Cent Response Research Articles

Identifying teaching methods that engage entrepreneurship students

PurposeEntrepreneurship education particularly requires student engagement because of the complexity of the entrepreneurship process. The purpose of this paper is to describe how an established measure of engagement can be used to identify relevant teaching methods that could be used to engage any group of entrepreneurship students.Design/methodology/approachThe Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE) instrument was used to provide 47 well established engagement criteria. The results from 393 students (33 per cent response rate), and the identification by immersed experts of the criteria that were present in each of six teaching methods, made it possible to calculate a weighted score of engagement contribution for each teaching method.FindingsThis method described in this paper identified, for undergraduate entrepreneurship students, the most engaging teaching methods as well as the least engaging. This approach found that from amongst the particular range of teaching methods in the courses in this case study, poster reports was the most engaging, followed by a team‐based learning method. This approach also identified one teaching method that was not engaging, suggesting it could be discontinued.Practical implicationsThese results give entrepreneurship educators with access to engagement data collected by the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE), or the equivalent AUSSE study, a practical method for assessing and identifying teaching methods for student engagement for their particular profile of students, and in their particular teaching situation.Originality/valueThe application of established measures of engagement is novel and provides insights into specific teaching methods for enhancing the engagement of particular groups of students at the course level. It is a method that could be applied in fields other than entrepreneurship education where NSSE or AUSSE data is available.

Promising methane-sensing characteristics of hydrothermal synthesized magnesium zinc ferrite hollow spheres

We have synthesized hollow magnesium zinc ferrite (Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) spheres via a spherical carbon template-mediated hydrothermal synthesis route. The phase formation behavior, microstructure evaluation and methane-sensing characteristics of the synthesized hollow spheres have been investigated. The promising methane-sensing characteristics (i.e. per cent response, response and recovery time) identified for Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 hollow sphere-based sensing elements are attractive for developing chemoresistive-type non-conventional complex oxide-based combustible gas sensors.

The service elimination decision‐making during the service life cycle

PurposeThe paper aims to offer a preliminary insight into the issue of whether service providers eliminate their offerings in various stages of their life cycle, and if so, whether elimination decision‐making differs depending on the service's life cycle stage.Design/methodology/approachData were secured by means of a structured questionnaire which was completed through personal interviews. Respondents answered all questions having a recently eliminated service in mind. The initial calls and follow‐up efforts generated 164 usable responses (49.8 per cent response rate).FindingsA service may be eliminated from a service provider's portfolio in any stage of its life cycle. Further, in terms of precipitating circumstances, evaluation factors and elimination strategies, the service elimination process differs depending on the stage of the service life cycle that the elimination decision is taken.Practical implicationsThe most important implication is service providers eliminate services not only as a response to a crisis possibly caused by drops of sales volume, but also for other reasons. In this respect, service portfolio rationalization and particularly service elimination may result as a consequence of strategic management decisions taken for positive (e.g. development of a new service) or negative (e.g. competitive actions) reasons. Within this framework, the service life cycle (SLC) model, as a strategic tool for analysis and decision‐making, may well serve to guide the rationalization process.Originality/valueThe research questions of the study have been examined for tangible products, but this is the first relevant study that is conducted in a service context.

Palliative Care Doctors Need Help with Spiritual Wellbeing

Spirituality is widely recognized as a key component of holistic care for palliative care patients. Are palliative care doctors able to include this in their role or should it be done by others? A survey of 300 palliative care doctors in Australia and New Zealand yielded a 52 per cent response rate, providing insight into their ideals, lived experiences and perceptions of help for patients, in four domains of spiritual wellbeing, assessed using the Spiritual Health And Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM). Male palliative care doctors provided levels of help commensurate with their lived experience in two domains of spiritual wellbeing. Greater professional distancing of female palliative care doctors resulted in their perception of less holistic care being provided for patients. Palliative care doctors do not have adequate time, experience or training to provide all aspects of spiritual care, especially with regard to the relationship with God. Patients need holistic care provided by comprehensive, well-balanced teams. In brief, palliative care doctors need help personally and in providing spiritual care for patients.

