Archives for June 5th, 2003

PETER DRUCKER – AN INTELLECTUAL JOURNEY

Book News, PublicNet: 5 June, 2003

By Ken WittyPeter Drucker has been a teacher, writer, and adviser to senior executives for more than fifty years. He has a vision of the social sector as an equal partner of business and government based on the belief that a healthy society requires three vital and effective sectors working together to change lives. He founded the Leader to Leader Institute, formerly the Drucker Foundation, which pursues its mission in three primary goal areas: developing social sector leaders of character and competence; forging cross-sector partnerships that deliver social sector results; and providing leadership resources that engage and inform social sector leaders. This book follows Drucker’s career spanning 75 years. His ground-breaking study of General Motors in the 1940s set in motion a new career as consultant to corporations and father of modern management studies.

Read more on PETER DRUCKER – AN INTELLECTUAL JOURNEY…



PUBLIC SERVICE PRODUCTIVITY FALLING?

Headlines, PublicNet: 5 June, 2003

The Office for National Statistics has produced its first estimate of Government productivity and concluded that the trend is downwards. Between 1995 and 2001, government output went up by 11 per cent whilethe volume of its inputs rose by 14 per cent. Over this period, output growth has therefore fallen behind the increase in inputs, implying a fall in productivity.Although this suggests that resources are being used less efficiently the ONS is quick to point out that a crude comparison of inputs to outputs leaves a number of unanswered questions. For example better fire fighting could be achieved by more fire inspections, which would show an as input, but the outcome could be influenced by preventive activities such as encouraging the use of smoke alarms and improving building standards. Similarly, improved exam results is an outcome which might result from better teaching, but other factors influencing the situation include the existence of the internet, better public libraries and more support from parents.

Read more on PUBLIC SERVICE PRODUCTIVITY FALLING?…

HEALTH SERVICE IMPROVEMENT RELYING ON QUICK FIXES

Headlines, PublicNet: 5 June, 2003

The NHS is improving and meeting many targets, but because much of the improvement comes from quick fixes, progress is not sustainable. The Audit Commission has compiled a database of performance indicators and other management information for all NHS Trusts and this finding results from comparing data with that gathered one year ago.Trusts are using a range of short-term solutions to meet targets and keep everyday services going. More than half of trusts have been diverting money for specific improvements to keep services running in the short term. Procurement of IT and medical equipment is being deferred, making it more difficult to improve areas like cancer care. Patients are being treated in private hospitals and one-off payments being made to consultants for extra sessions to reduce waiting lists. Hospital buildings are being allowed to deteriorate so maintenance money can be spent on patient care.

Read more on HEALTH SERVICE IMPROVEMENT RELYING ON QUICK FIXES…

© PublicNet is a KnowShare production | Technology by Jag Singh + Hilton & Hilton Ltd | Admin Log in