External Work Research Articles

Project management benefits from mathematical models that enhance resource allocation, scheduling, and cost efficiency while managing uncertainties. Although optimization is well-studied in construction, its use in sequencing petroleum project activities remains unexplored. This study develops an integrated simulation and optimization model to refine scheduling in refinery upgrades, minimizing project duration and addressing operational complexities. This paper presents a simulation-based optimization model designed to improve scheduling efficiency in a refinery upgrade project, where multiple tasks must be executed concurrently without extending the overall project duration. The model accounts for interdependencies among activities and resource requirements across internal and external work teams, ensuring optimal coordination and utilization. Developed using AnyLogic®, the simulation framework employs a random number generator to systematically explore task sequencing variations, leading to a refined execution strategy. The optimization results indicate a 20% reduction in the project's total duration. While resource utilization was assessed, it was not the model's primary objective. The utilization of resources has shown mixed outcomes; specific resources demonstrated an improvement of nearly 50%, yet the overall average utilization significantly decreased to just 0.12%, falling below the typical baseline of 40% observed in most resources. The model's performance and the optimization outcomes are analyzed, offering a decision-support tool for complex project management scenarios.

ABSTRACTDespite growing interest in blood flow restriction (BFR) for enhancing training adaptations, its acute impacts on local and systemic physiological stress remain incompletely understood. This study compared the metabolic and perceptual responses of low‐intensity cycling (LI) with BFR (LI + BFR) to both LI and high‐intensity (HI) cycling without BFR, matched for time and external work. Ten males (26.9 ± 4.6 years) completed LI (20 min at 55% peak aerobic power output, PPO), LI + BFR (with 50% limb occlusion pressure), and HI (10 × 1 min at 90% PPO interspersed with 1‐min recovery at 20% PPO) protocols in a randomized cross‐over design. Interstitial metabolic responses were assessed via microdialysis in the vastus lateralis; systemic blood responses were evaluated via venous blood gas analysis. Cardiorespiratory responses, including heart rate, oxygen uptake, and ventilation, were continuously monitored during exercise. Serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured as indirect markers of muscle damage, and perceptual responses were documented. Muscle interstitial lactate and pyruvate were highest in HI, followed by LI + BFR, and lowest in LI (p < 0.05). Systemic blood and cardiorespiratory responses were comparable between LI + BFR and HI and exceeded LI (p < 0.05), while electrolyte shifts occurred across all conditions (p < 0.001) without between‐condition differences. All protocols increased CK and LDH 24–48 h post‐exercise, with the greatest increases in HI (p < 0.05). Perceived exertion and pain were higher in LI + BFR than in other conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BFR intensifies local and systemic stress during LI and may be a potent strategy to promote muscle adaptive stimulus. However, when time and total external work are matched, high mechanical loading appears more effective in inducing local stress, which may be essential for further muscular adaptation processes.

Purpose Increasing firm formalization involves deeper understanding of the informal business ecosystem, which lacks rigorous empirical exploration in absence of robust data. This paper examines the relationship of formal working capital finance and digital adoption impacting firm performance of informal businesses in a prominent emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach We use World Bank's Informal Sector Enterprise Survey 2022 dataset containing 10,672 Indian informal enterprises. Regression analysis is used to estimate the impact of formal and informal working capital finance through various digital adoption measures on firm performance parameters measured through regular month sales and labour productivity. For robustness check, the analysis is repeated using performance data for the last calendar month. Findings We find corroborating evidence of formal working capital finance positively and significantly impacting regular month sales and labour productivity. Digital payments are also found to positively impact sales, both directly and when interacting with working capital finance variables. Informal finance, being an inefficient source of capital, is found to constrict labour productivity which interacted negatively with information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption. Further, owner characteristics like education, ownership premise and gender play active role in businesses conduct amongst the informal businesses. Corruption is found to favourably impact sales amongst informal enterprises while it has mixed impact on labour productivity. The use of sales and labour productivity measures pertaining to the last calendar month yields consistent results. Practical implications Informality is found to dominate when it comes to accessing external working capital finance, thus hindering firm productivity and opportunities to scale. Digitalization could help with access to formal working capital finance through online transaction-driven lending models, thereby contributing to firm growth. The findings provide policy insights for improving digital payments and related infrastructure and encouraging its utilization amongst informal businesses. These measures are expected to ease access to formal finance and augment firm formalization. Originality/value Informal businesses have nuanced and cautious approach towards formalization both in terms of formal working capital finance and digitalization. The study addresses the knowledge gap on digital and formal financial adoption amongst informal businesses by employing a credible country-level dataset. This is one of the first studies to the best of our knowledge wherein the channels of external working capital finance and ICT tools are bifurcated, and their adoption is linked to business performance of informal firms in India.

