Agile Approach Research Articles

An AI-based multiphase framework for improving the mechanical ventilation availability in emergency departments during respiratory disease seasons: a case study

BackgroundShortages of mechanical ventilation have become a constant problem in Emergency Departments (EDs), thereby affecting the timely deployment of medical interventions that counteract the severe health complications experienced during respiratory disease seasons. It is then necessary to count on agile and robust methodological approaches predicting the expected demand loads to EDs while supporting the timely allocation of ventilators. In this paper, we propose an integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Discrete-event Simulation (DES) to design effective interventions ensuring the high availability of ventilators for patients needing these devices.MethodsFirst, we applied Random Forest (RF) to estimate the mechanical ventilation probability of respiratory-affected patients entering the emergency wards. Second, we introduced the RF predictions into a DES model to diagnose the response of EDs in terms of mechanical ventilator availability. Lately, we pretested two different interventions suggested by decision-makers to address the scarcity of this resource. A case study in a European hospital group was used to validate the proposed methodology.ResultsThe number of patients in the training cohort was 734, while the test group comprised 315. The sensitivity of the AI model was 93.08% (95% confidence interval, [88.46 − 96.26%]), whilst the specificity was 85.45% [77.45 − 91.45%]. On the other hand, the positive and negative predictive values were 91.62% (86.75 − 95.13%) and 87.85% (80.12 − 93.36%). Also, the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve plot was 95.00% (89.25 − 100%). Finally, the median waiting time for mechanical ventilation was decreased by 17.48% after implementing a new resource capacity strategy.ConclusionsCombining AI and DES helps healthcare decision-makers to elucidate interventions shortening the waiting times for mechanical ventilators in EDs during respiratory disease epidemics and pandemics.

Designing eHealth interventions for children with complex care needs requires continuous stakeholder collaboration and co-creation

ObjectiveHospital-to-home (H2H) transitions challenge families of children with medical complexity (CMC) and healthcare professionals (HCP). This study aimed to gain deeper insights into the H2H transition process and to work towards eHealth interventions for its improvement, by applying an iterative methodology involving both CMC families and HCP as end-users. MethodsFor 20-weeks, the Dutch Transitional Care Unit consortium collaborated with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, HCP, and CMC families. The agile SCREAM approach was used, merging Design Thinking methods into five iterative sprints to stimulate creativity, ideation, and design. Continuous communication allowed rapid adaptation to new information and the refinement of solutions for subsequent sprints. ResultsThis iterative process revealed three domains of care – care coordination, social wellbeing, and emotional support – that were important to all stakeholders. These domains informed the development of our final prototype, ‘Our Care Team’, an application tailored to meet the H2H transition needs for CMC families and HCP. ConclusionComplex processes like the H2H transition for CMC families require adaptive interventions that empower all stakeholders in their respective roles, to promote transitional care that is anticipatory, rather than reactive. InnovationA collaborative methodology is needed, that optimizes existing resources and knowledge, fosters innovation through collaboration while using creative digital design principles. This way, we might be able to design eHealth solutions with end-users, not just for them.

SBAA: Simulation-Based Agile Approach to Crowd Control Planning

To prevent crowd incidents, it is important to share information among stakeholders from the planning stage of crowd management. However, numerous stakeholders are typically involved in crowd management for events, and it is difficult for each stakeholder to understand and agree on their goals, roles, responsibilities, and plans. Additionally, given the vast number of scenarios, it is also difficult to consolidate plans in an efficient and effective manner. Therefore, we devised the simulation-based agile approach (SBAA) methodology, which is characterized by “collaboration with stakeholders,” “responding to plan changes,” and “identifying quality requirements for operations through iterative proposals and agreements.” The first two characteristics are consistent with the Agile Manifesto, which has proven successful as a software development methodology. We participated in the creating of a crowd control plan for a local fireworks display and put SBAA into practice. The SBAA methodology and the effectiveness of SBAA in practice are discussed herein.

