Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 289-295
Author(s):  
Desiree Chachula ◽  
Cathy Grant ◽  
Prado Antolino ◽  
Jenna Davis ◽  
Desiree Hanson ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a multifaceted institutional approach to minimizing cancer health disparities, presenting a novel organizational framework entitled, “A.C.C.E.S.S.” to guide those efforts. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study of an organization that operates under the theory that cancer health disparities are a result of the cumulative incongruence of differences that exist between people in various contexts and interactions over time. Consequently, the A.C.C.E.S.S. framework is used to demonstrate the range of opportunities within an organization to intervene and mitigate gaps that result in inequality. Findings Addressing A.C.C.E.S.S. in various interactions and contexts over a sustained period of time results in a continuous improvement cycle that attenuates cancer health disparity. Originality/value The antecedents and impacts of cancer health disparities are well documented. However, there is a dearth of directionality for institutions and organizations in achieving equality in cancer treatment and care. This paper provides a framework to consider in organizing such endeavors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Mariano

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how organizational knowledge interacts with artifacts and what determinants, driving processes and outcomes govern these interactions in organizational contexts. Design/methodology/approach A case study is used and data collected is from a US engineering and consulting company. Findings Findings suggested three major driving processes specifically initiating, challenging and improving and several related determinants and outcomes that governed the interaction between organizational knowledge and artifacts over time. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations related to the nature and dimension of the case selected. Practical implications This study provides a means to explain how organizations hold existing knowledge and what determinants, driving processes and outcomes govern the interactions between knowledge and artifacts to assist managerial practices and improve performance. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current debate on organizational knowledge and provides some empirical evidence of how knowledge interacts with artifacts in organizational contexts.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubarak Al Ahbabi ◽  
Mustafa Alshawi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a continuous improvement approach for clients to improve their performance and to maximise the benefits gained from building information modelling (BIM) over time. The role of client organisations is considered to be very important to accelerate the implementation of BIM. To do this, they need to clearly understand the implementation mechanisms; determine the level of change required within their organisations; and evaluate how best they can achieve this change. The paper’s concept is based on identifying BIM requirements and documenting them in an Employer Information Requirements (EIR) document based on their capability and maturity to deliver and manage BIM. Design/methodology/approach – The continuous improvement approach is based on introducing gradual details to the client’s EIR, depending on the capability and maturity of the client organisation and their supply chain. The approach uses BSI B/555 maturity levels as a baseline for improvement. Findings – A structured approach for client organisations is presented. This helps them to gradually improve their performance towards BIM implementation, taking into consideration their capability and maturity level. Originality/value – The proposed approach is new to industry and could contribute to the efforts of the industry in reaching higher BSI B/555 maturity levels with minimal risks.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Larsson ◽  
Anna Syberfeldt ◽  
Kristina Säfsten

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication of performance measures and propose guidelines for the visualization of performance measures supporting continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to help manufacturing SMEs improve their communication of performance measures, thereby improving performance, and strengthening the company. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. It begins with a literature review of theoretical guidelines for the visualization of performance measures. This theoretical information is then supplemented with a case study and a survey, both carried out at the Vara plant, a manufacturing SME with well-developed communication of performance measures. The case study involved all organizational levels in the company and focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses in visual communication of performance measures supporting CI. The information acquired from the literature survey and the case study was then used as the basis for a survey of the employees in one department as regards their perception, understanding and opinion of visual communication of performance measures. The analysis of the results led to the development of guidelines and a substantive proposal improving visualization of performance measures in this specific company, and in manufacturing SMEs in general. Findings A model for the visualization of performance measures supporting CI in the company was carried out. The guidelines proposed for all such visualizations are as follows: keep the visualization as simple as possible without compromising understanding, use symbols and colors consistently, use simple words and do not include too much information in the visualization. The study also shows that it is important to support a written visualization with an oral presentation to explain the results. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its focus on the visualization of performance measures in manufacturing SMEs and the guidelines and proposals developed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 869-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Jaca ◽  
Luis Paipa-Galeano ◽  
Elisabeth Viles ◽  
Ricardo Mateo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a readiness programme designed to increase employees’ awareness of order and cleanliness as a way of building the necessary foundation for implementing and sustaining continuous improvement processes. In this paper, the authors propose a new readiness programme based on the principles of 5S, with the aim of strengthening employees’ motivation and involvement prior to 5S being implemented. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on case study methodology, followed by a programme of four structured activities. The validity of the programme is shown through the implementation of the activities in two different organizations. Findings The readiness programme was applied before 5S was successfully implemented. The degree of awareness and motivation of the programme participants improved as a result of these activities. Moreover, the activities increased people’s motivation to participate in improvement activities. Originality/value Applying a readiness programme before implementing 5S can help organizations to achieve and sustain improvement activities, thus increasing worker commitment and motivation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Vale ◽  
Manuel Castelo Branco ◽  
João Ribeiro

