Formal Management Research Articles

Ten years of walk the line

AbstractWhile the process safety principles conduct of operations, operational discipline, and operational readiness, have been a part of risk‐based process safety since the inception, recognizing the need for a formal management system connecting them and optimizing their value is a more recent concept introduced around 2010 with Walk the Line. Conduct of operations is concerned with how work is done in a manufacturing unit to produce consistent results. The philosophy behind Walk the Line is that to successfully produce consistent results, there are elements of leadership identifying the right tools, operators executing tasks correctly, and technical people monitoring results and changing the tools for continuous improvement. Each of these disciplines, management, operational, and engineering should be in place to ensure consistent performance and repeatable results. This paper reflects on the last 10 years of Walk the Line and highlights features of the conduct of operations model that supports a sustainable management system, continuous improvement, and reduction of process safety incidents.

Zakat Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Dalam Perspektif Surah At-Taubah Ayat 60

This research is motivated by the most common problem in Indonesia, namely poverty, poverty occurs due to unequal income and lack of effectiveness in the field of management and fund management. The purpose of formal zakat management is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of zakat administration and increase the benefits generated from zakat to improve community welfare and poverty prevention. Analysis of Qur'anic verses, search of related literature, and data collection from respondents representing various layers of Islamic society are qualitative research methods. Zakat can be given to eight groups, according to surah At-Taubah verse 60. The groups entitled to receive zakat include amil (people who take care of zakat), muallaf (people who have just converted to Islam and need help to adjust to their new circumstances), slave (newly freed slaves), Gharim (people who owe money for lawful needs but are unable to pay it), and Fisabilillah (people who fight in the way of Allah). Ibnu sabil are those who run out of money to travel for purposes such as da'wah and others.

The lived experience of patients going under hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Saudi Arabia: A phenomenological study.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as an effective treatment or adjunct therapy for various disorders, prioritizing improving oxygen delivery to tissues. This qualitative inquiry aims to explore the psychological experiences of patients undergoing their first hyperbaric session, focusing on the emotional responses and information needs of patients. The study addresses the gap in understanding patient experiences and seeks to contribute to holistic care approaches and improved health outcomes for patients undergoing HBOT. Using a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach, this study engaged 6 participants from KAASH in Taif City who had undergone at least 1 HBOT session. Data were collected through in-person interviews using a semistructured guide, focusing on patients' initial HBOT experiences. Giorgi 4-step method was applied for data analysis, allowing for rich descriptions and thematic categorization of the participants' lived experiences. The analysis is centered around "Walking into the unknown" with emerged subthemes (feeling anxious or being calm; immediate or evolving outcomes; formal orientation and management; success stories and self-learning) organized under 2 revised categories, "Transitioning from fear to reassurance" and "Navigating the path of understanding." The study also highlighted the critical role of healthcare providers in addressing information gaps and enhancing patient preparedness. The findings revealed the importance of comprehensive patient education and effective communication by healthcare providers to alleviate initial fears and improve treatment experiences for HBOT patients. Future research should expand to other regions and include healthcare providers' perspectives to further validate these findings and enhance HBOT practices. Integrating psychological support into the treatment process may also benefit patients, promoting holistic care and improving overall health outcomes.

Moving from idea to reality: The barriers and enablers to implementing Child and Family Hubs policy into practice in NSW, Australia

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences can impact physical and mental health throughout the lifespan. To support families experiencing adversity and improve child health and developmental equity, an integrated, multi-sector response is required. Child and Family Hubs (Hubs) are a feasible and acceptable approach to providing such a response. In the Australian context, a number of federal and New South Wales (NSW) state policies support an integrated, multi-sector response using Hubs to support families experiencing adversity. This study examined NSW policy stakeholder and health service manager perspectives on the barriers and enablers to translating policy into practice in the implementation of Child and Family Hubs.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 NSW government policy stakeholders and 13 community health service managers working in child and family policy and planning or child and family community-based services. Interviews were of 30–60 min duration and explored stakeholder knowledge, perspectives and experiences around childhood adversity, and barriers and enablers to operationalizing policies supporting Hubs. Analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation of Hub models of care was undertaken using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).ResultsKey barriers that emerged included short-term and inconsistent funding, lack of resourcing for a Hub co-ordinator, limited support for evaluation and insufficient time to plan for Hub implementation. Key enablers included flexibility and adaptability of Hub models to meet local needs, formal change management processes, strong governance structures and engagement among Hub practitioners. Key insights included the importance of targeted strategies to support sustained individual practice change and the need for organization-wide commitment to enable the successful adoption and maintenance of the Hub model of care.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights and contributes evidence around what is needed to strengthen and support the operationalization and scalability of the Hub model of care. Key recommendations for Hub practitioners include the importance of formal change management processes and establishment of strong governance structures, while key recommendations for policymakers include the need for sustainable Hub funding and a standardized, evidence-based framework to support Hub implementation and evaluation.

