Critical Incident Research Articles

Delivering the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy: a multicenter survey on Japanese neurologists’ perspectives

BackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive, incurable, life-threatening neurodegenerative disease uniquely characterized by the risk of sudden death, which makes diagnosis delivery challenging for neurologists. Empirical studies on breaking a diagnosis of MSA are scarce, with no guidelines currently established. This study aimed to investigate neurologists’ current practices and experiences in delivering the diagnosis of MSA.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter online survey and employed a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) study design in which responses to open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively using critical incident technique.ResultsAmong the 194 neurologists surveyed, 166 opened the survey (response rate = 85.6%), of whom 144 respondents across various Japanese regions completed the survey. Accordingly, 92.3% and 82.8% of the participating neurologists perceived delivering the diagnosis of MSA and explaining the risk of sudden death as difficult, respectively. Factors independently associated with difficulties in diagnosis delivery included explaining the importance of the family decision making process in life-prolonging treatment, perceived difficulties in delivering information regarding the risk of sudden death, and perceived difficulties in differential diagnosis of MSA.ConclusionsOur findings showed that the majority of neurologists perceived delivering the diagnosis of MSA and explaining the risk of sudden death as difficult, which could have been associated with the difficulty of breaking the diagnosis of MSA. Difficulty in conveying bad news in MSA are caused by various factors, such as empathic burden on neurologists caused by the progressive and incurable nature of MSA, the need to explain complex and important details, including the importance of the family decision-making process in life-prolonging treatment, difficulty of MSA diagnosis, and communication barriers posed by mental status and cognitive impairment in patients or their family members. Neurologists consider various factors in explaining the risk of sudden death (e.g., patient’s personality, mental state, and degree of acceptance and understanding) and adjust their manner of communication, such as limiting their communication on such matters or avoiding the use of the term “sudden death” in the early stages of the disease. Although neurologists endeavor to meet the basic standards of good practice, there is room for the multiple aspects for improvement.

Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study

ABSTRACT Introduction Aging in place is favoured among older persons and supported by research in Sweden, although it poses challenges for overburdened informal caregivers. While respite care can offer support, its accessibility is hindered by organizational challenges and informal caregivers’ delays in using it. The experiences of informal caregivers are well-studied, but the professionals’ experiences of respite care quality and critical incident management are underexplored. Aim To explore professionals’ experiences of critical incidents in respite care, consequences for the persons being cared for, and strategies to manage critical incidents. Materials and methods A qualitative, critical incident technique was used, and three group interviews with a total of 16 professionals were conducted. Results Barriers to quality respite care included communication gaps during care transitions, environmental shortcomings in respite care facilities, lack of support for informal caregivers, and inadequacies in respite care decisions. Strategies to manage critical incidents included individualized care, continuity and communication in care transitions, a conducive environment, support for informal caregivers, and care professionals’ positive approach. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for focused efforts on communication, continuity, and a supportive environment. Addressing identified challenges and applying suggested strategies will be key to maximizing the potential of respite care as a vital support for care recipients and their informal caregivers.

Understanding Fire and Rescue Service Practices Through Problems and Problem-Solving Networks: An Analysis of a Critical Incident

AbstractThis study explores how the Fire and Rescue Service can better prepare for solving complex problems in emergencies by using the concept of problems and problem-solving networks. Primary and secondary data from an extensive fire incident were analysed, including semi-structured interviews and incident assessment reports. Complex problems that arise during emergencies can be challenging to define, and solutions can be difficult to identify. However, this study demonstrates that breaking down complex problems into sub-problems can facilitate the identification of what kind of problem-solving network is needed to be able to solve problems in emergencies. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the rationale behind problem-solving network in emergency situations and highlights the importance of relationships in problem-solving network to address complex problems during emergencies.

Teaching pre-clinical medical students remotely in Nigeria post Covid-19 pandemic: can past experiences shape future directions?

