High-quality Services Research Articles

Enhancing Brand Value Through Circular Economy Service Quality: The Mediating Roles of Customer Satisfaction, Brand Image, and Customer Loyalty

This study rigorously examines the relationship between circular economy service quality and brand value, focusing on the mediating roles of customer satisfaction, brand image, and customer loyalty. Amid the growing adoption of circular economy principles to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency, the impact of such practices on brand value remains underexplored. This research addresses this gap by developing and testing an integrated model of circular economy service quality and its influence on brand value. Using a quantitative methodology, this study collected data from customers engaged with companies employing circular economy practices. A structured survey assessed the perceptions of circular economy service quality, customer satisfaction, brand image, customer loyalty, and brand value. Advanced statistical techniques, including structural equation modeling (SEM), were employed to analyze the data and evaluate the proposed relationships. The results revealed significant positive correlations between circular economy service quality, customer satisfaction, brand image, and customer loyalty. Furthermore, the mediating roles of customer satisfaction, brand image, and customer loyalty in the relationship between circular economy service quality and brand value were validated. High-quality circular economy services fostered customer satisfaction, enhanced brand image, and strengthened customer loyalty, collectively driving increased brand value. This research underscored two critical implications. First, circular economy service quality was identified as a pivotal factor in enhancing brand value. By offering sustainable and efficient services, organizations can deliver superior customer experiences, cultivate a strong brand image, and ultimately boost brand value. Second, the mediating variables—customer satisfaction, brand image, and customer loyalty—were shown to play essential roles in amplifying the impact of circular economy service quality on brand value. Organizations should strategically focus on optimizing these factors to maximize brand performance. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to integrate sustainability into their operations while enhancing brand equity and market performance.

The Impact of Service Quality and Satisfaction on Customer Loyalty at AFZL Barber Shop

The rapidly growing barber shop industry has heightened competition, making understanding the factors influencing customer loyalty crucial. This study explored the impact of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty at AFZL Barber Shop in Sukarame, Bandar Lampung. Using a quantitative approach, the research surveyed 109 respondents and analyzed the data through descriptive analysis, validity and reliability tests, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that service quality and customer satisfaction significantly positively affect customer loyalty. Higher service quality and customer satisfaction levels lead to stronger customer loyalty. The study concludes that businesses must improve service quality and customer satisfaction to maintain customer loyalty in a competitive market.

Enhancing Cloud Network Security with Innovative Time Series Analysis

Cloud computing has revolutionized computing infrastructure abstraction and utilization, distinguished by its cost-effective and high-quality services. However, the challenge of securing cloud networks persists, mainly due to the broad exchange of data and the inherent complexity of these techniques. Anomaly detection emerges as a promising solution to improve cloud network safeness, presenting perception into system behavior and alerting operators for further actions. This paper offers a novel time series analysis method for detecting anomalies in cloud networks. Our technique employs innovative time series analysis techniques based on a matrix profile, and the Kneedle algorithm to identify multi-dimensional anomalous patterns within multiple features extracted from network traffic streams. To evaluate the efficacy of our approach, we implemented timestamp-based and index-based methods to two distinct datasets: the most widely used UNSW-NB15 and the recently introduced CICIoT2023 datasets. The results highlight the efficacy of our proposed method in identifying cloud network anomalies. It achieved an impressive accuracy of 99.6% and an F1-score of 99.8% using the timestamp-based analysis method. For the index-based analysis method, accuracy reached 98%, accompanied by an outstanding F1-score of 99.9%.

Barriers and facilitators to maternal healthcare in East Africa: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of perspectives from women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders

