Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 2001"

Performance management in construction: a conceptual framework

Abstract: This paper presents a review of the literature on performance management and measurement in various industries with the aim of transferring best practice into construction. A framework is presented which ensures that effective strategies are deployed to form the performance management system that construction organizations can adopt. The performance measurement process (conceptual) framework (PMPF) adopts the balanced scorecard (BSC) with the addition of a number of elements and perspectives. It rationalizes the relationships between performance measures and goals derived from strategy, so the impact of those measures on an organization's performance can be examined and analysed to indicate potential areas for improvement

Ordinary, ambivalent and defensive: class identities in the Northwest of England

Abstract: This paper uses data gathered from an ESRC funded research project on social networks, social capital and lifestyle to provide an account of contemporary class identities derived from 178 in-depth interviews carried out in the Manchester area between 1997 and 1999. We use this data to unpack the ambivalent nature of contemporary class identities. We argue that despite the diversity of the sample, a number of common elements characterize people’s attitudes to class. People are more hesitant in placing themselves in classes than they are about talking class as a social and political issue. Most people wish to see themselves as ‘outside’ classes. Even so, class is a marker by which people relate their life histories, and most people are aware of class terminology. The major division in our sample is between those with the cultural capital to play reflexively with ideas of class, and those who lack these resources and feel threatened by the implications of relating class to their own personal identities. This latter group are mainly concerned to establish their own ‘ordinariness’, which we read as a defensive device to avoid the politics of being labelled in class terms. Both middle-class and working-class identities can be used to establish ordinariness. We argue that sociologists should not assume that there is any necessary significance in how respondents define their class identity in surveys. We use these findings to take forward debates deriving from Bourdieu regarding class identity.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in the Renal Patient

Abstract: Physiologically, left ventricular hypertrophy is primarily an adaptive remodeling process, compensating for an increase in workload placed on the heart with the aim of minimizing ventricular wall stress. Two contrasting models of adaptation may develop depending on the patterns of stress imposed.

A framework for managing maintenance using performance measurement systems

Abstract: The role of maintenance in modern manufacturing is becoming ever more important, with companies adopting maintenance as a profit-generating business element. As a result, traditional terms used to describe maintenance such as “necessary evil” seem to be obsolete. It would appear that the aim of the maintenance function is to contribute towards an organisation’s profit, clearly bringing the need for maintenance operations to be in harmony with corporate business objectives. As the measurement activity provides the link between the actual output and the desired results, performance measurement systems are crucial to those who have a stake in maintenance, to ensure that they are not in conflict with the overall business needs. This paper looks at the role of performance measurement systems (PMS) in maintenance, with particular reference to developing a new PMS using the quality function deployment (QFD) technique. First, a literature review on performance measurement is presented, in which the key factors for an effective PMS are identified. Second, common PMSs for maintenance are examined. Then, based on the principles of an effective PMS a discussion on PMSs is presented, when applied to the maintenance function. Next, a framework is developed to embrace these key facets, which is followed by a discussion of its practical implications, in the light of its application within a SME.

Vagal afferent responses to fatty acids of different chain length in the rat

Abstract: The role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the effect of dietary lipid on proximal gastrointestinal function and satiety is controversial. Recent work suggests that fatty acid chain length may be a deter...

Leadership in higher education

Abstract: Higher education establishments are undergoing a phenomenal amount of change driven by the various stakeholders (e.g. Government, students and local communities). Traditionally, universities have been governed on a collegiate basis, focusing on developing knowledge both in the students attending and through research activities. This has promoted a very insular environment, with reward (e.g. promotion, etc.) given to those individuals excelling in a particular field. Universities now have to conduct their activities in a more business-like manner and, as such, need a concerted effort by all to succeed. Academics and support staff struggle, on occasions, to identify what it is they are trying to do and even to identify who the customers are. This paper will investigate the role of leadership in creating vision, communicating policy and deploying strategy throughout a higher education establishment. The European Foundation for Quality Management's Excellence Model will be examined as a possible vehicle for i...

Case study methodology as a means of theory building: performance measurement in facilities management organisations

Abstract: Uses a research study (involving case study analysis of performance measurement in facilities management organisations) to describes the process of theory building. From this study it draws out lessons about research strategies – from specifying the research questions to reaching closure – and about the strengths and weaknesses of case study method as a research tool.

The grading of hallux valgus. The Manchester Scale.