Causal linkages among relationship quality perception, attitude, and behavior intention in a membership organization

PurposeThis study was designed to test two models linking relationship perception, attitude, and behavior‐based involvement in a membership organization. This study helps fill a gap in the relationship management literature by exploring the hierarchy of effects among a strategic public some of whom could be characterized as having low involvement.Design/methodology/approachAfter a couple of pilot tests, a state‐wide mail survey was conducted. As recommended by several studies, the mail survey for this study was included in a packet with a cover letter and a pre‐addressed, pre‐stamped return envelope mailed to 2,100 randomly selected current members of the organization. Of the 2,100 members who received questionnaires, 493 usable responses were collected, resulting in a 23.4 per cent response rate.FindingsFor the four relationship quality dimensions used in this study – i.e. control mutuality, satisfaction, trust, and commitment – current members' perceptions of relationship trust and commitment positively influenced their attitudes toward the organization. More importantly, this study demonstrates that the public's perception of commitment can also directly engender supportive behavior toward the organization among members of a key public.Originality/valueThis study was designed to empirically test two models that link relationship quality perceptions, attitude, and behavioral intentions with members in a membership organization based on their levels of involvement. By testing a model of standard sequential order (relationship perceptions → attitude → behavioral intentions), this study found that the originally tested model met the criteria. However, the model was revised based on the modification index and theoretical justification. A new path directly connecting commitment of the relationship quality outcomes to behavioral intentions was added.

Empirical Evidence on Environmental Management Practices

Organizations are paying greater attention to the environmental impact of their business activities, as external stakeholders such as shareholders, customers and policy makers are increasingly demanding improved environmental performance from firms globally. Clean production and green products have become important issues to manufacturers as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has produced frameworks such as the ISO14001 series. These standards are intended to provide organizations with the elements of an effective environmental management system (EMS) that can be integrated with other management requirements and assist organizations achieve environmental and economic goals. Firms have adopted environmental management systems (EMS) due to mounting government and industry pressures, yet little data exists in terms of the implementation of and practices within EMS. This paper aims to improve understanding and generate empirical data on firm activities in environmental management practices. This research will examine the nature and levels of environmental management practices within the industrial coatings industry by surveying the primary supply chain within an emerging market context. This paper employs a quantitative cross-sectional survey approach to provide empirical data from a sample of firms which have implemented an EMS. The study is executed in an emerging market country allowing for international comparisons in similar contexts. For the purpose of this study the population comprised suppliers of industrial coatings raw materials and industrial coatings manufacturers operating within the broader chemicals sector in South Africa. This emerging market country context provides a unique environment with opportunities to expand theory. A diverse sample frame ensured heterogeneity in the final sample representing several value chain activities in this industry. The survey was administered electronically to key players in this industry, with a 64 per cent response rate, resulting in a final sample of 84 respondents. The study results confirm that larger organizations and/or multi-nationals that are involved in export markets are committed to higher levels of EMS practices. These companies are securing their long-term survival by ensuring that they meet global sustainability objectives. In addition, these mostly private companies are reassuring internal and external stakeholders with their commitment to environmental protection. Based on a descriptive statistical analysis it is encouraging to note that a significant number of companies in this study have shown commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and have implemented a structured EMS. This EMS formed part of their mission statements and management practices at the corporate, manufacturing and operations levels were implemented. The results also indicate that the majority of organizations surveyed have, to some extent, incorporated environmental management into the strategic process of the organization, which was done by employing environmental experts, ensuring that the environmental function was housed by a separate department and was incorporated into the strategic planning process of the organization. EMS reporting in annual financial reports is also an encouraging trend. This research has contributed to the evolving field of environmental management and has provided valuable insights as to the nature in which firms are practicing EMS. Since the majority of respondents in the present study are multi-national companies it may be beneficial to expand this research to other countries with different regulatory obligations, to be able to compare and contrast EMS practices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.23.2.1549

UK building surveying education: the graduates' view

PurposeMany facilities management professionals originally graduated from a building surveying course. The high referral rate of the professional body pre‐qualification assessment process for building surveyors and other criticisms of graduates have led many to question whether building surveying education is fit for purpose. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachPrevious research on this subject has concentrated on obtaining the views of course providers and employers. The approach adopted for this study has been an on‐line survey of recent UK building surveying graduates. A 30 per cent response rate resulted in 806 graduates undertaking the survey.FindingsMost graduates had studied a full‐time undergraduate course, three‐quarters had gained some form of placement or work‐experience during their studies, the mode of the year of graduation was 2004 and 65 per cent of the sample work in private practice. The survey reveals concerns over non‐coverage of some of the professional body's pre‐qualification competencies. The most useful subjects studied by graduates were construction technology and building pathology and the least useful was economics. The top two omitted subjects from courses were contract administration and dilapidations – both core areas of work. Skills development was weaker on postgraduate than undergraduate courses.Practical implicationsThose designing HE building surveying courses can refer to the results of this study to ensure that their curricula remain relevant and current to the needs of industry.Originality/valueThis study into building surveying education has been undertaken at a time when many UK universities are reviewing their course provision to ensure that they are well placed to survive the massive upheaval imposed by government funding cuts and changes in student finance. This study with its large sample size will be of assistance to those reviewing building surveying courses.

