Management Researchhttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/902024-03-29T08:03:19Z2024-03-29T08:03:19ZPotential users’ perceptions of general purpose water accounting reports.Russell, Shonahttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/173022024-02-25T00:42:53Z2017-09-18T00:00:00Z2017-09-18T00:00:00ZRussell, ShonaTo what extent can behaviour change techniques be identified within an adaptable implementation package for primary care? A prospective directed content analysisASPIRE programme teamhttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/171942024-02-15T00:48:56Z2018-02-17T00:00:00ZBackground: Interpreting evaluations of complex interventions can be difficult without sufficient description of key intervention content. We aimed to develop an implementation package for primary care which could be delivered using typically available resources and could be adapted to target determinants of behaviour for each of four quality indicators: diabetes control, blood pressure control, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and risky prescribing. We describe the development and prospective verification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) embedded within the adaptable implementation packages. Methods: We used an over-lapping multi-staged process. We identified evidence-based, candidate delivery mechanisms-mainly audit and feedback, educational outreach and computerised prompts and reminders. We drew upon interviews with primary care professionals using the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore likely determinants of adherence to quality indicators. We linked determinants to candidate BCTs. With input from stakeholder panels, we prioritised likely determinants and intervention content prior to piloting the implementation packages. Our content analysis assessed the extent to which embedded BCTs could be identified within the packages and compared them across the delivery mechanisms and four quality indicators. Results: Each implementation package included at least 27 out of 30 potentially applicable BCTs representing 15 of 16 BCT categories. Whilst 23 BCTs were shared across all four implementation packages (e.g. BCTs relating to feedback and comparing behaviour), some BCTs were unique to certain delivery mechanisms (e.g. 'graded tasks' and 'problem solving' for educational outreach). BCTs addressing the determinants 'environmental context' and 'social and professional roles' (e.g. 'restructuring the social and 'physical environment' and 'adding objects to the environment') were indicator specific. We found it challenging to operationalise BCTs targeting 'environmental context', 'social influences' and 'social and professional roles' within our chosen delivery mechanisms. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a transparent process for selecting, operationalising and verifying the BCT content in implementation packages adapted to target four quality indicators in primary care. There was considerable overlap in BCTs identified across the four indicators suggesting core BCTs can be embedded and verified within delivery mechanisms commonly available to primary care. Whilst feedback reports can include a wide range of BCTs, computerised prompts can deliver BCTs at the time of decision making, and educational outreach can allow for flexibility and individual tailoring in delivery.
2018-02-17T00:00:00ZASPIRE programme teamBackground: Interpreting evaluations of complex interventions can be difficult without sufficient description of key intervention content. We aimed to develop an implementation package for primary care which could be delivered using typically available resources and could be adapted to target determinants of behaviour for each of four quality indicators: diabetes control, blood pressure control, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and risky prescribing. We describe the development and prospective verification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) embedded within the adaptable implementation packages. Methods: We used an over-lapping multi-staged process. We identified evidence-based, candidate delivery mechanisms-mainly audit and feedback, educational outreach and computerised prompts and reminders. We drew upon interviews with primary care professionals using the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore likely determinants of adherence to quality indicators. We linked determinants to candidate BCTs. With input from stakeholder panels, we prioritised likely determinants and intervention content prior to piloting the implementation packages. Our content analysis assessed the extent to which embedded BCTs could be identified within the packages and compared them across the delivery mechanisms and four quality indicators. Results: Each implementation package included at least 27 out of 30 potentially applicable BCTs representing 15 of 16 BCT categories. Whilst 23 BCTs were shared across all four implementation packages (e.g. BCTs relating to feedback and comparing behaviour), some BCTs were unique to certain delivery mechanisms (e.g. 'graded tasks' and 'problem solving' for educational outreach). BCTs addressing the determinants 'environmental context' and 'social and professional roles' (e.g. 'restructuring the social and 'physical environment' and 'adding objects to the environment') were indicator specific. We found it challenging to operationalise BCTs targeting 'environmental context', 'social influences' and 'social and professional roles' within our chosen delivery mechanisms. