Rosalind Taylor and Alan Pearson
Quality in research and development (R&D) work has become increasinglyimportant as companies commit themselves to quality improvementprogrammes in all areas of their activity…
Abstract
Quality in research and development (R&D) work has become increasingly important as companies commit themselves to quality improvement programmes in all areas of their activity. Quality improvement forms an important part of their competitive strategy. Quality management systems have been successfuly designed and implemented for manufacturing and service functions; but so far the quality principles and systems have been difficult to translate to the R&D function. Looks at the challenge of effective implementation of quality management and total quality principles in R&D. Discusses quality concepts, terms, systems and critical factors for successful implementation. Uses brief case histories to highlight particular approaches to implementation. Finally, introduces a new, versatile method for evaluating the capabilities of an R&D organization in terms of total quality management. It is presented in the form of a case study showing its use in a large R&D laboratory of a major multinational corporation.
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Marc T. Swogger, Kathleen M. Montry, Zach Walsh and David S. Kosson
Early clinical accounts of psychopathy suggest important relationships between alcohol use and psychopathic traits that lead to fantastic and uninviting behavior. In particular…
Abstract
Purpose
Early clinical accounts of psychopathy suggest important relationships between alcohol use and psychopathic traits that lead to fantastic and uninviting behavior. In particular, alcohol was thought to facilitate antisocial behavior, including violence, among psychopathic individuals. The purpose of this paper is to report a review of studies that concurrently examine psychopathy and alcohol in relation to violent behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors searched electronic databases (PsycInfo, PUBMED) for all published studies between January 1960 and October 2016 that included the combination of alcohol and psychopathy, antisocial personality and violence, aggression.
Findings
The evidence converges to indicate that, in college and community samples, self-reported antisocial lifestyle traits interact with alcohol use to predict violence beyond that accounted for by either construct. However, in correctional and clinical samples, there is no evidence that the use of alcohol increases violence for individuals high in clinically measured antisocial lifestyle traits.
Originality/value
This is the first review of the empirical literature on relationships among psychopathy, alcohol, and violence. The authors provide recommendations for future research designed to fill gaps in the literature and lead to a greater understanding of the interplay among these variables.
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Audrey Gilmore and Rosalind McMullan
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of measurement scales and to illustrate some of the drawbacks of using scales for measuring service quality without due recognition…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of measurement scales and to illustrate some of the drawbacks of using scales for measuring service quality without due recognition of the limitations and rigidity of such scales, especially when they are applied to the complexity of service marketing situations and contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the most widely used scales in services measurement, including SERVQUAL and SERVPERF is provided, along with some of the conceptual issues surrounding scale design and use in service contexts. Then some qualitative research techniques are considered in terms of their adaptability and flexibility for carrying out research regarding the complex nature of services.
Findings
Measurement scales are evaluated and discussed. The key criticisms of best‐known scales used for services situations are presented. Then consideration is given to what might be a “best practice” scenario for measuring and assessing service‐related issues in a service context.
Originality/value
The discussion draws attention to the importance of recognising the most suitable research method for a service‐specific research problem/question rather than imposing a well known measurement scale or technique that may not suit the purpose.
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Rosalind Searle, Karen V. Renaud and Lisa van der Werff
Adverse cyber events, like death and taxes, have become inevitable. They are an increasingly common feature of organisational life. Their aftermaths are a critical and…
Abstract
Purpose
Adverse cyber events, like death and taxes, have become inevitable. They are an increasingly common feature of organisational life. Their aftermaths are a critical and under-examined context and dynamic space within which to examine trust. In this paper, we address this deficit.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on pertinent theory and reports of empirical studies, we outline the basis of two alternative subsequent trajectories, drawing out the relationships between trust, vulnerability and emotion, both positive and negative, in the aftermath of an adverse cyber event.