Formal and informal hospital emergency management practices: managing for safety and performance amid crisis.

Although formal preparedness for unexpected crises has long been a concern of health care policy and delivery, many hospitals struggled to manage staff and equipment shortages, precarious finances, and supply chain disruptions among other difficulties during the Coronavirus disease pandemic. Our purpose was to analyze how hospitals used formal and informal emergency management practices to maintain safe and high-quality care while responding to crisis. We conducted a qualitative study based on 26 interviews with hospital leaders and emergency managers from 12 US hospitals, purposively sampled to vary along geographic location, urban/rural delineation, size, resource availability, system membership, teaching status, and performance levels among other characteristics. In order to manage staff, space, supplies, and system- related challenges, hospitals engaged formal and informal practices around planning, teaming, and exchanging resources and information. Relying solely only on formal or informal practices proved inadequate, especially when prespecified plans, the incident command structure, and existing contracts and communication platforms failed to support resilient response. We identified emergent capabilities-imaginative planning, recombinant teaming, and transformational exchange-through which hospitals achieved harmonious interplay between the formal and informal practices of emergency management that supported safe care and resilience amid crisis. Managing emergent challenges for and amid crisis calls for health care delivery organizations to engage creative planning processes, enable motivated workers with diverse skill sets to team up, and establish rich inter- and intra-organizational partnerships that support vital exchange.

BUILDING SHOWCASE PLATFORM

Abstract : Formal project management is not widespread in SMEs. Most of the office work and normal business activities are looked by the staff in an informal manner and in most cases without any project management training. This is not to say that their projects are not successful. Many SMEs handle projects well and are successful. This could be due to their tactical knowledge and the individuals involved rather than a conscious effort. But these companies could be falling short of their potential and may perform better if they follow a proper formal system of project management practices. Management, produces a degree of predictability, focuses on systems, relays on control, organizes and staffs, accepts the status quo and motivates people to comply with standards. This project aims to study the approach of small and informal construction firms towards construction management and the various techniques adopted by them and thereby suggest systems and methods in project management to improve their performance. A startup construction firm that did not have formal project management systems and techniques in place was identified and upon discussion with their owners and employees regarding their practices, they were willing to let us assist them in their projects by setting up a project management function there by analyzing their work. During the course of the study, significant improvements were observed in the system adopted by the firm in various aspects like quality control, project monitoring & tracking and safety. It can thus be concluded that introduction of project management techniques even though on a small but systematic way can help bring improvement in the performance of the firm and contribute to the organization’s growth in the long run. IndexTerms – Web-Based Application, Modern structure.

Benchmarking medical laboratory performance on a global scale.

Laboratory performance as a relative concept needs repetitive benchmarking for continuous improvement of laboratory procedures and medical processes. Benchmarking as such establishes reference levels as a basis for improvements efforts for healthcare institutions along the diagnosis cycle, with the patient at its center. But while this concept seems to be generally acknowledged in laboratory medicine, a lack of practical implementation hinders progress at a global level. The aim of this study was to examine the utility of a specific combination of indicators and survey-based data collection approach, and to establish a global benchmarking dataset of laboratory performance for decision makers in healthcare institutions. The survey consisted of 44 items relating to laboratory operations in general and three subscales identified in previous studies. A global sample of laboratories was approached by trained professionals. Results were analyzed with standard descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Dimensional reduction of specific items was performed using confirmatory factor analysis, resulting in individual laboratory scores for the three subscales of "Operational performance," "Integrated clinical care performance," and "Financial sustainability" for the high-level concept of laboratory performance. In total, 920 laboratories from 55 countries across the globe participated in the survey, of which 401 were government hospital laboratories, 296 private hospital laboratories, and 223 commercial laboratories. Relevant results include the need for digitalization and automation along the diagnosis cycle. Formal quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 15189 etc.) need to be adapted more broadly to increase patient safety. Monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) relating to healthcare performance was generally low (in the range of 10-30% of laboratories overall), and as a particularly salient result, only 19% of laboratories monitored KPIs relating to speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Altogether, this benchmark elucidates current practice and has the potential to guide improvement efforts and standardization in quality & safety for patients and employees alike as well as sustainability of healthcare systems around the globe.