BackgroundIn East Africa, women face significant challenges accessing maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. While several studies have examined barriers and facilitators to maternal care, there is no comprehensive review reflecting the various perspectives of women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders. We systematically reviewed qualitative literature on maternal healthcare in East Africa, synthesizing insights from multiple perspectives and exploring barriers and facilitators across socioecological levels.MethodsA qualitative evidence synthesis focused on studies from East Africa published between January 2015 and June 2024. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ProQuest, and used citation tracking to find additional references. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program, and a thematic synthesis was performed to identify barriers and facilitators.ResultsOf the 3181 records identified, 81 studies (63 qualitative and 18 mixed method) met the inclusion criteria, representing 4816 individuals from six East African countries. This review identified barriers at various levels: individual barriers included a lack of awareness and knowledge, fear of being treated poorly, and financial constraints; interpersonal barriers comprised limited family support, communication challenges, and a lack of decision-making autonomy; health facility barriers included poor quality of healthcare, poor infrastructure, limited medical supplies, provider shortages, abusive behaviors from healthcare providers, lack of transportation, and high service costs; community-level barriers involved socio-cultural norms, societal stigma, and gender-based disparities; and policy-level barriers included poor focus on maternal health, a lack of male accompaniment policies, and conflicts. Key facilitators identified included improved healthcare understanding and women's self-efficacy at the individual level, family support and positive social influences at the interpersonal level, high-quality services, reliable transportation, compassionate care, and health education at the health facility level, community initiatives, gender equality, and maternity waiting homes at the community level, as well as free maternity services and health extension programs at the policy level.ConclusionThe synthesis identified key barriers and facilitators to the maternal healthcare in East African countries, ranging from individual to policy levels. We recommend that future initiatives focus on addressing these barriers while enhancing facilitators across individual, interpersonal, health facility, community, and policy levels through woman-centered, evidence-based strategies. Moreover, fostering collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and communities is essential for improving access to the maternal continuum of care.

Effects of Smartphone Photography on Commercial Photographers in Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of smartphone photography and social media use on the professional photography business, focusing on commercial photographers in Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana and the Bolgatanga Technical University campus. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive research approach was used, with quantitative data collected through standardised questionnaires distributed to 196 smartphone users and 23 commercial photographers. T Findings: The findings show a considerable decrease in demand for commercial photography services due to the widespread usage of smartphones for personal photography and social media sharing. Many smartphone users consider their photographic skills sufficient, resulting in less reliance on professional services. Research Limitation: The study focuses solely on the commercial photography sector, overlooking other possible impact areas within the photographic industry. Practical implication: Commercial photographers must adopt new technologies to remain competitive and provide distinctive, high-quality services that smartphone users cannot readily reproduce. Social Implication: Smartphones have democratised photography by allowing consumers to capture and share visual content on social media platforms, contributing to decreased demand for professional photography. This social shift emphasises commercial photographers' need to integrate their business models with changing customer behaviour in the digital era. Originality/ Value: This study adds to our understanding of the changing photography landscape, especially in a developing economy. It provides significant insights into how commercial photographers may adapt to the challenges provided by the advent of smartphone photography and social media.

Medical Tourism in Malaysia: Community Perspectives on Quality of Life and Healthcare Accessibility

This study explores the intricate relationship between the growth of medical tourism in Malaysia and its impacts on the local community, particularly focusing on residents’ quality of life. Malaysia’s status as a competitive destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare services has led to significant economic growth, including increased healthcare revenue, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. However, the influx of foreign patients has raised concerns regarding healthcare accessibility for locals and the strain on local resources. Data from 361 respondents were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that medical tourism positively affects economic performance, with a significant path coefficient (β = 0.434, p < 0.01), showing a strong correlation between economic benefits and perceived improvement from medical tourism development. Similarly, personal benefits from the industry have a positive influence on quality of life (β = 0.202, p < 0.05). However, this study also reveals that attitudes towards medical tourism do not significantly impact residents’ perceptions of quality of life (β = 0.057, p > 0.05), highlighting social disparities in how different groups experience the effects of this industry. The findings suggest that while medical tourism offers economic advantages, challenges such as reduced healthcare access for locals and the growing commercialization of healthcare must be addressed. This study concludes with recommendations for sustainable policy interventions to balance the economic growth of medical tourism with the well-being of local communities.