Abstract: This article describes a new, noninvasive method of assessing the severity of hallux valgus deformity by means of a set of standardized photographs. Six podiatrists were independently asked to grade the level of deformity of 13 subjects (26 feet) on a scale of 1 (no deformity) to 4 (severe deformity). The reliability of the four-point scale for the severity of hallux valgus was investigated by means of kappa-type statistics for more than two raters. The results showed that the grading method had excellent interobserver repeatability with a combined kappa-type statistic of 0.86, making it a suitable instrument for clinical and research purposes.

A stage maturity model for enterprise resource planning systems use

Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems dominate the information technology landscape of many companies. Organizations are at different stages in the implementation process ranging from the initial analysis of implementation options, through completed standard implementations and to the sophisticated exploitation of ERP systems using advanced knowledge management, customer relationship management and supply chain management systems. The authors present a maturity model for ERP systems that identifies three stages and this is illustrated using case data selected from the study which is based on 24 organizations in the US and Europe. In Stage 1, organizations are managing legacy systems and starting the ERP project. In Stage 2, implementation is complete and the functionality of the ERP system is being exploited across the organization. In Stage 3, organizations have normalised the ERP system into the organization and are engaged in the process of obtaining strategic value from the system by using additional systems such as customer relationship management, knowledge management and supply chain planning. It is shown that the organizations follow an S-shaped curve, and that most companies are in the middle stage. An analysis of the implications for organizations at each stage of the maturity model is presented which will be of value to practising managers. The implications are categorised as impacts on cost, entropy, complexity, flexibility and strategic competitiveness.

Relationship between anxiety, depression, and morbidity in adult asthma patients

Abstract: BACKGROUND Symptoms of disease reported by patients reflect the effects of the disease process within the individual and the person9s physical and mental ability to tolerate or otherwise cope with the limitations on their functioning. This study examines the relationship between asthma symptoms, disease severity, and psychological status in patients being managed in routine primary healthcare settings. METHODS One hundred and fourteen subjects from four GP practices, two inner city and two suburban, were studied. Symptoms were assessed by means of the Asthma Quality of Life questionnaire (AQLQ) and a locally devised Q score, and psychological status with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Spirometric values and details of current asthma treatment (BTS asthma guidelines treatment step) were recorded as markers of asthma severity. RESULTS Symptoms as measured by AQLQ correlated with peak expiratory flow ( r S = 0.40) and with BTS guidelines treatment step ( r S = 0.25). Similarly, the Q score correlated with peak expiratory flow ( r S = 0.44) and with BTS guidelines treatment step ( r S = 0.42). Similar levels of correlation of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) with symptoms were reported. HAD anxiety and depression scores also correlated to a similar extent with these two symptom scores, but there was hardly any correlation with lung function. Logistic regression analysis showed that HAD scores help to explain symptom scores over and above the effects of lung function and BTS guidelines treatment step. Symptoms, depression, and anxiety were higher for inner city patients while little difference was observed in objective measures of asthma. CONCLUSIONS Asthma guidelines suggest that changing levels of symptoms should be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. These data suggest that reported symptoms may be misleading and unreliable because they may reflect non-asthma factors that cannot be expected to respond to changes in asthma treatment.

Process improvement through performance measurement: the balanced scorecard methodology

Abstract: One of the hallmarks of leading‐edge organisations – be they public or private – has been the successful application of performance measurement to gain insight into, and make judgements about, the organisation, and the effectiveness and efficiency of its programmes, processes, and people. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a widely used management framework for the measurement of organisational performance. The BSC concept suggests that the state of processes of an organisation can be best assessed by taking a “balanced” view across a range of performance measures. This article seeks to offer an insight into the BSC, the key features of the concept and issues that must be addressed in its implementation as a process improvement technique. Further, it identifies the BSC methodology as a means of deploying strategic direction, communicating expectations, and measuring progress towards agreed objectives.

Novel syntheses of cis and trans isomers of combretastatin A-4

Abstract: A high-yielding, two-step stereoselective synthesis of the anticancer drug (Z)-combretastatin A-4 (1) has been devised. The method uses the Perkin condensation of 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylacetic acid and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde followed by decarboxylation of the cinnamic acid intermediate using copper and quinoline. The iodine-catalyzed isomerization of the Z isomer 1 results in complete conversion to the E isomer. The Suzuki cross-coupling of an aryl boronic acid and vinyl bromide has also been successfully employed to produce both Z and E isomers of combretastatin A-4 stereoselectively. Both methods are far superior to the current five-step Wittig synthesis in which both isomers are produced nonstereoselectively.