Lean production supply chain management as driver towards enhancing product quality and business performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain a better understanding of the extent to which lean production permeates manufacturing companies in Malaysia by drawing on supply chain management (SCM) managers' or production managers' perception of lean production practices and level of performances in the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe instrument used in this study is a structured survey questionnaire consisting of two major parts. The first part comprises several variables measuring lean production practices, and the second part consists of several performance measurements. Sample companies are chosen from Malaysian manufacturing companies listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers directory. From the 300 companies sampled, 200 responses were completed, representing a 67 per cent response rate.FindingsThe results support the conceptual model, demonstrating strong association between lean production, product quality performance, and business performance. The structural equation modelling (SEM) results reveal that “reduced setup time” appears to be of primary importance in the linkage between lean production, product quality performance and business performance. It is also instructive, from a score of 67.21 on the Malaysian Lean Production Index (MLPI), that manufacturing companies in Malaysia must marshal their effort to implement a more effective lean production SCM in order to improve on product quality performance and business performance.Practical implicationsThis research adds to the body of knowledge on lean production SCM in manufacturing industry. This paper may be of particular interest to practicing production managers, or SCM managers, as it suggests what factors should be emphasized in lean production.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies within the context in which this study is undertaken as it seeks to address key relationships between lean production, product quality performance and business performance within the Malaysian manufacturing industry, where relatively few studies are available. In addition, relationships between constructs are analyzed through SEM that measures not only magnitude but also the causal direction of the relationships.

Exploring patient satisfaction predictors in relation to a theoretical model

The aim is to describe patients' care quality perceptions and satisfaction and to explore potential patient satisfaction predictors as person-related conditions, external objective care conditions and patients' perception of actual care received ("PR") in relation to a theoretical model. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected using one questionnaire combining questions from four instruments: Quality from patients' perspective; Sense of coherence; Big five personality trait; and Emotional stress reaction questionnaire (ESRQ), together with questions from previous research. In total, 528 patients (83.7 per cent response rate) from eight medical, three surgical and one medical/surgical ward in five Norwegian hospitals participated. Answers from 373 respondents with complete ESRQ questionnaires were analysed. Sequential multiple regression analysis with ESRQ as dependent variable was run in three steps: person-related conditions, external objective care conditions, and PR (p < 0.05). Step 1 (person-related conditions) explained 51.7 per cent of the ESRQ variance. Step 2 (external objective care conditions) explained an additional 2.4 per cent. Step 3 (PR) gave no significant additional explanation (0.05 per cent). Steps 1 and 2 contributed statistical significance to the model. Patients rated both quality-of-care and satisfaction highly. The paper shows that the theoretical model using an emotion-oriented approach to assess patient satisfaction can explain 54 per cent of patient satisfaction in a statistically significant manner.

Irish universities: male-dominated? Limits and possibilities for change?

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a quantitative picture of the extent to which Irish universities are male-dominated at senior management, professoriate and governance levels; to locate this pattern in an international context; and, drawing on qualitative data from a purposive sample of Irish university senior managers, to explore the limits and possibilities of change. Design/methodology/approach – The quantitative data at senior management level draw on a largely web-based study, supplemented by interview data from a purposive sample of 40 people (85 per cent response rate) in senior management positions in all seven universities funded by the state – including those at Dean to Presidential level, men and women, and academics and non-academics. The interview schedule used in the qualitative study was devised by the eight-country Women in Higher Education Management Network (WHEM). Findings – Irish universities are very male-dominated at senior management, professoriate and governance levels. The qua...