Evolutionary game model for the behavior of private sectors in elderly healthcare public–private partnership under the condition of information asymmetry

Chinese elderly healthcare services face problems of poor service quality, difficulty in eliminating hidden quality risks, and inadequate government supervision, primarily due to information asymmetry and insufficient supervision among providers, users, and regulatory bodies. The study addresses two key questions: How does information asymmetry influence private sector strategies in elderly healthcare public–private partnership (PPP), and what regulatory models can overcome the potential shortcomings? The study examines the influence of information asymmetry, particularly on "experience" and "credence," crucial for governance and service quality in elderly healthcare PPPs in China. By developing the novel methodology of evolutionary game theory and employing MATLAB simulations, this study analyzes private sector behavior under two distinct regulatory models. The research findings reveal a significant disparity, under the traditional "single" model; private sectors often prioritize low-quality services driven by self-interest or inadequate penalties, while the collaborative model incentivizes them to deliver higher-quality services influenced by factors such as public participation, reputational incentives, and penalties. Therefore, the paper proposed a multifaceted regulatory model based on strengthening third-party evaluation mechanisms, encouraging public participation, and refining reward and penalty systems. This proposed model will not only significantly contribute to regulatory effectiveness and quality services within elderly healthcare PPP projects, but will also serve as a reference point for government decision-makers responsible for quality services within PPP projects.

Testing the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Potential Efficacy of an Innovative Digital Mental Health Care Delivery Model Designed to Increase Access to Care: Open Trial of the Digital Clinic.

Mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent; however, care remains inaccessible to many. While digital mental health interventions offer a promising solution, self-help and even coached apps have not fully addressed the challenge. There is now a growing interest in hybrid, or blended, care approaches that use apps as tools to augment, rather than to entirely guide, care. The Digital Clinic is one such model, designed to increase access to high-quality mental health services. To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the Digital Clinic model, this study aims to conduct a nonrandomized open trial with participants experiencing depression, anxiety, or both, at various levels of clinical severity. Clinicians were trained in conducting brief transdiagnostic evidence-based treatment augmented by a mental health app (mindLAMP); digital navigators were trained in supporting participants' app engagement and digital literacy while also sharing app data with both patients and clinicians. Feasibility and acceptability of this 8-week program were assessed against a range of benchmarks. Potential efficacy was assessed by calculating pre-post change in symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9), anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7), and comorbid depression and anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale; PHQ-ADS), as well as rates of clinically meaningful improvement and remission. Secondary outcomes included change in functional impairment, self-efficacy in managing emotions, and flourishing. Of the 258 enrolled participants, 215 (83.3%) completed the 8-week program. Most were White (n=151, 70.2%) and identified as cisgender women (n=136, 63.3%), with a mean age of 41 (SD 14) years. Feasibility and acceptability were good to excellent across a range of domains. The program demonstrated potential efficacy: the average PHQ-9 score was moderate to moderately severe at baseline (mean 13.39, SD 4.53) and decreased to subclinical (mean 7.79, SD 4.61) by the end of the intervention (t126=12.50, P<.001, Cohen d=1.11). Similarly, the average GAD-7 score decreased from moderate at baseline (mean 12.93, SD 3.67) to subclinical (mean 7.35, SD 4.19) by the end of the intervention (t113=13, P<.001, Cohen d=1.22). Participation in the program was also associated with high rates of clinically significant improvement and remission. Results suggest that the Digital Clinic model is feasible, acceptable, and potentially efficacious, warranting a future randomized controlled trial to establish the efficacy of this innovative model of care.

Train Planning for Through Operation Between Intercity and High-Speed Railways: Enhancing Sustainability Through Integrated Transport Solutions

In order to advocate for green and environmentally friendly travel modes, enhance the attractiveness of rail transit, and promote the sustainable development of rail transport, we focus on the transportation organization problem under limited-resource conditions. This paper studies the formulation of a train plan under the condition of through operation between intercity and high-speed railway, constructing a multi-objective nonlinear optimization model with train frequency, a stop plan, and turn-back station locations as decision variables. Given the high dimensionality of model variables and complex constraints, an improved multi-population genetic algorithm (IMGA) is designed. Through an actual case study of the through operation between the Chengdu–Mianyang–Leshan Intercity Railway and the Chengdu–Chongqing High-Speed Railway, a staged solution method is adopted for analysis. The results indicate that the through-operation mode can save operational costs for enterprises and travel costs for passengers, while also better adapting to changes in passenger flow. Additionally, the IMGA demonstrates better solution quality and higher efficiency compared to the classical genetic algorithm. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a novel approach to solve the train plan problem. It also contributes to creating a high-quality, high-efficiency, and high-comfort integrated transportation service network, promoting the sustainable development of rail transit.

