Tipping the scales: ambidexterity practices on e-HRM projects

Purpose: We examine and conceptualise the ways in which a balance can be achieved between optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic HRM (e-HRM) systems for human resource management (HRM) and enabling innovation to occur during the system implementation. Design/methodology/approach: An intepretive case study of a UK local authority e-HRM system implementation is examined using the notion of ambidexterity as an analytical device. Ambidexterity relates to how an organisation develops the ability to operate efficiently in the now, while at the same time being able to adapt to environmental changes around and ahead of them in order to grow into the future. Findings: As an intra-organisational capability, ambidexterity is found to derive from the simultaneous interplay and balancing of dual capabilities: exploitation and exploration.. E-HRM exploitation concerned the capability to generate new knowledge with innovatory effects, created through the everyday practices performed by practitioners at all levels in the organisation. E-HRM exploration, rather than being a purposeful act, was found to be an accidental consequence of engaging in exploitation to maintain the status quo. Originality/value: There is a lack of detailed investigation of how organisations actually achieve ambidexterity, particularly in three under-researched areas: ambidexterity in the public sector, at HR functional level and e-HRM systems implementation. Bundling these three areas into an integrated examination allows us to both identify how exploitation and exploration play out in the ambidextrous practices of an e-HRM project and also to identify the dimensions of ambidexterity in balancing e-HRM work

A randomised trial of an internet weight control resource: The UK Weight Control Trial [ISRCTN58621669]

BACKGROUND: Obesity treatment is notoriously unsuccessful and one of the barriers to successful weight loss reported by patients is a lack of social support. The Internet offers a novel and fast approach to the delivery of health information, enabling 24-hour access to help and advice. However, much of the health information available on the Internet is unregulated or not written by qualified health professionals to provide unbiased information. The proposed study aims to compare a web-based weight loss package with traditional dietary treatment of obesity in participants. The project aims to deliver high quality information to the patient and to evaluate the effectiveness of this information, both in terms of weight loss outcomes and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: This study is a randomised controlled trial of a weight loss package against usual care provided within General Practice (GP) surgeries in Leeds, UK. Participants will be recruited via posters placed in participating practices. A target recruitment figure of 220 will enable 180 people to be recruited (allowing for 22% dropout). Participants agreeing to take part in the study will be randomly allocated using minimisation to either the intervention group, receiving access to the Internet site, or the usual care group. The primary outcome of the study will be the ability of the package to promote change in BMI over 6 and 12 months compared with traditional treatment. Secondary outcomes will be the ability of the Internet package to promote change in reported lifestyle behaviours. Data will be collected on participant preferences, adherence to treatment, health care use and time off work. Difference in cost between groups in provision of the intervention and the cost of the primary outcome will also be estimated. CONCLUSION: A positive result from this study would enhance the repertoire of treatment approaches available for the management of obesity. A negative result would be used to inform the research agenda and contribute to redefining future strategies for tackling obesity

Evaluating the role of Cardiac Genetics Nurses in inherited cardiac conditions services using a Maturity Matrix

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and genetic risk factors play a role in nearly all such cases. In the UK, health service capacity to meet either current or future estimated needs of people affected by inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) is inadequate. In 2008 the British Heart Foundation funded nine three-year Cardiac Genetic Nurses (CGN) posts across England and Wales to enhance ICC services. The CGNs were experienced cardiac nurses who had additional training in genetics and acted to coordinate cardiac and genetics service activities. Aim: To create and apply a framework against which progress in ICC service improvement could be measured over time following the CGN appointments. Methods: A performance grid (Maturity Matrix) articulating standards in 5 domains against stages of ICC service development was created by stakeholders through a consensus approach. The Maturity Matrix (MM) was used to guide staged self-assessments by the CGNs between 2009-2011. A 6-point scale was used to locate progress from ‘emerging’ to ‘established’, represented graphically by spider diagrams. Results: Progress in all domains was significant for new, emerging and established services. It was most notable for effective utilisation of care pathways and efficient running of clinics. Commitment to family-centred care was evident. Conclusion: The ICC-MM provided a comprehensive framework for assessing ICC services and has merit in providing guidance on development. Cardiac genetics nurses can help integrate care across specialisms, facilitating the development of effective and sustainable ICC services at new, developing, and more established ICC service locations.Full text available via open access at journal website.British Heart Foundatio