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Article
Publication date: 12 August 2019

Daniel Meehan, Ameera Balhareth, Madhumitha Gnanamoorthy, John Burke and Deborah A. McNamara

The capacity available to deliver outpatient surgical services is outweighed by the demand. Although additional investment is sometimes needed, better aligning resources…

496

Abstract

Purpose

The capacity available to deliver outpatient surgical services is outweighed by the demand. Although additional investment is sometimes needed, better aligning resources, increasing operational efficiency and considering new processes all have a role in improving delivering these services. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the safety of a physician associate (PA) delivered virtual outpatient department (VOPD) consultation service that was established in a General and Colorectal Surgery Department at an Irish teaching hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of low-risk surgical patients were referred by senior surgeons to a PA delivered virtual clinic (VOPD). Medical records belonging to half the included patients were randomly selected for review by two doctors three months following discharge back to primary care to confirm appropriate standards of care and documentation and to audit any recorded adverse incidents or outcomes.

Findings

In total, 191 patients had been reviewed by the PA in the VOPD with 159 discharged directly back to primary care. Among the 95 medical records that were reviewed by the NCHDs, there were no recorded adverse incidents after discharge. Medical record keeping was deficient in 1 out of 95 reviewed cases.

Practical implications

Using a PA delivered VOPD consultation appears to have a role in following up patients who have undergone low-risk procedures irrespective of age or co-morbidity when selected appropriately. This may assist in reducing the demand on outpatient services by reducing unnecessary return visits, thereby increasing the capacity for new referrals.

Originality/value

While there are reported examples to date of virtual clinics, these relate to services delivered by registered medical practitioners. Here, the authors demonstrate the acceptability of this model of care in an Irish population as delivered by a PA.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 32 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1985

Phil Beaumont and John Leopold

Increasingly public sector industrial relations have become the central concern of governments, practitioners and academics. The main purpose of this monograph is to review key…

374

Abstract

Increasingly public sector industrial relations have become the central concern of governments, practitioners and academics. The main purpose of this monograph is to review key developments in public sector industrial relations, particularly during the period of the Thatcher Government. The emphasis is on the public services, especially local government, the NHS and the civil service. In the first section we review trends in public sector employment (particularly in the light of Government policy to reduce it), wages (in a context of cash limits), and strikes and other forms of industrial action. In the second part we move from “outcomes” to consider recent developments in the structure, organisation and policy of the “actors” in public sector industrial relations. In particular, we examine union organisation, developments in personnel management, bargaining structure, wage determination machinery and procedures, dispute resolution and privatisation initiatives. Developments in these areas are set in the context of the traditional features which distinguish public sector industrial relations from other spheres. In many of the areas under consideration, trends and developments set in train by the post‐1979 Conservative Government are still in the process of being worked out. Overall public sector employment has fallen, but with considerable variation around the average. National wage disputes, with considerable numbers of working days lost, have characterised the public sector since 1979, but the frequency of industrial conflict should not be exaggerated. There are moves to decentralise union and management structures, but the consequences of this have yet to be realised. Pay, however, remains problematic for government, employing authorities and unions. Since 1981–2, public sector settlements have generally been below the rate of inflation, but above the cash limit. The ad hoc policy of determining public sector pay by a mixture of review bodies, measures of comparability and market forces has created an overall picture of confusion. Establishing a fair and rational system of public sector pay remains a key task for any future government.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1991

John A. Beaumont

As the past two decades have seen major changes in consumerism inthis country, the establishment of an Industry Policy Issues Council isconsidered which would act as a focus for…

36

Abstract

As the past two decades have seen major changes in consumerism in this country, the establishment of an Industry Policy Issues Council is considered which would act as a focus for laying down some broad strategic guidelines for industry operation and behaviour. By being proactive it can show the consumers that the industry has a credible sense of responsibility.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 93 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

John R. Beaumont

Explores the misconception of information handling needs inoffices, leading to too great an emphasis on automation at the expenseof office staff. Describes information in terms of…

454

Abstract

Explores the misconception of information handling needs in offices, leading to too great an emphasis on automation at the expense of office staff. Describes information in terms of numbers text image and voice data, and the information handling needs of the office in terms of this. Concludes that there is a need to shift discussions of office automation from a technical outlook to a management outlook.

Details

Work Study, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1926

A publication issued by the Department of Health Wellington, New Zealand, contains the following interesting article which recently appeared in the Wellington “Evening Post”:—

10

Abstract

A publication issued by the Department of Health Wellington, New Zealand, contains the following interesting article which recently appeared in the Wellington “Evening Post”:—

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 6 January 2012

Aline Soules

This paper aims to compare biographical content for literary authors writing in English among Biography Reference Bank, Contemporary Authors Online, Wikipedia, and the web.

966

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare biographical content for literary authors writing in English among Biography Reference Bank, Contemporary Authors Online, Wikipedia, and the web.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 500 names was gathered from curricula and textbooks used in English courses and searched in the Contemporary Authors Online portion of Literature Resource Center, Biography Reference Bank, Wikipedia, and the web; the results and content were compared.

