Practitioner Input Research Articles

SME website implementation factors in the hospitality industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on how quality factors impact website implementation for small and medium-sized hospitality enterprises (SMEs). Its objective is to define and explain the relevance of these factors and synthesize them in the context of a digital space roadmap for Dubai’s Vision 2020, as well as to identify potential routes to assist SME practitioners in implementation. Design/methodology/approach – Analyses literature on website implementation in the hospitality industry in relation to relevant themes, drawing from a range of journals and relevant industry sources. A link to trends for the future is established to illustrate the groundwork for website implementation factors and the digital roadmap. Practitioner input on the review is presented to augment the findings. Findings – The relevant aspects of SME website implementation and associated challenges are defined. Various quality-related factors such as website access, content, function and design should not be ignored by practitioners. It is suggested that these factors retain their relevance in the context of current trends, such as social, local and mobile communications. There is a need for academia and government bodies to provide comprehensive guidance to industry executives. Practical implications – Executives in the SME domain need to ensure that they take into consideration the factors pertaining to effective website implementation presented in the study, as they will likely positively influence their ability to extend their digital strategy into the future. Originality/value – This manuscript provides a practically oriented and engaging overview of SME website implementation factors for a wide audience and links them to newly emerging digital marketing concepts, thus attempting to fill a gap in the literature.

Development and usability testing of FOCUS: A smartphone system for self-management of schizophrenia.

Mobile Health (mHealth) approaches can support the rehabilitation of individuals with psychiatric conditions. In the current article, we describe the development of a smartphone illness self-management system for people with schizophrenia. The research was conducted with consumers and practitioners at a community-based rehabilitation agency. Stage 1: 904 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a survey reporting on their current use of mobile devices and interest in mHealth services. Eight practitioners completed a survey examining their attitudes and expectations from an mHealth intervention, and identified needs and potential obstacles. Stage 2: A multidisciplinary team incorporated consumer and practitioner input and employed design principles for the development of e-resources for people with schizophrenia to produce an mHealth intervention. Stage 3: 12 consumers participated in laboratory usability sessions. They performed tasks involved in operating the new system, and provided "think aloud" commentary and post-session usability ratings. 570 (63%) of survey respondents reported owning a mobile device and many expressed interest in receiving mHealth services. Most practitioners believed that consumers could learn to use and would benefit from an mHealth intervention. In response, we developed a smartphone system that targets medication adherence, mood regulation, sleep, social functioning, and coping with symptoms. Usability testing revealed several design vulnerabilities, and the system was adapted to address consumer needs and preferences accordingly. Through a comprehensive development process, we produced an mHealth illness self-management intervention that is likely to be used successfully, and is ready for deployment and systemic evaluation in real-world conditions.

Global logistics management curriculum: perspective from practitioners in Taiwan

PurposeThis study attempts to list and rank the necessary skills required of a global logistics professional based on objective evaluations from industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a novel mixed‐methods approach using elements of concept mapping (brainstorming, multi‐dimensional scaling, cluster analysis), and link analysis. Concept mapping through repeated brainstorming by industry practitioners helps to summarize the key skill required of an effective global logistician. The multidimensional scaling method and cluster analysis support the classification and weighting of the capabilities into nine clusters. Link analysis helps to evaluate the significance of the results and addresses the gap between industry and academic perceptions of the existing global logistics curriculum in Taiwan.FindingsIn dealing with globalization, a logistician needs to be able to integrate, communicate, and analyze from an international perspective, perform financial analysis, maintain good industry and customer relations, exhibit strong people skills, stay healthy, and understand laws and regulations. Significant differences exist between industry practitioners and educators. The former believe that cross‐functional marketing skills are critical and emphasize the importance of risk and financial management. In contrast, logistics educators consider the traditional logistics management skills, such as demand forecasting, sourcing, planning, and system integration, as key priorities.Research limitations/implicationsThere is room for research and theory on how to narrow the mismatch between the current logistics curricula in academia and practical requirements. Different pedagogical strategies and techniques can be further investigated to orchestrate an effective and balanced global logistics management course. One research limitation arises from the sample which is confined to Taiwan. Thus, the authors' findings may be constrained by local and cultural influences. Future research could extend to a large‐scale multi‐country data collection and analysis to reduce the possibility of cultural and context bias.Practical implicationsArming students with such important but diverse global logistics skills presents a challenge for logistics educators who need to find the right balance between breadth and depth of the modules. Educators and practitioners need to work closely together to co‐design and adapt the logistics curricula for a rapidly changing global environment. This will help to shorten the last stage from the classroom to the workplace by keeping abreast of the changes in industry and produce relevant logisticians without compromising on rigour.Originality/valueThe results provide a reference for educators keen on blending logistics education course design with practitioner inputs, to better develop global logistics capabilities. It also provides a reference to help prioritize what skills are important to be taught jointly in a module.