Findings
We combine stage theory and social information processing theories to delineate the dynamics of trust processes and their multilevel trajectories during adverse cyber event aftermaths. We consider two response trajectories to chart the way vulnerability arises at different levels within these social systems to create self-reinforcing trust and distrust spirals. These ripple out to impact multiple levels of the organisation by either amplifying or relieving vulnerability.
Research limitations/implications
The way adverse cyber events aftermaths are managed has immediate and long-term consequences for organisational stakeholders. Actions impact resilience and the ability to preserve the social fabric of the organisations. Subsequent trajectories can be “negative” or “positive”. The “negative” trajectory is characterised by efforts to identify and punish the employee whose actions facilitated the adverse events, i.e. the “who”. Public scapegoating might follow thereby amplifying perceived vulnerability and reducing trust across the board. By contrast, the “positive” trajectory relieves perceived vulnerability by focusing on, and correcting, situational causatives. Here, the focus is on the “what” and “why” of the event.
Practical implications
We raise the importance of responding in a constructive way to adverse cyber events.
Originality/value
The aftermaths of cyber attacks in organisations are a critical, neglected context. We explore the interplay between trust and vulnerability and its implications for management “best practice”.
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Martin A. O’Neill, Adrian J. Palmer and Rosalind Beggs
Disconfirmation models of service quality have attracted a lot of discussion about how consumers’ expectations are formed, but relatively little about the nature of their…
Abstract
Disconfirmation models of service quality have attracted a lot of discussion about how consumers’ expectations are formed, but relatively little about the nature of their perceptions of service performance. This paper seeks to redress the absence of literature on the psychological underpinnings of perceptions in disconfirmation models of service quality. It argues that an individual’s perceptions may not be stable over time and that suppliers should be particularly interested in consumers’ perceptions at the time that the next repurchase decision is made. A model of the time elapsed effects of service quality perception is presented and research reported on a longitudinal survey of hotel customers’ perceptions.
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The question of reprinting notable novels which have been allowed to fall out of print is somewhat different from the one discussed in previous articles. In that case the question…
Abstract
The question of reprinting notable novels which have been allowed to fall out of print is somewhat different from the one discussed in previous articles. In that case the question was as regards keeping in print popular modern novels whose titles appeared in many Public Library catalogues, to invite attention and draw inquiries from readers as to their existence. In the present case, the question concerns the advantage or utility of reprinting novels which are of some literary value, and are frequently mentioned in histories of literature, magazine articles, &c. A very considerable number of the novels mentioned below are translations of foreign works which have not yet found their way into English Public Libraries, while many are American standard novels which have not been introduced to any extent in England. Both varieties, however, will be found in the Public Libraries of the United States. But, in addition to these American and foreign works, there are certain novels which are named and described in every extensive history of English literature; which are quoted by later writers; which possess considerable claims to remembrance; and yet, so far as I can learn, are not to be had in good modern editions either in England or in America. There are first, the novels which mark the dawn of prose fiction in English literature, and which are worth reprinting if only for the use of students. Such works as Barclay's “Argenis,” Sidney's “Arcadia,” Lyly's “Euphues,” Lodge's “Rosalind,” and all the early attempts at romance are deserving of reproduction in a decent modern dress which would place them within reach of students, libraries, and the general public. The novels of Samuel Richardson are not now obtainable in a handy form, and it is surprising that no publisher of good reprints has thought of issuing nice illustrated editions of these classics. Mrs. Aphra Behn's novels are not perhaps the very best of their kind, but they are celebrated, and should be obtainable. Other well‐known (or rather notable) novels are Johnston's “History of a Guinea,” Greaves' “Spiritual Quixote,” a very clever satire on the early Methodists which has considerable value; Brooke's “Fool of Quality,” Amory's “John Buncle,” and all the best novels of this period, which have been allowed to drop into oblivion. Brooke's “Fool of Quality,” it is true, was issued in the edition prepared by Kingsley, but a cheaper one‐volume edition is also wanted, especially as I believe the other is now out of print. Then it is very remarkable that such a powerful book as Godwin's “Caleb Williams” is not to be had in a worthy edition. Mrs. Shelley's “Frankenstein,” which is a very early and good example of the horrible in fiction, has yet to be issued in a properly illustrated and handy form. Hope's “Anastasius” does not appear in a modern form, and is not easy to obtain in a nice edition; and such Eastern tales as Fraser's “Kuzzilbash,” seem to have dropped completely out of notice. Morier's “Hajji Baba” has been reissued, so far as the Persian part is concerned, but the sequel, containing the humorous account of the embassy to England, also awaits issue. To many minds, the picture of the conflict between Eastern and Western ideas presented in “Hajji Baba in England” makes it much more interesting than the original Persian story. More recent works, like Croly's “Salathiel” and Savage's “Bachelor of the Albany,” should certainly be reprinted, and kept in print, as they deserve. The latter is a work which is frequently quoted, and yet it seems to have been forgotten. It would be possible to specify many good and deserving books which are worth reprinting, but, as they are mentioned in the accompanying list, it is needless to repeat their titles.