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a transparent process for selecting, operationalising and verifying the BCT content in implementation packages adapted to target four quality indicators in primary care. There was considerable overlap in BCTs identified across the four indicators suggesting core BCTs can be embedded and verified within delivery mechanisms commonly available to primary care. Whilst feedback reports can include a wide range of BCTs, computerised prompts can deliver BCTs at the time of decision making, and educational outreach can allow for flexibility and individual tailoring in delivery.Getting on with field research using participant deconstructionWright, AprilMiddleton, StuartHibbert, Paul CharlesBrazil, Victoriahttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/156002023-04-18T23:48:33Z2018-07-15T00:00:00ZThis paper adds to the repertoire of field research methods through developing the technique of ‘participant deconstruction’. This technique involves research participants challenging and re-interpreting organizational texts through the application of orienting, disorienting and re-orienting deconstructive questions. We show how participant deconstruction complements existing strategies for ‘getting on’ with field research – cultivating relationships, developing outsider knowledge and mobilising insider knowledge – by facilitating research participants’ questioning and challenging of organizational texts and thus opening up alternative latent understandings, illuminating concealed meanings and supporting reflexivity for participants and researchers, thereby opening up fruitful lines of inquiry. We illustrate the application of the technique with examples drawn from healthcare research projects. Through gathering further practitioner feedback from a variety of alternative contexts, we go on to demonstrate the potential application of participant deconstruction in a range of field contexts, by different types of practitioners undertaking deconstructive readings of a wide variety of organizational texts. We also offer suggestions for further research to extend the technique.
We acknowledge the support of the Australian Research Council in providing funding for this project under Linkage Project grant LP0989662 and Discovery Project grant DP140103237.
2018-07-15T00:00:00ZWright, AprilMiddleton, StuartHibbert, Paul CharlesBrazil, VictoriaThis paper adds to the repertoire of field research methods through developing the technique of ‘participant deconstruction’. This technique involves research participants challenging and re-interpreting organizational texts through the application of orienting, disorienting and re-orienting deconstructive questions. We show how participant deconstruction complements existing strategies for ‘getting on’ with field research – cultivating relationships, developing outsider knowledge and mobilising insider knowledge – by facilitating research participants’ questioning and challenging of organizational texts and thus opening up alternative latent understandings, illuminating concealed meanings and supporting reflexivity for participants and researchers, thereby opening up fruitful lines of inquiry. We illustrate the application of the technique with examples drawn from healthcare research projects. Through gathering further practitioner feedback from a variety of alternative contexts, we go on to demonstrate the potential application of participant deconstruction in a range of field contexts, by different types of practitioners undertaking deconstructive readings of a wide variety of organizational texts. We also offer suggestions for further research to extend the technique.Firm type, feed-in tariff, and wind energy investment in Germany : An investigation of decision making factors of energy producers regarding investing in wind energy capacityWerner, LoneScholtens, Lambertus Johannes Regnerushttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/138702023-04-25T23:47:20Z2017-04-19T00:00:00ZThe development of renewable and sustainable energy is advanced by public financial support. Particularly so in the German Energiewende, which seeks to replace nuclear and fossil electricity generation with wind, sun, and biomass. We study the impact of the (changes in the) feed-in tariff policy on the investment in wind electricity generation capacity in Germany in the period 2000-2014. We estimate a generic investment model which includes this support mechanism, the cost of capital, investment risks like wind and price volatility, and manufacturing costs. We discuss specific features for different types of wind energy investors, such as the incumbents, small private investors, diversified companies, and independent power producers. We find that a change in the feed-in tariff has a negative impact on investment capacity regarding the generation of wind energy: a one monetary unit increase in the variation of the tariff is to be associated with a decrease by 0.17 MW wind capacity installed. We argue it is policy uncertainty that makes investors shy away from making real investments. We also argue that the drivers for wind energy investment can differ along different types of firms. For the traditional power producers, especially electricity price volatility, construction costs, and carbon prices seem to matter. But for the other investor types, the feed-in tariff is crucial indeed.
