Continuous Staff Training Research Articles

CITATION DATABASES: THE ROLE OF THE ACADEMIC LIBRARIAN

Objective. Indicators of citation databases are widely used as a tool for evaluating academic productivity and decision-making in science and technology. Academic libraries organize services to work with such resources. Methods. Based on the analysis and description of the work of the Information Monitoring Service, the role and type of support that academic libraries can provide in the process of their use are considered. Results. The portfolio of services for the use of citation databases provided by the employees of the Service consists of administration and organization of access, consulting, and information work, monitoring and analysis of publishing activity, organizing information, information support of journal’s editorial boards. Conclusions. Such services of academic libraries are diverse and require the development of theoretical and methodological basis for their quality implementation, continuous training of staff, their more active involvement in research processes.

Audit of Reporting Errors in Biochemistry Section of NABL Accredited Laboratory in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: In the modern era of tremendous automation in analytical processes, reporting errors have been reduced significantly. Therefore, the focus has been shifted to identifying the extra analytical causes of errors in the laboratory. Objectives: This study aimed to audit major clinical decisions affecting quality indicators (i.e., reporting errors and error prevention) by adhering to ISO 15189 (2012) and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) (112) requirements. Methods: The records of the reporting errors were maintained from the biochemistry section of the central clinical laboratory (CCL) and analyzed based on the aim of this study. Then, the root cause analysis was performed, and the data was collected and audited from November 2015 to July 2020. Results: The total number of reporting errors between the mentioned periods were 132, with an incidence of 1 error per 384 processed samples on the day of observing the reporting error. In general, 22 (16.67%), 16 (12.12%), and 94 (71.21%) cases were pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors, respectively. The incidence of the post-analytical error was noted to be more since they were all typographical errors. Conclusion: Overall, transcriptional or typographical errors were found to be the main causes of reporting errors. In our clinical laboratory, we are attempting to minimize these errors by pre-validating the results by senior technicians and faculty prior to the typing and approval. These avoidable errors can be minimized by the continuous training of laboratory staff. Up-gradation to automated data collection information management systems are of great hope for preventing such errors.

Economic downturns and working capital management practices: a qualitative enquiry

PurposeThis study aims to explore changes in working capital management (WCM) practices in response to economic downturns, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an interpretative approach. This paper used semi-structured interviews with 2 finance directors and 13 top managers for data collection. This paper used thematic analysis for analysing the interview data.FindingsThe study findings suggest that the traditional ways of managing working capital may no longer be sufficient during a crisis. Instead, dynamic financing, trade credit policy and continuous staff training to develop new skills are alternative WCM practices to navigate the challenges of a crisis. Further, this paper finds that economic conditions, such as inflation rates, interest rates, exchange rates and government policy, negatively affect WCM.Practical implicationsThe study findings highlight practical issues that may help firms meet their present and future financing needs, manage their day-to-day operational activities and enhance performance, both operational and financial. The study is beneficial for regulators in understanding a firm’s constraints during crises and respond appropriately.Originality/valueThis is the first study, to the best of the knowledge that uses a qualitative approach to investigate the impact of economic downturns on WCM practices of firms. Thus, this study offers new insights into the fundamentals of WCM practices during crises.