Quality, risk and governance: social workers' perspectives

PurposeGovernance is an emerging aspect of social care organisations embodying professionally‐led risk management, quality assurance and service improvement. The purpose of this paper is to put forward a broad conceptualisation of the main dimensions of quality and risk in social care.Design/methodology/approachA survey was undertaken to seek the perspectives on social care governance (SCG) of social workers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland where clinical and SCG is formalised in the integrated health and social care service.FindingsThe 123 respondents were from a wide range of grades, aspects of work (practice, management and training) and both children's and adult services. Approximately, 60 per cent of social workers thought themselves knowledgeable on SCG, but this self‐reported knowledge was considerably higher amongst managers and trainers than practitioners. The risk register was familiar to 61 per cent of respondents. Social workers thought that useful ways to learn about SCG were team meetings, local workshops and engagement in developmental projects rather than training events.Research limitations/implicationsThe 41 per cent response rate is typical of surveys of busy professionals.Practical implicationsSocial workers were generally not very aware of the systems being developed to implement accountability and support through SCG, presenting challenges to the tasks of managing risk and improving the safety and quality of services.Originality/valueThe paper shows that Northern Ireland is pioneering the development of SCG in parallel with clinical governance in health care. Valuable lessons are being learned about the application of concepts of risk and quality in the complexity of social work.

Performance management practices and managed performance: the moderating influence of organisational culture and climate in public universities in Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore and explain the existence and implementation of performance management practices in four public universities in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachA mixed‐method study approach (qualitative and quantitative) was adopted. A sample of 900 employees was drawn using a disproportionate stratified purposive sampling approach that yielded a 53 per cent response rate. Of the participants, 12 were purposively selected from top management members and interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. Using Nvivo software and Miles and Huberman approaches, interview data were managed and analysed.FindingsQualitative data results revealed that employees in public universities built relationships, utilised available resources, adapted to external environment, set goals and targets. This was made possible through planning, mobilising resources, problem solving, evaluating performance and adopting ICT to deliver cost‐effective quality services/products. The hypotheses were tested and revealed a significant positive relationship between performance management practices and managed performance (r=0.25, p&lt;0.001). A moderating influence of organisational culture and climate on performance management practices and managed performance was also established and confirmed (ΔR2=0.012) significantly above zero (p =0.015).Research limitations/implicationsCross‐sectional studies by their nature are subject to common method variances; further refinement of the instrument and a replication of the study using a longitudinal approach are recommended. Also, the additional studies should be supplemented with in‐depth interviews or case studies where possible to tap salient issues from the respondents.Practical implicationsPublic universities should have visionary managers who should manage strategic barriers, attract and retain thinkers, and also create result‐oriented relationships to make a dynamic contribution to the development process of Uganda.Originality/valueMass university education in Uganda today calls for new approaches to managing employees in order to balance cost, quality and education access.

Retail attributes' differential effects on utilitarian versus hedonic shopping value

Purpose – This study aims to examine grocery shoppers' beliefs about store attributes as antecedents to shopping value by exploring whether dimensions of store attribute beliefs have differential effects (i.e. strength and direction) on hedonic versus utilitarian shopping value.Design/methodology/approach – Shoppers at three grocery outlets in a Norwegian city were approached. After they had agreed to participate in the survey, they received a package containing an information letter, the questionnaire, and the pre‐paid return envelope. A total of 572 (60 per cent response rate) questionnaires were returned within two weeks of delivery.Findings – Findings from a survey of grocery shoppers suggest that one unique store attribute (e.g. personal interaction) can relate negatively to utilitarian shopping value and positively relate to hedonic shopping value, while others (e.g. physical aspects) may have the opposite valence, or direction to the different dimensions of shopping value.Research limitations/impli...

Developing youth's cultural and social skills through a social‐virtual curriculum

PurposeThis study seeks to evaluate the application of a social‐virtual curriculum delivered through in‐classroom and web‐based activities, aiming to develop youth's social‐cultural skills, cultural competency and multicultural awareness. Specifically, the study evaluates the overall impact of the curriculum to the participating youth's Universality‐Diversity Orientation, diversity of contact, relativistic appreciation (RA) and comfort with differences. It examines the influence of gender, ethnicity and religion to the aforementioned variables. Finally, it aims to identify the role of the curriculum and the Web 2.0 in promoting multiculturalism and multicultural education and in changing youth's perceptions, and attitudes towards others.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was applied, using the Miville‐Guzman Universality‐Diversity Scale that measures an individual's Universal‐Diverse Orientation. Descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and Cronbach's alpha) and inferential (the independent t‐test, the paired‐sample t‐test and the one‐way analysis of variances) statistics were conducted. Questionnaires were given to 303 students. The pre‐measurement took place in April 2008 (70 per cent response rate) and the post‐measurement took place in June‐July 2009 (45 per cent response rate).FindingsThe study discusses the impact of the social‐virtual curriculum, the influence of gender, ethnicity and religion, the role of the social‐virtual curriculum and the Web 2.0 tools in promoting multiculturalism and multicultural education and in changing youth's beliefs, perceptions and attitudes towards others and the new learning, collaboration and communication culture established.Originality/valueThe study constitutes the foundation for further research to be conducted regarding the educational use of Web 2.0 tools, the in‐depth examination of the application of the educational networking within the school curriculum.