Implementing Agile Methodologies in Data Warehouse Projects

Agile techniques have transformed project management and software development by stressing flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity. Data warehouse initiatives have traditionally used a waterfall methodology, which may delay, cost more, and misalign with business needs. Agile techniques are applied to data warehouse projects in this article, examining their pros and cons.The study starts with Agile fundamentals including iterative development, incremental delivery, and adaptive planning. It compares these concepts with the linear, sequential waterfall approach employed in data warehousing. Agile approaches like Scrum or Kanban may help data warehouse projects adapt to changing business demands and improve results. The report recommends creating cross-functional Agile teams with data administration, analytical, and development competence to execute Agile in data warehouses. Collaborative teams encourage communication and feedback loops. Sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives help data warehousing teams make quick changes and meet business goals, according to the report.

Quality Evaluation and Identification of Phyllanthi fructus (Yuganzi) Based on the Spectrum-Effect Relationship

To establish a quality evaluation and identification method for Phyllanthi fructus (Yuganzi), the spectrum-effect relationship was explored. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint was established using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was determined using a total antioxidant capacity assay kit. Similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were performed to establish the spectrum-effect relationships. Thirteen batches of Yuganzi were collected for testing. The results revealed that the optimal chromatographic conditions for the HPLC fingerprint were as follows: the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% phosphoric acid solution (A) and acetonitrile (B), the detection wavelength was 214 nm, the column temperature was 30 °C, and the flow rate was 0.8 mL/min. Among the batches of samples, the similarity values of 10 samples (S1–S10) from Yunnan were larger than 0.995; the similarity values of 3 samples (S11–S13) from India, Gaoligong Mountain, and Fujian were less than or equal to 0.986. Furthermore, nineteen characteristic peaks of Yuganzi were calibrated using fingerprint evaluation software. The study on the spectrum-effect relationship further revealed that compounds corresponding to peaks 5 and 8 were potentially key ingredients for the quality evaluation and identification of Yuganzi, closely related to the stable antioxidant activities of Yuganzi. The spectrum-effect relationship is an agile and efficient approach that can ensure the intra-assay stability of Yuganzi from same region and identify Yuganzi from different regions. Compounds with antioxidant activity can be identified as quality markers for Yuganzi.

Digital twin modeling: A comparison of current approaches

Background The implementation of digital twins is of growing importance due to increasing interest. Various procedural models are used or are currently being developed in theory and practice. However, there is no generally accepted model. The aim of the present study is to record and analyze existing models and from the perspective of deriving development trends. Method In the first step, a systematic literature search is carried out; in the second step, the results are subjected to a comparative analysis. Results The study provides an overview of common process models for implementing Digital Twins. Fifteen approaches were selected for a detailed analysis. 1/3 are hybrid process models (i.e. a combination of several models), sequential and evolutionary models still dominate, and the phase length is between 5 – 10 phases. In other words, the majority of the existing process models analysed surprisingly follow a more sequential approach. Discussion Process models with a sequential character - with and without accompanying project management - dominate, but hybrid approaches are increasing in importance: (a) on the one hand as an integrated project management component, i.e. a combination of agile and classic project management, since these meet the digital twin requirements in terms of hardware (= rather classic approach), software (= more agile approach) and data management; (b) on the other hand, the merging or mutual supplementation of existing data science approaches - such as data mining with CRISP-DM - with the above project management approaches is to be expected.

Fuzzy demand-driven material requirements planning: a comprehensive analysis of fuzzy logic implementation in DDMRP

ABSTRACT Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP) is a new method of inventory control designed to address the challenges of today's complex and volatile supply chain environment. DDMRP replaces traditional Material Requirements Planning (MRP) with a more agile and responsive approach that is based on a set of colour-coded buffers. DDMRP ensures that the right inventory is in the right place at the right time, enabling companies to respond quickly and effectively to changing customer demand. DDMRP requires the setting of various parameters, such as variability factor (VF) and lead time factor (LTF), which can have a significant impact on systems’ performance. Pre-assumed fixed values of DDMRP parameters are used in most of the existing studies. This may lead to either high stockout levels or excess inventory especially in environments involving high level of variability. In this study, we proposed a fuzzy logic-based approach which dynamically adjusts the values of VF and LTF parameters considering demand and lead time variability. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was investigated by comparing its performance with DDMRP based on several numerical experiments. The results showed that the proposed Fuzzy Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning (FDDMRP) outperforms DDMRP in terms of backorder rate and total cost.