2017-04-19T00:00:00ZWerner, LoneScholtens, Lambertus Johannes RegnerusThe development of renewable and sustainable energy is advanced by public financial support. Particularly so in the German Energiewende, which seeks to replace nuclear and fossil electricity generation with wind, sun, and biomass. We study the impact of the (changes in the) feed-in tariff policy on the investment in wind electricity generation capacity in Germany in the period 2000-2014. We estimate a generic investment model which includes this support mechanism, the cost of capital, investment risks like wind and price volatility, and manufacturing costs. We discuss specific features for different types of wind energy investors, such as the incumbents, small private investors, diversified companies, and independent power producers. We find that a change in the feed-in tariff has a negative impact on investment capacity regarding the generation of wind energy: a one monetary unit increase in the variation of the tariff is to be associated with a decrease by 0.17 MW wind capacity installed. We argue it is policy uncertainty that makes investors shy away from making real investments. We also argue that the drivers for wind energy investment can differ along different types of firms. For the traditional power producers, especially electricity price volatility, construction costs, and carbon prices seem to matter. But for the other investor types, the feed-in tariff is crucial indeed.The development and application of audit criteria for assessing knowledge exchange plans in health research grant applicationsRuppertsberg, Alexa I.Ward, VickyRidout, AliciaFoy, Robbiehttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/134842023-04-25T23:53:19Z2014-07-14T00:00:00ZBackground: Research funders expect evidence of end user engagement and impact plans in research proposals. Drawing upon existing frameworks, we developed audit criteria to help researchers and their institutions assess the knowledge exchange plans of health research proposals. Findings: Criteria clustered around five themes: problem definition; involvement of research users; public and patient engagement; dissemination and implementation; and planning, management and evaluation of knowledge exchange. We applied these to a sample of grant applications from one research institution in the United Kingdom to demonstrate feasibility. Conclusion: Our criteria may be useful as a tool for researcher self-assessment and for research institutions to assess the quality of knowledge exchange plans and identify areas for systematic improvement.
2014-07-14T00:00:00ZRuppertsberg, Alexa I.Ward, VickyRidout, AliciaFoy, RobbieBackground: Research funders expect evidence of end user engagement and impact plans in research proposals. Drawing upon existing frameworks, we developed audit criteria to help researchers and their institutions assess the knowledge exchange plans of health research proposals. Findings: Criteria clustered around five themes: problem definition; involvement of research users; public and patient engagement; dissemination and implementation; and planning, management and evaluation of knowledge exchange. We applied these to a sample of grant applications from one research institution in the United Kingdom to demonstrate feasibility. Conclusion: Our criteria may be useful as a tool for researcher self-assessment and for research institutions to assess the quality of knowledge exchange plans and identify areas for systematic improvement.Developing a framework for gathering and using service user experiences to improve integrated health and social care : the SUFFICE frameworkWard, VickyPinkney, LisaFry, Garyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/134642022-04-14T15:32:27Z2016-09-08T00:00:00ZBACKGROUND: More people than ever receive care and support from health and social care services. Initiatives to integrate the work of health and social care staff have increased rapidly across the UK but relatively little has been done to chart and improve their impact on service users. Our aim was to develop a framework for gathering and using service user feedback to improve integrated health and social care in one locality in the North of England. METHODS: We used published literature and interviews with health and social care managers to determine the expected service user experiences of local community-based integrated teams and the ways in which team members were expected to work together. We used the results to devise qualitative data collection and analysis tools for gathering and analyzing service user feedback. We used developmental evaluation and service improvement methodologies to devise a procedure for developing service improvement plans. FINDINGS: We identified six expected service user experiences of integrated care and 15 activities that health and social care teams were expected to undertake. We used these to develop logic models and tools for collecting and analysing service user experiences. These include a narrative interview schedule, a plan for analyzing data, and a method for synthesizing the results into a composite 'story'. We devised a structured service improvement procedure which involves teams of health and social care staff listening to a composite service user story, identifying how their actions as a team may have contributed to the story and developing a service improvement plan. CONCLUSIONS: This framework aims to put service user experiences at the heart of efforts to improve integration. It has been developed in collaboration with National Health Service (NHS) and Social Care managers. We expect it to be useful for evaluating and improving integrated care initiatives elsewhere.
This project was supported by the National Institute of Health Research (KRD/012/001/006) and by the Leeds South and East Clinical Commissioning group.