PurposeOnline teaching has gained popularity in recent years, but changes have been slower to implement in Lower or Medium Income Countries (LMIC). The aim of this research was to build upon educators’ experiences of remote teaching during Covid-19 to inform the development of a blended learning approach for teaching pre-clinical subjects at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (OAU).MethodsThe Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used in this exploratory study. Participants were invited to either complete an online qualitative questionnaire or take part in an online structured interview, which were hosted on Microsoft platforms. Data were obtained from eighteen educators and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFindings suggest that most educators (72%) continued to engage with remote teaching post-pandemic. All lab-based practical topics returned to being in-person, and teachers’ experiences highlighted that a new blended learning approach should focus on asynchronized online teaching of didactic subjects. Five main themes captured educators’ experiences and lessons learned regarding online teaching including: skills and training, teachers’ motivation and attitudes, internet and connectivity, learners’ behaviors, and socio-economic constraints.ConclusionFindings provided additional evidence on the way in which educators in LMIC would like to build upon the positive aspects of online teaching and move towards a blended learning model. However, the implementation of such an approach should consider students’ and faculty’s needs and socio-economic constraints.

Exploring consumer value in meal kit delivery: A mixed‐method approach

AbstractThis study aims to investigate various types of values consumers experience within the meal kit delivery context, their influences on satisfaction and word‐of‐mouth (WOM), and the moderating effects of demographics between consumer values and satisfaction with a mixed‐method approach. The qualitative study employed a critical incident technique that analyzed consumers' online reviews, resulting in 285 critical incidents. The analysis revealed five themes of consumer value unique to the meal kit usage, including excellence, convenience, monetary value, epistemic value, and self‐esteem. The quantitative study from an online survey of 300 consumers used a structural equation modeling, which provided support for the influences of the five consumer values on satisfaction, subsequently enhancing consumers' WOM behavior. Besides, the multi‐group analysis revealed that the impacts of consumer values on satisfaction depended on their marital status and household income. This study contributes to the consumer behavior literature in three areas. First, it expands the consumer value literature by identifying multiple dimensions of consumption values unique to meal kit delivery that gained popularity during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Second, this study contributes to the consumer satisfaction and loyalty literature by demonstrating the impacts of different dimensions of values on consumer responses. Lastly, it expands our knowledge of consumer demographic characteristics that change the dynamics between consumer values and satisfaction. The findings provide valuable insights into the fast‐growing meal kit industry and allow the service providers to better align their products/service attributes with the values consumers appreciate.

Driving quality in delirium care through a patient-centered monitoring system in palliative care: Protocol for the two-staged exploratory sequential mixed methods MODEL-PC study

Introduction Delirium is a serious acute neurocognitive condition that is common in palliative care units and yet under-addressed. To improve delirium care in this setting, we will develop and pilot a monitoring system that integrates the Delirium Clinical Care Standard, Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) methods, and perspectives of patients, carers and staff. Methods This paper reports the protocol for a two-stage, exploratory, sequential mixed-methods implementation study. Stage 1 data collection includes Delirium Standard-aligned process mapping and clinical audits, and Critical Incident Technique interviews with patients, carers and staff with a recent experience of delirium. We will present integrated stage 1 findings to stakeholders then collaboratively develop a delirium monitoring system that aligns with the Delirium Standard and PCOC methods. In stage 2, we will pilot the new system and repeat stage 1 data collection and analyses, adding PCOC and adverse event measures. Implementation principles and strategies such as audit and feedback and education will be applied. We developed simplified participants information sheets and consent forms for interview and process mapping participants, who will provide written informed consent; and waiver of consent to collect clinical audit, PCOC and adverse event data from patients’ medical records is approved. At study end, we will report implementation, effectiveness and safety outcomes, including systemic utility of the delirium monitoring system for wider testing and use to meet the Delirium Standard in palliative care units. Quantitative data analyses will include descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative analyses will incorporate thematic content analysis aligned to the Critical Incident Technique. Mixed methods data integration will be at the end of each stage. Discussion This protocol paper describes the mixed methods, systems integration, and innovative measures and study processes of the MODEL-PC study. We also share data collection tools and a simplified information sheet and consent form for patients.