Examining Pregnant Women's Hostile Attributions About Infants as a Predictor of Offspring Maltreatment

Child maltreatment is a serious public health problem that disproportionately affects infants and toddlers. In the interest of informing prevention and intervention efforts, this study examined pregnant women's attributions about infants as a risk factor for child maltreatment and harsh parenting during their children's first and second years. We also provide specific methods for practitioners to assess hostile attributions. To evaluate pregnant women's hostile attributions about infants as a risk factor for early child maltreatment and harsh parenting. Prospective longitudinal study. A small Southeastern city and its surrounding county. A diverse, community-based sample of 499 pregnant women. Official records of child maltreatment and mother-reported harsh parenting behaviors. Hostile attributions were examined in terms of women's beliefs about infants' negative intentions (eg, the extent to which infants purposefully dirty their diapers). Mothers' hostile attributions increased the likelihood that their child would be maltreated by the age of 26 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26 [90% CI, 1.02-1.56]). Mothers who made more hostile attributions during pregnancy reported engaging in more harsh parenting behaviors when their children were toddlers (β = 0.14, P < .05). Both associations were robust to the inclusion of 7 psychosocial covariates. AND RELEVANCE: A pregnant woman's hostile attributions about infant's intentions signal risk for maltreatment and harsh parenting of her child during the first years of life. Practitioners' attention to women's hostile attributions may help identify those in need of immediate practitioner input and/or referral to parenting services.

Method for appraising model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathic treatment: multi-rater concordance study.

BackgroundA method for assessing the model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy is needed. To date, only conventional standards for assessing intrinsic bias (internal validity) of trials have been invoked, with little recognition of the special characteristics of homeopathy. We aimed to identify relevant judgmental domains to use in assessing the model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT). We define MVHT as the extent to which a homeopathic intervention and the main measure of its outcome, as implemented in a randomised controlled trial (RCT), reflect 'state-of-the-art' homeopathic practice.MethodsUsing an iterative process, an international group of experts developed a set of six judgmental domains, with associated descriptive criteria. The domains address: (I) the rationale for the choice of the particular homeopathic intervention; (II) the homeopathic principles reflected in the intervention; (III) the extent of homeopathic practitioner input; (IV) the nature of the main outcome measure; (V) the capability of the main outcome measure to detect change; (VI) the length of follow-up to the endpoint of the study. Six papers reporting RCTs of homeopathy of varying design were randomly selected from the literature. A standard form was used to record each assessor's independent response per domain, using the optional verdicts 'Yes', 'Unclear', 'No'. Concordance among the eight verdicts per domain, across all six papers, was evaluated using the kappa (κ) statistic.ResultsThe six judgmental domains enabled MVHT to be assessed with 'fair' to 'almost perfect' concordance in each case. For the six RCTs examined, the method allowed MVHT to be classified overall as 'acceptable' in three, 'unclear' in two, and 'inadequate' in one.ConclusionFuture systematic reviews of RCTs in homeopathy should adopt the MVHT method as part of a complete appraisal of trial validity.

Summing up key challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India

PurposeThis paper aims to review and summarize the theme issue outcomes in relation to the strategic question: What are the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India?Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the findings of the theme issue contributors to identify industry developments from a global perspective and to explore the implications for research, policy and practice relating to the industry's development in India.FindingsThis paper reviews the main findings and relates these to the key issues and challenges and the implications for policy makers and industry practitioners.Practical implicationsThe theme issue draws extensively on roundtable discussions with senior level practitioners so as to balance the analysis drawn from published sources.Originality/valueIndia's hospitality industry is developing rapidly and yet there is limited data relating to these developments. This theme issue draws extensively on practitioner inputs and published sources to provide an authoritative contribution that addresses the Indian context and additionally explores the implications for other developing economies.

Challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India: an introduction

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce the theme issue and the reasons for focusing on the strategic question: “What are the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an introduction to the scope of the global hospitality industry and the key issues and challenges, especially as they relate to the industry's development in India.FindingsThe paper profiles the approach adopted by theme issue contributors and their respective contributions to addressing the strategic question.Practical implicationsThe theme issue draws extensively on roundtable discussions with senior level practitioners so as to balance the analysis drawn from published sources.Originality/valueIndia's hospitality industry is developing rapidly and yet there is limited data relating to these developments. This theme issue draws extensively on practitioner inputs and published sources to provide an authoritative contribution that addresses the Indian context and additionally explores the implications for other developing economies.

