Comprehensive Contingency Research Articles

Radial Distribution Systems Performance Enhancement through RE (Renewable Energy) Integration and Comprehensive Contingency Ranking Analysis

Radial Distribution Systems Performance Enhancement through RE (Renewable Energy) Integration and Comprehensive Contingency Ranking Analysis

Contingency Planning for Tourism Development in Volcanic Disaster-Prone Areas in Indonesia

Abstract Indonesia is geologically recognized as a complex region due to its location at the convergence of the Eurasian, Pacific, and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to geological hazards. Among these hazards, volcanic activity poses a significant threat, with 127 volcanoes identified as potential eruption hazards. Volcanic disasters often result in substantial loss of life and property. The natural beauty and allure of volcanic landscapes attract numerous tourists, leading to heavy concentrations of people in potentially dangerous areas. If tourism in these regions is not managed effectively, the risk of disasters may increase. Catastrophic volcanic eruptions, such as those at Lokon (1991), Semeru (2000), Bromo (2004), and Marapi (2023), have resulted in considerable casualties among tourists. This paper aims to provide essential considerations for tourism stakeholders in active volcanic regions to enhance safety and reduce fatalities associated with volcanic eruption hazards. It will explore the challenges and risks posed by tourism in these areas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive contingency planning. To safeguard tourists, future tourism development in areas prone to volcanic disasters must incorporate disaster risk assessments, early integration of volcanic hazard maps into tourist site designs, adherence to technical guidance from volcanological institutions, implementation of early warning systems, and regular dissemination of volcanic hazard mitigation measures.

Minimizing Business Disruption During Enterprise End-Point OS Upgrade while Maintaining a Robust Security Posture

The deployment of a major end-point operating system (OS) upgrade presents significant challenges for enterprise organizations, requiring a comprehensive strategy to minimize business disruption and maintain a robust security posture. Beyond the operational complexities of managing user productivity and application compatibility, organizations must also proactively address the critical security risks associated with such large-scale technology transitions. Cybercriminals often target organizations undergoing major IT changes, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities that may arise due to shifts in the OS architecture, user workflows, and security controls. This paper outlines practical strategies for executing successful OS upgrade projects that balance operational resilience and cyber risk management. Key focus areas include proactive management of end-point security, comprehensive contingency planning and rollback procedures, strategies to sustain productivity and business continuity, effective end-user training and communication, and valuable insights into the next- generation OS deployment. By focusing on these critical aspects, organizations can navigate major OS upgrade initiatives while preserving vigorous business operations, enhancing end-user experience, and safeguarding sensitive data and systems from costly security incidents.

Impact of COVID-19 on MOUD retention in a sample of rural primary care patients: A secondary analysis of electronic health records

There is limited research examining factors impacting MOUD retention in rural settings, especially within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using electronic health records data collected as part of a NIDA Clinical Trials Network study (CTN-0102), this study explored how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted MOUD retention in a sample of 563 rural primary care patients. Cox regression model was applied to examine if COVID-19 was related to treatment retention, controlling for demographics, clinic, insurance type, and other diagnoses. The independent variable was the number of days between the patient's first MOUD prescription date during the pre-COVID observation period (10/1/2019-3/13/2020) and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dependent variable was retention on MOUD, defined as the time from the first MOUD prescription documented during the pre-COVID observation period to the first break in consecutive MOUD prescriptions (right censored at 180 days). The findings demonstrated that there was a reduced risk of a prescription break for every 10-day increase in the time from the first documented MOUD prescription to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (HR = 0.96, 95 % CI = 0.92-0.99; p = 0.011). While the data did not include complete treatment histories to determine who was new to MOUD treatment, the findings suggest that patients whose first documented MOUD prescription in the dataset was closer to the onset of the pandemic had a greater likelihood of experiencing retention challenges. This underscores the importance for clinics to establish comprehensive contingency plans for future emergencies to ensure uninterrupted MOUD treatment and support, particularly for individuals in the early stabilization phase of their recovery.