Understanding pathways from implementation to sustainment: a longitudinal, mixed methods analysis of promising practices implemented in the Veterans Health Administration

BackgroundThe Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the United States largest learning health system. The Diffusion of Excellence (DoE) program is a large-scale model of diffusion that identifies and diffuses evidence-informed practices across VHA. During the period of 2016-2021, 57 evidence-informed practices were implemented across 82 VHA facilities. This setting provides a unique opportunity to understand sustainment determinants and pathways. Our objective was to characterize the longitudinal pathways of practices as they transition from initial implementation to long-term sustainment at each facility.MethodsA longitudinal, mixed-methods evaluation of 82 VHA facilities. Eighty-two facility representatives, chosen by leadership as points-of-contact for 57 DoE practices, were eligible for post-implementation interviews and annual sustainment surveys. Primary outcomes (implementation, sustainment), and secondary outcomes (institutionalization, effectiveness, anticipated sustainment) at four time-points were collected. We performed descriptive statistics and directed content analysis using Hailemariam et al.’s factors influencing sustainment.ResultsAfter approximately five years post-implementation (e.g., 2021 sustainment outcomes), of the 82 facilities, about one-third fully sustained their practice compared to one-third that did not fully sustain their practice because it was in a “liminal” stage (neither sustained nor discontinued) or permanently discontinued. The remaining one-third of facilities had missing 2021 sustainment outcomes. A higher percentage of facilities (70%) had inconsistent primary outcomes (changing over time) compared to facilities (30%) with consistent primary outcomes (same over time). Thirty-four percent of facilities with sustained practices reported resilience since they overcame implementation and sustainment barriers. Facilities with sustained practices reported more positive secondary outcomes compared to those that did not sustain their practice. Key factors facilitating practice sustainment included: demonstrating practice effectiveness/benefit, sufficient organizational leadership, sufficient workforce, and adaptation/alignment with local context. Key factors hindering practice sustainment included: insufficient workforce, not able to maintain practice fidelity/integrity, critical incidents related to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizational leadership did not support sustainment of practice, and no ongoing support.ConclusionsWe identified diverse pathways from implementation to sustainment, and our data underscore that initial implementation outcomes may not determine long-term sustainment outcomes. This longitudinal evaluation contributes to understanding impacts of the DoE program, including return on investment, achieving learning health system goals, and insights into achieving high-quality healthcare in VHA.

The transformative potential of AI-enabled personalization across cultures

The transformative potential of AI-enabled personalization across cultures

Support after return to alcohol use: a mixed-methods study on how abstinence motivation and app use change after return to alcohol use in an app-based aftercare intervention for individuals with alcohol use disorder

BackgroundAs the return to alcohol use in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is common during treatment and recovery, it is important that abstinence motivation is maintained after such critical incidences. Our study aims to explore how individuals with AUD participating in an app-based intervention with telephone coaching after inpatient treatment perceived their abstinence motivation after the return to alcohol use, whether their app use behavior was affected and to identify helpful factors to maintain abstinence motivation.MethodsUsing a mixed-methods approach, ten participants from the intervention group of the randomized controlled trial SmartAssistEntz who returned to alcohol use and recorded this in the app Appstinence, a smartphone application with telephone coaching designed for individuals with AUD, were interviewed about their experiences. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded using qualitative content analysis. App use behavior was additionally examined by using log data.ResultsOf the ten interviewees, seven reported their abstinence motivation increased after the return to alcohol use. Reasons included the reminder of negative consequences of drinking, the desire to regain control of their situation as well as the perceived support provided by the app. App data showed that app use remained stable after the return to alcohol use with an average of 58.70 days of active app use (SD = 25.96, Mdn = 58.50, range = 24–96, IQR = 44.25) after the return to alcohol use which was also indicated by the participants’ reported use behavior.ConclusionsThe findings of the study tentatively suggest that the app can provide support to individuals after the return to alcohol use to maintain and increase motivation after the incidence. Future research should (1) focus on specifically enhancing identification of high risk situations and reach during such critical incidences, (2) actively integrate the experience of the return to alcohol use into app-based interventions to better support individuals in achieving their personal AUD behavior change goals, and (3) investigate what type of support individuals might need who drop out of the study and intervention and discontinue app use altogether.Trial registrationThe primary evaluation study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, registration number DRKS00017700) and received approval of the ethical committee of the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (193_19 B).