2016-09-08T00:00:00ZWard, VickyPinkney, LisaFry, GaryBACKGROUND: More people than ever receive care and support from health and social care services. Initiatives to integrate the work of health and social care staff have increased rapidly across the UK but relatively little has been done to chart and improve their impact on service users. Our aim was to develop a framework for gathering and using service user feedback to improve integrated health and social care in one locality in the North of England. METHODS: We used published literature and interviews with health and social care managers to determine the expected service user experiences of local community-based integrated teams and the ways in which team members were expected to work together. We used the results to devise qualitative data collection and analysis tools for gathering and analyzing service user feedback. We used developmental evaluation and service improvement methodologies to devise a procedure for developing service improvement plans. FINDINGS: We identified six expected service user experiences of integrated care and 15 activities that health and social care teams were expected to undertake. We used these to develop logic models and tools for collecting and analysing service user experiences. These include a narrative interview schedule, a plan for analyzing data, and a method for synthesizing the results into a composite 'story'. We devised a structured service improvement procedure which involves teams of health and social care staff listening to a composite service user story, identifying how their actions as a team may have contributed to the story and developing a service improvement plan. CONCLUSIONS: This framework aims to put service user experiences at the heart of efforts to improve integration. It has been developed in collaboration with National Health Service (NHS) and Social Care managers. We expect it to be useful for evaluating and improving integrated care initiatives elsewhere.Action to Support Practices Implement Research Evidence (ASPIRE) : protocol for a cluster-randomised evaluation of adaptable implementation packages targeting 'high impact' clinical practice recommendations in general practiceWillis, Thomas AHartley, SuzanneGlidewell, LizFarrin, Amanda JLawton, RebeccaMcEachan, Rosemary R CIngleson, EmmaHeudtlass, PeterCollinson, MichelleClamp, SusanHunter, CherylWard, VickyHulme, ClaireMeads, DavidBregantini, DanieleCarder, PaulFoy, RobbieASPIRE programmehttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/134652023-04-25T23:53:18Z2016-02-29T00:00:00ZBACKGROUND: There are recognised gaps between evidence and practice in general practice, a setting which provides particular challenges for implementation. We earlier screened clinical guideline recommendations to derive a set of 'high impact' indicators based upon criteria including potential for significant patient benefit, scope for improved practice and amenability to measurement using routinely collected data. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multifaceted, adaptable intervention package to implement four targeted, high impact recommendations in general practice. METHODS/DESIGN: The research programme Action to Support Practice Implement Research Evidence (ASPIRE) includes a pair of pragmatic cluster-randomised trials which use a balanced incomplete block design. Clusters are general practices in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK), recruited using an 'opt-out' recruitment process. The intervention package adapted to each recommendation includes combinations of audit and feedback, educational outreach visits and computerised prompts with embedded behaviour change techniques selected on the basis of identified needs and barriers to change. In trial 1, practices are randomised to adapted interventions targeting either diabetes control or risky prescribing and those in trial 2 to adapted interventions targeting either blood pressure control in patients at risk of cardiovascular events or anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation. The respective primary endpoints comprise achievement of all recommended target levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes, a composite indicator of risky prescribing, achievement of recommended blood pressure targets for specific patient groups and anticoagulation prescribing in patients with atrial fibrillation. We are also randomising practices to a fifth, non-intervention control group to further assess Hawthorne effects. Outcomes will be assessed using routinely collected data extracted 1 year after randomisation. Economic modelling will estimate intervention cost-effectiveness. A process evaluation involving eight non-trial practices will examine intervention delivery, mechanisms of action and unintended consequences. DISCUSSION: ASPIRE will provide 'real-world' evidence about the effects, cost-effectiveness and delivery of adapted intervention packages targeting high impact recommendations. By implementing our adaptable intervention package across four distinct clinical topics, and using 'opt-out' recruitment, our findings will provide evidence of wider generalisability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN91989345.
This paper presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research scheme (grant Reference Number RP-PG-1209-10040).
