Setting a research agenda to inform intensive comprehensive aphasia programs

Research into intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs) has yet to show that this service delivery model is efficacious, effective, has cost utility, or can be broadly implemented. This article describes a phased research approach to the study of ICAPs and sets out a research agenda that considers not only the specific issues surrounding ICAPs, but also the phase of the research. Current ICAP research is in the early phases, with dosing and outcome measurement as prime considerations as well as refinement of the best treatment protocol. Later phases of ICAP research are outlined, and the need for larger scale collaborative funded research is recognized. The need for more rapid translation into practice is also acknowledged, and the use of hybrid models of phased research is encouraged within the ICAP research agenda

Agile Business Relationships and Technology

Purpose - To present a typology of business relationships. Design/methodology/approach - Contends that information and communication technologies (ICT) have transformed business models, suggests that business flexibility now applies to external as well as internal aspects of business management, and argues that business relationships are a vital component of business success. Depicts dyadic, tri-adic and network relationships, maintains that supply decisions are now based on integration and alignment, additional to product characteristics, and emphasizes the linkages between, and inter-dependence of, companies in a value-chain. Illustrates a relationship typology that includes horizontal, supplier, intra-industry, miscellaneous, buyer and internal relationships, describing the characteristics, and giving examples of, each type. Maintains that value systems should be seen as collective, and not zero-sum, games, underlines the importance of ICT in value-chains, and gives benefits of agile relationships that include knowledge acquisition, synergistic gains, improved time-to-market, and costs and risk reduction. Graphs a continuum of agile relationship intensity that ranges from one-off market transactions to active collaborative activities, with axes of business performance gains and embeddedness with partners, and explains six factors supporting successful relationships, i.e. strategizing, core-competences, knowledge and skills, philosophy and commitment, process integration and alignment, and business transformation. Originality/value - Advice for companies on how to manage business relationships