The validation of a clinical algorithm for the prevention and management of pulmonary dysfunction in intubated adults – a synthesis of evidence and expert opinion

Pulmonary dysfunction (PDF) in intubated patients remains a serious and costly complication of intensive care unit care. Optimal cardiopulmonary therapy strategies to prevent and manage PDF need clarification to reduce practice variability. The purpose of this paper is to report on the content validation of an evidence-based clinical management algorithm (EBCMA) aimed at the prevention, identification and management of PDF in critically ill patients. Forty-four draft algorithm statements extracted from the extant literature by the primary research team were verified and rated by research clinicians (n = 7) in an electronic three-round Delphi process. Statements which reached a priori defined consensus [semi-interquartile range (SIQR) <0.5] were collated into the EBCMA. One hundred per cent response rate. Forty-four statements were added after round one. Consensus was reached on rating of 83% (73/88) statements. Differences in interpretation of the existing evidence base, and variations in accepted clinical practice were identified. Four themes were identified where panel failed to reach consensus. The internationally agreed hierarchical framework of current available evidence and clinical expertise developed through this Delphi process provides clinicians with a tool to inform clinical practice. This tool has the potential to reduce practice variability thereby maximizing safety and treatment outcome. The clinical utility of the EBCMA requires further evaluation.

Strategic marketing's contribution to Australasian golf club performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which strategic marketing planning is carried out by Australasian golf clubs and the impact such planning has upon their business performance.Design/methodology/approachA research methodology borrowed from the “for profit” sector is applied. In total, ten basic strategic marketing practices, each with its own hypothesis, are investigated through a web‐based survey of secretaries/managers of 180 Australian and New Zealand golf clubs.FindingsAnalysis shows that while strategic marketing is being adopted by most clubs, compared with their lower‐performing counterparts (on measures of competitive business performance), the higher‐performing clubs place a far greater emphasis upon each of the ten basic strategic marketing practices.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the survey had a 24 per cent response rate, a small follow‐up survey of non‐respondents showed no significant difference in answers to four crucial questions. Self‐reported, relative performance measures, widely used in the “for profit” sector, have been utilised. The ten basic strategic marketing practices are assumed to be antecedents of success rather than a consequence of such success.Originality/valueIn addition to providing initial understanding of the extent of strategic marketing planning practice in a sport management context in Australasia, this paper identifies those practices which differentiate higher competitive business performance from lower performance.

General Surgery at Rural Tennessee Hospitals: A Survey of Rural Tennessee Hospital Administrators

Rural communities face an impending surgical workforce crisis. The purpose of this study is to describe perceptions of rural Tennessee hospital administrators regarding the importance of surgical services to their hospitals. In collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, we developed and administered a 13-item survey based on a recently published national survey to 80 rural Tennessee hospitals in August 2008. A total of 29 responses were received for an overall 36.3 per cent response rate. Over 44 per cent of rural surgeons were older than 50 years of age, and 27.6 per cent of hospitals reported they would lose at least one surgeon in the next 2 years. The responding hospitals reported losing 10.4 per cent of their surgical workforce in the preceding 2 years. Over 53 per cent were actively recruiting a general surgeon with an average time to recruit a surgeon of 11.8 months. Ninety-seven per cent stated that having a surgical program was very important to their financial viability with the mean and median reported revenue generated by a single general surgeon being $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Almost 11 per cent of the hospitals stated they would have to close if they lost surgical services. Although rural Tennessee hospitals face similar difficulties to national rural hospitals with regard to retaining and hiring surgeons, slightly more Tennessee hospitals (54 vs 36%) were actively attempting to recruit a general surgeon. The shortage of general surgeons is a threat to the accessibility of comprehensive hospital-based care for rural Tennesseans.