A practice for specifying user stories in multimedia system design: An approach to reduce ambiguity.

Various agile approaches have guided the development of solutions based on a minimum viable product for the use of user stories (USs). These approaches provide a generic process for specifying USs for a wide variety of solutions. This study presents an original proposal for a practical approach to the specification of USs for multimedia systems, expressed using the Essence graphical notation language. The practice includes a set of activities, techniques, and tools that can be used by professionals to define the USs of a multimedia system, and which can help to mitigate potential ambiguity problems such as vagueness and insufficiency in formulation. To explore its application, a case study was carried out with the participation of two groups of professionals: an experimental group, and a control group. The results for the analysis factors are promising, and show that by carrying out the activities that make up the practice, a work team can achieve the specification of USs at three levels of concreteness, which contribute to the reduction of problems of vagueness and insufficiency in the USs of a multimedia system. Using this approach, the USs can be guaranteed to meet the value proposition of the multimedia system that will be implemented.

Inventory Management System for MSMEs

This inquire about points to create a web-based stock framework that centers on reasonableness, user-friendliness, and usefulness custom-made to desires of Miniaturized scale, Little, and Medium Ventures (MSMEs). Through in-depth analysis of MSMEs' specific inventory management requirements, the system not only provides a comprehensive solution for stock management but also integrates the Apriori algorithm for associative analysis of inventory data. The system's development adopts an Agile approach, allowing flexible adaptation to changing needs throughout the development process. Key features include efficient stock management, intuitive Point of Sales (POS) transaction recording, and customizable inventory reporting. The implementation of this system is expected to enhance MSMEs' efficiency in inventory management, provide insightful data to support more informed decision-making, and positively contribute to strengthening competitiveness and growth in the dynamic and competitive business environment.

Net-zero, resilience, and agile closed-loop supply chain network design considering robustness and renewable energy.

The Net-zero, Resilience, and Agile Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network (NZRACLSCND) concept integrates net-zero, resiliency, and agility in a circular economy. Regarding net-zero, this research embeds renewable energy like solar energy and hybrid trucks to supply energy for facilities and transportation of goods and products between components. Applying redundancy, multi-source, and flexible capacity as resiliency strategies is suggested to cope with the demand disruption. Satisfaction demand level is utilized for the agile approach. This research proposes Robust Stochastic Optimization (RSO), including the weighted expected value and maximum CO2 for NZRACLSCND. This study locates and determines the flow of CLSC in the home appliance industry by considering NZRA, robustness, and risk against demand disruption. CO2 emission using the NZRA concept is 233.33% less than without considering NZRA concepts. In addition, the conservative coefficient, agile coefficient, decreased CO2 coefficient, and the model scale are analyzed. The results show that when the conservative coefficient increases, the risks of CO2 emission increase. In addition, when the agile coefficient increases, as a result, CO2 emission increases. Finally, when the decreased CO2 coefficient and the model scale increase, we can see that CO2 emission and cost are increased.

