Identification Of Areas For Improvement Research Articles

Performance Analysis of Indian Railway Zones using MCDM Approaches

The study aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Indian Railways (IR), a public sector infrastructural organization, through a performance analysis using various Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. Analyzing the Indian Railway’s open data, the study optimizes and ranks the zones of IR, offering insights for targeted investments to boost future performance. This research holds value by furnishing managerial perspectives, formulating strategies, and elevating the performance of different zones within Indian Railways. Through the identification of improvement areas, the analysis empowers decision-making, facilitating overall enhanced performance. MCDM, Indian Railways, Supply and demand, Data analysis.

Integrating Occupant Behaviour into Urban-Building Energy Modelling: A Review of Current Practices and Challenges

Urban-Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) tools play a crucial role in analysing and optimizing energy use within cities. Among the available approaches, the bottom-up physics-based one is the most versatile for urban development and management applications. However, their accuracy is often limited by the inability to capture the dynamic impact of occupants’ presence and actions (i.e., Occupant Behaviour) on building energy use patterns. While recent research has explored advanced Occupant Behaviour (OB) modelling techniques that incorporate stochasticity and contextual influences, current UBEM practices primarily rely on static occupant profiles, due to limitations in the software itself. This paper addresses this topic by conducting a thorough literature review to examine existing OB modelling techniques, data sources, key features and detailed information that could enhance UBEM simulations. Furthermore, the flexibility of available UBEM tools for integrating advanced OB models will be assessed, along with the identification of areas for improvement. The findings of this review are intended to guide researchers and tool developers towards creating more robust and occupant-centric urban energy simulations.

A streamlined and adaptive approach for accrediting a French education system program by ABET-EAC

IntroductionIn recent times, there has been a notable increase in the demand for accreditations, driven by their essential role in recognizing diplomas, elevating the quality of higher education, facilitating student mobility, enabling the pursuit of multiple degrees, and influencing university rankings. This surge in demand reflects the evolving landscape of higher education in a world that is becoming progressively interconnected and competitive.MethodsThis paper presents a comprehensive methodology for accrediting study programs in French higher education institutions worldwide that are seeking the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation. ABET accreditation is a globally recognized organism of quality for education programs in engineering, computer science, and related fields. The methodology proposed in this paper focuses on aligning ABET’s requirements and standards with the specific context of the French Education System (FES). It provides clear guidelines and practical steps for higher education institutions to effectively navigate the accreditation process. The methodology covers the verification of existing study programs, identification of areas for improvement, implementation of corrective actions, and continuous progress monitoring. It emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and aligning programs with the Program Educational Objectives (POEs). Concrete examples and best practices are shared to illustrate successful implementation of the methodology developed based on the example of the engineering college programs at our university.Results and discussionThe results obtained in this case study demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this approach within a specific educational context. The approach presented in this contribution can serve as a model for other countries seeking to adapt ABET accreditation requirements to their own higher education systems, further promoting diversity and openness. This reinforces the credibility of the methodology and paves the way for its use in other institutions and programs that operate within similar systems.

Hospital Care for Cancer Patients-Education and Respect for Patient Rights.

This study aims to examine cancer patients' opinions of safety, the observance of patient's rights, and the quality of healthcare. Such an analysis will allow for the identification of areas for improvement in quality, safety, and communication between medical staff and patients. Cancer patients are a special kind of patients with chronic and complex diseases, so we need to observe the type of communication they use, which is a critical issue in a hospital ward but also has a significant impact on how the patient follows recommendations at home. Observing a patient's rights impacts the safety and quality of medical care. This information allows for the identification of areas requiring deeper analysis and improvement. This study was based on a survey conducted at an oncology hospital. The survey contained questions divided into seven sections related to the study areas. Our study emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding regarding patient rights among medical staff and patients, underscoring their role in ensuring quality and safety in healthcare settings. We found a strong correlation between the politeness of medical receptionists and staff and patient perceptions of the clarity and exhaustiveness of the information provided.