STRATEGIC EDUCATIONAL QUALITY FOR CRISIS ADAPTABILITY

This article examines the central role of educational quality as a linchpin for crisis management in the education sector. Faced with challenges ranging from economic downturns to public health crises, the study seeks to unravel the complex relationship between educational quality and the resilience of educational institutions. Using a comprehensive approach, the paper delves into the multiple dimensions of educational quality, examining indicators such as curriculum design, teaching methods and institutional accreditation. Methodology. The study uses a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis of educational indicators with qualitative assessment of crisis management strategies. Data is collected from a variety of educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, to provide a detailed understanding of the current situation. Surveys, interviews, and case studies contribute to a comprehensive examination of the dynamic relationship between education quality and crisis response. Results. The findings underscore the critical role of quality education in building resilience to crises. Institutions with a strong emphasis on educational quality demonstrate greater adaptability, use technology for distance learning, implement effective contingency plans, and foster a culture of adaptability among educators and students. The study identifies key indicators that serve as predictors of an institution's ability to successfully manage crises, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educational leaders. Practical implications. The research offers practical implications for educational institutions seeking to improve their crisis management capabilities. Recommendations include the integration of technology for distance learning, the development of comprehensive contingency plans, and the maintenance of a flexible learning environment. The practical strategies outlined in the article aim to enable institutions to respond proactively to crises and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of quality education. Value/Originality. The originality of the research lies in the comprehensive analysis of quality indicators and the identification of practical strategies that can strengthen the education sector against unforeseen challenges.

An Input for Stakeholders’ Management and Engagement Primer (SMEP) of Basic Education in the New Normal in Laguna Cluster, Philippines Insight

Crafting contingency plans and interventions in the Philippines' basic education in the new normal is the main concern of the study. Thus, stakeholders’ support for basic education and the school’s implementation in Laguna cluster for the school year 2020-2021 are also determined in this study. Descriptive correlational design was utilized in which 650 individuals served as respondents who are a combination of school heads, master teachers, and teachers in the city schools’ division in Laguna. The result of the study revealed that there is a significant and positive correlation between stakeholder support and the degree of basic education delivery in the new normal, according to Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation. Stakeholder support for the implementation of basic education in the new normal was moderated by school size and demonstrated a high substantial relationship in terms of Learning Environment, Learning Support, Technology Support, Training and Development, and Direct Assistance. The use of regression coefficient showed that there is an immersive impact of school size on programs and tools in the delivery of basic education in the modern normal. On the other hand, there is no discernible interactive impact on the school scale. Hence, the empirical findings of the study were the basis of the researcher for the creation of a comprehensive contingency intervention plan. The Stakeholders’ Management and Engagement Primer (SMEP) was crafted and recommended to all school leaders to bridge the gap between the stakeholders’ support and the schools participating in the new normal adoption of basic education in Laguna cluster, Philippines.

The concept of diversity of workforce in globalization

In the modern epoch, under the diversity of the workforce, management needs to be able to improve the competencies of the management level that form and shape a comprehensive government contingency on cultural changes and diversity. It is not surprising if we critically look at people and process management in different countries, we find that in terms of the diversity of the workforce it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of professional, religious and cultural variables affecting management functions and administrative decisions.
 In the modern world, a great deal of attention is paid to the professionalism of the employee and their emotional intellect, because the emotional mood of the employee is directly proportionate to the final result, employers are trying to make the working environment as much as possible on a wide variety of worforce. Emotional intellect, is the sort of summary of individual skills that shape the personality. Nowadays it is used in the selection process of personnel. However, we must take into account that tests are not a panacea and we need to make complex steps to get the desired results.
 Our objective is to get familiar with literary sources, make recommendations and managing decisions based on a specific situation.