Microbial Contamination and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Indicate Potential Risks of Infection at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Background: This study aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination in the Small Animals Sector of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (HCV) of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Firstly, a committee was invited to complete a questionnaire and to list critical sample sites for collection. With the identification of the places to be sampled, collections were made with sterile swabs on different surfaces of environments of the Veterinary Hospital. The identification of important bacteria in the veterinary area, in the different sampled environments, raises the concern for hygiene procedures in the veterinary hospital environment.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen samples were collected from these different areas, and microbiological analyses were performed. Standard counts of viable and strictly aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were realized. Collections were made to assess ambient air quality. With the microbiological analysis performed, bacteria of clinical importance were identified. To assess the resistance profile of the bacteria, the susceptibility test to antimicrobials was performed. MALDI-TOF/MS measurement identified 29 bacteria at the genus level and 10 bacteria at the species level and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was realized. Most of the isolates identified (60%) were bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus spp. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility analysis the 10 bacteria identified at the species level were assessed. Test results showed that the isolates S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus - collected from treatment room 2 - and S. haemolyticus, which had been isolated from samples from treatment room 2 of the cattery, presented multiresistance. Pantoea ananatis isolates from room 5 also showed a multiresistant profile for erythromycin, cephalothin, vancomycin and ampicillin. Micrococcus luteus isolates from the x-ray room and the kennel showed resistance to ceftazidime. Staphylococcus equorum isolates from room 4 were sensitive to all tested antimicrobials. Discussion: In Brazilian legislation there are no official microbiological parameters for surfaces in a veterinary hospital environment. The microorganisms present in the air are transient and variable, and the number and types of airborne agents is determined by the various sources of contamination in the environment. These microorganisms can be found in suspension, particulate matter and water droplets. Veterinary medical care tables are potentially contaminated by the animals handling, including those that sometimes defecate or urinate during their medical visit. Frequent handwashing is also known to be an important means of personal protection and disease prevention, although it is estimated that only 40% of practitioners do so routinely. Based on these results, we recommend a plan of bacterial control and disinfection that should be implemented to ensure more effective sanitary conditions. Microorganism counts were high in some of the veterinary hospital environments tested, indicating that current disinfection and hygiene practices are not sufficient to control the establishment of these microorganisms at the study sites. In view of this, it is reasonable to conclude that permanent monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of hygiene protocols is needed in different sectors of the hospital. This may be an essential tool in a preventive approach to stop the spread of selectively resistant microorganisms, as well as cases of hospital infections. In addition, continuous staff training and awareness of the importance of personal and environmental hygiene is vital for minimizing the presence of these microorganisms in hospitals and avoid their transmission to patients. Finally, a more systematic hygiene guideline should be implemented in areas that showed higher counts.

Collection development policy and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

The paper adopted descriptive survey research method to assess collection development policy and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in rivers state, Nigeria. The population of the study includes 42 professional librarians in three university libraries – University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University. Census sampling technique was used to sample all the 42 librarians. Three objectives guided the study. Self-developed questionnaire was utilized for data collection and 100% return rate was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean (x̄) and standard deviation (±) was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that that collection development policy has a positive influence on the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.84 ≥ 2.5), several factors affecting collection development policy in promoting the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.73 ≥ 2.5), and there are several ways to improve the effectiveness of collection development policy in ensuring the utilization of information resources (x̄: 3.57 ≥ 2.5). The study concluded that Libraries without a collection development policy or poorly written collection policy would suffer waste of fund, poorly offered library services, and low patronage or poor usage of the information resources by users. Among others, the study recommended that continuous training of library staff concerned with the activity of collection development, academic libraries should explore various ways of generating funds independently such as the offering of photocopy services to users, and academic libraries should learn to patronize local but quality information resources.

Evaluation of Neonatal Resuscitation Knowledge and Procedures According to the “Helping Babies Breathe” (HBB) Program by Qualified Health Care Staff at the Sikasso Hospital Level in Mali

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the leading causes of perinatal death. According to the WHO, two thirds of these deaths can be prevented with simple and effective interventions. The HBB (Helping Babies Breathe) program provides effective care for asphyxiant newborns regardless of the level of care. Objective: The objective of our work was to assess the knowledge of neonatal resuscitation equipment and procedures according to the HBB program by qualified nursing staff at the level of referral health structures in the Sikasso region of Mali. Methodology: This is a multicenter cross-sectional survey over a period of 4 months. It was carried out in two maternities and two referral neonatal units in Sikasso. The target population studied was made up of the nursing staff involved in the reception and care of newborns in the delivery room, in postpartum suites and in neonatal departments. Results: Eighty percent (112/141) of targeted caregivers were interviewed. More than half (44%) had more than 6 years of experience in neonatal care. Only 27% had received training in neonatal resuscitation including HBB. The most cited materials used for resuscitation were the mucus aspirator (82%), the ventilation bag (67%) and the heated table (60%). The bestknown resuscitation procedures were airway aspiration (82%), mask ventilation (60%), and hypothermia control (48%). Conclusion: Knowledge of newborn resuscitation remains very insufficient in the reference structures in Sikasso. It is necessary to implement a strategic plan for continuous training of staff with periodic monitoring in health structures.

Assessing the determinant of strategic change management the case of AWI zone, Ethiopia

The study was aimed to assess the factors that determine strategic change management in Awi zone civil service office Administration. It used primary data and sample size was determined to be 338. The study found out that communication, organizational setting, employee readiness, stockholders involvement and environment are significant variables (at 5% significance level) in determining strategic change management and it's their coefficient were 0.402, 0.068, 0.072, 0.358 and 0.142 respectively. The study also found out that there was no team work among worker level employees in line with change, employees were not mentored by experienced managers. So, the study concluded that communication, top leadership support, environment, stakeholders’ involvement, employee's readiness and organizational settings had the greatest effect on strategic change management in the Zone. So the study recommended that any responsible stockholder should adopt continuous staff training, create awareness, enhance a sustainable change management plan, hire competent managers, create staff empowerment and rewarding system, enhance job rotation as well as set and review organizational goals which might enhance its employees be readiness for change.