BACKGROUND - Hypertension is a major public health concern globally, contributing significantly to the burden of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature mortality. Numerous occupational and lifestyle factors have been implicated in the development of high blood pressure, with night shift work emerging as a notable risk factor. Industrial workers, in particular, are often exposed to irregular schedules, extended working hours, and high-stress environments, all of which can disrupt circadian rhythms and negatively impact cardiovascular health. The misalignment between the body’s internal clock and external work demands in night shift workers leads to altered sleep patterns, hormonal imbalances, increased sympathetic activity, and metabolic disturbances, which together may elevate the risk of developing hypertension. Despite growing recognition of these risks, there remains limited region-specific data on the prevalence and incidence of hypertension among night shift workers in industrial settings. Understanding this relationship is crucial for designing effective workplace interventions and policies aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases among this vulnerable population. OBJECTIVE- 1.To determine incidence of hypertension in industrial night shift workers. To identify the risk factors associated with the development of hypertension in industrial night shift workers. MATERIAL AND METHODOLGY- institutional protocol and ethical committee approval, vide their letter no. KVV/ IEC/01/2025 dated January 23, 2025.This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karad using a survey method over a duration of six months. The sample size was calculated using the formula n = z² × p × q / L², resulting in 150 participants, where z represents the confidence level, p the prevalence, q = 100 – p, and L the allowable error. Data collection involved a validated questionnaire (Google Form), a consent form, and the medical reports. Participants included males engaged in occupations involving night shifts. Individuals above 60 years, Individuals with history of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease or other chronic medical condition were excluded from the study. RESULT-Out of the 150 industrial night shift workers assessed, 50 individuals (34%) were found to have hypertension, while 97 (66%) were normotensive. The majority of hypertension-positive cases were observed in individuals aged 35–55 years, with a higher prevalence among those working night shifts for more than five years and those with a higher body mass index (BMI). Many reported associated symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headache, particularly after consecutive night shifts. A significant number were previously unaware of their hypertensive status and often attributed symptoms to work-related stress or lack of sleep. Participants who reported maintaining regular physical activity and adherence to healthy dietary habits demonstrated a lower incidence, suggesting a protective effect. CONCLUSION- This research found that 34% of industrial night shift workers were hypertensive. The incidence was notably higher among workers aged 35–55 years, those with more than five years of night shift employment, and individuals with a higher BMI. A considerable proportion were previously unaware of their hypertensive status, emphasizing the importance of routine health screenings in this population. Adoption of regular physical activity, healthy dietary practices, and workplace health programs may play a protective role in reducing the risk of hypertension among industrial night shift workers.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anthropometric characteristics, motor performance, and isokinetic strength profiles of elite Portuguese female handball players, as well as to examine the relationships among these variables. Methods: Sixteen national-team female handball players with an average age of 20.25 ± 0.45 years, height of 171.13 ± 8.13 cm and body mass of 72.24 ± 10.96 kg volunteered. Evaluations were conducted in two sessions within one week (24–48 h apart). The first comprised anthropometric and motor performance tests, while the second focused on isokinetic strength assessments of the upper and lower limbs. Pearson correlations assessed variable associations (p &lt; 0.05). Results: Direct correlations were found between height and arm span (r = 0.910) and between internal rotation total work and internal rotation average power (r = 0.960). The 9 m jump throw was associated with the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.670). External rotation peak torque correlated with squat jump performance (r = 0.540) and the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.760) and 9 m jump throw (r = 0.568). Internal rotation peak torque associated with squat jump performance (r = 0.674) and the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.550). Knee extension peak torque correlated with squat jump performance (r = 0.650), while knee extension total work was strongly associated with external rotation total work (r = 0.870). Knee flexion total work was associated with knee flexion peak torque (r = 0.910). Conclusions: The integrated analysis of anthropometric, motor and isokinetic variables revealed distinct strength–performance associations in female handball players, highlighting the role of upper- and lower-limb muscle function in jumping and throwing.