In Sharing We Trust. Taking Advantage of a Diverse Consortium to Build a Transparent Data Service in Catalonia

The Consorci de Serveis Universitaris de Catalunya (CSUC) is a consortium that serves 13 universities and 33 research centers in Catalonia and neighboring communities. In 2017 the Consortium created an Open Science department to collaborate with universities and research centers on facilitating the adoption of Open Science requirements. Even though CSUC also offers services to researchers directly (for example, its supercomputing resources), this report will focus on CSUC’s work with its member institutions to create and offer data management services. We will explain how CSUC has led the creation of a robust shared governance system, and how it takes advantage of the diversity of its members to create useful, high quality, and transparent services for all researchers in the Catalan research system. Through sharing each other’s experiences, values and priorities, the result is better than separate ad-hoc solutions. The process also creates a community of practitioners that develop expertise together with the help of professional development opportunities organized by CSUC, like recurrent self-learning labs focused on data curation tools, techniques and processes.

In Sharing We Trust. Taking Advantage of a Diverse Consortium to Build a Transparent Data Service in Catalonia

The Consorci de Serveis Universitaris de Catalunya (CSUC) is a consortium that serves 13 universities and 33 research centers in Catalonia and neighboring communities. In 2017 the Consortium created an Open Science department to collaborate with universities and research centers on facilitating the adoption of Open Science requirements. Even though CSUC also offers services to researchers directly (for example, its supercomputing resources), this report will focus on CSUC’s work with its member institutions to create and offer data management services. We will explain how CSUC has led the creation of a robust shared governance system, and how it takes advantage of the diversity of its members to create useful, high quality, and transparent services for all researchers in the Catalan research system. Through sharing each other’s experiences, values and priorities, the result is better than separate ad-hoc solutions. The process also creates a community of practitioners that develop expertise together with the help of professional development opportunities organized by CSUC, like recurrent self-learning labs focused on data curation tools, techniques and processes.

Study on Front Office Total Service Quality at Super- Speciality Hospitals in India - A Diagnostic Study

Total Service Quality (TSQ) at the front office is a critical element in every super-specialty hospital-integral to the hospital's administrative function. The backbone of its operations is a well-coordinated team of front-office executives responsible for planning, supervising, and efficiently managing hospital operations while maintaining daily coordination with all departments. As the initial point of contact for patients, these executives require continuous training and development to enhance patient happiness. Aligning training programs with high-quality service delivery is essential for improving productivity across-both the front and back ends of-the hospital, crucial for maintaining service standards. In this context, the primary aim of the study is to measure the overall service quality of the administration staff and its impact on patient satisfaction in super-specialty hospitals. The primary data was collected by an ordered random sampling without replacement method [ORSWRM] gathered from 100 respondents in Bengaluru city. The findings of the study highlights factors such as timely service delivery, adherence to prescribed treatments, complaint resolution, patient attention, and staff's communication skills are vital in realizing the hospital's vision, mission, goals, and objectives making TSQ a tangible reality.

Service innovation in telecommunication: The path to customer loyalty through enhanced customer satisfaction

This study focuses on the Nepalese telecom sector, where service innovation is crucial for increasing customer satisfaction and gaining loyalty. In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, telecom service providers must continuously improve their offerings and customer experiences to draw in new customers and maintain their competitiveness. Based on a sample of 245 telecom customers, this study investigates how innovative service offerings lead to higher satisfaction levels and, in turn, greater customer loyalty. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) and a quantitative research approach to examine the association between customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and service innovation in Nepal’s telecom industry. The study confirmed that service innovation (β = 0.23, p ≤ 0.01) directly influences customer satisfaction and significantly (β = 0.32, p ≤ 0.01) enhances customer loyalty in the Nepalese telecom sector. However, the study finds a negligible indirect impact of service innovation (β = 0.12, UL = 0.292, LL = -0.003) on customer loyalty when customer satisfaction is considered a mediator, indicating that customer satisfaction does not fully influence this relationship in the Nepalese telecom sector, suggesting that other variables, such as price sensitivity, switching costs, and consistency in service quality may also affect the relationship between service innovation, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The results of this study will help the Nepalese telecom sector reevaluate its service innovation attempts, guiding executives to update their programs by offering new, reliable, high-quality services at affordable prices while considering different aspects of service innovation for strategic planning to attract loyal customers.