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN THE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES, BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO, NIGERIA

The study examines postgraduate student’s information seeking behavior in the faculty of management sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Information play critical role in human daily activities such as school life, work, marital life and any other kind of scenario. The concept of information seeking behavior has attracted researchers’ attention and has been of great concern to stakeholders in the academia. Academic libraries avail information from different sources and formats. Objectively the study examines postgraduate students’ information seeking behavior in order to understand students’ information seeking behavior and provide guide to improve the quality of education and performance. Survey research design were use and the population consist of the entire postgraduate students in the faculty of management sciences at Bayero University, Kano, due to difficulty to reach all the population, purposive sampling were applied which result to the selection of (200) respondents comprising of (50) respondents from each of the four departments and questionnaire were issued to them. From the findings it is obvious that in the course of carrying out their studies postgraduate students seek information as a result of activities they engage such exam preparation, dissertation/thesis work, updating knowledge, lecture notes update, personal reading and general reading. However, the result implies that majority of the respondents use library for information concerning exam preparation while the lowest is for general reading to improve their knowledge. The study conclude that postgraduate students do engage in information seeking behaviour for various reasons even though these are hinder by some obstacles. The study recommends the need for management to improve service delivery in the aspect of electronic library, researchers should be guided easily and educated so as to facilitate easy collection of library materials, users should also be guided to enhance easy retrieval of information, continuous training of library staff should be given attention in order for them to be friendly and give quality service to information seekers and finally problem of poor electricity supply should be addressed to make the environment conducive for learning.

Redesign of an Outdoor Space in a Swedish Preschool: Opportunities and Constraints for Sustainability Education

Children's early engagement in design of outdoor spaces can form the basis of later attitudes and responsible action for sustainability. The present study is part of a participatory action research project in an urban multi-ethnic preschool in Sweden, involving children, parents, preschool staff and management with a focus on improving the preschool playground. The methodology involved children taking pictures of the outdoor space, informal participant observation by one researcher and conversations with children and teachers. Analyses completed of selected fieldwork excerpts focus on learning opportunities for children and adults, children’s participation, cooperation and leadership for sustainability. Deeper awareness and confidence, and practical pedagogies for staff in preschools are required for effective sustainability education. A joint frame of reference on pedagogical practices and processes for reflection is needed within and across early childhood institutions. More continuous training of staff and preschool leadership would be of benefit. However, such commitment is ultimately a matter of policy to invest in giving preschools the means to develop and realise ambitions for environmental and sustainability education.

Assessment of patient safety challenges and electronic occurrence variance reporting (e-OVR) barriers facing physicians and nurses in the emergency department: a cross sectional study

BackgroundThe purpose of patient safety is to prevent harm occurring in the healthcare system. Patient safety is improved by the use of a reporting system in which healthcare workers can document and learn from incidents, and thus prevent potential medical errors. The present study aimed to determine patient safety challenges facing clinicians (physicians and nurses) in emergency medicine and to assess barriers to using e-OVR (electronic occurrence variance reporting).MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved physicians and nurses in the emergency department (ED) at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Using convenience sampling, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 294 clinicians working in the ED. The questionnaire consisted of items pertaining to patient safety and e-OVR usability. Data were analyzed using frequencies, means, and percentages, and the chi-square test was used for comparison.ResultsA total of 197 participants completed the questionnaire (67% response rate) of which 48 were physicians (24%) and 149 nurses (76%). Only 39% of participants thought that there was enough staff to handle work in the ED. Roughly half (48%) of participants spoke up when something negatively affected patient safety, and 61% admitted that they sometimes missed important patient care information during shift changes. Two-thirds (66%) of the participants reported experiencing violence. Regarding e-OVR, 31% of participants found reporting to be time consuming. Most (85%) participants agreed that e-OVR training regarding knowledge and skills was sufficient. Physicians reported lower knowledge levels regarding how to access (46%) and how to use (44%) e-OVR compared to nurses (98 and 95%, respectively; p < 0.01). Less than a quarter of the staff did not receive timely feedback after reporting. Regarding overall satisfaction with e-OVR, only 25% of physicians were generally satisfied compared to nearly half (52%) of nurses.ConclusionAlthough patient safety is well emphasized in clinical practice, especially in the ED, many factors hinder patient safety. More awareness is needed to eliminate violence and to emphasize the needs of additional staff in the ED. Electronic reporting and documentation of incidents should be well supported by continuous staff training, help, and feedback.