Social capital enables sharing, trust, solidarity, proper norms and respectful behaviours, and organisational participative management. Employee innovative behaviour is vital for organisations as it provides a competitive advantage. This study aims to determine the impact of social capital and its sub-dimensions, friendly acceptance, norms of behaviour, trusting/reciprocity, and governance on innovative behaviour and its sub-dimensions, participative leadership, external work contacts, and innovative output on innovative behaviour. The data were gathered from 264 school administrators and teachers through a questionnaire. The SPSS Statistics 25.0 program was used to test the research hypotheses. Reliability and validity analysis results are sufficient. The results showed that social capital (overall) and its all-sub-dimensions, except trusting/reciprocity, significantly and positively impact innovative behaviour. However, most of the sub-dimensions of social capital have no significant impact on the sub-dimensions of innovative behaviour.

Today, the increase in multiculturalism in almost every country due to internal and external migration, work, and other factors has brought about many challenges, one of which is the language barrier. The aim of this study was to evaluate the birth experiences of women with language differences in the context of respectful maternity care. The study was conducted with nine women who experienced a normal birth and had language differences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview form. The data were analyzed using content analysis. After transcribing the interviews, three main themes were identified: communication difficulties, unwanted behaviors during childbirth, and gentle approaches in instinctive childbirth. It was found that women's birth experiences were influenced by the harsh tone of voice and facial expressions of healthcare professionals, even in the presence of a language difference. The results of the study reveal that a gentle approach plays an important role in the birth process in response to the communication difficulties faced by women with language differences. Therefore, it is emphasized that providing services in line with respectful maternity care for every woman is crucial for positive birth experiences.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the agreement between markerless motion capture and criterion methods for estimating mechanical work (external and internal) performed during tennis strokes. Sixteen tennis players performed 10 serve, forehand and backhand movements whilst motion data were captured concurrently with a custom 3D markerless system (utilising open-source pose estimation; HRNet and OpenPose) and two criterion methods: marker-based motion capture and ground reaction forces. Centre of mass kinetic and potential energy were calculated and used to compute external mechanical work from all methods, whilst segment kinetic energies were calculated and used to compute internal mechanical work from the kinematic approaches only. Small biases (≤4%) and moderate limits of agreement (LoA; ±6–10%) from Bland-Altman analyses indicated strong agreement with the criterion systems for external work across multiple strokes. Although small biases of 4–7% (HRNet) and 1–2% (OpenPose) were observed for internal work, high-frequency artefacts in markerless kinematics (particularly evident for OpenPose) led to high random errors (LoA of ± 8–13% [HRNet] and ± 12–21% [OpenPose]) and large inter-individual differences. Our markerless approach shows promise for measuring external mechanical work during tennis and has the potential to be implemented in the field as a non-invasive tool for on-court workload monitoring.

Both obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness are crucial determinants of symptoms and prognosis. However, interpreting the gold-standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is complicated by increasing body size and varying body composition. We hypothesised that the 'metabolic cost of external work' (or oxygen uptake (ml/min)/workload (Watts); V̇O2/W), a body weight-independent determinant of endurance capacity, would reflect metabolic health more accurately than V̇O2 alone. A test cohort of 160 fit individuals underwent anthropomorphic and metabolic assessment, maximal bicycle ergometer CPET, and six-minute walk test (6MWT). V̇O2/W was calculated at VT1 and peak. The performance of V̇O2/W was validated in 62 older, less fit individuals, undergoing the same protocol. 24 obese volunteers were assigned a weight loss intervention, and the impact on V̇O2/W examined. In both test and validation cohort, V̇O2/W at VT1 and peak correlated with 6MWT distance, more strongly than standard CPET parameters. Including V̇O2/W improved the accuracy of predicting 6MWT distance. V̇O2/W correlated with BMI, insulin sensitivity and waist-to-hip ratio. Metabolic cost falls with weight loss, in parallel to metabolic and functional improvements, in contrast to other CPET parameters. Metabolic cost is strongly associated with functional capacity and metabolic health across a range of body weight and fitness, outperforming standard CPET metrics. It is a simple measure which may improve our assessment of the extent to which exertional symptoms are determined by metabolic factors in an individual, and thereby target the most appropriate intervention to those who will benefit most.