EvoVis: A Visual Analytics Method to Understand the Labeling Iterations in Data Programming.

Obtaining high-quality labeled training data poses a significant bottleneck in the domain of machine learning. Data programming has emerged as a new paradigm to address this issue by converting human knowledge into labeling functions(LFs) to quickly produce low-cost probabilistic labels. To ensure the quality of labeled data, data programmers commonly iterate LFs for many rounds until satisfactory performance is achieved. However, the challenge in understanding the labeling iterations stems from interpreting the intricate relationships between data programming elements, exacerbated by their many-to-many and directed characteristics, inconsistent formats, and the large scale of data typically involved in labeling tasks. These complexities may impede the evaluation of label quality, identification of areas for improvement, and the effective optimization of LFs for acquiring high-quality labeled data. In this paper, we introduce EvoVis, a visual analytics method for multi-class text labeling tasks. It seamlessly integrates relationship analysis and temporal overview to display contextual and historical information on a single screen, aiding in explaining the labeling iterations in data programming. We assessed its utility and effectiveness through case studies and user studies. The results indicate that EvoVis can effectively assist data programmers in understanding labeling iterations and improving the quality of labeled data, as evidenced by an increase of 0.16 in the average F1 score when compared to the default analysis tool.

Design of KPIs for evaluating the environmental impact of warehouse operations: a case study

The aim of this work is to introduce a system for environmental monitoring within a 4.0 automated warehouse. In the era of globalization, the emphasis on meeting customer needs and establishing a sustainable supply chain has become essential for companies striving to maintain competitiveness in the market. Logistics, in this context, has emerged as a pivotal factor in gaining a competitive advantage. The challenge for companies lies in assessing the impact of ongoing changes and developing a robust logistics strategy to optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate environmental impact.The automation of warehouses is often the solution adopted by companies to meet these new market demands. Through a meticulous analysis of costs and benefits, many companies have recognized the advantages offered by automated solutions in designing their warehouses. However, it is crucial to evaluate not only the economic aspects but also those related to sustainability. European regulations and growing environmental concerns necessitate companies to adopt sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact, energy resource usage, and promoting social well-being.In this context, performance monitoring using specific key performance indicators (KPIs) becomes crucial. They allow for the assessment and monitoring of operational efficiency, resource utilization, and the environmental impact of the automated warehouse. This enables the identification of areas for improvement and the implementation of strategies for sustainable warehouse management. The availability of data that automated warehouses can provide through horizontal integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems further facilitates this process. These systems generate important logistics-related data, such as management control, budget, or production data.

Optimizing the Simulation of Conveyor Systems through Digital Shadow Integration to Increase Assembly Efficiency

In today's highly competitive industrial environment, continuous improvement of efficiency and optimization of processes is crucial. This paper presents an approach to the optimization of conveyor systems that uses the concept of a digital shadow. A digital shadow, as an exact digital replica of a physical conveyor system, enables detailed simulation and analysis of real operational data, providing a basis for in-depth analysis and identification of areas for improvement. The aim of this approach is not only to improve the understanding of the dynamics and performance of existing conveyor systems, but also to increase the overall efficiency through predictive simulations and optimization algorithms. In this work, we demonstrate how the integration of a digital shadow into the simulation process can contribute to a better reaction to changes in the production environment, to the reduction of downtime and to the optimization of production flows. Our methodology combines data collection / analysis, and enables the creation of accurate and flexible models of conveyor systems. These models are then used in simulations that help identify optimal settings for different production scenarios and predict potential problems before they occur. The results of applying our approach on a test laboratory line show a significant improvement in efficiency and a reduction in operating costs. This study provides important insights and practical guidelines for engineers and production managers focused on the use of digital shadow to increase the efficiency of conveyor systems. It also contributes to the development of intelligent production technologies in the era of Industry 4.0.