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyse how intellectual capital (IC) is created and deteriorated in a meta-organization by assessing the interdependency between the collective IC of the meta-organization and the individual IC of its members. Design/methodology/approach – A case study conducted in a seaport is adopted to explore how creation or deterioration of IC at one level of analysis affects the IC at the other. Four different illustrations are provided, depicting different instances of articulation between both types of IC. Findings – Evidence suggests that, in a meta-organization, IC appears as a function of both individual and collective IC dimensions. Changes in the meta-organization’s IC or in its members’ IC may have different impacts on each other, generating intellectual assets or intellectual liabilities at both levels. Evidence also suggests that those changes in IC should be analysed in a longitudinal way, since both levels affect each other in different ways over time. Research limitations/implications – Despite the validity of the interpretations provided in the context of the case study, generalization to other situations should be conducted only in a theoretically framed manner. Practical implications – This study provides important strategic and managerial implications for meta-organizations and their members, who are concerned with their performance. Originality/value – Although there have been some efforts to apply the traditional IC methodologies to a bigger scope, such as regions or nations, some meso level empirical contexts are yet far unexplored, such as the case of meta-organizations. Furthermore there is a gap in management sciences’ research on seaports.


VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giuliani

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to observe Intellectual Capital (IC) dynamics “in practice” through a temporal lens by considering IC as an on-going process, and thus taking into consideration its life cycle and how it changes over time. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal case study has been investigated by adopting a participant observation approach to understand how the dynamics of IC are understood in practice. Findings – This study spotlights three main conceptions of IC dynamics (value creation, IC activities and organizational change) which, although generally proposed in literature as separable concepts, do co-exist and interact, in practice as is reflected in the related managerial tools. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations of this study are twofold. The first is related to the methodology adopted and in particular, to the participant observation approach. The second is related to the specifics of the case study undertaken. This paper contributes to the literature on “Intellectual Capital in action” and “Intellectual Capital in practice” by enriching the understanding of IC dynamics. Originality/value – By comparison to the extant literature in which the IC dynamics concepts are considered separately, this study combines the three different concepts and examines them in vivo, adopting a longitudinal perspective.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlott Hübel

PurposeThis paper adopts a sensemaking lens to explore the process of entrepreneurship-driven organizational transformation for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis is based on an in-depth case study of a large European meat company. Sensemaking by top and middle managers is analyzed over the period of 18 months.FindingsThe findings show how, over time, bidirectional sensemaking, that is, sensemaking for and of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, directed and accelerated organizational transformation for sustainability. The case company transformed with regard to organizational strategy, structure, operations and identity. The process revealed temporally different involvement of top and middle managers in sensemaking.Originality/valueThis paper offers unique insights into fast and emergent sustainability-oriented change in an established organization within a highly topical context. The results highlight how continuous and increasingly shared sensemaking can help top and middle managers navigate organizational change for sustainability in dynamic environments over time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Howard Grøn

Purpose The literature so far has shown that perceptions of managerial interventions matter for motivation and performance. However, how these perceptions are formed and develop over time is less clear. The purpose of this paper is to fill part of this gap. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a panel case study to investigate how perceptions of a managerial intervention are formed and developed over time among daycare workers in a Danish municipality. Findings The paper reveals the dynamic nature of preferences and the centrality of the local manager in perception formation, illustrating that it is not necessarily the implementation style (soft/hard) that is important as much as the managerial involvement in the initiative. Practical implications Whereas managers are still well advised to consider the pros and cons of a hard vs a soft implementation approach, this paper also underlines the importance of constant managerial involvement not only to ensure implementation but also to continuously impact the way managerial interventions are perceived. Originality/value The paper adds to the existing knowledge about perception formation by using a panel case study, hence illustrating the dynamic character of perception formation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leyland F. Pitt ◽  
Deon Nel ◽  
Gene van Heerden ◽  
Anthony Chan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the global text project (GTP) case. The unique developments of the case provide insight of the many challenges and opportunities created within the open source movement.Design/methodology/approachA case study was used to illustrate some of the most pertinent and interesting developments in the field of marketing, alluding to the open source environment. A Wikibook was created in collaboration with all the participants of a graduate course and the development of this offering initiated a project called the GTP.FindingsThe open source movement has created new ways of thinking and acting. The contributions, modifications and improvements by all users to the original product provide a platform of continuous improvement and development.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the lessons and challenges learnt from the case especially by those managing the GTP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-31

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This case study paper unpacks the factors that can drive or impede post-acquisition growth. Based on the findings of a detailed case study of healthcare company Alcon, it's clear that a strategy of micromanaging a newly acquired company that has a strong culture, is already performing favorably, and has well established management, is a strategy that's likely to lead to underperformance by demoralizing the unit's employees over time. A hands-off approach may be best applied here therefore. Yet where an acquired company is already underperforming and the acquirer has skills and resources that the target lacks, a hands-on approach makes more sense. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


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