PMU103 Incidence of Nosocomial Infections in Hungary between 2010 and 2016

PMU103 Incidence of Nosocomial Infections in Hungary between 2010 and 2016

Intellectual capital in the system of human resources policy of the diplomatic service

The article defines the essence and significance of intellectual capital, its place in the system of personnel policy of the diplomatic service. Various definitions of intellectual capital, which in their works were provided by such scientists as A. Chukhno, VL Inozemtsev, O, Kendyukhov, G. Nazarova and others, are considered. It is determined that intellectual capital is a complex system concept, which is considered by scientists taking into account the needs of modern society, which requires a constant exchange of information and replenishment of knowledge. It is emphasized that intelligence passes into property only when under the influence of brain abilities something useful is created, which is endowed with a certain form: databases, lists of information, descriptions of processes, reports and more. The main function of intellectual capital is determined, which is to accelerate the growth of profits through the implementation and formation of the necessary relationships and things, knowledge systems of the enterprise, which, in turn, ensure its highly efficient economic activity. The updated personnel policy in the diplomatic service envisages strengthening the role of the desk officer of the political unit, projecting changes for 2 years and increasing the transparency of the introduction of personnel assessment by the 360 method.It is established that the success of the diplomatic service depends on a balanced personnel policy aimed, in particular, at the growth of intellectual capital. The experience of organizing the personnel work of the diplomatic service of the United States of America is studied. The main problems are formulated and recommendations for improving the personnel policy of the diplomatic service are based on the analysis of world experience.In order to increase the value of intellectual capital, the need for quality education of employees of the diplomatic service, continuous training and self-education of ambassadors and staff, as well as the creation of a personnel reserve in the diplomatic service was emphasized. In addition, it is unacceptable to reduce the cost of diplomatic service. In order to advance in their careers and advance to higher positions, diplomats must be able to undergo systematic training and be experts in at least two regions and speak at least two (three) languages.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE IMAGE OF THE COMPANY STAFF IN MODERN CONDITIONS OF MANAGEMENT

The personnel of the modern enterprise is a basis of its functioning as it is that mechanism on which activity efficiency of activity of all enterprise depends. The success of such activities depends on many characteristics of staff: gender, age, education, individual psychological personality traits, health, etc. That is, companies should pay attention to continuous training and evaluation of staff, which would help identify weaknesses in the company’s staff and strengthen existing ones. Staff appraisal usually includes appraisal of work (comparison of actual content, quality, volume and intensity with planned indicators) and staff appraisal (study of the employee’s readiness to perform exactly the type of activity he is engaged in, as well as identification of his potential). At the same time, not enough attention is paid to assessing the image of staff, on which depends the image of the whole enterprise, ie its image in the minds of other participants in market relations, which led to the choice of the topic of this study. In this work we have explored the concept of “image”, which is provided by scientists in various fields of science. From this study, we conclude that there is no single approach to defining the “image” today, each of the researchers reveals a certain aspect of this concept. We consider it appropriate in the structure of the image to distinguish its inner and outer sides. The components of these aspects of the image were considered in the work. The main emphasis is on the image of staff as part of the inner side of the image, because the staff is the most important component of any business. It is the personnel of the enterprise, being an inexhaustible reserve of increase of its efficiency of activity, is a basis of strategic potential of the enterprise, influences its competitiveness, defines directions of the further development. The unique feature of the staff is that it is the basis of the competitive advantages of a modern enterprise that seeks to strengthen its position in global markets. We believe that the image of staff has the greatest impact on the formation of the image of the organization as a whole and it is influenced by various characteristics of staff such as gender, age, education, individual psychological personality traits, health, etc. The image of staff affects customers and partners through daily contact with employees. Therefore, such characteristics of staff as appearance, behavior and speech, emotional reactions to events, etc. should be primarily taken into account when building the overall image of the organization.