Evolving Purchasing and Supply Organizations: A contingency model for structural alternatives

Abstract Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) is under significant pressure to find levers to further increase its contribution to corporate goals. In order to improve performance in line with expectations, Purchasing and Supply Organizations (PSOs) have to evolve continuously. To help address this challenge, a comprehensive contingency framework of PSO structures is presented. The framework is based on existing literature on PSO contingency factors as well as analysis of two case companies. The findings highlight the importance of taking a contingency perspective for understanding the PSO and combining a detailed view of macro-level structural dimensions with micro-level characteristics. These macro-level dimensions comprise category, business unit, geography and activity. The micro-level characteristics comprise centralization, formalization, specialization, participation and standardization. From a theoretical perspective, the contingency framework opens up insights that can be leveraged in future studies in the fields of hybrid PSOs, global sourcing organizations, and International Purchasing Offices (IPOs). From a practical standpoint, an assessment of external and internal contingencies and their relation to specific structural dimensions and characteristics provides the opportunity for more consciously evolving the PSO to continue to improve PSM's contribution.

An Investigation of Integrated Contingency Model of Sophisticated Costing Techniques in Small and Medium Enterprises

This theoretical paper aims to develop a comprehensive contingency model, by integrating contingency theory and upper echelon theories, which investigate the effect of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU), advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), CEOs involvement in networks and CEO characteristics on sophisticated costing techniques (SCTs). It also measures the mediating effect of SCTs on firm performance. The model, if empirically validated, would enable a determination of suitable fits between the uses of SCTs and contextual variable for improving performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The principal contribution of this paper lies in synthesizing the literature to develop a testable contingency framework of SCTs, which considers the relationship between an inclusive set of contingent factors and SCTs as well as its mediating effect on the relationship between these factors and performance simultaneously. As such, this model is expected to help increase the explanatory power of management accounting research in SMEs context.

Activity-based innovations in the UK manufacturing sector: Extent, adoption process patterns and contingency factors

Abstract This study defines Activity Based Innovations (ABI) as ‘any management accounting practice that uses the concept of ‘activities’ as its hard core’. Based on this definition, this study investigates the extent of ABI adoption in UK manufacturing business units, explores the adoption process patterns, and examines the influence of nine factors on ABI initiation and adoption; and five factors on ABI extent of use. These factors relate to the perceived innovation attributes, organisational factors and the perceived environmental uncertainty. Data were collected by mail survey questionnaire of a random sample of business units, with questionnaire design and distribution based on Dillman's Tailored Design Method. Analysis indicates that 32% of respondents are serious ABI users. This is higher than previous UK surveys and could reflect the wide definition used in this survey, or, more likely, increasing take-up of ABI. The study also reveals that, based on a wide definition of ABI together with detailed analysis of stages of implementation, almost 72% of the business units sampled have had experience or interest in ABI and we therefore conclude that ABI can now be regarded as mainstream management accounting practice. Moreover, this study reveals that a large group of respondents adopted non-unitary or ad hoc adoption process patterns not reported in previous literature. Significantly, in 11% of cases ABI adoption was mandated on business units. Multivariate analysis reveals that top management support and level of overhead were associated with ABI initiation and adoption while, at the initiation stage, the ABI attributes, relative advantage and cost were also significant. The extent of ABI use was associated with top management support and an ABI champion. This is the first study that investigates activity-based innovations as a set of inter-related techniques. Its results show that the adoption process could follow different patterns and highlight the importance of including innovation attributes in comprehensive contingency studies. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of controlling for forced adoption cases, the organisational variables of top management support and innovation champion, and any innovation-specific contextual factors (such as level of overhead) in management accounting innovation studies.

A comprehensive contingency management framework for supply chain disruption risk management

With globalisation and the advancement of information and communication technology, supply chain network structure has become more and more complicated with operational uncertainties and disruptions increasingly exacerbated. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive emergency management framework to manage supply chain disruption risks. Our framework integrates risk identification, risk assessment, and a combination of two contingency strategies. These two strategies are robust inventory control and virtual dual sourcing which can effectively mitigate supply chain disruptions. We then present a case study where Delphi Co. managed the disruptions in its supply chains during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Through this case study, we show the validity of our comprehensive emergency management framework. Finally, our framework can improve supply chain sustainability. For example, its strategy of virtual dual sourcing can keep a supply chain sufficiently lean while minimising the effect of supplier disruption.