CrisisTransformers: Pre-trained language models and sentence encoders for crisis-related social media texts

Social media platforms play an essential role in crisis communication, but analyzing crisis-related social media texts is challenging due to their informal nature. Transformer-based pre-trained models like BERT and RoBERTa have shown success in various NLP tasks, but they are not tailored for crisis-related texts. Furthermore, general-purpose sentence encoders are used to generate sentence embeddings, regardless of the textual complexities in crisis-related texts. Advances in applications like text classification, semantic search, and clustering contribute to the effective processing of crisis-related texts, which is essential for emergency responders to gain a comprehensive view of a crisis event, whether historical or real-time. To address these gaps in crisis informatics literature, this study introduces CrisisTransformers, an ensemble of pre-trained language models and sentence encoders trained on an extensive corpus of over 15 billion word tokens from tweets associated with more than 30 crisis events, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts, and other critical incidents. We evaluate existing models and CrisisTransformers on 18 crisis-specific public datasets. Our pre-trained models outperform strong baselines across all datasets in classification tasks, and our best-performing sentence encoder improves the state-of-the-art by 17.43% in sentence encoding tasks. Additionally, we investigate the impact of model initialization on convergence and evaluate the significance of domain-specific models in generating semantically meaningful sentence embeddings. The models are publicly available at: https://huggingface.co/crisistransformers.

Performance assessment and further optimization of the activation based criticality dosimetry system at the Belgian nuclear research centre SCK CEN

In places where fissile materials are being handled, the risk of a criticality accident can never be absolutely eliminated. Criticality accidents require specialized dosimetry techniques, which differ markedly from those used in routine radiological protection. This is caused by the fact that one should be able to measure very high doses up to 10 Gy in mixed gamma and neutron fields with very high instantaneous dose rates up to 105 Gy/s and complex energy spectra. The criticality dosimetry system at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN is accredited according to ISO 17025 by the Belgian accreditation body BELAC and is used to monitor about 4000 nuclear workers. The system is based on a dedicated criticality dosemeter with four activation detectors (gold foils with and without cadmium shielding, an indium foil and sulphur pellets) and an iterative unfolding algorithm starting from a guess neutron fluence energy spectrum. This work describes the design of the SCK CEN criticality dosemeters and the iterative unfolding algorithm. Furthermore, it also discusses two new developments. Firstly, effective neutron reaction cross sections were calculated by MCNP6.2 Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations to be used in the unfolding algorithm. These effective cross sections take into account the effects of the dosemeter, the potential presence of the body and the neutron angle of incidence. These effects were demonstrated to be important, especially for the gold foils and if the dosemeter is worn against the body. Secondly, a Bayesian unfolding algorithm based on a parametric description of the neutron fluence energy spectrum was developed and tested. The results of this new algorithm were in good agreement with the iterative algorithm. The uncertainty assessment was more realistic with the Bayesian algorithm because it includes also the uncertainty associated with the unfolding process. However, for spectra that cannot be well described by the parametric function, the Bayesian algorithm can lead to significant under- or overestimations. In case sufficient information is available, it is better to make use of the iterative algorithm with a realistic guess spectrum to start from. Finally, this work also demonstrated the compliance of the SCK CEN criticality dosimetry system with the IAEA criteria for criticality dosimetry systems.

Analysis of Critical Incident Reports Using Natural Language Processing.

To demonstrate how natural language processing (NLP) methods can help in retrieving valuable information from such incident data. We analyzed frequently occurring terms and sentiments as well as topics in data from the Swiss National CIRRNET database from 2006 to 2023 using NLP and BERTopic modelling. We grouped the topics into 10 major themes out of which 6 are related to medication. Overall, they reflect the global trends in adverse events in healthcare (surgical errors, venous thromboembolism, falls). Additionally, we identified errors related to blood testing, COVID-19, handling patients with diabetes and pediatrics. 40-50% of the messages are written in a neutral tone, 30-40% in a negative tone. The analysis of CIRS messages using text analysis tools helped in getting insights into common sources of critical incidents in Swiss healthcare institutions. In future work, we want to study more closely the relations, for example between sentiment and topics.

Understanding the desire for green consumption: Norms, emotions, and attitudes

Building on goal-directed behavior premises, this article sets out to develop a framework for explaining why consumers desire green products. Informed by a qualitative study exploring critical consumption incidents, the new model of green goal-directed behaviors (MGGB) presents a unique approach, tested empirically through a survey on the sustainable food consumption of 474 U.S. consumers. By combining the effects of pro-environmental and self-oriented motivations, the MGGB achieved a superior fit and predictive power compared to rival frameworks. Structural equation modeling results unveiled the salient role of personal norms, associated with affective and evaluative mechanisms. The important function of social and cognitive aspects is also revealed. The novel approach taken herein overcomes the limitations of rational theories, by introducing new processes, and showing how their contingency on outcome expectancies and consumer involvement regulates the arousal of green consumption desires. Important considerations are derived for theory development, future research, and marketing practice.

