Adoption Of Management Practices Research Articles

Determinants of adoption of multiple natural resource management practices: a case study from semi-arid tropics of Central India

Determinants of adoption of multiple natural resource management practices: a case study from semi-arid tropics of Central India

Factors driving differences in the adoption of quality management practices among hospitals: A two-phase, sequential mixed-methods analysis.

Although all hospitals aim to deliver high-quality care, there is considerable variation in their adoption of quality management (QM) practices. Organizational and environmental factors are known to drive strategic decision-making in hospitals, but their impact on the adoption of QM practices remains unclear. Our study aims to identify multiple organizational and environmental factors that explain variation in the adoption of QM practices among hospitals and to explore mechanisms underlying these relationships. We conducted a two-phase, sequential mixed-methods study of German acute care hospitals. The quantitative phase used between-effects regressions to identify factors explaining variation in the number of QM practices adopted by hospitals from 2015 to 2019. The qualitative phase used semistructured interviews with quality managers to gain in-depth insights. The number of QM practices adopted by a hospital was significantly associated with factors like hospital size and the presence of an emergency department or QM steering committee. Our qualitative findings highlighted potential mechanisms such as the presence of an emergency department serving as a proxy for organizational complexity or urgency of case-mix. We provide an overview of factors driving QM adoption in hospitals, extending beyond the focus on single factors in previous research. Future studies could explore additional factors highlighted by our interviewees. Our results can inform interventions to strengthen QM in hospitals and guide future research on this topic.

Empowering Farmers to Enhance Water Use Efficiency: Innovative Practices in SSPC

The Sardar Sarovar project, featuring a gravity dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat, stands as one of the largest in terms of concrete volume globally. This study investigates the project's extensive canal network and its impact on agricultural productivity in the command area. Covering a vast expanse across multiple states, the project's irrigation allocation and water management strategies are examined. Special attention is given to addressing soil degradation issues, particularly salinity, and implementing farmer-centered interventions to enhance water use efficiency. Methodologies include land rejuvenation efforts, reclamation of salt-affected land, participatory irrigation management, and promoting improved agricultural practices. Results indicate successful mitigation of soil degradation and increased crop yields through strategic interventions like cotton-castor relay cropping which has demonstrated a 1.5-fold increase in income compared to sole cropping. Intercropping with isabgul/ajwain, and implementing deficit irrigation have resulted in a substantial 43% increase in overall yield, particularly in cumin cultivation. Farmers have also embraced innovative water-saving techniques, such as alternative furrow irrigation and strategic timing of irrigation during critical growth stages, resulting in water savings of 30-35%. However, challenges remain in achieving widespread adoption of participatory irrigation management practices. The study concludes with insights into the necessity of sustained social engineering efforts and community engagement for long-term water resource management and agricultural sustainability in the project area.

Works Councils as Gatekeepers: Codetermination, Management Practices, and Job Satisfaction

This paper analyzes the role of works councils as gatekeepers safeguarding employee's interests in the adoption of management practices to monitor employee performance and provide feedback. We first introduce a formal model predicting that (i) the introduction of such management practices leads to a stronger increase (or weaker decrease) in job satisfaction when a works council is in place, (ii) that this effect should be larger the lower the prior level of employee participation and (iii) that works councils increase the likelihood of the implementation of these practices at the level of individual employees. We provide evidence in line with these hypotheses, using linked-employer-employee panel data from Germany. We indeed find that the adoption of formal performance appraisals and feedback interviews is associated with a significantly larger increase in job satisfaction when there is a works council. This pattern is driven by establishments without collective bargaining agreements. The evidence also suggests that works councils indeed facilitate the implementation of such management practices, as codetermined firms have a higher likelihood that a practice implemented on the firm level is actually applied by middle management.

Perceived Staff Motivation on the Adoption of Total Quality Management Practices in Nigeria

This study explores the relationship between employee motivation and the effective adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) within modern organizational contexts in Nigeria. TQM, renowned for its all-encompassing strategy for continual enhancement, is widely recognized for its positive impact on product and service quality, employee involvement, and overall organizational effectiveness. Despite these well-documented benefits, the pivotal role of motivation in cultivating a TQM culture represents a critical yet insufficiently examined dimension. This study adopts a quantitative method using a closed-ended self-administered questionnaire to investigate the connections between motivation and TQM. The research focuses on assessing the levels of employee motivation within organizations practising TQM principles. It examines the resulting impact on various TQM dimensions, such as employee involvement and service quality. The findings revealed that staff motivation through intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation significantly affects the involvement of employees and the service quality of the selected deposit money banks in the Ilorin metropolis. The findings of this research highlight the importance of motivation in influencing TQM practices. Organizations should be mindful of the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to foster a work environment that promotes long-term commitment and performance. Practically, the results can guide organizations in developing and implementing strategies to motivate staff in a way that supports the successful implementation of TQM practices. The findings contributed significantly to the existing body of knowledge by elucidating the critical role motivation plays in shaping TQM practices.