Findings

Each source has core content plus its own unique offerings and specific challenges, as evidenced in searching, evaluative techniques such as authority and currency, and content.

Research limitations/implications

This study can only offer a small part of the picture of what information resides where and a single snapshot in time.

Practical implications

This study will help librarians decide whether to subscribe to a biographical database. It also reinforces the need for evidence‐based practice in librarianship.

Originality/value

While the study is only a small part of the picture, it still makes use of a significant sample size to validate/refute assumptions about the availability of biographical information and the sources studied.

Details

New Library World, vol. 113 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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Article
Publication date: 24 July 2009

John P.T. Mo, Slavica Gajzer, Murray Fane, Gerry Wind, Tania Snioch, Kevin Larnach, Drew Seitam, Hiroyuki Saito, Stewart Brown, Fergus Wilson and George Lerias

The purpose of this paper is to outline the research work of managing returnable assets such as pallets by radio frequency identification (RFID) methods on a national scale.

1426

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the research work of managing returnable assets such as pallets by radio frequency identification (RFID) methods on a national scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The project is an extension of an earlier project which tracks pallets and cartons through a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. This extension project investigates how RFID information can be applied for integrating business processes. The project team developed a national business information network with electronic product code (EPC) compliance devices and systems. To implement an effective pallet management business process, the project team carried out detailed process modelling study of the effect of RFID processes and measured the improvement in performance and efficiency.

Findings

The key to success in the extension project is the adoption of EPC compliance technology that enables efficient communication of business data across platforms and companies. The project found that there is an average 18 per cent improvement in system efficiency should an EPC compliance technology be adopted for supporting paperless proof of delivery. There are also additional administrative and unquantifiable savings in support systems and services.

Research limitations/implications

The research is related to the FMCG industry sector. The business processes in this sector can vary significantly. The project is conducted under a controlled business environment on the condition that the changes would not affect main business activities of the partners. The system efficiency improvement and savings estimated from the project findings should be taken as reference figures only.

Originality/value

The combination of process modelling approach and validation of system performance data by simulation in this paper provide a basis for generalisation of the methodology in similar national scale research studies. The estimated data could be used as reference for preliminary feasibility studies of similar EPC applications.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2009

Muhammad Azam Roomi, Pegram Harrison and John Beaumont‐Kerridge

This study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women…

4818

Abstract

Purpose

This study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey software™, with results exported to SPSS™ for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open‐ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions.

Findings

The research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth‐oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non‐scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low‐tech industries. Women who are growth‐oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and technology, production inputs, appropriate childcare, qualifications, experience, training facilities and appropriate assistance from business development agencies. Non‐effective accumulation and use of social capital hinders access to appropriate decision‐making circles, and limits the probability of accessing critical management and financing resources, especially through the venture capital industry.

Practical implications

This research has implications for government or other business development agencies seeking to understand the growth patterns and problems of women‐owned enterprises in the East of England.

Originality/value

There are few British studies that have focussed on growth oriented women‐owned businesses. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by attempting to understand the nature and activities of such business, by analysing the main growth factors and their influence on different growth strategies.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

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Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

Jane Ireland and John Beaumont

Expert evidence is a contentious area with a number of high profile cases highlighting unreliable “scientific” expert evidence, leading to appeals and acquittals. The purpose of…

4122

Abstract

Purpose

Expert evidence is a contentious area with a number of high profile cases highlighting unreliable “scientific” expert evidence, leading to appeals and acquittals. The purpose of this paper is to argue for improvement in the assessment of expert evidence reliability to avoid such difficulties.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the area focused on the history of developing legal criteria for admitting “scientific” evidence. It examined the benefits and difficulties of approaches, and proposes an amendment to criteria for increased transparency and evidenced decision making.

Findings

The review indicated a range of difficulties with “expert” evidence admissibility, including inconsistency, an over-focus on narrow elements of evidence, difficulties in interpretation, and the potential to unfairly restrict evidence. An alternative to current approaches is proposed. This takes the form of a two-stage approach to consider whether or not to admit expert evidence. It comprises a preparation and an examination stage. The former seeks to critically review the evidence and define its nature. The latter applies two sets of criteria; a Daubert application for generally accepted physical sciences, and proposes an Abridged-Daubert for novel and social/behavioural sciences. Also proposed is increased involvement by experts in critically reviewing their own evidence and in providing statements of limitations.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by outlining the importance of developing such an approach for the UK legal system. It focuses on the application of specific criterion which could assist both Courts and witnesses to evaluate the quality of evidence prior to submission by accounting for the nature of the opinion evidence provided.

Originality/value

The paper outlines a practical approach to examining evidence which has benefit to practitioners and advocates when opinion evidence is outlined.

Details

Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1991

Ewan Sutherland

This article describes in outline the different approaches used to support the management of information, information systems and information technology. It has a bias towards…

229

Abstract

This article describes in outline the different approaches used to support the management of information, information systems and information technology. It has a bias towards systems and technology, rather than information, if only because this is where most management effort is focused. Management information per se is neither frequently attempted nor easy.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 43 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

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