Modulation of Human T Cell Responses and Macrophage Functions by Onchocystatin, a Secreted Protein of the Filarial Nematode Onchocerca volvulus

Abstract: Immune responses of individuals infected with filarial nematodes are characterized by a marked cellular hyporesponsiveness and a shift of the cytokine balance toward a Th2/Th3 response. This modulation of cellular immune responses is considered as an important mechanism to avoid inflammatory immune responses that could eliminate the parasites. We investigated the immunomodulatory potential of a secreted cysteine protease inhibitor (onchocystatin) of the human pathogenic filaria Onchocerca volvulus. Recombinant onchocystatin (rOv17), a biologically active cysteine protease inhibitor that inhibited among others the human cysteine proteases cathepsins L and S, suppressed the polyclonally stimulated and the Ag-driven proliferation of human PBMC. Stimulated as well as unstimulated PBMC in the presence of rOv17 produced significantly more IL-10, which was paralleled in some situations by a decrease of IL-12p40 and preceded by an increase of TNF-alpha. At the same time, rOv17 reduced the expression of HLA-DR proteins and of the costimulatory molecule CD86 on human monocytes. Neutralization of IL-10 by specific Abs restored the expression of HLA-DR and CD86, whereas the proliferative block remained unaffected. Depletion of monocytes from the PBMC reversed the rOv17-induced cellular hyporeactivity, indicating monocytes to be the target cells of immunomodulation. Therefore, onchocystatin has the potential to contribute to a state of cellular hyporesponsiveness and is a possible pathogenicity factor essential for the persistence of O. volvulus within its human host.

Towards a description of trilingual competence

Abstract: Most studies involving trilingualism have been carried out within the theoretical framework of bilingualism research. No attempt has been made to delimit trilingualism as a concept in its own right, and often it has been assumed to be an extension of bilingualism. In young children, trilingual language acquisition largely follows the path of bilingual acquisition. With regard to language behavior there are again similarities, but certain differences can be observed. As an overview of studies of individual trilingualism, the present article aims to provide a framework for the discussion. Models of bilingual language competence serve as a starting point to an investigation of possible defining features of trilingual competence. Of particular interest are the pragmatic component of language competence; the trilingual's ability to make appropriate linguistic choices in monolingual/bilingual/ trilingual communication modes; and observed codeswitching. The question of how and when a trilingual's languages become activated or deactivated leads to a consideration of language processing and metalinguistic awareness. In the absence of research involving trilinguals, bilingual models are examined with a view to pointing out possible similarities and differences. It is suggested that these are both of a quantitative and qualitative kind, and therefore trilingual competence is distinct from bilingual competence.

Efficacy of sirolimus (rapamycin) administered concomitantly with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin in the treatment of severe psoriasis: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Background The identification of a highly potent immunosuppressive/antiproliferative agent with an acceptable toxicity profile has long been a goal for the management of severe plaque psoriasis. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus (Rapamune) for severe psoriasis when given alone or in association with cyclosporin. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, eight parallel group, pilot study in 24 out-patient centres in seven European countries, 150 patients, 18 years and older, with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were given sirolimus 0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 mg m(-2) daily for 8 weeks, either alone or in association with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin (1.25 mg kg(-1) daily). Cyclosporin 5 mg kg(-1) daily was the positive control and cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily the negative control. The primary efficacy variable was the mean percentage reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Safety assessments included monitoring of adverse events, clinical laboratory parameters and sirolimus/cyclosporin blood concentrations. Results The greatest mean percentage decreases in PASI were seen with cyclosporin 5.0 mg kg(-1) daily (70.5%) and with sirolimus 3.0 mg m(-2) daily + cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily (63.7%). Both groups demonstrated significantly better results than cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily (mean decrease 33.4%). Serum creatinine levels were significantly lower for groups with sirolimus alone and sirolimus plus reduced-dose cyclosporin when compared with cyclosporin 5.0 mg kg(-1) daily. Adverse events associated with sirolimus included thrombocytopenia (5%), hyperlipidaemia (9%), aphthous stomatitis (9%) and acne (13%), whereas adverse events associated with cyclosporin included hot flushes (12%), hyperlipidaemia (9%) and increased serum creatinine (9%). Conclusions The concomitant administration of sirolimus with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin in severe psoriasis may permit a reduction in their respective toxicities, notably cyclosporin-induced nephrotoxicity.