Getting in touch with paramedic student career intentions

Objective: This study of paramedic and nursing/paramedic students aimed to determine the initial career intentions of full-time paramedic students and to identify the key factors that influence their career choices. Design: A longitudinal study design, utilizing surveys and a focus group, was employed. Setting: The study was conducted in an Australian regional university with a large, on-campus paramedic programme. Method: Students were surveyed to ascertain the factors that shape their preferences for employment and a focus group was conducted with final year students to further investigate the responses. Respondents were asked to nominate their preferences for employment and identify key factors that influence their decision-making. Data were analysed using inferential statistics and textual analysis. Results: There were 508 questionnaires returned from 704 paramedic students (72 per cent response rate). Of the respondents 82 per cent were originally from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the balance from other States/Territories and overseas. Students’ career intentions did not necessarily follow their place of origin with 58 per cent preferring New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, 17 per cent Victoria, 3.5 per cent other States, and 7 per cent indicating other employers. The identified influences on student career intentions were personal (53 per cent), professional (20 per cent), organizational (8 per cent), and community factors (3 per cent). Conclusion: Potential employers need to address graduate needs if they expect to attract the most talented graduates. Universities educating paramedics should focus on the needs of students and the profession.

The patient's voice in neuro‐surgery: psycho‐socio‐economic benefits of a patient‐designed versus standard service following treatment for a subarachnoid haemorrhage

PurposeSuccessive governments have called for greater “empowerment” of the patient, reflected in the chief medical officer's call for more patient‐related outcome measures (PROM). This paper aims to bring together three‐linked studies.Design/methodology/approachFirst study: in 1999, the neurosurgical patient was seen as “expert” to identify PROM outcomes, based upon a patient and carer‐designed self‐administered postal questionnaire in a regional two‐year retrospective survey of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) patients with a 77 per cent response rate, designated treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) cohort (n=142).Second study: in the same region, following the implementing of the specialist neuro‐vascular nurse (SNVN), the SNVN recommendation was evaluated in a two‐year prospective study (n=184) that provided family‐specific psychosocial support and a continuity of care linking hospital and community; the response rate was 87 per cent. Third study: A re‐analysis of the national SAH study (n=2,380), by projecting the TAU and SNVN results onto clinically matched patients within the National cohort to estimate the potential “savings” if all 34 neurosurgical units had an SNVN type service.FindingsFirst study: respondents identified many psychosocial and fiscal problems but recommended a SNVN to reduce these difficulties. Second study: the TAU and SNVN patient's were a close clinical match and using the TAU as a control group, it was found that there were major psychosocial and fiscal benefits for SNVN patients and carers, who more speedily re‐established their lives.Third study: it was estimated that this would have produced major financial benefits, e.g. 4,165 fewer bed occupancy days, saving £2.5million; reduced time‐off work for patients and carers, saving £8.1million; and, after deducting cost of a national SNVN service, a combined saving for the service and families of an estimated £9.83 million p.a. Thus, addressing PROM outcomes, through an integrated psychosocial service in neurosurgery was cost‐effective, benefited families, the service, and the wider economy and should be a factor when considering pressurised departmental budgets.Originality/valueOverall, what the two regional studies and the re‐analysis of the national study showed was that there are benefits from treating the “patient as expert” and taking on board their agendas. There is a need for a more integrated approach to treatment and care that is of value to the service, patients, families and the wider economy.

Behavioural issues in maintenance of university buildings

University buildings require maintenance to create a suitable environment that supports and stimulates learning, teaching and innovation. This article is concerned with identifying, evaluating and categorizing the criteria of the university building users' value systems. The criteria of the user value system or VALUCRITE are those that are taken into account while making decisions on maintenance management to enhance user satisfaction. For this purpose, this article reviews the related literature and presents the outcome of a questionnaire survey. Questionnaires were administered to 550 university building users in Malaysia. Twelve criteria were addressed to the respondents measured on a five-point continuum scale. With 87 per cent response rate and a cumulative mean score of 4.0516, six of the criteria have an individual mean score more than the cumulative mean score. The data were both satisfactorily reliable and valid. A multiple regression analysis performed revealed that collectively the 12 criteria can significantly explain user satisfaction (F (12 439)=33.576; 0.05) Therefore, the criteria can actually be used as screened criteria to ensure users' optimum performance with the maintenance service of university buildings.