Политики информационной и кибербезопасности

Information security is a critical issue in today’s world, as the constant threat of cyber-attacks and breaches continues to pose a serious threat to individuals, businesses and governments. To address this issue, it is necessary to evaluate the existing security measures and their effectiveness in protecting against cyber threats, as well as the decisionmaking processes that drive information security policy at the national and international levels. The classification of existing security measures and decision-making actors is an essential step in identifying areas of weakness and improving security policies. By taking a comprehensive approach to the subject, this research has provided insight into different levels of policy development and implementation, as well as the key actors involved at each stage. The review, classification and analysis of existing cybersecurity ratings have also contributed to the identification of areas for improvement. Despite the lack of transparency in the methodology and robustness issues of most ratings, this work has provided some important insights into the overall effectiveness of different cybersecurity and information security policies. Finally, the finding that gaps and theoretical-methodological inconsistencies in the field of national information and cybersecurity research can be explained by the opaque and non-objective methodology used to evaluate the effectiveness of policies is crucial. It shows that there is a need for more transparent and objective methodologies that can accurately evaluate cybersecurity policies at the national and international levels, taking into account the unique challenges and contexts within which they operate.

Port service quality assessment using a ROPMIS modeling: seaports scenario in a Gulf country

PurposeThis paper aimed to assess the service quality of the main seaports in Oman, which were Sohar, Ad Duqm and Salalah. The aim was to come up with ways to enhance the port service quality (PSQ) in Oman so that it could align with the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040 goals and achieve excellent and efficient operations.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate the service quality level of the port operators, this paper used a descriptive research design with Resources, Outcome, Process, Management, Image/reputation and Social (ROPMIS) modelling.FindingsThe findings indicated that the overall PSQ rating was currently between “satisfactory” and “very satisfactory” levels. However, the study also found that by empowering resources, outcomes, processes, management, image and social responsibility aspects, the port operators could provide a “high” quality of service, making their seaport operations more effective and efficient.Practical implicationsThe study offers recommendations for improving port services in Oman, including investment in modern seaports, upgrading infrastructure and facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency of cargo operations, meeting and exceeding customer expectations, adopting new technology and automation, hiring policies that attract diverse talents, implementing environmentally friendly practices and improving governance. Overall, this study contributes to the literature and managerial practices in PSQ aspects and its contribution to the SOLS 2040 in Oman.Originality/valueThe originality and novelty of this study lie in its comprehensive assessment of the service quality of Oman's ports and the identification of areas for improvement to achieve outstanding service levels.

Enhancing Pedagogic Practice: A Review of Educational Processes

This paper focuses on the improvement process in the educational setting, highlighting the importance of the participation of various agents, including students, parents, teachers, principals and other educational professionals. The improvement process is based on the continuous review and evaluation of educational practice, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and addressing them effectively. The paper describes the different stages of the improvement process, starting with the identification of areas for improvement through data collection and analysis. These data are used to produce evidence-based reports that serve as the basis for planning necessary improvements. During improvement planning, areas for improvement are prioritized and action plans are designed to address them. The implementation of improvements involves the implementation of the action plans, with a focus on gathering evidence to assess the impact of the improvements. The improvement process is seen as a continuous cycle, with constant review and feedback to further adjust and improve educational practices. The paper also highlights the importance of the involvement of review and improvement groups throughout the process, as they help to identify problems, needs and areas for improvement, as well as to make evidence-based decisions. Several techniques and tools are mentioned, such as brainstorming, review guide, time profiles and cause-effect diagrams, which are used in the process of data collection and analysis. In conclusion, the importance of an evidence-based approach in the educational improvement process, with the active participation of multiple stakeholders and constant feedback to achieve higher quality education is emphasized. The improvement process is described as a continuous cycle of identifying areas for improvement, planning, implementing and reviewing, with the aim of optimizing educational practice and meeting the needs of students and the educational community at large

The development of a novel decision support system for regional land use planning for brownfield land