Inner struggle or identity fit – control configurations that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity

PurposeThis study aims to investigate which configurations of organizational-level and group-level management controls support an identity fit for management accountants in the management accounting profession. It aims to complement recent qualitative management accounting research. This stream just begun to use role and identity theory to investigate role expectations, conflicts and coping strategies of management accountants when they struggle with their work identity.Design/methodology/approachBased on configuration theory, this study uses a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to indicate all possible configurations of formal and informal management controls that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity in an organization. The analyses are based on the results of a cross-sectional survey of 277 management accountants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.FindingsThe results show that a strong group culture and high psychological safety at the group level are relevant conditions for a high identity fit. Further, the configurations differ regarding the career stages of management accountants.Originality/valueThis study contributes to work identity research of management accountants and to research on formal and informal control configurations as a control package. It is of particular importance for various professions that are affected by role change, as from the findings on management accountants’ identity fit, implications can also be made for other organizational functions that need to engage in identity work.

Best practices for genetic and genomic data archiving.

Genetic and genomic data are collected for a vast array of scientific and applied purposes. Despite mandates for public archiving, data are typically used only by the generating authors. The reuse of genetic and genomic datasets remains uncommon because it is difficult, if not impossible, due to non-standard archiving practices and lack of contextual metadata. But as the new field of macrogenetics is demonstrating, if genetic data and their metadata were more accessible and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) compliant, they could be reused for many additional purposes. We discuss the main challenges with existing genetic and genomic data archives, and suggest best practices for archiving genetic and genomic data. Recognizing that this is a longstanding issue due to little formal data management training within the fields of ecology and evolution, we highlight steps that research institutions and publishers could take to improve data archiving.

A Typology of Project Types and Processes Offering Flexibility for the Project Manager

We present a typology in which commonly encountered project types and widely used project management process types are matched. This generates four propositions: (1) Process types match project types but do not cover all encountered project types; (2) a formal project management change process should be articulated; (3) the project management processes represent a portfolio that can help managers address project types (or other nonroutine challenges for the organization) in productive ways; and (4), while array and wicked projects cannot be fully addressed by any one of the project management processes, combinations of the processes may be able to deliver such projects.

Delphi Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria for LUMBAR Syndrome

To develop consensus on diagnostic criteria for LUMBAR syndrome, the association of segmental infantile hemangiomas that affect the Lower body with Urogenital anomalies, Ulceration, spinal cord Malformations, Bony defects, Anorectal malformations, Arterial anomalies and/or Renal anomalies. These diagnostic criteria were developed by an expert multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team based on analysis of peer-reviewed data, followed by electronic-Delphi consensus of a panel of 61 international pediatric specialists. After two Delphi rounds, a 92% or higher level of agreement was reached for each Delphi statement. 98% of panelists agreed with the diagnostic criteria, and 100% agreed the criteria would be useful in clinical practice. The diagnosis of LUMBAR requires the presence of a segmental, or patterned, infantile hemangioma of the lumbosacral, sacrococcygeal, or pelvic cutaneous regions plus one additional criterion of the urogenital, spinal, bony, anorectal, arterial, or renal organ systems. These diagnostic criteria will enhance clinical care by improving screening, detection, and overall awareness of this poorly understood neurocutaneous disorder. The criteria can be utilized by a wide variety of pediatric subspecialists. In addition, formal criteria will improve phenotypic uniformity among LUMBAR syndrome cohorts and a patient registry, allowing investigators to assess clinical features, long-term outcomes, and results of genetic sequencing in a standardized manner. Finally, these criteria will serve as a starting point for prospective studies to establish formal screening and management guidelines.

Tool support for implementing a methodology in magnet development projects at CERN

AbstractAbstract product development models, such as the Integrated Product Engineering Model (iPeM), are insightful yet complex, hindering practical application. The paper introduces a prototypical tool designed to simplify the application of iPeM. A case study at CERN showcases the tool's capability in utilizing the iPeM to streamline the tailoring of standards into methodologies for research environments. The tool's impact is evaluated through interviews at CERN. The findings suggest the tool's benefits, especially for individuals without formal project management backgrounds.