Scoring System Approach for Assessment of Critical Illness using Mobile Phones

This paper demonstrates the use of mobile phones in assessing the illness of patients by developing a Scoring System where medical practitioners (often nurses) collect various physiological signals like ECG, EEG, SpO2, temperature, continuous blood pressure and subjective parameters like level of pain, level of alertness, awareness, behavioral responses etc. After taking the data, a scoring system is utilized for early detection of critical illnesses. The mechanism of scoring is performed either manually, where the medical practitioner ticks on to a scoring board or is automated by relocating the information from scoring board to a PC, where the software performs the scoring calculation. In the proposed system, the medical practitioner inputs the parameters directly on to their mobile phone by collecting the parameters from the patient. The score is automatically calculated by miniature java based software running inside the mobile phone. Based on the score, level of urgency is determined by the intelligent program. At the end, specialists are contacted automatically by messaging services. Moreover, the results of the scoring are transmitted to the hospital server. Therefore, assistance from civilians with mobile phone based medical intelligence can save precious life.

Monitoring spatial planning policies: towards an analytical, adaptive, and spatial approach to a ‘wicked problem’

This paper considers the complex issue of how to monitor spatial planning policies. Unlike some forms of spatial policy intervention (eg, area-based urban policy), spatial planning is not time or space bound and is therefore more difficult to assess. Furthermore, it is imbued with a variety of normative and political complexities which frustrate attempts to understand whether or not it is ‘working’. Therefore, we suggest an alternative approach to monitoring what is in many ways a ‘wicked problem’. The paper begins with an overview of past and present approaches to policy monitoring before moving on to consider the nature of spatial planning and the use of indicators as monitoring tools. Strategic indicator bundles are then explained with reference to practitioner input. The twin issues of spatial context and spatial flows are discussed before we reflect upon the implications of such an approach for monitoring spatial planning policy in practice.

Validation of E-Commerce Portal Service Quality Scale in E-Government Portal

Research on digital government focus mainly was hitherto on strategic implementation of government services, without an accountability of service quality expected by the users. Good service quality helps in return users and thus can enhance the usage of e-government services. Very few studies which have been done on e-government service quality. Researchers generally adopt multidimensional scale proposed for e-commerce to measure the e-service quality of government projects. But are the two comparable? An empirical research based on conceptual model in this paper highlights to what extent an e-commerce model can be implemented to evaluate the service quality of government digital services offered over the internet. The findings have been explained, which can serve as a valuable input for researchers and practitioners to understand user perceived service quality for e-government portals. The study was based on an Indian Government portal and might be a limitation for taking a holistic approach to address the issues existing in government portals of different countries.

Collaboration between all restorative fields is needed to heal a ‘world of wounds’

Collaboration between all restorative fields is needed to heal a ‘world of wounds’

Practitioner involvement in teaching LIS at UWE

PurposeThis paper aims to review the practitioner‐based teaching model for the MSc in Information and Library Management (ILM) at the University of the West of England (UWE). With input from students, practitioners and academics it considers the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and questions whether this is indeed the way forward for LIS education.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used with views gained from students, practitioners and academic staff involved in the course. These views were gained from a combination of informal focus groups, informal interviews and a short e‐mail questionnaire asking current students their views on practitioner involvement in the course.FindingsFindings reveal a model of practitioner‐based learning on the MSc ILM at UWE, which is meeting student and employer needs in terms of the skills they require in their future roles. Findings also raise questions as to how one can best ensure the involvement of practitioners in the future of the course; whether practitioner input is needed from a broader range of roles outside the library and information service; and how one can best maintain a balance of academic and practical skills.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that more thought may be needed on securing practitioner involvement in the development and delivery of LIS education and further consideration on whether some of that involvement should be from a wider range of roles.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the need to consider how to best ensure the ongoing involvement of practitioners in LIS education, particularly those outside academic libraries, whilst maintaining the balance of academic rigour. It is valuable to those involved in designing and delivering course content and to those thinking about getting involved.