Factors influencing adoption of organic matter management on smallholder farms in the Rwenzori region of Uganda

AbstractContext specific studies on the factors influencing the adoption of organic matter management (OMM) practices on smallholder farms could be crucial for soil fertility improvement. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the adoption of OMM practices by smallholder farmers. A hybridized theoretical framework was used to map the farmers’ adoption process. This framework states: the adoption process of OMM practices can be facilitated if an individual’s characteristics and the institutional-related factors can support it; information about the OMM practices and the required inputs are available, and he/she can apply the required technology with ease. Data collection involved observations on 100 smallholder farms, interviews with 10 smallholder farmers and 18 experts, as well as two focus group discussions with 10 farmers each. The results indicated that a composite of technical, social, cultural, and economic-driven factors influence farmer adoption of OMM strategies. These factors included the farmer characteristics of age, education status, gender, culture, and knowledge about the use and application of an OMM practice; availability of labor and inputs; availability of appropriate equipment; the existence of supportive policy framework and social support. The factors cut across the adoption components of the hybridized theoretical framework: nature of technology, farmer characteristics, and input-related, information transfer-related and institutional-related adoption factors. The study findings can inform decision-makers to make investment decisions. Future studies should assess the feasibility of the hybridized theoretical framework before experts can apply it in devising strategies for the adoption of OMM practices on smallholder farms.

Conditioning Factors of Interorganizational Cost Management in Manufacturing Companies

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of conditioning factors in the adoption and use of interorganizational cost management practices in manufacturing companies. The data was collected through a questionnaire applied to the controllers of the manufacturing companies listed in B3. The sample consisted of 33 companies. The findings contribute to improving the understanding of how conditioning factors (Products, Components, Relationship Levels, Chain Types and Mechanisms) influence interorganizational cost management practices. The results indicate that conditioning factors, Relationship Levels and Mechanisms can influence the use of inter-organizational cost management practices. According to the results, it can be inferred that throughout the organization's trajectory it is necessary to establish partnerships with suppliers. In general, it is highlighted that sharing information between companies in the supply chain provides greater trust, favoring everyone involved in the supply chain.

Contribution of Livestock Farming to Environmental Pollution in China

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine contribution of livestock farming to environmental pollution in China. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that livestock farming in China significantly contributes to environmental pollution, posing substantial challenges to water, air, and soil quality. Intensive livestock operations, characterized by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), generate large quantities of animal waste containing nutrients and pathogens that contaminate water bodies. Additionally, livestock farming contributes to air pollution through emissions of ammonia and other pollutants, particularly in areas with intensive farming practices. Soil degradation and nutrient imbalance further exacerbate environmental degradation, with higher livestock densities associated with increased soil compaction and nutrient runoff. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Tragedy of the Commons & Ecological Modernization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on contribution of livestock farming to environmental pollution in China. Promote the adoption of sustainable livestock management practices through capacity building, training, and extension services for farmers. Encourage the implementation of integrated farming systems that optimize resource use, minimize waste generation, and enhance environmental resilience. Strengthen regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental standards and promote responsible livestock production. Implement stringent measures to control water pollution from livestock waste, including mandatory wastewater treatment and monitoring programs.

Are farm input subsidies a disincentive for integrated pest management adoption? Evidence from Zambia

AbstractInput subsidy programmes (ISPs) remain a popular but contentious policy tool to promote agricultural intensification, food security and poverty reduction across Africa. Although previous studies have explored the impact of ISPs on various smallholder outcomes, no studies have analysed the impact of recent ISPs on pest management. This is particularly important given the increasing pest challenges due to climate change and the recent surge in pesticide use in low‐income countries and its associated negative consequences for human and environmental health. Thus, this study assessed the effects of ISPs on smallholder adoption of sustainable pest management practices, using data from 1048 smallholder maize plots across major maize‐producing zones of Zambia and a control function regression approach. We find consistent evidence that input subsidy receipt is negatively associated with smallholders' adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable pest management strategies. Participation in the Zambia ISP (particularly the flexible e‐voucher system) encourages synthetic pesticide use, at the expense of sustainable practices. We also find that farmers consider synthetic pesticides and biopesticides as substitutes and are more likely to adopt sustainable pest management when they have tenure security and access to financial resources. Given the human and environmental health consequences associated with synthetic pesticide use, it would be important to leverage input subsidy schemes to promote the adoption of safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Beyond input subsidies, policies that improve tenure security and financial access for smallholders can promote the adoption of sustainable pest management practices.