Digital tools, particularly specialised decision support systems (DSSs), can be utilized to assist in the complex process of brownfield redevelopment. Existing brownfield DSSs typically focus on site-specific, late-stage applications, and socioeconomic factors are often overlooked. In this paper, we present a novel DSS aimed at providing support for early-stage, city region-scale brownfield land use planning and redevelopment. The proposed DSS is a prototype WebGIS application that enables land use planners and other brownfield regeneration professionals to examine a region and a set of sites during the initial planning phase for brownfield redevelopment. The DSS includes three bespoke modules comprising: (1) Land Use Potential (residential, commercial, and public open space), (2) risks posed by contamination and geotechnical hazards, (3) data pertinent to brownfield economic viability assessments. We outline a use case for this DSS, developed through comprehensive user-requirements gathering, and subsequently describe the techniques employed to construct the DSS modules and user interface. Finally, we present the results of user testing, wherein case-study stakeholders assessed the DSS. The feedback obtained during user testing aided in the identification of areas for improvement with regard to the functionality, usability, and effectiveness of the DSS in supporting decision-makers. The feedback was utilized to implement iterative improvements to the DSS and to plan future developments for the prototype DSS.

Strategic Energy Management and Carbon Footprint Reduction in University Campuses: A Comprehensive Review

This review paper offers a detailed analysis and summary of current studies related to energy management and carbon footprint reduction in university campuses. Using insights from different research papers, the review highlights the necessity for strategic and sustainable energy management approaches. The research reviewed explores a wide range of methodologies, including the examination of energy consumption, the identification of areas for improvement, the application of energy management and optimization techniques, and the use of renewable and sustainable energy strategies. It is evident from the review that successful energy management and carbon footprint reduction depend on energy management systems, integration of renewable energy, encouraging behavioural changes, and efficient resource use. The review paper is divided into six sections: understanding and enhancing energy consumption, Techniques for Energy Management and Optimization, random and systematic approaches to energy management, Energy Management Systems and their Applications, approaches for sustainable and renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction techniques. The review also identifies areas of future research in the field. It aims to serve as a valuable guide for university administrators, energy managers, and researchers seeking to implement sustainable energy practices and reduce carbon emissions on university campuses.

Zastosowanie zasad systematycznego podejścia do zespołów dźwigowych w odwiertach naftowych i gazowych

The application of a systematic approach is crucial in the design, operation, and maintenance of lifting complexes in oil and gas wells. Lifting complexes play a vital role in the extraction of hydrocarbons by facilitating the movement of drilling tools, pipes, and other equipment in and out of the wellbore. The principles of a systematic approach and their significanc in ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of lifting complexes are outlined. The systematic approach involves the integration of various elements, including technology, personnel, processes, and equipment, to achieve desired outcomes. In the context of lifting complexes, the principles of a systematic approach are applied at different stages, from the initial design to the ongoing operation and maintenance. During the design phase, a systematic approach is essential to consider all the factors that influence the lifting complex's performance. This includes assessing the well's characteristics, such as depth, pressure, and geological formations, to determine the appropriate lifting capacity and equipment requirements. Additionally, factors like safety regulations, environmental considerations, and operational efficiency are taken into account to optimize the design. Once the lifting complex is operational, the systematic approach continues to play a crucial role. It involves implementing robust management systems, including quality control, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance help identify potential issues and ensure the reliability of the lifting complex. Furthermore, the systematic approach emphasizes the training and qualification of personnel involved in the operation of lifting complexes. Proper training enables operators to understand the complexities of the equipment, follow standard procedures, and respond effectively to any unexpected situations. Continuous learning and skill development programs contribute to maintaining a high level of professionalism and safety awareness. The application of a systematic approach also includes ongoing monitoring and analysis of performance indicators. This allows for the identification of areas for improvement and the implementation of corrective measures to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and mitigate risks. In conclusion, the systematic approach is essential for the successful operation of lifting complexes in oil and gas wells. By considering all relevant factors, integrating technology and personnel, and implementing robust management systems, the systematic approach ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable extraction of hydrocarbons. Adhering to the principles of a systematic approach leads to optimized designs, improved performance, and increased overall effectiveness of lifting complexes in the oil and gas industry.