Agile-as-a-tool and agile-as-a-culture: a comprehensive review of agile approaches adopting contingency and configuration theories

AbstractToday’s world requires new approaches to innovation that leverage continuous testing and pivoting. Speed and the ability to respond to exogenous shocks are becoming increasingly important in both theory and practice. Following the introduction of the Agile Manifesto in 2001, a wide range of industries have adopted agile approaches, which differ from other ways of managing innovation projects by promoting flexibility and the rapid development of new solutions. Despite the proliferation of agile approaches across industries, the literature lacks a systematic understanding of their underlying elements. Therefore, we conduct a systematic literature review using a text mining technique to longitudinally explore the evolutionary dynamics of the field. Analyzing the results through the dichotomous lens of contingency and configuration theories, we show that the agile literature can be systematized into two perspectives: agile-as-a-tool in the contingency perspective, and agile-as-a-culture in the configuration perspective. Our review reveals underexplored intersections in the field of innovation and provides interesting insights into these two perspectives. We also propose a research agenda to shed light on these emerging perspectives in the agile innovation and management literature.

The Use of Technological Bricks in Agile: Conclusions Based on Analysis of the Literature and on Empirical Research

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the level of Agile implementation in organisations in Poland and to determine the most commonly used Agile methods. The intention of this paper is to present the results of empirical research on technological tools supporting agile organisations in Poland and consider which digital competencies may favour their use. Research Design & Methods: This paper presents a review of the literature and the results of empirical research on the use of information technology in enterprises which follow Agile practices and approaches. Empirical research is based on an interview questionnaire, which contained questions about the level of Agile implementation in the organisation, Agile implementation and support areas, support factors, barriers to implementation, and implementation results. Findings: The paper presents the main IT tools used in agile enterprises and the results of research conducted in this field. The study shows that in 2019 companies mainly used the Agile approach for the creation of innovative services and (or) products. Research also indicates that, when it comes to Agile Good Practices, respondents most often use Scrum and Kanban. Practices such as DevOps, TDD, or SAFe were much less frequently used by the companies surveyed. Implications / Recommendations: The results of the research provide valuable information on three issues: implementation of the Agile approach in Polish enterprises, assessment of the use of technological bricks in Polish enterprises, and an analysis of good practices in Polish enterprises. The research also indicates directions for further research. Among others, it is recommended to repeat the research on the level of agility of the organisation in Poland, primarily to check whether the level of implementation has changed and whether the implementation has taken place in other key areas of the company. Contribution: Literature review and economic practice indicate that there is increasing popularity of the use of information technologies, not only in agile organisations but in general, requiring employees and managers to improve their digital competencies. This paper addresses the need to evaluate the current state of Agile implementation in the organisation and examines the use of technological bricks in Agile in both theoretical and empirical ways.

IMPLEMENTASI PENDEKATAN AGILE UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN OLAP DATA PENJUALAN

Sales data in large quantities are difficult to process and report using Microsoft Excel, which takes a long time. The proposed solution is to use Online Analytical Processing, a method that allows for faster decision-making through multidimensional data manipulation. In developing Online Analytical Processing for sales data, an agile approach is applied. With Online Analytical Processing, access to and display of transactional data becomes more efficient, improving analysis quality and supporting management decisions. Research results show that the prototype accelerates sales reports with a response time of 0.0039 seconds. Online Analytical Processing also facilitates decision-making in seconds. User Acceptance Testing results show high software quality and performance (100%), with an overall evaluation of 86,67% categorized as “Very Good”. Keywords: Sales Data, Online Analytical Processing, User Acceptance Testing, Agile Development

Defining compromise area in the processes of multimodal delivery organization within the agile approach