Effectiveness of the National Quality Control Program in Mycology of Argentina and performance evaluation of participating laboratories

Effectiveness of the National Quality Control Program in Mycology of Argentina and performance evaluation of participating laboratories

The analysis of the pharmacy activities under voluntary health insurance programs

Timely and comprehensive pharmaceutical care to the population, in particular by their providing with medicines and pharmacy products, is the mission of pharmacies, and their cooperation with insurance companies contributes to improving the quality of the pharmaceutical provision for all segments of the population.Aim. To analyze the pharmacy activities under voluntary health insurance programs and determine the approaches to improving the pharmaceutical provision of the population.Materials and methods. Data from a chain pharmacy (Kyiv) by the indicators of cooperation with insurance companies and medical coordinators for the period of May-December 2017 (the turnover of prescription drugs covered by insurance companies, inventory) were used. The method of the system analysis, graphical method, financial and economic analysis, and the method of scientific generalization were applied in the study.Results. The experience of cooperation of a chain pharmacy as a subject of insurance relations with insurance companies and medical coordinators under voluntary health insurance programs, as well as projects of vitamin fortification and vaccination of the population was studied. The approaches to establishing cooperation with insurance companies were determined. The dynamics of changes in the turnover of prescription drugs covered by insurance companies and the inventory of the pharmacy was analyzed. The approaches to improving the pharmaceutical provision for persons using voluntary medical insurance services and, therefore, to increasing the financial results of the economic activities of pharmacies based on the results of cooperation with insurance companies and coordinators were determined.Conclusions. The analysis of the pharmacy activities under the programs of voluntary health insurance has been performed; the approaches to the improvement of the pharmaceutical provision both of the insured persons and the population as a whole have been determined. It has been determined that continuous review of inventories, defect analysis, improvement of the speed and quality of service of the insured persons, increase in the speed of order processing from insurance companies, development of loyalty with insurance companies, compliance with contractual terms of medical insurance of the insured persons, continuous staff training, continuous search for new projects of cooperation with insurance companies contribute to the improvement of the pharmaceutical provision of the population and, as a consequence, the increase in the financial results of the economic activity of pharmacies.

Managing enduring public health emergencies such as COVID-19: lessons from Uganda Red Cross Society’s Ebola virus disease response operation

BackgroundIn this piece, we translate insights from our study of routine coordination in the Ebola virus disease response operation by Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) for managing long-lasting public health...

Effect of Auditor Proficiency and Audit Quality on Internal Audit Effectiveness in Nigeria’s Federal Public Service

The internal audit function, with clearly defined competence and process requirements, has despite its presence within the operations of federal public sector organizations in Nigeria being unable to check the rising cases of frauds and financial improprieties which have continuously been highlighted against them. Furthermore, sufficient attention has not been given to related control issues regardless of the increasing use of information technology (ICT) in public sector operations. The study investigates the effects of competence; the role of ICT; and the quality of internal audit on internal audit effectiveness in Nigeria’s federal public service which is charged with the responsibility of the management of over half of the public revenues accruing to the Nigerian federation but with particular reference to 28 self-accounting federal public organizations operating in the North East Geo-Political Zone. Primary data was obtained from 139 valid responses out of 148 questionnaires administered on the internal auditors of such organizations. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed as the technique of data analysis to test the relationships. The finding of this study revealed that competence and the quality of internal audit showed positive and significant influence on internal audit effectiveness. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) however showed positive but insignificant contribution. The study recommends an effective compliance with minimum entry requirements in the employment and deployment of Internal Auditors; a review and continuous improvement of operating regulations and standards; as well as the deployment of appropriate ICT audit tools and continuous training of internal audit staff by the relevant government offices (Offices of the Accountant General and that of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation – OAGF &amp; OHCSF; and the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency - NITDA). Keywords : Internal Audit Effectiveness, Competence, ICT, Quality of Internal Work, Public Sector DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-6-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Exploring How Nigerian Banks Regulators Enforce Compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance

Frequent bank failures in Nigeria, resulting in enormous losses of investments and jobs, have raised questions about the banks' compliance with the code of corporate governance. This single exploratory qualitative case study focused on the regulators of banks in Nigeria, the CBN, to find out the problems they may be encountering. Purposeful sampling was used to select 25 participants, and data were collected through Semistructured interviews. The agency theory served as the conceptual framework. Findings showed that the CBN had put measures in place to ensure full compliance. Some of which included the installation of robust IT architecture, the recruitment of highly skilled IT personnel, in-depth monthly e-examinations of the banks, application of steep penalties, enforcement of the omnibus clause, and continuous staff training. Findings revealed in this paper show that the Central Bank of Nigeria had implemented several measures that would forestall future bank failures among Nigerian banks.

Parent adoption and implementation of obesity prevention practices through building children's asking skills at family child care homes

Parent adoption and implementation of obesity prevention practices through building children's asking skills at family child care homes

Evidence-Based Medicine Through Development of Home-Grown Databases

Evidence-Based Medicine Through Development of Home-Grown Databases