Development and validation of the secondary mathematics teachers’ TPACK scale: A study in the Chinese context

This study aimed to develop and validate the secondary mathematics teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) scale (SMTTS) to assess the knowledge domains of TPACK framework among secondary mathematics teachers in China. SMTTS was designed to be subject-oriented and culturally relevant, addressing the specific needs and context of mathematics education in China. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire from secondary mathematics teachers in Chongqing Jiulongpo District. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. The findings demonstrated that SMTTS exhibited strong reliability and validity, supporting its use as a robust measurement tool for assessing secondary mathematics teachers’ TPACK. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties, including satisfactory factor loadings, internal consistency, and model fit indices. The development of SMTTS contributes to the field by providing a precise and reliable instrument that can inform the design of targeted professional development programs and guide policy decisions regarding technology integration in mathematics education. This study has theoretical and practical implications. SMTTS addresses the need for a subject-specific and culturally relevant assessment tool for measuring TPACK in mathematics education. It acknowledges mathematics teachers’ unique challenges in integrating digital technologies into their instructional practices. The scale’s development and validation process incorporated considerations of the Chinese educational context, enhancing its relevance for practitioners and researchers in China. SMTTS can facilitate the identification of areas for improvement in teachers’ TPACK and guide the implementation of tailored interventions and support initiatives.

The innovative dimension of the research training programmes under H2020-MSCA-ITN: a methodological approach to track, measure and analyse innovative aspects and provide policy-feedback conclusions.

Innovative research training programmes funded by the European Union are essential for the forging of highly skilled researchers to tackle, via breakthrough ideas and solutions, the challenges of our society. Being able to track, measure and analyse innovative aspects of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, Innovative Training Networks under the Horizon2020 funding scheme enables the impact assessment of such programmes, while filtering best practices and the generated knowledge that could ultimately breed and create further innovation. In parallel, it helps the identification of areas for improvement, the understanding of new needs to be accommodated and the co-design and implementation of EU funding policy activities to further promote innovation and excellence for researchers across Europe and beyond. In this study, a novel methodological approach is proposed for tracking and analysing innovation, using a representative sample of projects. Basic innovation indicators are examined and considered from the existing literature and from the applicable Multi-Annual Framework Programme Horizon2020. Additional ones are defined, complemented by questionnaires/surveys findings, to capture innovative aspects for which the standard indicators do not apply. Data mining and data visualization tools are used for the collection and processing of data. Innovation Radar 2 (IR) reports and HorizonResultsBooster 3 services are also engaged for the cross-validation of the identified innovative aspects. The study provides first-level input for policy-feedback activities, by identifying scientific domains and EU countries that may potentially require more attention for innovation generation. It highlights domains that are front-runners and can be used as examples or best practices for under-represented domains in terms of innovative outputs. Collaboration with organisations, defined as medium/high innovators, can increase innovation generation and success in future projects. Best practices are collected to serve as references for designing impactful future training programmes. The excellence of the H2020-MSCA-ITN actions is confirmed via the generated innovations.

The innovative dimension of the research training programmes under H2020-MSCA-ITN1: a methodological approach to track, measure and analyse innovative aspects and provide policy-feedback conclusions.

Innovative research training programmes funded by the European Union are essential for the forging of highly skilled researchers to tackle, via breakthrough ideas and solutions, the challenges of our society. Being able to track, measure and analyse innovative aspects of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, Innovative Training Networks under the Horizon2020 funding scheme enables the impact assessment of such programmes, while filtering best practices and the generated knowledge that could ultimately breed and create further innovation. In parallel, it helps the identification of areas for improvement, the understanding of new needs to be accommodated and the co-design and implementation of EU funding policy activities to further promote innovation and excellence for researchers across Europe and beyond. In this study, a novel methodological approach is proposed for tracking and analysing innovation, using a representative sample of projects. Basic innovation indicators are examined and considered from the existing literature and from the applicable Multi-Annual Framework Programme Horizon2020. Additional ones are defined, complemented by questionnaires/surveys findings, to capture innovative aspects for which the standard indicators do not apply. Data mining and data visualization tools are used for the collection and processing of data. Innovation Radar2 (IR) reports and HorizonResultsBooster3 services are also engaged for the cross-validation of the identified innovative aspects. The study provides first-level input for policy-feedback activities, by identifying scientific domains and EU countries that may potentially require more attention for innovation generation. It highlights domains that are front-runners and can be used as examples or best practices for under-represented domains in terms of innovative outputs. Collaboration with organisations, defined as medium/high innovators, can increase innovation generation and success in future projects. Best practices are collected to serve as references for designing impactful future training programmes. The excellence of the H2020-MSCA-ITN actions is confirmed via the generated innovations.