2016-02-29T00:00:00ZWillis, Thomas AHartley, SuzanneGlidewell, LizFarrin, Amanda JLawton, RebeccaMcEachan, Rosemary R CIngleson, EmmaHeudtlass, PeterCollinson, MichelleClamp, SusanHunter, CherylWard, VickyHulme, ClaireMeads, DavidBregantini, DanieleCarder, PaulFoy, RobbieASPIRE programmeBACKGROUND: There are recognised gaps between evidence and practice in general practice, a setting which provides particular challenges for implementation. We earlier screened clinical guideline recommendations to derive a set of 'high impact' indicators based upon criteria including potential for significant patient benefit, scope for improved practice and amenability to measurement using routinely collected data. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multifaceted, adaptable intervention package to implement four targeted, high impact recommendations in general practice. METHODS/DESIGN: The research programme Action to Support Practice Implement Research Evidence (ASPIRE) includes a pair of pragmatic cluster-randomised trials which use a balanced incomplete block design. Clusters are general practices in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK), recruited using an 'opt-out' recruitment process. The intervention package adapted to each recommendation includes combinations of audit and feedback, educational outreach visits and computerised prompts with embedded behaviour change techniques selected on the basis of identified needs and barriers to change. In trial 1, practices are randomised to adapted interventions targeting either diabetes control or risky prescribing and those in trial 2 to adapted interventions targeting either blood pressure control in patients at risk of cardiovascular events or anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation. The respective primary endpoints comprise achievement of all recommended target levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes, a composite indicator of risky prescribing, achievement of recommended blood pressure targets for specific patient groups and anticoagulation prescribing in patients with atrial fibrillation. We are also randomising practices to a fifth, non-intervention control group to further assess Hawthorne effects. Outcomes will be assessed using routinely collected data extracted 1 year after randomisation. Economic modelling will estimate intervention cost-effectiveness. A process evaluation involving eight non-trial practices will examine intervention delivery, mechanisms of action and unintended consequences. DISCUSSION: ASPIRE will provide 'real-world' evidence about the effects, cost-effectiveness and delivery of adapted intervention packages targeting high impact recommendations. By implementing our adaptable intervention package across four distinct clinical topics, and using 'opt-out' recruitment, our findings will provide evidence of wider generalisability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN91989345.Exploring and mapping the knowledge and practice terrainNutley, Sandra MargaretBain, RoderickMoran, ClareOrr, Kevin MartinRussell, Shona Louisehttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/119962024-03-14T00:38:38Z2016-05-03T00:00:00Z2016-05-03T00:00:00ZNutley, Sandra MargaretBain, RoderickMoran, ClareOrr, Kevin MartinRussell, Shona LouiseA plant-level analysis of the spill-over effects of the German EnergiewendeMulder, MachielScholtens, Berthttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/117702023-04-25T23:46:46Z2016-12-01T00:00:00ZIn order to analyse international effects of national energy policies, we investigate the spill-over effects of the German Energiewende on the Dutch power market, which is closely connected to the German market. We estimate the impact of the German supply of wind and solar electricity on the Dutch day-ahead price of electricity and the utilisation of the conventional power plants. We take cross-border capacity constraints into account and use hourly plant-level data over 2006–2014. We find that the price elasticity of German wind on Dutch day-ahead prices is −0.03. However, this effect vanishes when the cross-border capacity is fully utilised. We find a modest negative impact on the utilisation of the Dutch power plants. As such, we conclude that the German Energiewende has had modest spill-over effects to the Dutch market. The recent dramatic performance of the Dutch gas-fired plants can be attributed to the changes in the relative prices of coal versus natural gas. We conclude that national energy policies in one country do not necessarily strongly affect neighbouring markets in case of constrained cross-border capacities.
2016-12-01T00:00:00ZMulder, MachielScholtens, BertIn order to analyse international effects of national energy policies, we investigate the spill-over effects of the German Energiewende on the Dutch power market, which is closely connected to the German market. We estimate the impact of the German supply of wind and solar electricity on the Dutch day-ahead price of electricity and the utilisation of the conventional power plants. We take cross-border capacity constraints into account and use hourly plant-level data over 2006–2014. We find that the price elasticity of German wind on Dutch day-ahead prices is −0.03. However, this effect vanishes when the cross-border capacity is fully utilised. We find a modest negative impact on the utilisation of the Dutch power plants. As such, we conclude that the German Energiewende has had modest spill-over effects to the Dutch market. The recent dramatic performance of the Dutch gas-fired plants can be attributed to the changes in the relative prices of coal versus natural gas. We conclude that national energy policies in one country do not necessarily strongly affect neighbouring markets in case of constrained cross-border capacities.Less cognitive conflict does not imply choice of the default option : Commentary on Kieslich and Hilbig (2014)Myrseth, Kristian OveWollbrant, Connyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/67882022-09-25T11:30:13Z2015-05-01T00:00:00ZKieslich and Hilbig (2014) employ a mouse-tracking technique to measure decision conflict in social dilemmas. They report that defectors exhibit more conflict than do cooperators. They infer that cooperation thus is the reflexive, default behavior. We argue, however, that their analysis fails to discriminate between reflexive versus cognitively controlled behavioral responses. This is because cognitive conflict can emanate from resisting impulse successfully—or unsuccessfully.