Background11C-acetate positron emission tomography (PET) enables simultaneous quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and oxidative metabolism; however, sex-specific normative data under vasodilator stress remain insufficiently defined. We aimed to characterize these parameters in healthy individuals.ResultsEighteen healthy individuals (9 males and 9 females, age/sex-matched; median age 43 years [range 34–65]) with normal echocardiography and no underlying cardiovascular disease underwent one-day rest-stress dynamic 11C-acetate PET with adenosine. Median stress MBF was 2.73 (2.24–3.11) mL/min/g and rest MBF 0.99 (0.82–1.14) mL/min/g. Stress kmono was 0.074 (0.063–0.082)/min, and rest kmono was 0.061 (0.050–0.068)/min. External cardiac work, total myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO₂), and MEE were 4.24 (3.75–5.54) × 10⁵ mL·mmHg/min, 16.5 (14.9–20.9) mL/min, and 17.7% (14.0–24.2%), respectively. Compared to males, females exhibited significantly higher corrected rest MBF (1.14 vs. 0.96 mL/min/g, p = 0.032), stress kmono (0.078 vs. 0.070 /min, p = 0.005), and total MVO₂ (17.6 vs. 15.5 mL/min, p = 0.003). Despite similar external cardiac work, myocardial external efficiency was significantly lower in females (15.5% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.009). MBF and oxidative metabolism were positively correlated in both sexes.ConclusionsThis study assesses reference ranges and demonstrates significant sex-based differences in myocardial perfusion and oxidative metabolism using vasodilatory stress 11C-acetate PET. These findings provide a valuable physiological framework for assessing perfusion-metabolism abnormalities in clinical practice.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13550-025-01311-w.

Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) myocardial contractility to predict outcome in aortic stenosis (AS) is challenging because global longitudinal strain (GLS) does not take afterload into account. We thus tested prognostic value of an echocardiographic index of LV external work, stroke work index (SWI) in AS patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We evaluated 1583 patients who underwent TAVI from database of a multicenter retrospective study. As an index of LV external work, echocardiographic LV SWI was calculated as 0.0136 × [stroke volume index × (mean aortic pressure + mean transvalvular pressure gradient-LV end-diastolic pressure)] [g × min/m2], where LV end-diastolic pressure was estimated as 4.9 + (0.62 × E/e') [mmHg]. GLS data was available in 902 patients. Primary endpoint was defined as cardiac death or worsening heart failure. During a median follow-up period of 725 days, 262 patients experienced primary endpoint. Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed that patients having lower LV SWI had lower event-free survival. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that LV SWI was associated with primary endpoint independently of other clinically relevant factors. When influence of LV SWI on outcome was tested in preserved and reduced GLS groups respectively, LV SWI discriminated event-free survival in patients showing reduced GLS. Reduced LV SWI before TAVI was associated with poorer outcomes in AS patients. Furthermore, combined assessment of LV SWI and GLS is expected to improve prognostic risk stratification in AS patients undergoing TAVI.

Groundwater is an important factor for the stability of the subway station pit constructed in the offshore area. To reflect the effects of groundwater drawdown on the stability of the station pit, this work uses a surface settlement formula based on Rayleigh distribution to construct a continuous deformation velocity field based on Terzaghi’s mechanism, so as to derive a theoretical calculation method for the safety factor of the deep station pit anti-uplift considering the effect of seepage force. Taking the seepage force as an external load acting on the soil skeleton, a simplified calculation method is proposed to describe the variation in shear strength with depth. Substituting the external work rate induced by self-weight, surface surcharge, seepage force, and plastic shear energy into the energy equilibrium equation, an explicit expression of the safety factor of the station pit is obtained. According to the parameter study and engineering application analysis, the validity and applicability of the proposed procedure are discussed. The parameter study indicated that deep excavation pits are significantly affected by construction drawdown and seepage force; the presence of seepage, to some extent, reduces the anti-uplift stability of the station pit. The calculation method in this work helps to compensate for the shortcomings of existing methods and has a higher accuracy in predicting the safety and stability of station pits under seepage situations.