Best management practice adoption amongst potato producers in Ontario: a study of drivers and barriers

Best management practices (BMPs) are practical, affordable alternatives to conventional production systems. They contribute to improving the agricultural production system’s ability to address social, economic, and ecological challenges. BMPs enhance the viability and sustainability of agriculture when successfully applied, but in systems where intensive industrial agriculture predominates, their use is limited. Working with potato producers (large, medium, and small scale) in South-Western and Central Ontario, Canada this project applied a Systems Thinking approach to understand motivating drivers and structural, institutional, and organizational barriers impacting the adoption of BMPs for potato cultivation. This study used a mixed-methods approach for two years to collect quantitative and qualitative data using a farm-level survey, focus groups, workshops, and participant observation. Data was collected regarding demographics, management approaches, social networking, and perceived challenges with BMPs uptake. Our data analysis revealed that family and future generations, ecosystem, soil and human health, community and social relationships, and efficiency and profitability were motivating drivers (based on beliefs and values) influencing management decisions. However, structural, institutional, and organizational barriers (including market access, regulation, production efficiencies and competition), mediate producers’ abilities to act according to these motivations. Small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale producers are impacted by these barriers differently. In understanding the decision-making factors which drive BMP uptake in Ontario’s potato sector, policy and program design can leverage drivers and reduce barriers.

Adoption of management practices and impacts on major diseases among mandarin growers in Syangja, Nepal

Adoption of management practices and impacts on major diseases among mandarin growers in Syangja, Nepal

Scaling up of sustainable soil management practices: some lessons from the hills of Nepal

A study was conducted to assess the scaling up processes of soil management practices under maize based farming systems in Panchkhal and Sanga areas of Kavre district. The key objectives of the study are to analyze the scaling up processes and pathways of soil management practices in the case study areas and identify factors related to scaling up at different levels. Three principalquestions guiding the analysis were: a) what are the positive aspects of scaling up processes and how can these be built on? b) What are the problems being experienced and how can these be overcome? c) What is the influence of people's livelihood strategies and assets on the processes? Kavre is one of the 10 districts where Sustainable soil Management Programme (SSMP) ofHelvetas has helped local people in the adoption of innovative soil management practices integrated with various cash and subsistence crops. With SMP support and advice, services to farmers in these areas create awareness and build their institutions (CIs) provide extension services to farmers in these areas create awareness and build their institutional capacity onadopting innovative soil management practices. The goal of the project is to improve livelihoods of resource poor farmers.Data for the study were gathered from 29 households through interviews, two workshops with key informants at the community level and a workshop with CIs at district levels, and review of SSMP and partners' documented information on the subject. The research team also made transect visits through the area, and interviewed several staff of the collaborating institutions. Qualitativeanalysis (in terms of perceptions of respondents) as well as quantitative analysis of data was done at household, community and institutional levels.

Roadblocks in Integrating Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 in Small and Medium Enterprises

To survive in highly competitive markets, industries focus on enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction. One specific iteration of this approach sees industries striving to optimize processes to improve product quality while generating minimum waste. This has encouraged companies to begin adopting management practices such as lean six sigma (LSS) and kaizen alongside their implementation of digital technologies of automating processing. This study aims to identify and analyze the barriers to integrating LSS practices with Industry 4.0 technologies for small and medium enterprises. Upon shortlisting fifteen barriers from an exhaustive literature review, the Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology is used to analyze those shortlisted barriers and establish causal relations between barriers and outcomes. The findings identify the lack of available infrastructure, lack of training on LSS, and lack of consultants in the field as the most dominant barriers in the cause group. Furthermore, the influence map of barriers produced demonstrates the relationship between cause-and-effect barriers. This study’s findings will ensure that small and medium enterprises formulate business strategies that mitigate the barriers to integrating LSS with Industry 4.0. This study offers insights into overcoming the identified challenges by proposing strategies to enhance product quality and the accuracy of enterprise decision-making, thereby facilitating a successful integration and fostering sustainable growth in SMEs.