Planning the implementation of a new oncology compounding information system in an aseptic compounding unit: a mixed methods study

Abstract Introduction Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) compounding is a high-risk process. Traditional mixed method systems for workflow management in aseptic compounding units (ACUs) are inherently prone to risk. Workflow management systems (WFMSs) are recognised internationally to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase ACU capacity.[1] Planning of the implementation of a WFMS has not been characterised before. In our ACU, Clinichemo® will be replaced with BD-CATO®. BD-CATO® is a WFMS and is the vendor for the National Cancer Information System (NCIS), implemented by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).[2] Aim The aim of this study was to demonstrate how the implementation of a new WFMS can be safely planned, managed, and assessed. This aim was achieved using the following objectives: 1. Describe and risk assess the current workflows for SACT compounding. 2. Investigate agreed and published standards for SACT compounding. 3. Define the change management process. 4. Describe and evaluate the benefits, challenges and risks associated with the introduction of a new SACT compounding system. 5. Interview adopters of NCIS/BD-CATO® to assess their experience of the barriers encountered, how challenges were overcome, risks identified, mitigated, and eliminated through the change management process and ongoing. Methods The current workflow and future workflow for SACT compounding were characterised and current process risk assessed. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to evaluate pharmacist and pharmacy technicians’ attitudes and opinions towards the implementation of BD-CATO® in their organisations and the system itself. Participants were recruited by means of purposive and snowball sampling from ACUs across the country that had implemented/were in the process of implementing BD-CATO®/NCIS. Themes identified in interviews were compared to those found in the literature and guidelines. Interviews, a review of guidelines, published standards and the literature were used to guide and risk assess future process development. The change management plan was also defined. Results Nine participants (8 pharmacists and 1 pharmacy technician) were interviewed in June-August 2023. The interviews were conducted across 7 ACUs in Ireland. Thematic analysis of interview data yielded four key themes: 1. Participants discussed the importance of planning activities, such as communication with key stakeholders, discussions around phased implementation, and development of training material. 2. Having a designated individual tasked with change implementation improved outcomes of the implementation project. 3. Participants also discussed benefits and risks associated with BD-CATO®. 4. Participants discussed their reasons for perceived complexity of the system. A combination of interview data, review of guidelines, published standards and the literature were used to devise future process workflow and the change management plan. The future process workflow was also risk assessed using bowtie analysis. Conclusion The introduction of WFMSs has been interpreted both in the literature and within the Irish healthcare setting to increase efficiencies, reduce error rates, and improve the accuracy of SACT compounding. A formal change management strategy devised with resourcing, training, and obtaining stakeholder engagement is key to successful implementation.

Opportunities and challenges for circular economy in the Maldives: A stakeholder analysis of informal E-waste management in the Greater Malé Region

In the Maldives, the contribution of the informal sector to e-waste management is significant as a formal e-waste management system is not yet established. The opportunities for advancing the circular economy in the Maldives’ e-waste sector rely on the possibility of its formalization. This study aimed to examine the current and anticipated situations of e-waste management in the Greater Malé Region of the Maldives, with a specific focus on formalizing the informal sector. Interviews and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted followed by statistical analysis of the data. The t-test performed for the consumer survey data (n = 202) suggests that formalization encourages consumers to engage with the informal sector, resulting in increased resource recovery. Thematic analysis of interviews conducted with both formal and informal sector stakeholders (n = 17) revealed that the informal sector plays a substantial role in managing e-waste. It also underscored the need for government assistance to enhance safety and productivity in this sector. Various opportunities and challenges for establishing a circular economy in the country were identified, such as the rise in e-waste generation, the presence of an active informal workforce, the lack of sufficient government support, and prevailing stereotypes among consumers regarding informal workers. These findings provide a fresh perspective on the solutions for waste management in the Maldives and open the door to further explore the significance of the informal sector and feasible formalization initiatives. This study could contribute to the literature on the role of the informal sector in waste management in the Maldives and other small island developing states.

Components and Process of Performance Appraisal of Teaching Faculty

Abstract In the field of medical and health professions education, performance appraisal has been regarded as one of the crucial aspects to improve the effectiveness and efficiency. Performance appraisal has to be a systematic and well-thought plan, wherein even inputs from the faculty members have been taken for the overall improvement of the existing or novel system. We must remember that performance appraisal is a formal management system that serves the purpose of evaluating the performance of a faculty member or any employee in a wide range of domains in an organization. In conclusion, performance appraisal should not be looked upon as a method to find shortcomings, rather as an opportunity to have a constructive dialog with the faculty to bring about improvement in their performance.

Compliance as a Tool for Ensuring the Economic Security of an Organization: Problems and Prospects of Application

Compliance is applicable in any organization and acts as one of the modern types of control, during which the compliance of the organization's activities with the norms of national legislation is monitored. This tool provides real protection against corruption, conflict of interest, and contains in its arsenal a whole range of elements that can be implemented in the organization's economic security system. Compliance allows you to identify the risks of the organization's functioning at the early stages of manifestation and prevent the application of sanctions by regulatory authorities, and subsequently prevent economic damage. The authors present approaches to the definition of the term, types of compliance, and a comparative analysis of compliance with other types of control, confirming its uniqueness. According to the authors, one of the disadvantages in the development of compliance is its reduction to a set of formal management standards and procedures. The authors concluded that this is not just an element of corporate governance, but also an effective way to prevent corruption crimes. The prospects of using this tool in modern conditions of global instability and the development of digital management methods are considered.