School-linked sexual health services for young people (SSHYP): a survey and systematic review concerning current models, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and research opportunities

Report based on a service-mapping study and a systematic review concerning sexual health services for young people, either based in or closely linked to schools. To identify current forms of school-based sexual health services (SBSHS) and school-linked sexual health services (SLSHS) in the UK, review and synthesise existing evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies concerning the effectiveness, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of these types of service and to identify potential areas for further research. Electronic databases were searched from 1985 onwards. For published material: the Cochrane Library (1991-), MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE (2007-), CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, ASSIA (1987-), IBSS, ERIC, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index (SCI) and Social Sciences Citation Index. For unpublished material and grey literature: the Social Care Institute of Excellence Research Register; the National Research Register (1997-), ReFeR; Index to Theses, and HMIC. A service-mapping questionnaire was circulated to school nurses in all parts of the UK, and semistructured telephone interviews with service coordinators in NHS and local authority (LA) roles were conducted. An evidence synthesis was performed based on a systematic review of the quantitative evidence about service effectiveness, qualitative evidence about user and professional views and a mixed-methods synthesis. A proof-of-concept model for assessing cost-effectiveness was drawn up. Three broad types of UK sexual health service provision were identified. Firstly, SBSHS staffed by school nurses, offering 'minimal' or 'basic' levels of service. Secondly, SBSHS and SLSHS staffed by a multiprofessional team, but not medical practitioners, offering 'basic' or 'intermediate' levels of service. Thirdly, SBSHS and SLSHS staffed by a multiprofessional team, including medical practitioners offering 'intermediate' or 'comprehensive' levels of service. The systematic review showed that SBSHS are not associated with higher rates of sexual activity among young people, nor with an earlier age of first intercourse. There was evidence to show positive effects in terms of reductions in births to teenage mothers, and in chlamydial infection rates among young men, although this evidence coming primarily from the USA. Therefore, the findings need to be tested in relation to UK-based services. Also evidence to suggest that broad-based, holistic service models, not restricted to sexual health, offer the strongest basis for protecting young people's privacy and confidentiality, countering perceived stigmatisation, offering the most comprehensive range of products and services, and maximising service uptake. Findings from the mapping study also indicate that broad-based services, which include medical practitioner input within a multiprofessional team, meet the stated preferences of staff and of young people most clearly. Partnership-based developments of this kind also conform to the broad policy principles embodied in the Every Child Matters framework in the UK and allied policy initiatives. However, neither these service models nor narrower ones have been rigorously evaluated in terms of their impact on the key outcomes of conception rates and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, in the UK or in other countries. Therefore, appropriate data were not found to support cost-effectiveness modelling. Low response rate to the questionnaire. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were under-represented. Also, the distinction made in the questionnaire between 'general health' and 'sexual health' services did not prove robust. There is no single, dominant service model in the UK. The systematic review demonstrated that the evidence base for these services remains limited and uneven, and draws largely on US studies. Qualitative research is needed to develop robust process and outcome indicators for the evaluation of SLSHS/SBSHS in the UK. These indicators could then be used both in local evaluations, and in large, longitudinal studies of service effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Future research should examine the impact of the differing types of services currently evolving in the UK, encompassing school-based and school-linked models, as well as models with and without medical practitioner involvement.

The development of a competency framework for pharmacists providing cancer services

Health practitioners should possess relevant, up to date skills and be able to perform within their required scope of practice to ensure that they are competent. Maintaining the competency of health care professionals is a key principle of clinical governance and risk management. The aim of this project was to develop a competency framework for pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care to cancer patients. An initial draft framework was developed based on existing documentation and adapted to the needs of Queensland Health (QH) facilities. Pharmacists in QH and interstate were asked to review the framework for content and applicability. Cancer care pharmacists in QH were invited to evaluate and score the usefulness and relevance of the final framework. The framework consists of competency clusters, which describe core activities within three areas: patient care competencies, knowledge competencies, and advanced level competencies. The characteristics of the levels of practice at foundation, advanced, and consultant are defined. Twelve pharmacists evaluated the framework by self-assessing their own practice. Respondents reported that the framework was very to somewhat reflective of what they usually do and gave overall support for the content and applicability to practice. The framework has been developed using national and international documents and the input of experienced practitioners across Australia. It represents a set of key competencies for the pharmaceutical delivery of cancer care. The next essential step of the competency framework is to implement and integrate the framework into practice and to develop accompanying training tools.