Contingency planning for electronic health record-based care continuity: A survey of recommended practices

Reliable health information technology (HIT) in general, and electronic health record systems (EHRs) in particular are essential to a high-performing healthcare system. When the availability of EHRs are disrupted, alternative methods must be used to maintain the continuity of healthcare. We developed a survey to assess institutional practices to handle situations when EHRs were unavailable for use (downtime preparedness). We used literature reviews and expert opinion to develop items that assessed the implementation of potentially useful practices. We administered the survey to U.S.-based healthcare institutions that were members of a professional organization that focused on collaboration and sharing of HIT-related best practices among its members. All members were large integrated health systems. We received responses from 50 of the 59 (84%) member institutions. Nearly all (96%) institutions reported at least one unplanned downtime (of any length) in the last 3 years and 70% had at least one unplanned downtime greater than 8h in the last 3 years. Three institutions reported that one or more patients were injured as a result of either a planned or unplanned downtime. The majority of institutions (70-85%) had implemented a portion of the useful practices we identified, but very few practices were followed by all organizations. Unexpected downtimes related to EHRs appear to be fairly common among institutions in our survey. Most institutions had only partially implemented comprehensive contingency plans to maintain safe and effective healthcare during unexpected EHRs downtimes.

The H1N1 influenza pandemic: need for solutions to ethical problems

The rapid spread of the novel influenza virus of H1N1 swine origin led to widespread fear, panic and unrest among the public and healthcare personnel. The pandemic not only tested the world's health preparedness, but also brought up new ethical issues which need to be addressed as soon as possible. This article highlights these issues and suggests ethical answers to the same. The main areas that require attention are the distribution of scarce resources, prioritisation of antiviral drugs and vaccines, obligations of healthcare workers, and adequate dissemination and proper communication of information related to the pandemic. It is of great importance to plan in advance how to confront these issues in an ethical manner. This is possible only if a comprehensive contingency plan is prepared with the involvement of and in consultation with all the stakeholders concerned.

Evaluating the impact reduction strategies for the tropical cyclone hazard in Hong Kong

Tropical cyclones are one of the major natural hazards that affect the population of Hong Kong on an annual basis. However, the existing loss reduction strategies for the hazard in Hong Kong have rarely been systematically evaluated. In this paper, by adopting Smith and Petley's (2009) framework, the loss reduction strategies currently adopted by the Hong Kong government are evaluated. The known strategies include the implementation of wind resistance design in buildings, the establishment of a state-of-the-art forecast and warning system, and a comprehensive contingency plan. Through the continuous application of those combined strategies, the vulnerability of the Hong Kong population to the tropical hazard has been greatly reduced in recent decades. Nevertheless, there are two issues of concern. First, the issuance of the tropical cyclone signal is not solely determined by wind speed. It is also mediated by the associated indirect economic loss. Second, the strengthened protection helps Hong Kong citizens to develop a strong sense of security towards the tropical cyclone hazard. But, the sense of security may be too strong which results in a general insensitivity to the potential risks of the tropical cyclone hazard. Based on the above findings, it is suggested that in addition to the existing loss reduction strategy for the tropical cyclone hazard, a strategy which enhances the risk perception of the community towards the hazard should be developed.