Understanding how large terrestrial animals manage the energetic demands of locomotion remains a major question in biomechanics. Although smaller animals have been well studied, data on species exceeding 1ton are scarce, making it difficult to evaluate whether principles derived from small and medium-sized species hold at the upper limits of body size. In this study, we examined the mechanical work of locomotion in 27 Asian elephants (872-4000 kg) across a large range of speed of progression. We quantified the internal work required to move the limbs relative to the whole-body centre of mass (COM) and combined it with external work to estimate total mechanical cost. Our results show that elephants devote a surprisingly large proportion of total mechanical work - up to ∼75% at higher speeds - to move the limbs. This highlights the importance of internal limb dynamics in shaping the energetic profile of large quadrupeds. Using published metabolic cost values for elephants, we estimate that their muscular efficiency during locomotion ranges between ∼30% and 45%, values that fall within the range reported for other large mammals such as horses and humans. Together, these findings offer the first detailed breakdown of internal and external mechanical work in elephant locomotion and provide novel insights into how extreme body size influences the partitioning of mechanical work. This study contributes new data essential for understanding locomotor energetics at the upper limits of terrestrial animal mass.

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has experienced considerable developments and has played an important role in various domains such as industry, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and environment, especially for smart cities. Along with that, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are considered to be important components of the IoT system (WSN-IoT) to create smart applications and automate processes. As the number of connected IoT devices increases, privacy and security issues become more complicated due to their external working environments and limited resources. Hence, solutions need to be updated to ensure that data and user privacy are protected from threats and attacks. To support the safety and reliability of such systems, in this paper, security issues in the WSN-IoT are addressed and classified as identifying security challenges and requirements for different kinds of attacks in either WSNs or IoT systems. In addition, security solutions corresponding to different types of attacks are provided, analyzed, and evaluated. We provide different comparisons and classifications based on specific goals and applications that hopefully can suggest suitable solutions for specific purposes in practical. We also suggest some research directions to support new security mechanisms.

In heavy-duty long-distance transmission scenarios, steel wire ropes are widely used due to their unique advantages, and their safety is very important, which has also led to the rapid development of non-destructive testing technology for steel wire ropes. The non-destructive testing technology for steel wire ropes is influenced by various factors such as its own structure and external working environment, and the testing process is relatively complex. Multiple testing methods and related types of sensors have also emerged. The electromagnetic detection method is currently the most effective method, but it also has its limitations in development and has not yet fully achieved the expected detection goals. In order to completely replace manual inspection work with the development of non-destructive testing technology for steel wire ropes, more in-depth research and long-term accumulation are still needed.

Low grade waste heat is ubiquitous, from human industry, through to human metabolism (body heat), to solar irradiation of surfaces, etc. Thermoelectrochemical systems present a promising pathway for sustainably and cost-effectively harnessing this vast amount of energy, by conversion into electricity. Thermogalvanic cells have two electrodes and a shared electrolyte with two redox states; when the two electrodes are at dissimilar temperatures, the entropy difference between the two redox states in the electrolyte drives continuous electricity production via entropy-driven redox reactions, diffusion and convection. The Figure summarises (left) how aqueous Fe2+/3+ can achieve this and (right) how it operates as an electrochemical heat engine to convert some heat flux through the system (Q) into external work (W).While thermoelectrochemical energy conversion is a promising and emerging area, challenges remain in the accurate characterisation of these systems, in improving efficiency, and developing economically viable devices.Our research has focussed upon the accurate measurement of the power produced by these devices [1]. Subsequent research achieved the first direct measurement of the genuine heat-to-electricity efficiency in thermogalvanic cells, challenging conventional trends based upon earlier approximations.[2] These findings reveal significant deviations based upon measurement conditions and assumptions, and also shed new light on the fundamental thermodynamic processes governing such systems.Furthermore, the electrodes constitute a large fraction of the device and are a critical factor influencing the quantity of power generated. While platinum is a common choice, this limits scalability. To address this, we have recently started to explore coulombically charged surfaces as innovative, metal-free electrocatalysts, leveraging electrostatic electrocatalysis to enhance redox kinetics and stability in thermogalvanic cells [3]. The overall cell design (such as electrode separations of 1 mm vs 100 mm) and the fluidity of the electrolyte (liquid vs gelled) are also critical parameters, often with a 'Goldilocks zone' in the middle, which varies depending upon whether the heat source and sink to be valorised are comprised of solids, liquids or air.[4]This presentation will summarise our recent and ongoing research in this area. Achieving improved characterisation, efficiency analysis and device design is expected to open new possibilities for sustainable, electrochemical energy harvesting.