Factors influencing non-conveyance care encounters in the ambulance service, registered nurses experiences - a qualitative study

BackgroundThere is a notable variation in the percentage of non-conveyed patients within the ambulance service. Discharging patients at the scene includes a risk of adverse events, and both patients and ambulance clinicians experience the complexity of non-conveyance. Therefore, this study aimed to describe factors influencing the care encounter when care in the ambulance service concludes with non-conveyance.MethodA qualitative study design employing the critical incident technique for data collection through individual interviews, and a qualitative analysis based on Fridlund et al. descriptions was utilized. The study conforms to the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research.ResultsFourteen Registered Nurses (RN) described 30 incidents and various factors were identified as influencing the care encounter. The factors included communication, sharing information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and an overall understanding of the patient’s entire situation. These factors were integrated into the RNs’ decision-making process for non-conveyance.ConclusionThe decision-making process for non-conveyance by RNs is a multifaceted approach that incorporates several factors. Communication, sharing of information, maintaining a secure and confident approach, organizational aspects, applying person-centered care in collaboration with the patient, relatives, and other caregivers, and a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s entire situation. These findings have the potential to contribute to the development of guidelines supporting the RNs working in the ambulance service in their decisions regarding non-conveyance. Further research is needed on the patient’s and relatives’ perspective on non-conveyance otherwise, patient participation and partnership in person-centered care are not possible to achieve.

An exploratory study of critical incidents within public organizations during leadership change

Background Leadership changes within public organizations are often associated with achieving the organization’s vision. This exploratory study examines critical incidents and the anxiety experienced by the head of the department at the local government in the context of leadership change in the public organization. It explores anxiety, which has rarely been explored in connection with leadership change, especially with regard to public organizations and countries with a high-power distance culture. Thus, it comprehensively describes the sources, course, and consequences of anxiety due to leadership change. Methods Critical incident technique (CIT) was used to conduct analysis because of its suitability as a theoretical framework for the exploratory nature of this research. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews from 26 informants who served as heads of departments in cities. Results The findings revealed the causes, course, and consequence of the anxiety experienced in response to leadership change. Political choice, culture change, policy change, fear of loss, and unaccountable financing were identified as sources of anxiety. Anxiety manifested through negative, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. The consequences were divided into in-circle, out-circle, and ambivalence-circle participation. Conclusions High-power distance culture causes leaders to portray hegemony with boundaries that are difficult to access as well as appear more directive to strengthen control within the organization. The integrated model presented here (causes, course, and consequences of anxiety) is expected to enrich the integrated, modern, and emotional science through a functional account of the emotional approach. Cognitive and affective reactions have a two-way relationship, wherein emotion influences cognition and cognition elicits emotion.

Developing paradoxical and authentic leadership: qualitative evaluation of leadership development among hotel managers and hospitality management educators in Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study explores the effectiveness of leadership development (LD) in fostering paradoxical and authentic leader and leadership capabilities in hotel managers and hospitality management educators. Using a qualitative approach, the study evaluates how LD contributed to immediate and medium-term outcomes. The use of the Critical Incident Technique uncovered that the LD approaches enabled the growth in cognitive, affective and behavioural dimensions, contributing to elevated individual and collective leadership capacity. The study expands the literature on paradoxical and authentic leadership and deepens the understanding of how LD can support the growth of authenticity and balanced decision-making in the visitor economy to drive organisational performance.

Managing the co-creation of accessible and inclusive family recreation retail encounters: A critical incident analysis

Entertainment and recreation are pull factors for retail shopping malls and supercentres. For families in particular, recreation is a relevant part of their retail visits. However, families with children with disabilities (FCwD) continue to face access challenges in retail service environments. In this paper, we empirically explore how a value co-creation process undertaken with FCwD can enhance their perception of an accessible and inclusive family recreation retail visit. Our findings are based on a collaborative research project conducted in 2019 with a major shopping mall in the city of Barcelona, Spain. The methodology consisted of focus groups with stakeholders, ethnographic techniques and interviews with 20 FCwD using a constant comparative technique. The research design included two studies: Study 1, on the design of accessible and inclusive recreation retail encounters for FCwD, and Study 2, on the design of accessible and inclusive recreation retail encounters with FCwD. Using critical incident techniques (CIT), we found that the families perceived the recreation retail encounters in Study 2 to be more inclusive and accessible. From this research, we provide retail managers with recommendations for the successful design of inclusive family recreation retail opportunities in shopping malls.