Developing an Organizational Perspective to Management Accounting

B eing asked to make a short speech as part of accepting the award inevitably leads to some introspection and reflection on major factors that have influenced one’s career, be they events or individuals. Past recipients of the award have been very influential in putting management accounting on the map. Some have been instrumental in developing the way we think about management accounting and teach the subject; some have developed important perspectives such as information economics, combining economics with psychology, the importance of national culture, activity-based cost management, and balanced scorecards. The way these recipients developed their thoughts is well told in their acceptance speeches and collectively provides a wealth of ideas and a historical perspective on the development of our discipline. I commenced my studies in economics, and I maintain a keen interest in economic approaches to management accounting. However, early in my academic career, I was pressed into considering an organizational approach to management accounting, not because it was an easier option; rather it addressed the world of management accounting within which I found myself. In this address, I will share with you some personal reflections on the process of my discoveries in the area of organizational approaches to management accounting from the mid-1960s. The backdrop to this address is that research is something of a growth model. Stage 1: starting from a baseline of skills and knowledge gained at undergraduate studies; stage 2: progressing through refinement of skills with more graduate study; and stage 3: consolidating through work toward publications and other academic outputs. Stages 1 and 2 are somewhat planned and incremental, while stage 3 is more often associated with less ordered processes, often stumbling across potential research areas by way of reading and personal interactions. Research projects can be focused around existing ideas, sometimes being somewhat formulaic, sometimes highly innovative. Often ideas can be serendipitous and develop in unpredictable ways. The key is to recognize when there is a management accounting angle that will relate to an important organizational or social issue.

Distribution and management of Acacia implexa (Benth.) in South Africa: A suitable target for eradication?

Abstract This study is the first detailed assessment of an invasion by Acacia implexa (Benth.) (screw-pod wattle) anywhere in the world. Approximately 30 000 A. implexa individuals were found spread over about 600 ha (a condensed canopy area of ~ 96 ha) in three geographically distinct populations, all in the Western Cape, South Africa. Population structures indicate rapidly increasing populations at all sites, with vegetative suckering dominating over reproduction by seed. Populations appear capable of rapidly densifying if given the opportunity, creating monocultures and even out-competing other invasive acacias. Although seed viability is high (~ 60%), there is relatively low recruitment from seed, likely as a result of high seed predation (with some previous estimates of up to 100% seed loss). While high seed mortality may suggest limited rates of spread (populations are at most 1 km from initial plantings at two of the sites), seeds appear to be able to disperse along roads and watercourses (in particular plants are now established about 5 km down the Eerste River from the putative initial planting site in Stellenbosch). This suggests that the extent of all three populations could increase much more rapidly in the future. Formal risk assessment and bioclimatic niche modelling indicate that this species has the potential to invade large parts of South Africa, particularly in coastal regions. Given the current limited distribution, the potential threats posed and the success of control to date, we consider eradication a feasible and desirable management goal. The estimated cost of clearing established stands was ~ ZAR 700 000, but given the strong ability of A. implexa to resprout, proper control and follow-up would be essential to prevent re-establishment of dense stands and further spread. A systematic eradication programme over the next decade will cost an estimated ZAR 1.5 million, giving a total eradication cost of ZAR 2.2 million. We support the proposed listing of the species as category 1a under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, and suggest that the species should not be introduced to other countries without clear and comprehensive contingency plans.

Creatio ex nihiloin Palestinian Judaism and Early Christianity

AbstractRecent decades have witnessed a near-consensus of critical opinion (1) that the idea of God's creation of matter ‘out of nothing’ is not affirmed in scripture, but instead (2) originated in a second-century Christian reaction against Gnosticism's convictions about matter as evil and creation as the work of an inferior Demiurge. (3) Judaism's interest, by contrast, was generally deemed late and philosophically derivative or epiphenomenal upon Christian ideas. This essay re-examines all three convictions with particular reference to the biblical creation accounts in Palestinian Jewish reception. After highlighting certain interpretative features in the ancient versions of Genesis 1, this study explores the reception of such ideas in texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and early rabbinic literature. It is clear that the typically cited proof texts from biblical or deutero-canonical books indeed do not yield clear confirmation of the doctrine they have sometimes been said to prove. Genesis was understood even in antiquity to be somewhat ambiguous on this point, and merely to say that creation gave shape to formlessness need not entail anycreatio ex nihilo. This much seems uncontroversial. Nevertheless, closer examination also shows that the Scrolls and the rabbis do consistently affirm Israel's God as the creator ofallthings, explicitly including matter itself. Graeco-Roman antiquity axiomatically accepted that ‘nothing comes from nothing’, which also meant the pre-existence of matter. To be sure, the conceptual terminology of ‘nothingness’ came relatively late to Christians, and even later to Jews. Yet the substantive concern for God's free creation of the world without recourse to pre-existing matter is repeatedly affirmed in pre-Christian Jewish texts, and constitutes perhaps the single most important building block for the emergence of an explicit doctrine of ‘creation out of nothing’. In its Jewish and Christian origins, therefore, the idea ofcreatio ex nihiloaffirms creation's comprehensive contingency on the Creator's sovereignty and freedom. This in fact is a point which has been rightly and repeatedly accented in both historic and modern Christian theology on this subject (e.g. by K. Barth and E. Brunner, J. Moltmann and C. Gunton). Well before its explicit articulation in dialogue with Hellenistic philosophy, the doctrine of God's creation of all matter was rooted in biblical texts and their Jewish interpretation, which in turn came to be refined and enriched through Christian–Jewish dialogue and controversy.