ERP and best of breed: a comparative analysis

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is the dominant strategic platform for supporting enterprise‐wide business processes. However, it has been criticised for being inflexible and not meeting specific organisation and industry requirements. An alternative, best of breed (BoB), integrates components of standard package and/or custom software. The objective is to develop enterprise systems that are more closely aligned with the business processes of an organisation. A case study of a BoB implementation facilitates a comparative analysis of the issues associated with this strategy and the single vendor ERP alternative. The paper illustrates the differences in complexity of implementation, levels of functionality, business process alignment potential and associated maintenance.

Factors affecting successful implementation of high performance teams

Abstract: Agrees that the evidence of a vast array of research concerning teamwork is conclusive: teams are capable of outstanding performance and are the primary unit of performance for increasing numbers of organisations. Nevertheless, high performance teams (HPTs) are a rarity. Presents the results of collaborative research aimed at determining the factors affecting successful implementation of HPTs. The factors have been derived from literature on teamwork, quality management, and a review of case study literature. This research has led to the development of a model for the successful implementation of HPTs, which has been tested through a case study organisation. Furthermore, the results were used to develop an implementation program aimed at rejuvenating team performance in UK small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises.

Time-resolved Langmuir probe measurements at the substrate position in a pulsed mid-frequency DC magnetron plasma

Abstract: The time evolution of the electron density Ne, effective electron temperature Teff, floating Vf and plasma potential Vp has been measured using a Langmuir probe in a mid-frequency bipolar pulsed DC magnetron system. The measurements were made at the position of the substrate for pulse frequencies of 50 and 100 kHz, and a duty cycle of 80%. Non-reactive sputtering of an Al target in argon at a pressure of 0.27 Pa was performed. On the application of the duty power ('pulse on'), a burst of 'hot' or 'beam-like electrons' are detected with Teff~20 and 8 eV for pulse frequencies of 50 and 100 kHz, respectively. Approximately 1 mus later, secondary energetic, but cooler groups are seen. During the rest of the duty cycle, Teff remains roughly constant, however, above the value obtained in the DC equivalent conditions, (there is a 25% increase in time-averaged value of Teff at 50 kHz and 33% at 100 kHz). During the positive voltage reversal ('pulse off'), Teff decays slowly with a characteristic cooling time of approximately 20 mus. However, in this phase, Ne falls by approximately an order of magnitude with a decay time constant of approximately 1 mus. As well as electron heating, measurements show pulsing the discharge increases the time averaged electron density, (21% at 50 kHz and 18% at 100 kHz). The presence of energetic electrons detected at the probe is discussed in terms of their acceleration in the rapidly expanding cathode sheath and subsequent transport both along and across the magnetic field. A simple model for the observed net electron heating due to pulsing of the cathode sheath is proposed and the effect of denser and more energetic plasmas on the flux and energy flux of impinging ions at the substrate is also discussed.

The maintenance implications of the customization of ERP software

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a dominant approach for dealing with legacy information system problems. In order to avoid invalidating maintenance and development support from the ERP vendor, most organizations reengineer their business processes in line with those implicit within the software. Regardless, some customization is typically required. This paper presents two case studies of ERP projects where customizations have been performed. The case analysis suggests that while customizations can give true organizational benefits, careful consideration is required to determine whether a customization is viable given its potential impact upon future maintenance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Muco‐cutaneous retinoid‐effects and facial erythema related to the novel triazole antifungal agent voriconazole

Abstract: Voriconazole is a new azole antifungal drug with activity against a wide range of systemic fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus spp. Five patients with chronic invasive aspergillosis were treated for 12-58 weeks with voriconazole, 200 mg twice daily and developed facial erythema and cheilitis. One who received 58 weeks of therapy also developed discoid lupus erythematosus-like lesions on both sides of her neck. Both erythema and cheilitis resolved after discontinuation of voriconazole. Serum retinoids were elevated in the three patients in whom they were measured. Voriconazole has the potential for retinoid-like side-effects and facial erythema.

Psychological influences in psoriasis

Abstract: It has long been recognized that living with a chronic condition, such as psoriasis, can have considerable impact on the individual concerned. In turn there is increased understanding that the psychological distress encountered as a result of this experience can have implications for the course of the disease. This short review takes this as a starting point and reviews psychological influences in psoriasis. The nature of the link between psoriasis and stress is explored and its implications for the patient are discussed in psychological and clinical terms. There seems little doubt that stress, either environmental or psoriasis induced, impacts on our patients and has important implications for the management of psoriasis.