There is a common misconception that entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries can be characterised by the tension between artistic aspirations and the economic…
Abstract
There is a common misconception that entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries can be characterised by the tension between artistic aspirations and the economic sustainability of the enterprise. The image of a bohemian artist, associated with Paris of the twentieth century, remains a significant aspect of the contemporary creative worker’s identity. Yet, a more nuanced understanding of creative entrepreneurship situates creative practices in a relational environment and allows us to analyse diverse non-economic values and motivations. Through qualitative research, this chapter explores the distinctive practices of a small group of cultural and creative industry entrepreneurs based in studios in a post-industrial heritage building. Framed by the impact of COVID-19, this research situates entrepreneurs within social communities: a milieu for developing their creative entrepreneurial identities. The research suggests that workspaces and personal values play a significant role in shaping entrepreneurial practices, and that these are entangled with a sense of responsibility to locality and community.
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Rosalind Allen and Helen Glavina
The assessment and management of ADHD is a significant issue in terms of resources for child psychiatric services, and increasingly Community Paediatricians and General…
Abstract
The assessment and management of ADHD is a significant issue in terms of resources for child psychiatric services, and increasingly Community Paediatricians and General Practitioners are becoming involved. This practice of shared care is amongst recommendations in the NICE guidelines on the use of methylphenidate for ADHD, published in 2000. Following the establishment of an ADHD Assessment Clinic in Peterborough, its performance was audited in light of these guidelines and recommendations from other publications. Audit standards for assessment and stimulant medication initiation procedures were set and evaluated in 63 children seen during the first year. There was success in achieving multi‐disciplinary assessments, carefully supervised initiation of medication and subsequent shared care with GPs. Problem areas included waiting times, follow‐up of problems detected on psychometric screening, physical screening, especially prior to medication, and communication with schools. Changes are now being implemented to address these issues.
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Nicole Gross, David Carson and Rosalind Jones
– The purpose of this paper is to propose the application of social practice theory for the investigation of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) practices.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose the application of social practice theory for the investigation of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical gap has been found between scholarly efforts to explain the nature of EM practice and the actual marketing practice or marketing doings of small firms.
Findings
The paper covers some of the EM literature and perspectives and examining the notion of “practice” in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and entrepreneurship research. Based on an increasing focus on practice in the social theory literature and the contributions of key social theorists, a discussion is framed in terms of how EM practice can be studied through the investigation material and bodily observations and common interpretations.
Research limitations/implications
The paper offers a proposal that the observations of practitioners’ actions and activities and the investigation of common interpretations can be conceptualized to explain the nature of EM practice. It also gives avenues for future research.
Practical implications
The paper suggests that marketing comprises a wide scope of activities or practices and, in the case of a small firm, is all-pervasive. It also suggests that scholars engage in understanding the collective, distributed, situated, ongoing and tacit nature of EM.
Originality/value
The paper provides a fresh conceptual approach about how EM practice can be studied through the investigation material and bodily observations as well as common interpretations.