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Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Kevin O’Sullivan, Chana Levin, David Bright and Richard Kemp

The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between the belief in redeemability – Version 2 (BIR-2) Scale and desistance from crime. It also seeks to explore how…

397

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between the belief in redeemability – Version 2 (BIR-2) Scale and desistance from crime. It also seeks to explore how patterns of responding on the BIR-2 with offenders compare to previous patterns of responding in the general public.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report the results of a study of offenders using the belief in redeemability – Version 2 (BiR-2) scale. In total, 180 offenders under the supervision of the Community Corrections Service (formerly the Probation and Parole Service) of New South Wales completed the ten-item questionnaire and when these data were combined with demographic and reoffending data collected by Corrective Services New South Wales, 168 sets of useable data were collected. Scores on the BIR-2 scale were compared to Level of Service Inventory – Revised (LSI-R) score, Most Serious Offence category, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, number of custodial sentences in previous five years, age, gender and reoffending.

Findings

Results showed that the sample overall was closely representative of the caseload from which the study sample was drawn (a metropolitan community corrections office) and that BIR-2 scores showed a small, significant, negative correlation with LSI-R scores. Analysis of re-offending data indicated a small, positive, but non-significant correlation with BIR-2. Implications of this are discussed and future research outlined.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that it is worth attempting to measure belief in redeemability in the broader context of a narrative approach to desistance.

Originality/value

This is the first time that a scale has been used to test the importance of a belief in redeemability quantitatively and to permit the use of multivariate analysis.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Chris Blatch, Andrew Webber, Kevin O’Sullivan and Gerard van Doorn

The purpose of this paper is to determine recidivism costs and benefits for 1,030 community-based male offenders enrolled in a domestic abuse program (DAP) compared to an…

499

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine recidivism costs and benefits for 1,030 community-based male offenders enrolled in a domestic abuse program (DAP) compared to an untreated control group (n=1,030) matched on risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study time frame was October 1, 2007-June 30, 2010 with reconvictions measured to December 31, 2010. Follow up averaged 19 months. Controls received standard community supervision, but no domestic violence group interventions. Follow up measures included court costs for violent and non-violent reconvictions; re-incarcerations and community-based orders costs measured in days.

Findings

Adjusting for time at risk, DAP enrollees had 29 percent fewer reconvictions, 46 percent fewer violent reconvictions, 34 percent fewer custodial days, but 23 percent more days on community orders. Costs: DAP enrollment avoided $2.52 M in custodial costs, but higher community correction costs (+$773 K) and court costs (+$5.8 K), reducing the DAP’s criminal justice system cost savings to $1.754 M ($8.92 M for the DAP group compared to $10.67M for controls). Cost benefits: when the 64 DAP program costs were deducted ($602 K), the net benefit to the New South Wales criminal justice system was $1,141 M, or $1,108 per enrollee, providing a net benefit/cost ratio of 2.89. If the DAP was completed, the net benefit was $1,820 per offender. These results compares favorably to economic evaluations of other community-based interventions.

Practical implications

Group interventions for domestically violent (DV) offenders can provide good investment returns to tax payers and government by reducing demand on scarce criminal justice system resources. The study provides insights into justice costs for DV offenders; a methodological template to determine cost benefits for offender programs and a contribution to cost-effective evidence-based crime reduction interventions.

Originality/value

Using a rigorous methodology, official court, custodial and community correction services costing data, this is the first Australian cost benefit analysis of a domestic violence group intervention, and the first to justify program expenditure by demonstrating substantial savings to the criminal justice system.

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Kevin J. O'Sullivan

407

Abstract

Details

VINE, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-5728

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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Chris Blatch, Kevin O'Sullivan, Jordan J Delaney and Daniel Rathbone

The purpose of this paper is to determine reconviction outcomes for 2,882 male and female offenders with significant alcohol and other drug (AOD) criminogenic needs, serving…

1073

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine reconviction outcomes for 2,882 male and female offenders with significant alcohol and other drug (AOD) criminogenic needs, serving custodial sentences in New South Wales, between 2007 and 2011, who participated in the Getting SMART and/or the SMART Recovery® programs.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental research design utilized data from 2,343 offenders attending Getting SMART; 233 attending SMART Recovery© and 306 attending both programs, compared to a propensity score-matched control group of 2,882 offenders. Cox and Poisson regression techniques determined survival times to first reconviction and rates of reconvictions, adjusting for time at risk.