Redefining supplier selection in healthcare sector: a novel framework for supplier classification.

This paper aims to delve into the critical aspect of supplier selection in the healthcare sector, emphasizing the significance of strategic sourcing in enhancing operational efficiency and quality of services. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive framework for supplier evaluation that aligns with the unique requirements of hospitals, ultimately improving procurement processes and patient care outcomes. The study leverages the renowned Carter's 7 C model as a foundational framework for supplier assessment, supplemented by insights gathered from interviews with experts in the New Product Introduction, Purchasing and Procurement departments of a leading hospital in India. Data collection involved a combination of primary interactions through Google Forms and secondary data extraction from Purchase Inquisition Brochures and Hospital Information Systems. The weighted average method was employed to determine the significance of various criteria based on expert recommendations, ensuring a fair and consensus-driven evaluation process. Through the synthesis of expert inputs and data analysis, the study unveils a nuanced set of criteria weights that guide supplier selection decisions in the healthcare setting. The research highlights the dynamic nature of supplier evaluation criteria, underscoring the importance of tailoring assessments to suit the specific needs of each hospital. By emphasizing effective communication, technological advancements and collaborative supplier relationships, the study underscores the potential for strategic supplier selection to optimize supply chains, drive innovation and enhance patient care delivery in the healthcare sector. The framework for supplier selection in the healthcare sector has limitations, including limited generalizability, subjectivity in expert opinions and a static framework. The framework assumes the constant importance of selection criteria over time, which could be affected by dynamic changes in the industry. Its focus on the healthcare sector may require adaptation to other sectors. For hospitals, it also supports cost optimization by focusing on critical variables like cost efficiency and quality. For suppliers, the framework provides clear expectations, performance benchmarking and collaborative growth. It encourages performance benchmarking and encourages collaboration between the hospital and its supply chain partners. The framework is a replicable model that can be adapted by other hospitals or organizations to optimize supplier selection processes. It promotes standardization in supplier evaluation, fostering consistency across the sector. For patients, the framework improves care delivery by ensuring reliable access to high-quality supplies and services. This research intends to provide a novel framework for the classification of suppliers in the healthcare sector for operational excellence which enhances the strategic sourcing decision in the domain.

Investigating seafarers’ perceptions of well-being onboard: do company size and vessel type matter?

Abstract Throughout the last few years, the maritime sector has recognized the significance of strengthening seafarers’ well-being to ensure safe transportation services of high quality. The population of seafarers is quite heterogeneous regarding demographics and other working characteristics. Even though seafarers’ well-being is at the core of the academic agenda, company-specific factors associated with their well-being perceptions remain quite under-investigated. The current study aims to examine whether seafarers’ perceptions of their well-being are associated with the size of the company, which they work for, and with the vessel type of their employment. An empirical survey was performed on a sample of 872 seafarers and the data were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis and analysis of variance. According to the findings, it seems that company size (i.e., small, medium, and large/ very large) is associated with well-being perceptions (conceptualized as a multidimensional construct comprising the physical dimension, functional dimension, healthy dimension, communication and cultural dimension). However, these perceptions do not seem to be linked with the vessel type of seafarers’ employment (containerships, dry bulk carriers, tankers). The current study attempts to contribute to the literature that associates company-specific characteristics with employees’ perceptions and adds new knowledge to the maritime transportation literature regarding the understanding of the link between company-specific factors and seafarers’ well-being.