Improving the Synergy between Informal and Formal Education in Education Management in Nigeria

The interplay between informal and formal education in our society cannot be undermined as both play prominent roles in producing a complete person that is generally accepted in the society that can adequately contribute meaningful to the society and nations economic development. At the early life stage of a child, he starts to learn the ideals, customs, norms and values of his community and society through the support of his parents and other elders around him, that is why some academic scholars have agreed that education is the of transmission of values, cultures, norms and associated societal knowledge of certain group of people from generation to generation. Naturally, societies present to its people some inherent cultures, norms, values that need to be sustained through individual involvement in adherence and obedience to these societal demands, by doing so they internalize it and become well accepted as loyal citizens of the society. This process continues from childhood till adulthood when the child begins to take charge of certain aspects of his life. All these knowledge transmission, acquisition and transfer processes are done anywhere within the child’s environment and also not planned or structured, rather through daily life activities and involvement. This approach to education was applied when the communities and its societies where yet not developed but primitive. However, as society became sophisticated and complex, the need to institutionalize knowledge transmission process was eminent as to meet with the contemporary societal demands and life generally. To this extent, schools began to be built, knowledge transmission became planned and curriculums development became obvious, learning became structured, teachers are trained in different field of endeavors to prepare the individuals in their various localities to meet with challenges of both developing and developed world and also contribute meaningfully to the society and nation at large. Hence the managers of this knowledge process are required to be conscious of the needs of the society and nation as to foster effective and efficient teaching and learning processes that take cognizance of all these societal needs, putting them in perspectives for effective knowledge transmission and delivery in schools. Hence this paper was necessitated to focus on the synergy between informal and formal education in education management. In pursuance of this, the importance of formal, informal education and educational management will be considered, ways of improving the synergy between formal and informal education will also be discussed herein.

RISK FACTORS AND CHALLENGES IN THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of innovative risk management within the Facilities Departments of public higher education institutions in Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The research identifies specific risk factors and challenges unique to these departments while proposing a set of tailored risk management guidelines. Key findings unveil a spectrum of risk categories, including maintenance-related issues, environmental concerns, operational constraints, and technological challenges. These findings underscore the pressing need for heightened risk awareness and the development of formal risk management practices within Facilities Departments. The study's recommendations encompass the adoption of systematic risk assessment, strategic resource allocation, technology integration, and measures to enhance environmental resilience. These insights hold substantial implications for governance, resource allocation, risk culture, and technology integration in public higher education institutions. By bridging the empirical gap and providing actionable recommendations, this research contributes significantly to the enhancement of operational excellence in public higher education institutions, aligning them with the demands of the contemporary educational landscape.

A seat at the table? Planning, meetings and the ‘stable relation’ of a joint managed National Park in northern Australia

Over the last fifteen years, most national parks in Cape York Peninsula, far north-east Australia, have been transferred to Aboriginal ownership and are now jointly managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the relevant Aboriginal traditional owner groups. The park in which this research was conducted has been jointly managed for just over a decade, but the transition to joint management is entwined with challenges related to the bringing together of different knowledge and management systems. The main forum for discussing and implementing change is in the mutual space of formal joint management meetings. However, this mutual space is not co-produced on equal terms. Joint management meetings and the production of management plans function as a way for Queensland Parks to fulfil their obligations to Aboriginal traditional owners while simultaneously reaffirming their status as the more powerful co-managing institution. Rather than fostering a space of indeterminacy, in which management partners could co-create new forms of managing and caring for land, meetings and management plans function to construct a ‘stable relation’ between Aboriginal traditional owners and Queensland Parks.

Leadership During ERM Transition Implementation in The Public Sector

This research aims to determine the appropriate leadership style in the public sector transition period from implementing vernacular risk management to formal risk management or ERM. This leadership style also considers leadership factors, and implementing a risk culture has become the main factor in implementing ERM in various studies. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach, with a research strategy in the form of case studies. The data used is primary data and secondary data. Primary data is the results of interviews with 16 respondents who are parties who participate in managing risks at the ZYX ministry. Secondary data is all internal and external data related to MRPN. The general conclusion is that Agile leadership is needed so that ZYX Ministry can adapt to the VUCA era. Leaders with agility can guide their organizations to become faster, more adaptive, and more productive. Agile Governance is the key to responsive and proactive governance.