Agricultural management practices in China enhance nitrogen sustainability and benefit human health.

The potential of enhanced agricultural management practices to drive sustainability is rarely quantified at grassroots level. Here we analyse nitrogen use and loss in Chinese cropland, drawing from data collected in 2,238,550 sites in two national agricultural pollution source censuses from 2007 to 2017. We find an upswing of 10% in crop yields and an 8% reduction in nitrogen pollution during this period, owing to the promotion and adoption of various management practices (including the combination of organic and chemical fertilizers, straw recycling and deep placement of fertilizer). These practices have collectively contributed to an 18% increase in nitrogen use efficiency in the country. By fully embracing them, we project that annual cropland pollution could be further reduced by up to 1.4 Mt of nitrogen without compromising crop yields. Environmental and human health benefits are projected to consistently outweigh implementation costs in the future, with total benefits reaching US$15 billion.

Sustainable Land Management in Mali

This study uses logistic and Poisson regression models to examine the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) practices in Mali using two rounds of the nationally representative survey Enquête Agricole de Conjoncture Intégrée aux Conditions de Vie des Ménages. The SLMs considered include the application of organic fertilizers, the application of inorganic fertilizers, the use of improved seeds, and the practice of intercropping. On average the application of organic fertilizers (39.2%), and inorganic fertilizers (28.7%) are the most frequent SLM practices among Malian farmers, and between 2014 and 2017, we observe a decline in the practice of intercropping. The regression results show that farmers’ adoption of different SLMs is significantly associated with biophysical factors (average temperature, climate type, plot size, plot shape, and location), demographic factors (age, gender, education, household size), and socioeconomic factors (number of cultivated plots, livelihood diversification, type of crop grown, market access, credit access, economic shocks, and social capital). Our findings suggest that policymakers and agricultural development agencies in Mali need to adopt a multidimensional policy framework to unlock the untapped potential of SLM practices in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Optimization of adaptive and sustainable gold ore grinding processes for better environmental and land conditions in the small-scale gold mining sector in Indonesia

The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector largely relies on mercury in gold processing, posing potential environmental contamination, health issues, and land degradation. In the villages of Tatelu and Talawaan, ASGM operations, guided by local knowledge and resources, have transitioned to using cyanide leaching for gold processing sustainably. These operations utilize andesitic stones from river deposits as grinding media in the grinding process. However, the cyanide leaching results were not optimal, with a gold recovery below 60%. This leaves significant amounts of gold in the waste, necessitating further processing and the incomplete treatment of free cyanide waste. The suboptimal gold recovery in cyanide leaching is attributed to the inadequate grain size liberation during grinding. This study optimized grinding by comparing andesitic stone grinding media with steel balls and rods. The findings indicate that to achieve a grain size of 75% passing 74 um, grinding with andesitic stones takes 4 hours, while steel rods and balls take 3 hours. For a grain size of 75% passing 44 um, grinding with andesitic stones, steel balls, and rods requires 6 hours. With more precise process parameters, locally available andesitic stones can be an effective grinding medium to optimize gold recovery. In line with optimizing gold recovery, this will enhance ASGM's revenue, encouraging the adoption of waste management practices to alleviate environmental impact, health risks, and land degradation. This aligns with the promotion of sustainable practices within the ASGM sector.

A soil health assessment tool for vegetable cropping systems in tropical soils based on beta-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and soil organic carbon

Vegetable production is characterized by a strong dependence on external inputs and intense tillage, which can harm soil health (SH) by reducing organic matter levels, soil biota diversity, and overall ecosystem functions. Tools to assess SH affected by organic and conventional vegetable production systems are crucial and still scarce. This study aimed to develop a practical and reliable SH assessment tool for vegetable production systems in tropical soils by integrating Cornell's Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) with the four-quadrant model (4QM). Furthermore, the study evaluated the relationship between management practices and SH status. Arylsulfatase (ARYL) and β-glucosidase (GLU) activities, and soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed in 90 soil samples (0 to 10 cm depth) collected from 53 organic and conventional vegetable farms in the Federal District, Brazil. The adoption of practices aimed at improving or maintaining SH was significantly greater on organic farms than on conventionally managed farms, resulting in a SOC content and ARYL activity 27 % and 86 % higher in organic farms than in conventional systems, respectively (P < 0.05). ARYL proved to be more accurate in separating organic and conventional fields than GLU, highlighting its potential for SH evaluation in vegetable production systems. The integration of CASH and the 4QM, along with ARYL, GLU, and SOC measurements, effectively addressed the complexity of both organic and conventional vegetable production systems. This combined approach facilitated differentiation between systems based on varying levels of adoption of best management practices (BMPs). Further research is needed to assess the performance of this approach across different soil types and regions where vegetables are cultivated.