2015-05-01T00:00:00ZMyrseth, Kristian OveWollbrant, ConnyKieslich and Hilbig (2014) employ a mouse-tracking technique to measure decision conflict in social dilemmas. They report that defectors exhibit more conflict than do cooperators. They infer that cooperation thus is the reflexive, default behavior. We argue, however, that their analysis fails to discriminate between reflexive versus cognitively controlled behavioral responses. This is because cognitive conflict can emanate from resisting impulse successfully—or unsuccessfully.Managing humanitarian emergencies : Teaching and learning with a virtual humanitarian disaster toolAjinomoh, OlatokunboMiller, Alan Henry DavidDow, LisaGordon-Gibson, Alasdair Norman StewartBurt, Eleanorhttps://hdl.handle.net/10023/42012023-01-22T12:30:09Z2012-01-01T00:00:00ZThe importance of specialist intervention in the form of humanitarian aid from governments, NGOs and other aid agencies during a humanitarian emergency cannot be over-emphasised. Humanitarian aid is the assistance provided in response to a humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian aid may be logistical, financial or material and its central aim is to alleviate human suffering and save lives. This paper describes an inter-disciplinary project that created the Virtual Humanitarian Disaster learning and teaching resource (VHD) that is centred on the events occurring in the aftermath of an earthquake. To facilitate learning, scenarios with integrated task dilemmas have been modelled which will provide the opportunity for users of the resource to explore the inter-relationships between the key areas of activities which are important to the NGOs and other bodies which deliver humanitarian aid. Such areas include geo-political relationships, legal and regulatory requirements, information management, logistic, financial and human resource management imperatives. The VHD is primarily aimed at students. It creates a more flexible learning and teaching environment when compared with traditional classroom methods. The resource enables students to make decisions concerning critical situations within the controlled environment of a virtual world, where the consequences of any wrong decisions, will not directly impact on lives and property. The VHD has been embedded within an undergraduate module of the School of Management as it specifically relates to the final thematic area within which the module engages, namely the strategic and operational challenges faced by NGOs operating in the “humanitarian relief industry”. We demonstrate that virtual worlds can be used to enhance learning and make it more engaging. The VHD affords students the opportunity to explore given scenarios in accordance with a specified budget and in so doing, they realise module outcomes in a more active and authentic learning environment.
The project received start-up funding in the form of a University of St Andrews FILTA award
2012-01-01T00:00:00ZAjinomoh, OlatokunboMiller, Alan Henry DavidDow, LisaGordon-Gibson, Alasdair Norman StewartBurt, EleanorThe importance of specialist intervention in the form of humanitarian aid from governments, NGOs and other aid agencies during a humanitarian emergency cannot be over-emphasised. Humanitarian aid is the assistance provided in response to a humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian aid may be logistical, financial or material and its central aim is to alleviate human suffering and save lives. This paper describes an inter-disciplinary project that created the Virtual Humanitarian Disaster learning and teaching resource (VHD) that is centred on the events occurring in the aftermath of an earthquake. To facilitate learning, scenarios with integrated task dilemmas have been modelled which will provide the opportunity for users of the resource to explore the inter-relationships between the key areas of activities which are important to the NGOs and other bodies which deliver humanitarian aid. Such areas include geo-political relationships, legal and regulatory requirements, information management, logistic, financial and human resource management imperatives. The VHD is primarily aimed at students. It creates a more flexible learning and teaching environment when compared with traditional classroom methods. The resource enables students to make decisions concerning critical situations within the controlled environment of a virtual world, where the consequences of any wrong decisions, will not directly impact on lives and property. The VHD has been embedded within an undergraduate module of the School of Management as it specifically relates to the final thematic area within which the module engages, namely the strategic and operational challenges faced by NGOs operating in the “humanitarian relief industry”. We demonstrate that virtual worlds can be used to enhance learning and make it more engaging. The VHD affords students the opportunity to explore given scenarios in accordance with a specified budget and in so doing, they realise module outcomes in a more active and authentic learning environment.