Enhancing Customer Loyalty: The Role Of Service Quality In Customer Satisfaction

Introduction: This study investigates the relationship and impact of service quality on customer satisfaction at Yamaha Motor. Using correlation analysis, the study identifies a strong positive relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction, indicated by a Pearson correlation value of 0.778. A simple linear regression analysis further demonstrates that service quality significantly influences customer satisfaction, with a t-calculated value of 10.930, surpassing the t-table value of 1.664. These findings highlight the crucial role of service quality in shaping customer experiences and satisfaction levels. The results align with previous studies, which consistently establish a positive and significant relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. This study emphasizes that delivering high-quality service is a key strategy for enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining competitive advantage in the motorbike service industry. It provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to improve service quality to meet customer expectations and foster long-term customer loyalty. Future research is encouraged to explore additional factors that may moderate or mediate this relationship, such as customer trust, loyalty, or service innovation. Objective: This study explores the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction, emphasizing its importance for business sustainability in competitive markets. Customer satisfaction is crucial as it directly influences loyalty, profitability, and company growth. Service quality, defined as meeting or exceeding customer expectations, plays a key role in shaping satisfaction. Customers evaluate service quality based on their experiences and expectations, with high-quality service fostering loyalty and satisfaction. For Yamaha Motor, slow response to complaints and inconsistent service quality have affected customer satisfaction. This study highlights the correlation between service quality and satisfaction, underlining the need for businesses to deliver superior services to remain competitive. Theoretical Framework: This framework highlights key theories and models that underpin the research, providing a solid basis for understanding customer satisfaction and service quality. According to Kotler (2014), satisfaction arises from comparing perceived performance to expectations, influencing repeat purchases and loyalty. Lovelock and Wirtz (2015) emphasize satisfaction as an evaluation of service quality, value, and customer experience. Tjiptono (2012) outlines satisfaction as the difference between expectations and performance. Service quality, defined by Zeithaml and Parasuraman (2011), involves consistently exceeding customer expectations. Factors like communication, past experiences, and marketing influence perceptions. This study examines the relationship between expectations, service delivery, and satisfaction in driving customer loyalty. Method: The population is the generalization area consisting of objects/subjects that have certain qualities and characteristics determined by the researcher to be studied and then drawn into conclusions. The population and sample in this study consist of 80 customers of Yamaha Motor dealership in Bekasi.. Results and Discussion: The t-test was conducted by comparing the calculated t-value with the table t-value at a significance level of 0.05. The results of the significance test for the correlation coefficient showed a calculated t-value of 10.930, while the table t-value was 1.664. Since the calculated t-value is greater than the table t-value, Ho is rejected, and Ha is accepted, meaning that service quality has an effect on customer satisfaction. Research Implications: Service quality and customer satisfaction indicate that consumers have become more discerning in choosing and utilizing goods, services, or products, ensuring they gain the utility and benefits they seek. In some cases, they are even willing to spend more to obtain high-quality products. Therefore, service quality plays a significant role for customers in determining the products they want to purchase. For companies, it can help increase sales volume and maximize financial revenue. Originality/Value: After conducting this research, service quality has proven to be crucial as it directly impacts the company's image. Good service quality will be a significant advantage for Dealer Yamaha Motor Bekasi. If a company has already gained a positive reputation in the eyes of consumers, those consumers are likely to provide positive feedback and may even become loyal customers or repeat buyers. Therefore, it is essential to consider customer satisfaction in relation to the quality of service provided. Types of services that can be offered include convenience, speed, competence, and friendliness, demonstrated through attitudes and direct actions toward consumers.

LEAN INTERNAL AUDITIN G A LITERATURE REVIEW

This study aims to focus on the importance of adopting and applying the concept of lean auditing and thinking to the activity of the internal audit service by working in the most efficient and effective ways and means that contribute to providing a high-quality audit service and achieving customer satisfaction, which is in line with the international standard No. (2000) through Focus on the organization's operations and increases its value. Our studies were based on a review of the literature from academic and professional books and contracts that dealt with the study of lean thinking and auditing for the period (2003-2020) and the analysis of those studies and the results they reached. For internal audit operations, identifying the risks that can be controlled, and issuing a short internal audit report by reducing time and costs, working efficiently, effectively, and productively, and achieving the quality of the internal audit service, which would raise the value of private and governmental economic units.