Findings

Getting SMART participation was significantly associated with improved odds of time to first reconviction by 8 percent and to first violent reconviction by 13 percent, compared to controls. Participants attending both programs (Getting SMART and SMART Recovery©), had significantly lower reconviction rate ratios for both general (21 percent) and violent (42 percent) crime, relative to controls. Getting SMART attendance was associated with significant reductions in reconviction rates of 19 percent, and the reduction for SMART Recovery© attendance (alone) was 15 percent, the latter figure being non-significant. In all, 20 hours in either SMART program (ten sessions) was required to detect a significant therapeutic effect.

Practical implications

Criminal justice jurisdictions could implement this two SMART program intervention model, knowing a therapeutic effect is more likely if Getting SMART (12 sessions of cognitive-restructuring and motivation) is followed by SMART Recovery© for ongoing AOD therapeutic maintenance and behavioral change consolidation. SMART Recovery©, a not-for-profit proprietary program, is widely available internationally.

Originality/value

Getting SMART and SMART Recovery© have not previously been rigorously evaluated. This innovative two-program model contributes to best practice for treating higher risk offenders with AOD needs, suggesting achievable reductions in both violent and general reoffending.

Details

Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

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Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Kevin O'Sullivan, Richard Kemp and David Bright

– The purpose of this paper is to lay the groundwork for a narrative study of desistance that is both qualitative and quantitative.

884

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to lay the groundwork for a narrative study of desistance that is both qualitative and quantitative.

Design/methodology/approach

The review traces the strands of research that have made self-story an important theme in the study of desistance with particular reference to work since 2001.

Findings

The importance of an agentic self-story in the process of desistance from crime came to prominence in the work of Shadd Maruna (1997, 2001). Since then authors have attempted to formulate: first, an integrated theoretical view of desistance incorporating agency; and second, a clinically useful understanding of how self-story is important. The clinical studies have almost always been qualitative, relying on extensive life history interviews which yield great richness of detail but few, if any, testable hypotheses. To date, such studies have not provided the empirical foundation on which to develop policy in correctional environments.

Practical implications

If it is found that a measure of self-belief correlates with desistance from crime, it may be possible to devise psychological interventions to enhance and change self-belief.

Originality/value

The paper proposes adding a quantitative approach to the measurement of self-concept in order to estimate the likelihood of desistance.

Details

Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

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Article
Publication date: 29 August 2008

Mirghani S. Mohamed, Vincent M. Ribière, Kevin J. O'Sullivan and Mona A. Mohamed

The purpose of this paper is to provide reinforcement for ITIL V 2.0 implementation process through knowledge management principles embedded in enterprise management‐engineering

8925

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide reinforcement for ITIL V 2.0 implementation process through knowledge management principles embedded in enterprise management‐engineering framework (EMEF).

Design/methodology/approach

EMEF has been amended to include knowledge management (KM) activities that are imperative for a melioration of ITIL implementation. The framework of four domains has been documented in detail. Additionally, the three major amendments of structure, architecture, and context have been suggested for a configuration management database (CMDB) to comply with KM principles.

Findings

There are strong indications that implementing ITIL by following the system‐thinking approach may add and sustain competitive advantage. This may be achieved through the leveraging of knowledge, improvement of core competencies, and fostering a customer‐consciousness approach. The apprehension of knowledge continuum components, and the differentiation between knowledge types, are critical for fortifying the ITIL process path and supporting the decision‐making process throughout ITIL implementation. The four layers of the integrative management domain will significantly contribute to the tuning of operational misalignment between IT and business, and the betterment of the employee and processes effectiveness. The similarities found between ontology objects and CMDB configuration items will raise CMDB information to a higher level of conceptualization.

Originality/value

This paper will be valuable for ITIL customers, decision makers, and implementers by providing a more complete framework allowing organizations to attain effectiveness, efficiency and innovation throughout ITIL implementation.

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2016

Chris Blatch, Kevin O'Sullivan, Jordan J Delaney, Gerard van Doorn and Tamara Sweller

The purpose of this paper is to determine recidivism outcomes for 953 offending men with domestic violence histories, serving community-based sentences and enroled in the domestic…

1961

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine recidivism outcomes for 953 offending men with domestic violence histories, serving community-based sentences and enroled in the domestic abuse program (DAP), provided by Corrective Services New South Wales in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

An intention to treat definition of DAP participation and a quasi-experimental and pseudo-prospective research design compared recidivism outcomes of the treatment group to a propensity score matched control group. Cox and Poisson regression techniques determined survival time to first reconviction and rates of reconvictions adjusted for time at risk.