The level of competition in the transport market requires delivery organizers to implement better approaches based on modern management methodologies, in particular, agile, which makes it possible to provide a modern level of service to cargo owners. The object of this research is the processes of organizing multimodal delivery. The subject of the study is the area of compromise in the processes of organizing multimodal delivery based on the agile approach. The term «compromise area» is introduced, which reflects the numerical limits of product parameters in the general case. For the transportation domain under consideration, the «trade-off area» reflects the limits of the characteristics of multimodal delivery, which is the «product» for the multimodal operator. A set of alternative options for multimodal delivery forms the basis for establishing the dependence of the cost of delivery on time and its reliability (possible time deviation). The area in the «time-reliability-cost» space, which is formed on the basis of this dependence, on the one hand, and the requirements of the cargo owner, taking into account their possible adjustment, on the other hand, is the area of compromise. This area is proposed for use in agile approaches to the organization of multimodal delivery. Balancing the interests of the cargo owner and the multimodal operator allows changing the limits of the compromise area within the framework of the proposed scheme of agile cycles in the process of planning and organizing delivery. On the example of delivering a container with cargo from China to Kyiv, regression linear models were built. These models formalize the dependence of delivery cost on reliability and/or time. Using the example of varying the requirements of the cargo owner regarding the limitations of some delivery characteristics, the formation of the compromise area and its adjustment was carried out, which demonstrated the practical aspects of the formation of the compromise area for multimodal delivery. The results are the basis for the implementation of the agile approach in the field of multimodal transportation. The further development of these results consists in the construction of mathematical models that could form the basis for finding solutions in the area of compromise

Accelerating neurotechnology development using an Agile methodology.

Novel bioelectronic medical devices that target neural control of visceral organs (e.g., liver, gut, spleen) or inflammatory reflex pathways are innovative class III medical devices like implantable cardiac pacemakers that are lifesaving and life-sustaining medical devices. Bringing innovative neurotechnologies early into the market and the hands of treatment providers would benefit a large population of patients inflicted with autonomic and chronic immune disorders. Medical device manufacturers and software developers widely use the Waterfall methodology to implement design controls through verification and validation. In the Waterfall methodology, after identifying user needs, a functional unit is fabricated following the verification loop (design, build, and verify) and then validated against user needs. Considerable time can lapse in building, verifying, and validating the product because this methodology has limitations for adjusting to unanticipated changes. The time lost in device development can cause significant delays in final production, increase costs, and may even result in the abandonment of the device development. Software developers have successfully implemented an Agile methodology that overcomes these limitations in developing medical software. However, Agile methodology is not routinely used to develop medical devices with implantable hardware because of the increased regulatory burden of the need to conduct animal and human studies. Here, we provide the pros and cons of the Waterfall methodology and make a case for adopting the Agile methodology in developing medical devices with physical components. We utilize a peripheral nerve interface as an example device to illustrate the use of the Agile approach to develop neurotechnologies.

Unlocking the relationship between ambidextrous leadership style and HRM practices in knowledge-intensive SMES

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the relationship between owner-manager or leader’s ambidextrous leadership style and its effect on human resource management (HRM) practices, contextual ambidexterity and knowledge-intensive small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) strategic agility.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents an in-depth qualitative case study analysis of two knowledge-intensive SMEs from India’s information technology and health-care products industry serving a range of global clients. Using the theoretical lenses of empowerment-focused HRM practices, ambidextrous leaders, contextual ambidexterity and strategic agility, semi-structured interview data of leaders, managers and employees of the case organizations were analysed. Through a two-staged analytical process, we abductively developed a novel conceptual framework at the intersection of the above theoretical lenses.FindingsThe findings suggest that the knowledge-intensive SME’s strategic agility, ambidexterity and empowerment-focussed HRM approach was influenced by the owner-manager or leader’s ambidextrous leadership style and their philosophy towards managing people and had a positive impact in creating a culture of trust, participation, risk-taking and openness, and led to delivering innovative products and services as well as several positive employee-level outcomes.Originality/valueRecent literature reviews on HRM In SMEs highlight several gaps, including the impact of owner-manager or leader’s philosophy of managing people in shaping HRM practices and employee outcomes. This paper thus adds to the existing literature on HRM and knowledge-intensive SMEs.