Influential factors for effective facilities management practices in public special economic zones (PSEZ): a case study of Benjamin Mkapa and Hifadhi SEZs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Purpose Special economic zones (SEZs) typically require high-quality service and infrastructure, as well as the presence of skilled and experienced facilities managers. However, the zones face several challenges in terms of facility management, such as poor infrastructure and an unprofessional approach to facilities management (FM). Using two public SEZs, this study aims to examine the drivers of effective facilities management practices, evaluate management strategies and explore challenges that prevent the zones’ effective facilities management. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed-method research approach to collect data from selected investors and facilities managers, with primary data collected through a questionnaire to 101 respondents and interviews conducted with 8 facilities managers. Interpretive analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, while descriptive analysis was used to analyse data collected through a survey. Findings The results show that FM in the zones is highly in-house, with facilities managers’ roles only seen as critical during the occupation stage, little involvement during the construction stage and no involvement at all during the design stage. The analysis of the drivers for effective FM practices reveals a disparity between what is occurring on the ground and best practices. Furthermore, investors were dissatisfied with the quality of facilities management practices, the competence of facilities managers in carrying out their facilities management responsibilities and the time required to deliver services. Originality/value This study proposed a conceptual framework that guides policymakers and other stakeholders on properly managing PSEZs to attract investors’ interest. The study also calls for professional FM in PSEZs, policy intervention to separate government ownership from Zone management and addressing problems that impede zone competitiveness.

The Nexus between Macroeconomic Factors and Petroleum Prices in Tanzania: Evidence from 1990 to 2023

The Public Service in Kenya is encountering numerous problems that demand attention to achieve its maximum capability of delivering high-quality services to citizens. The study is to assess the influence of employee commitment on the performance of state departments in Kenya. Data obtained was then analysed through descriptive statistics, frequencies, and correlational analysis, that the correlation between variables organisational commitment and organisational performance is strong and significant (r = 0.610, p &lt; 0.01), indicating a positive relationship and the findings then presented through tables, bar charts, and histograms. Research limitations are constraints of time and difficulty in gathering information from state department officers. The results revealed that employee commitment improves productivity, service delivery, cost efficiency, and a positive work environment in state departments. Thus, the state departments should implement are Strengthen Leadership and Management, Employee Engagement, Improve Working Conditions, Promote Employee Well-being, and Implement Fair Policies and Practices.

Factors influencing reselection of village doctors in rural-oriented tuition-waived medical education program in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional study.

In order to actively cultivate a new generation of village doctors (NGVDs) who possess a high level of education, provide high-quality healthcare services, Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau, together with the Municipal Education Commission, Municipal Finance Bureau, and Municipal Agriculture Commission initiated Rural-oriented Tuition-waived Medical Education (RTME) in 2006. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the reselection intention and perceptions of NGVDs of RTME program in Shanghai. In 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among a sample of NGVDs enrolled in the RTME program in 8 districts of Shanghai. The research focused on five aspects, including demographic characteristics, job characteristics, reasons for choosing RTME, career identity and job satisfaction. The participants were asked questions related to their experiences, opinions, and perceptions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis was conducted. A total of 419 questionnaires were collected. The majority (64.44%) indicated they would reselect this career, while 35.56% expressed either no preference or indifference. Factors influencing reselection included "Volunteering to serve the grassroots people" (odds ratio [OR], 2.29 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.22-4.30]), "Enjoying the medical profession" (OR, 2.64 [95%CI, 1.33-5.27]), not fulfilling family wishes (OR, 0.47 [95%CI, 0.24-0.88]), Satisfied with the current salary (OR, 2.39 [95%CI, 1.27-4.49]). NGVDs who think village doctors can leverage their professional ability with "okay" (OR, 32.87 [95%CI, 3.69-293.64]) and "yes" (OR, 120.03 [95%CI, 12.78- > 999.99]) and who think NGVDs were "important" (OR, 3.74 [95%CI, 1.21-11.55]) were more inclinatively to reselect to be NGVD. Reasons for choosing RTME, understanding of the government's policy, career identity, and job satisfaction were all influence the reselection of RTME. This research can contribute to the improvement and development of similar programs in the future, benefiting both the students and the healthcare system as a whole.