Findings

DAP enrolment was associated with significant improvements in odds of time to first general reconviction (15 per cent) and first violent reconviction (by 27 per cent) compared to controls. Reconviction rates were significantly lower (by 15 per cent) for DAP enrolees. Programme completion was necessary for significant therapeutic effect; 62 per cent completed the programme.

Practical implications

This evaluation suggests the 20 session DAP is an effective intervention which could be adopted by other jurisdictions to modify criminal behaviours of domestically abusive men; potentially lessening the physical, emotional and financial impacts on victims and providing savings to government and criminal justice systems. The methodology, with refinements, could be adopted by other service providers to evaluate similar community-based therapeutic interventions in forensic settings.

Originality/value

First peer reviewed evaluation of the DAP. The programme contributes to evidence-based best practice interventions for domestically violent men.

Details

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-6599

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2007

Kevin J. O'Sullivan

The purpose of the article is to identify and define an internal communications plan that may assist in the successful deployment of a knowledge management system.

4899

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to identify and define an internal communications plan that may assist in the successful deployment of a knowledge management system.

Design/methodology/approach

This article focuses on communications strategies that may be adopted by organizations deploying knowledge management systems where resistance to the implementation of such systems may exist. Such resistance may be a result of issues such as trust, organizational culture and misunderstandings as to the nature of knowledge management and knowledge management systems. An internal communications plan is proposed with a focus on knowledge management systems which details target audiences, timing strategies and suggests possible media solutions including traditional collaterals and conversational support technologies to facilitate improved deployments of such systems.

Findings

The article proposes a framework of communications methodologies, timings and target audiences to be considered during the deployment, pilot and pre‐pilot phases of a KM system implementation. It concludes by discussing the opportunities to use conversational technologies in deploying KM systems to knowledge workers.

Originality/value

The deployment issues raised in this article are expected to be of value to KM system developers, project managers, systems analysts, business executives and academic researchers.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Aki Jääskeläinen and Antti Lönnqvist

The aim of this paper is to find out how the productivity of public services can be measured in the operative level of organisations. In particular, the role of different output

1216

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to find out how the productivity of public services can be measured in the operative level of organisations. In particular, the role of different output elements (tangible and intangible) is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach is used. The current knowledge of the issue is presented by examining literature on public service productivity, intellectual capital and performance measurement. In the empirical part, the findings of the literature review are applied and further examined in the context of two services of the City of Helsinki, Finland.

Findings

The paper identifies tangible and intangible output factors in two case services. It also illustrates how the factors can be measured in practice. The empirical examination suggests that the challenges in the operative level productivity measurement relate especially to defining measures. Identifying of different output factors is an easier task.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents and applies a novel approach of designing productivity measures for public services. More empirical studies using the approach are called for.

Practical implications

The measurement approach presented here can be utilised as a basis for designing sophisticated productivity measures of public services.

Originality/value

A key challenge in examining public service productivity relates to the intangible nature of services. Despite the great potential and practical relevance of the topic there seems to be no understanding of how to capture this feature in order to design valid productivity measures. The paper adds to the current knowledge by describing the process of designing measures for disaggregated components of productivity, shares practical experiences related to the design process and highlights the main challenges.

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Camilo Augusto Sequeira, Eloi Fernández y Fernández and Márcia Christina Borges

The aim of this paper is to propose an integrated model for intangible resources, which will contribute to breaking down the old paradigm, and bring it to managers' attention that

1131

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose an integrated model for intangible resources, which will contribute to breaking down the old paradigm, and bring it to managers' attention that the best returns are likely to come from intangible resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical approach is based on the concept of core competencies as defined by Hamel and Prahalad, and further developed in Andriessen's Making Sense of Intellectual Capital. It also explores the benchmarking concept presented in Viedma's “Intellectual capital benchmarking system”.

Findings

Business practitioners and scholars have been developing new methods and models to understand intellectual capital. Unfortunately, these methods and models present a view on both tangible and intangible resources of an organisation that is non‐integrated and reinforces the traditional management focus on tangible assets only.

Research limitations/implications

The method proposed here is being prepared to be tested in a large energy company under a three‐phase project (the object of future papers).

Originality/value

The paper describes a model and introduces a method based on it.

Details

VINE, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-5728

Keywords

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