Confronting Conundrums of Care in College Student Advising

At colleges and universities throughout the United States, academic advisors play a central role in stemming the tide of declining student enrollment and academic underachievement—especially in the wake of academic, physical, emotional, and interpersonal setbacks incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many undergraduates, the mentoring relationship with their academic advisor provides the longest lasting and deepest connection with a faculty or staff member throughout their college experience. Increasingly, the expectations that institutions and students place on academic advisors have escalated far beyond simply guiding course selection and checking fulfillment of graduation requirements. While this more holistic approach to advising can cultivate a greater sense of belonging, it also places the advisors in a precarious position as the parameters of their responsibilities and the extent of caregiving continue to broaden. The ever-expanding expectations of caregiving placed on college academic advisors exemplify how pandemic-informed labor practices across many workplaces inadequately acknowledge caregivers while the care recipients may become overly dependent. This study investigates how advising evolves to become an extrapolation of the caregiving demands socially placed upon women in traditional, patriarchally structured families and workplaces. Using methods derived from critical incident theory that identify systemic crisis points and opportunities for intervention, the authors examine narratives of two women who serve as the lead advisors for their departments in southeastern United States universities. Their narratives delineate two double binds. First, the presumably bottomless reservoir of care demanded from women places nurturance of students in tension with career advancement and other care responsibilities (e.g., self and family). Second, setting boundaries to caregiving may generate accusations of insensitivity, but boundless care can accommodate and encourage learned helplessness among students. The investigation concludes with suggestions to reform institutional policies and build student resilience that equips them to learn independently.

#HandsUpDontShoot: Studying Coverage of Ferguson as a ‘Critical Incident’ from Journalism’s Recent Past

For seventy years, gatekeeping theory has described how news sources, news institutions, and audiences impact the way information is distributed and consumed through mass media. But when a Black teenager, Michael Brown, was fatally shot by police in Ferguson, Missouri, citizen accounts of him having his “hands up” quickly spread on social media, forcing journalists to acknowledge both the circumstances of the shooting and the role of social media in shaping the narrative. This historical study of the “recent past” considers how Brown’s shooting death served as a “critical incident” that forced journalists to reevaluate long-held practices in the face of citizen journalism on social media. Using textual analysis, this study examines local and national news coverage of the shooting and resulting protests, as well as subsequent investigations over the following weeks and months; it draws on content from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, New York Times, and other outlets, as well as Twitter posts from citizens. The study, which places Ferguson in the historical context of breaking news coverage, finds social media narratives initially impacted the shape of news coverage, but over time journalists ultimately reverted to their traditional reliance on official sources.

Decision Making on a Software Upgrade or Decommission with Data Mining and Machine Learning Techniques in Information Technology Industry

The Organizations have been investing more in Technology and Infrastructure spends like software upgrades, software renewals, software replacements, platform migrations etc., apart from investment in Business, People, and Processes. In this context, it is not an easy task for stakeholders to decide whether to go for a software upgrade or to replace it with another software. There is no unified approach or solution to consolidate data and relationships of Information Technology Assets, Software Upgrades, Software costs, Software defects, Software Performance Metrics, Security issues, IT system versions, service level objectives etc. Due to this, the decision making of software upgrades and software decommissioning is a tedious process and takes more time and effort. There is a need to build a solution that can integrate and validate the information like software assets, software upgrade success and failure likelihoods, cost benefit analysis of Cloud Computing, software metrics for fault prediction, software maintainability prediction results, Digital Transformation readiness and other related factors. There is an opportunity to apply Machine Learning techniques in defining and deriving the success likelihoods on the following data: Systems and data integration, software assets compatibility, operational service level agreement breaches, quality assurance metrics, security issues, number of open defects, number of defect fixes, number of priority incidents, mean time to resolve critical incidents, expected cost increase in software maintenance, potential cost reduction with the software or hardware replacement etc. This Research Proposal outlines the above mentioned to build a recommendation system aka decision tree namely Software Upgrades or Decommissions Life Cycle.