The coal seams in the Zhaogu mining area are characterized by great burial depth, hard coal quality, and difficulty in fracturing the top coal. To address the challenges of top-coal drawing in the working face, this study focuses on the external coal pillar working face in the Second Panel. Through laboratory experiments, field tests, and PFC numerical simulations, the coal drawing parameters and top-coal caving techniques were systematically investigated to provide technical support for on-site production. Key findings include: (1) Borehole observations revealed that adjacent goaf mining activities induced stress redistribution toward deeper zones, promoting full fragmentation of top coal. (2) Numerical simulations demonstrated the significant influence of mining-to-drawing ratio (MDR) on top-coal failure characteristics, with optimal recovery rate (TCRR) achieved at 1:1 MDR. (3) Parameter analysis showed the lowest gangue content occurred at 0.8 m drawing step distance, while single-round multi-opening interval drawing strategy delivered superior economic benefits and higher recovery compared to traditional multi-round approaches. (4) Similarity simulation tests uncovered funnel interaction patterns between adjacent drawing openings, with peak efficiency during initial drawing phases and an overall simulated recovery rate of 86.23%. Field applications confirmed the method’s effectiveness, showing no significant fluctuations in support pressure during operation. The research results provide critical parameter optimization schemes and technical implementation pathways for efficient extraction of deep-buried hard coal seams under complex geological conditions.

Exploring how family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease experience role captivity: A qualitative study.

Lecturer performance plays a vital role in determining the quality of education and the success of educational institutions. Although digital tools are becoming an essential part of higher education, the effect of technology on training and teaching effectiveness has not been fully examined. This study explores the factors influencing lecturer performance in public universities in Northern Malaysia, focusing on the interaction between financial incentives (compensation), professional development opportunities (training), external work experience (labor market experience), and technology integration in driving lecturers' motivation and engagement. By synthesizing existing literature, this conceptual study aims to create a comprehensive framework for understanding lecturer performance. The findings provide valuable insights into how these factors interact within the context of public universities in Northern Malaysia, offering important implications for policymakers and university administrators who strive to improve lecturer performance and foster better educational outcomes.

In order to meet the objectives, the organization has to monitor employee performance. The present study was carried out at Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak, with the following objectives: 1) ascertain the impact of extrinsic motivation on employee performance; 2) confirm the impact of work discipline on employee performance; 3) confirm the impact of employee engagement on employee performance; 4) ascertain the extent to which extrinsic motivation, work discipline, and employee engagement influence employee performance; and 5) confirm the independent variables that predominately affect employee performance. With 74 employees as the sample size, a quantitative research methodology was employed. Saturated sampling, often known as a census, is used in this study. The descriptive analysis, T-test, multiple linear regression, classical assumption testing, research instrument quality testing, coefficient of determination, and standardized coefficients beta analysis are the data analysis procedures that are employed. The regression model, as indicated by the study's results, is Y = 4.601 + 0.137X1 + 0.259X2 + 0.339X3. The results show that: 1) maintaining a strong work ethic has a positive and significant influence on employee performance; 2) external incentives play a constructive and important role in improving employee performance; 3) active involvement and commitment of employees have a positive and significant impact on their performance; 4) when considering the combined impact of external incentives, work discipline, and employee engagement, they account for 39.7% of the variation in employee performance; and 5) employee engagement stands out as the most influential factor on employee performance, as indicated by the Standardized Beta Coefficient value of 0.352. The study's conclusion is that businesses should consider variables such as work discipline, employee engagement, and extrinsic incentives when creating policies and initiatives to boost worker performance.