest that company policies can be of help in dealing with the problem. However, the provision of formal training in ICT has no significant effect.
Originality/value
Contrary to what is often done in this type of study, the level on which ICT is used is taken into account. Moreover, direct indicators for performance are used instead of wages. Particularly for older workers wages may not reflect productivity.
Details
Keywords
Piet Allaart, Marcel Kerkhofs and Jaap de Koning
The combination of technological innovation with an ageing labor force makes skills obsolescence one of the main themes of current research in labor economics. Related to this…
Abstract
The combination of technological innovation with an ageing labor force makes skills obsolescence one of the main themes of current research in labor economics. Related to this issue, we study whether or not employers think their labor force is sufficiently equipped for future demands. For this purpose we use firm-level panel data for the Dutch economy. The results show that both the composition of the work force and firm-specific characteristics explain part of the observed differences between firms. Firms that use advanced technology and are product innovators have the highest probability of experiencing problems due to insufficient competences. The analysis of the dynamics of perceived competence problems shows that these are less likely to be persistent in technologically more advanced firms.
Fabio Francisco da Silva, Lukas Daniel Filser, Fernando Juliani and Otávio José de Oliveira
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a continuous improvement methodology used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Although there are several articles published, only…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a continuous improvement methodology used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Although there are several articles published, only two have analyzed the literature from a bibliometrics perspective. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the LSS literature by bibliometrics, identifying its state of the art, scientific gaps and research trends.
Design/methodology/approach
Articles published up to 2016 in the database Scopus were investigated to identify the most significant articles, authors, journals, institutions and countries based on citation counting as well as the most frequent keywords and subject areas on LSS. Articles published in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were analyzed to point out scientific gaps and to identify eight main research trends on LSS.
Findings
The research trends are: “LSS implementation”, “Healthcare”, “LSS tools”, “Human factors”, “Expansion of results”, “SME”, “LSS combined with other methodologies” and “Education”. The research outcomes also point out the most significant articles, authors, journals, institutions and countries in LSS literature.
Practical implications
This research contributes to develop the state of the art of LSS and helps professionals as well as researchers to identify which issues new studies should address.
Originality/value
The performance of the literature is measured based on the number of citations and not on the number of published papers, and the bibliometric analysis covers the highest number of articles so far (319 articles). Besides, the identification of the main research trends on LSS is exclusively based on the most recent studies.
Details
Keywords
Paulien C. Hoefsmit, Jaap van den Heuvel, Reinier Zandbergen and Ronald Does
Jaap van den Heuvel, Lida Koning, Ad J.J.C. Bogers, Marc Berg and Monique E.M. van Dijen
To describe how The Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk, The Netherlands implemented an ISO 9000 quality management system throughout the entire organisation, obtained an ISO…
Abstract
Purpose
To describe how The Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk, The Netherlands implemented an ISO 9000 quality management system throughout the entire organisation, obtained an ISO 9002:1994 and subsequently an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a global implementation plan was written concerning the process obtaining in each department. Once improved, each process was subjected to a procedure, and specific protocols effected. On completion the Quality Manual was put together. Quality management was completed by implementing an internal audit system involving 50 co‐workers.
Findings
A number of advantages are found from using ISO. The focus on patients has been re‐established. All processes are identified and subject to continuous improvement. Performance measurements were introduced and give an integrated picture of results. Measurements subsequently lead to improvement of quality of care and to quality system improvements. The documentation system serves the organization's needs without leading to bureaucracy. Positive effects on patient safety could be demonstrated compared with ten other hospitals.
Originality/value
Given the need for adequate quality management tools in health care and the need for demonstrating quality, the positive effects reported in this article show how ISO is expected to become more prevalent in health‐care organisations.
Details
Keywords
Relinde De Koeijer, Jaap Paauwe, Robbert Huijsman and Mathilde Strating
This study aims to examine the effect of human resource management (HRM) in mitigating negative effects of Lean management and Six Sigma (LM&SS) on employee well-being in health…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of human resource management (HRM) in mitigating negative effects of Lean management and Six Sigma (LM&SS) on employee well-being in health care. The authors subdivide well-being into three components: happiness, trust and health.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a cross-sectional, multisite survey study in internal service units of hospitals. Data analyzed using multivariate regression come from a sample of 1,886 survey respondents (42 units, N = 218 supervisors, N = 1,668 employees) in eight Dutch academic hospitals that have implemented LM&SS.
Findings
The present study findings show no or weak effects of LM&SS on the happiness and health component of employee well-being. In addition, the authors found a significant but weak direct positive effect (ß = 0.07) of the LM&SS bundle on the trusting relationships component of well-being. Therefore, moderating effects of HRM practices on the relationship between LM&SS and employee well-being seem less relevant because an existing relationship between LM&SS and employee well-being is a prerequisite for moderation (Hayes, 2009). There were unexpected side effects. Inspired by research that discusses direct effects of HRM on employee well-being, the authors tested this relationship and found that HRM has a direct positive effect on trust and happiness of employees in health care. For the health component of well-being, the present results show a weak negative effect of HRM.
Practical implications
This study results in a cautiously optimistic view about LM&SS in health care, provided that it is applied in a targeted manner (to improve the performance of their processes) and that HRM is strategically aligned with the goals of LM&SS to improve employees’ happiness and trusting relationships.
Originality/value
Unique features of the study are the focus on the consequences for employees’ well-being related to LM&SS in health care, the role of HRM in regard to this relationship and the participation of all eight Dutch academic hospitals in this research.
Details
Keywords
Relinde De Koeijer, Mathilde Strating, Jaap Paauwe and Robbert Huijsman
This study examines the theoretical and empirical relationships between LM&SS, human resource management (HRM), climate for LM&SS and outcomes (employee well-being and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the theoretical and empirical relationships between LM&SS, human resource management (HRM), climate for LM&SS and outcomes (employee well-being and performance) in hospitals. As part of this research, the authors examine the interplay between “hard” and “soft” practices for LM&SS and “soft” HR practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional, multisite survey study covering all internal service units at all eight Dutch university hospitals was conducted (42 units, N = 218 supervisors, N = 1,668 employees), and multivariate multilevel regression analyses were performed.
Findings
A systems approach involving “soft” LM&SS practices that are specifically HR-related has a positive effect (β is 0.46) on a climate for LM&SS. A climate for LM&SS is not related to perceived performance or employee health. It is, however, positively related to employee happiness and trusting relationships (both βs are 0.33). We did not find that a climate for LM&SS had a mediating effect.
Research limitations/implications
This study shows that a balanced approach involving both “hard” and “soft” factors is crucial to achieving the desired breadth and depth of LM&SS adoption at the macro, meso, and micro levels. The authors found that a climate for LM&SS positively affects employee well-being in hospitals.
Practical implications
In their attempt to create mutual gains for both their organization and their employees, hospitals that adopt LM&SS should foster a climate for LM&SS by embracing a balanced approach consisting of both “hard” and “soft” practices, thereby internalizing LM&SS at the macro, meso, and micro levels.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to examine in-depth the impact of “hard” and “soft” LM&SS on both employee well-being (subdivided into different components) and performance in healthcare, as well as the role of “soft” HRM in this relationship. Linking LM&SS, HRM and outcomes to a climate for LM&SS is relatively a new approach and has led to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the internalization of LM&SS in healthcare.