Anesthesia for massive retrosternal goiter with severe intrathoracic tracheal narrowing: the challenges imposed -A case report-

Anesthetic management of patients with mediastinal masses remains challenging as acute cardiorespiratory decompensation may follow induction of anesthesia. We describe a 57 year old lady with massive retrosternal goiter and severe intrathoracic tracheal compression who had a total thyroidectomy. Comprehensive contingency plans were an essential prerequisite for successful management of difficult airway, including multidisciplinary involvement of otorhinolaryngologic and cardiothoracic surgeons preparing for rigid bronchoscopy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Awake oral fiberoptic intubation was performed under dexmedetomidine sedation. Severe tracheal narrowing necessitated usage of a 5.0 mm uncuffed flexometallic endotracheal tube. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine infusion with target controlled infusion of remifentanil as analgesia. No muscle relaxant was given. Surgical manipulation led to intermittent total tracheal compression and inadequate ventilation. The tumor was successfully removed via the cervical approach. A close working relationship between anesthesiologists and surgeons was the key to the safe use of anesthesia and uneventful recovery of this patient.

A Proactive Operational Framework for Business Continuity in the Semiconductor Industry

Prolonged disruption due to a man‐made crisis or a natural disaster could result in the loss of vital corporate assets or market share. To protect the organization and ensure the survival of the business, a comprehensive contingency plan is necessary. Some unique characteristics of the semiconductor industry are its equipment and its technological and capital‐intensive investments. As with any other industry, the uninterrupted provision of products and services to clients should be considered the key priority of the semiconductor industry. In this regard, this paper presents a systematic and proactive operational framework for the semiconductor industry to effectively anticipate, resist, and recover from disasters. The framework is composed of three phases: emergency response team, crisis management, and business continuity plan. The contents of these phases are discussed, and related workable procedures and measures are recommended to practitioners to ensure that organizations can continue to operate in the most adverse situations and thus remain viable and profitable during and after the crisis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Developing Asia and the global financial regulatory agenda

The objective of global regulatory reform is to build a resilient global financial system that can withstand shocks and dampen, rather than amplify, their effects on the real economy. Lessons drawn from the recent global financial crisis have led to specific reform proposals with concrete implementation plans at the international level. Yet, these proposals have raised concerns of relevance to Asia's developing economies and hence require further attention at the regional level. We argue that global financial reform should allow for the enormous development challenges faced by developing countries – while ensuring that domestic financial regulatory systems keep abreast of global standards. This implies global reforms should be complemented and augmented by national and regional reforms, taking into account the very different characteristics of emerging economies’ financial systems from advanced economies. Key areas of development focus should be (i) balancing regulation and innovation, (ii) establishing national and cross-border crisis management and resolution mechanisms, (iii) preparing a comprehensive framework and contingency plan for financial institution failure, including consumer protection measures such as deposit insurance, (iv) supporting growth and development with particular attention to the region's financial needs for infrastructure and for SMEs, and (v) reforming the international and regional financial architecture.