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD DETECTION: A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN THE DIGITAL AGE

This Review provides a succinct overview of the comprehensive review on Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection, emphasizing the evolution of techniques in the digital age. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, the role of forensic accounting in uncovering and preventing fraudulent activities has gained paramount importance. This review delves into the contemporary landscape of forensic accounting, focusing on the integration of cutting-edge technologies and digital methodologies. The digital age has ushered in a paradigm shift in forensic accounting, necessitating a thorough examination of techniques that harness the power of technology to detect and combat fraud. The Review touches upon the multifaceted aspects of this review, encompassing both traditional and advanced forensic accounting methodologies. It underlines the significance of forensic accountants staying abreast of technological advancements to effectively navigate the intricate terrain of financial fraud in the modern era. The Review encapsulates the primary themes explored in the review, including the application of data analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning in forensic accounting practices. It highlights the dynamic nature of financial crimes, requiring forensic accountants to adopt agile and innovative approaches to keep pace with fraudulent activities conducted through digital channels. Furthermore, the Review underscores the broader implications of this review for the field of forensic accounting, emphasizing how the synthesis of traditional investigative techniques with digital tools enhances the profession's efficacy in fraud detection and prevention. The Review aims to pique the interest of readers by offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of forensic accounting, positioning it as a critical component in the fight against financial fraud in the digital age.
 Keywords: Forensic, Accounting, Fraud Detection, Techniques, Digital Age.

Success Factors in Management of IT Service Projects: Regression, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Models

Although there have been some studies on the success factors for IT software projects, there is still a lack of coherent research on the success factors for IT service projects. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and understand the factors and their relationships that contribute to the success of IT service projects. For this purpose, multivariate regressions and structural equation models (SEMs) were developed and analyzed. The regression models included six project management success criteria used as dependent variables (quality of the delivered product, scope realization and requirements, timeliness of delivery, delivery within budget, customer satisfaction, and provider satisfaction) and four independent variables (agile techniques and change management, organization and people, stakeholders and risk analysis, work environment), which had been identified through exploratory factor analysis. The results showed that not all success factors were relevant to all success criteria, and there were differences in their importance. An additional series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses along with appropriate statistical measures were employed to evaluate the quality of these four factors. The SEM approach was based on five latent constructs with a total of twenty components. The study suggests that investing in improving people’s knowledge and skills, using agile methodologies, creating a supportive work environment, and involving stakeholders in regular risk analysis are important for project management success. The results also suggest that the success factors for IT service projects depend on both traditional and agile approaches. The study extensively compared its findings with similar research and discussed common issues and differences in both the model structures and methodologies applied. The investigation utilized mathematical methods and techniques that are not commonly applied in the field of project management success modeling. The comprehensive methodology that was applied may be helpful to other researchers who are interested in this topic.

Organizational Changes in Adopting Agile Approaches: A Systematic Literature Review

Although agile approaches to project management were originally developed for use by small software development teams, agile methods quickly began to be used by entire department processes and, in some cases, to the entire organization. Despite this quick adoption, there is a lack of studies seeking a better understanding of the changes that an organization needs to carry out for agile implementation at the organizational level. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to organize and synthesize knowledge in this field. The main changes reported by these studies were consolidated into four major dimensions, that together, provided a consolidated view on the topic. In addition to contributing to the theory of agile approaches, it is also intended that this research will support the organizations that plan to undertake this journey of transformation, helping them plan the actions needed to achieve the desired results more consistently.

Mediating agricultural entrepreneurship through embracing innovative technology: a tale from small rural enterprises in an emerging economy

PurposeThe study evaluates small marginal farmers’ (SMFs) potential behavior, attitude and trust in the adoption of innovative emerging technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed an agile multi-factor approach to conceptualize a digital marketplace to connect a supply chain ecosystem for stakeholders.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that most SMFs are willing to embrace innovative technologies. Nonetheless, they lack the necessary technological oriented education, training and funds to innovate. However, their reluctance to adapt changes is attributable to their fear of losing past customs and practices; they were threatened by the reaction of intermediaries (arthyias) to the adoption of technologies, which could result in them suffering huge losses.Originality/valueThis innovative disintermediation business model has a significant potential to reduce information asymmetry, cost and hoarding – and can thus increase the SMFs’ profit margins. Agricultural technological innovations have a profound potential to impact their supply chain logistics positively by reducing the wastage of perishable food and thus enhancing the consumer experience.