Following up Fighting Fit

This article presents findings on the long-term impact of health practitioner input to reduce obesity amongst adults with intellectual disabilities. Body mass index (BMI) was measured for an input group (N = 33) and a comparison group (N = 40) 6 years after the input group first received input. Data on BMI were collected at baseline, 6 months, 1 year and 6 years. Mean BMI for the input group reduced steadily over 6 years. Mean BMI in the non-input group rose initially, stabilized and then decreased (although remaining higher than at baseline). The input group demonstrated improvements in obesity levels and lost more weight than the non-input group. However, the differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. This and the improvements in BMI within the non-input group may be due to the relatively small sample size, effect size and the impact of other local initiatives.

Supporting instructors in innovation: a three‐component approach

PurposeThis paper seeks to advance an approach to supporting instructors in adopting new models of teaching, particularly when new technology is involved. The approach comprises three components: conceptual principles underpinning new learning models; process by which instructors are supported in understanding and applying principles; and a technological platform which facilitates sharing of experiences and knowledge about the process and outcomes of innovation (3Ps approach).Design/methodology/approachThe design research methodology involved joint identification of problems with practitioners (target users of the approach), iterative testing of solutions in real‐world settings and refining them based on practitioner input. Data collection methods involved walkthroughs, a questionnaire‐based survey, and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe 3P approach was evaluated in relation to the key requirements – validity, practicality, and systemic aspects. The findings show that the approach is valid and practical in terms of its purpose of enhancing knowledge sharing and peer learning within and across the subject disciplines, as well as in terms of enabling contextualised professional development. However, sustainability and ease of adoption of the approach were perceived by instructors as somewhat problematic. Organisational and cultural factors that could impact the sustainability of the approach were identified.Practical implicationsIt is argued that the 3Ps approach could enable eliciting reflections on and instruments for successful practice and provide a forum for sharing, discussing or extending practice.Originality/valueThis generic approach could be adapted to support professional development of instructors in a range of different contexts, both in companies and in educational institutions.

Accountable and Countable: Information Management Systems and the Bureaucratization of Social Work

A key feature of new public management is the tendency to equate quality and accountability with documentation (Tsui and Cheung, 2004). Human service organizations increasingly rely on computer databases to compile and record client information and to demonstrate outcomes for quality assurance and accountability purposes. This has resulted in substantial changes in work practices, processes and relationships for social workers. This paper draws on interview data from social workers in several Australian agencies to examine professional interactions with, and response to, changes in their work after the introduction of new technologies. It particularly focuses on the shift of accountabilities from professional values and identities to organizational and bureaucratic accountabilities. The paper recognizes that while social workers have always been subject to organizational accountabilities, due to the changes in social service delivery and limited practitioner input into the implementation of new technologies, tensions between professional and bureaucratic accountabilities have intensified.

Fighting fit?

People with learning disabilities are at high risk of obesity and consequent health risks. This study aimed to (1) describe levels of obesity for adults supported by learning disability services, and to (2) evaluate the effectiveness of health practitioner input with individuals with learning disabilities. Body mass index (BMI) was measured at 6 month intervals and change in BMI over time was compared between a non-input group and a group receiving practitioner input to improve healthy living. Initially 35 percent of the non-input sample was classified as clinically obese. Mean BMI increased over time for the non-input group at first, but decreased for the group that received practitioner input. The differences in weight change between the two groups reached statistical significance with a greater weight reduction in the input group. Implications for service provision are discussed.

The measurement of quality management culture in schools: development and validation of the SQMCS

This paper reports on the development and validation of a survey instrument for measuring the culture of Quality Management (QM) in K-12 educational settings. The intent was to develop an instrument that would tap both the behavioral norms and the underlying values and beliefs associated with a Quality culture. The process used in the development and honing of this measurement instrument included theory review, qualitative data analysis, practitioner input, and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Measures of fit and interpretability as well as reliability and validity evidence suggest the iteratively derived survey largely achieves the goal of providing verified scales for evaluating multiple aspects of a school’s Quality culture.

Revising the HR curriculum: an academic/practitioner partnership

In an effort to revise an undergraduate human resource management (HRM) curriculum and improve the relevance of the students’ learning, a collaborative effort between human resource management practitioners and HRM faculty was launched. The result was the design of a project‐based, action learning curriculum blending the knowledge acquisition that has historically been the outcome of university classroom training with the application that is so critical to effective functioning in the HRM work world. The paper provides guidance for others planning to improve the relevance of their curricula. The template presented in this paper emphasizes practitioner input, a willingness to adopt creative approaches to student learning, development of specific measurable outcomes, observable demonstrations of the learning of those outcomes and the creation of relevant, appropriate projects. Follow‐up comments after one year of experience with the newly revised curriculum are also included.