ADOPTION OF GREEN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANISATIONAL WELLBEING IN THE GHANAIAN SERVICE SECTOR

Global environmental imbalances have compelled businesses to adopt strategic initiatives towards the preservation and sustainability of the natural environment. This study examined the effect of green human resource management adoption on organisational wellbeing, in terms of employee innovation and creativity, environmental performance, organisational efficiency, and reputation, as well as talent attraction. The study was cross-sectional in nature and utilized a survey instrument for data collection. The study purposively selected 350 respondents from selected firms in the Ghanaian service sector, of which 213 responded to the items. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling analytical method was used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the adoption of green human resource management practices has a positive effect on all the variables studied, with organisational reputation having the highest effect. The study has both theoretical and practical implications in the field of human resource management and environmental management in emerging economies.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/lit/0158/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

ANALYSIS OF WATER GOVERNANCE IN IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS IN THE BENA IRRIGATION AREA, SOUTH AMANUBAN DISTRICT, SOUTH CENTRAL TIMOR REGENCY

Purpose: The aim of this research is to identify problems and evaluate the effectiveness of institutions in irrigation management in the Bena region, as well as understand the impact on farmers. This research also aims to provide comprehensive information about institutional governance and behavior of the government, private sector and community in irrigation management, as well as identifying strategies to increase the effectiveness of water management in the future.   Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework for this research includes the following concepts: clean water crisis, the link between water availability and food security, governance paradigms, the concept of sustainable development, the role of irrigation management institutions, institutional challenges, conflict and inefficiency in the allocation of water resources, and principles -environmental principles. This theoretical framework helps analyze water management problems in the Bena irrigation area and develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of water management in the future.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out using the descriptive analysis method, namely, by displaying or explaining clearly and in detail the conditions and realities in the region's irrigation management institutions.   Results: The results of the research show that there is no synergy between primary, secondary, and tertiary channels, increasing irrigation water conflicts, implementation of planting procedures without paying attention to water management conditions, construction results are not followed by asset management due to lack of budget allocation, and the empowerment, strengthening and participation of institutional water user farmer associations (P3A) has not been optimal so that the capacity of local governments, especially districts, in managing Bena water resources and irrigation is not optimal. Therefore, it is recommended that in the institutional context of irrigation management, each party involved must complement each other's work culture framework so that no one party dominates the running of the water governance. It is strong enough to replace the hierarchy.   Research, practical and social implications: The implications of this research include: providing an analytical model of water governance, identification of water governance challenges, recommendations for the adoption of customary water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder involvement in policy making, cultural adaptation and integration, and increased communication and collaboration. It provides a platform for researchers and policymakers to improve the effectiveness of water governance, while strengthening community engagement and paying attention to local cultural values.   Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in the application of a new water governance analysis model, identification of specific challenges in water governance, recommendations for adopting indigenous water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder engagement, cultural adaptation, and improved communication and collaboration. It makes an important contribution to enriching understanding of water governance and offers practical guidance for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of water management at the local level.

From Field to Feed trough: Examining the Drivers of Feed and Fodder Technologies Uptake among Pastoral Beef Farmers in Kenya

Adoption of technologies and effective management practices in the pastoral beef systems are necessary for improved productivity and resilient agricultural systems. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of Technology Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) among pastoral beef farmers in Isiolo and Kajiado counties. Employing a cross-sectional approach and utilizing the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SURe) model, the research explores the intricate dynamics that shape farmers' decisions regarding three key TIMPs; planted fodder, feed supplementation, and fodder conservation. Using a systematic sampling technique, a sample size of 619 pastoral farmers was adopted.  This research seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and barriers, understanding the complex relationships between resource accessibility, socio-economic considerations, and the role of extension services in facilitating technology adoption. The research underscores the importance of addressing specific barriers, including limited access to resources and socio-economic constraints faced by these farmers. The evidence-based strategies derived from this research paves the way for scientifically informed interventions to propel the livestock sector in Kenya towards a sustainable future. The study's recommendations emphasize the need for targeted policies that prioritize market accessibility, technology awareness and information access, thus effectively supporting the adoption of TIMPs among pastoral beef farmers. Implementing these recommendations contributes to strengthening of resilience of the livestock sector and the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in Kenya.