Sustainability of smart rural mobility and tourism: A key performance indicators-based approach

The concept of smart mobility and tourism has evolved from a technology-driven approach to one that focuses on sustainable solutions to address economic, social, and environmental issues. The United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide a framework for measuring and tracking progress toward sustainability goals. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a useful tool for measuring and tracking progress towards these goals, allowing for continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress, identification of areas for improvement, and directing targeted interventions. This research aims to develop an indicators-based framework to evaluate the sustainability of smart and sustainable mobility and tourism in rural areas. Rural areas have often been neglected, or at least less prioritized, in the sustainability development of the mobility sector. The study also seeks to identify the overlap of KPIs between rural tourism and mobility, and how improved green mobility services can enhance sustainable rural tourism. Smart mobility and tourism indicators have a strong mutual relationship in rural communities, driving economic development, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, and creating more sustainable and livable communities. Smart mobility and tourism indicators also play a crucial role in supporting the UN SDGs by providing data and insights that can inform policy and decision-making. The results of this research conclude how the target and performance setting of projects on sustainable mobility and tourism in rural communities support each other, and how they support achieving SDGs.

Ranking and grouping of critical success factors for stakeholder management in construction projects

ABSTRACT Diverse sets of critical success factors (CSFs) have been proposed in the literature, emphasising various facets of stakeholder management. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the ranking and groupings of these factors. This paper seeks to uncover CSFs related to stakeholder management in construction projects in Pakistan and explore their ranking and underlying relationship. A literature study revealed the existence of 18 CSFs. A questionnaire comprising these 18 CSFs was distributed to construction professionals in Pakistan, and 89 completed surveys were recouped. “Formulating the project mission”, “Communicating with stakeholders properly and frequently (instituting feedback mechanisms)”, and “Carefully identifying and listing the project stakeholders” were identified as the top three ranking factors for stakeholder management. Utilizing factor analysis and considering the significance of the factor “Formulating the project mission”, the 18 CSFs were organized into four categories: Stakeholder Interests and Relationships, Refining Goals and Managing Stakeholder Needs, Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders, and Stakeholders’ Social Responsibilities. A framework is proposed for successful stakeholder management in construction projects incorporating these four components and their relationships. These findings elucidate thigh priority aspects and may also be utilized as a tool for evaluating the success of stakeholder management, hence facilitating the identification of areas for improvement.

A Multifaceted Educational Design Approach to Critical Care Rotation Improves Learner Confidence and Knowledge.

Purpose: We developed a pilot elective to enhance the critical care training experience for medical students through integration of didactic, simulation, and experiential learning with the goal to increase student confidence in caring for patients with critical illness and advance knowledge and competencies within core critical care topics. Approach: We created and piloted a 4-week critical care elective for fourth-year medical students pairing clinical experience with didactic and simulation-based training. Students completed two 2-week intensive care unit (ICU) rotations in both medical and surgical ICUs. Students received 6 half-days of didactics focusing on: respiratory failure, ventilator management, shock, acid/base, and discussions at the end of life. Didactic sessions were coupled with simulation-based training to reinforce content through application and provide opportunity to build procedural skills. Medical knowledge was assessed via multiple-choice questions delivered before and after course completion. Course grades were determined through clinical evaluations by faculty/residents, written examination, and simulation assessment. Pre- and postknowledge assessment performance was compared between students enrolled in the pilot and traditional curricula. The traditional curriculum involved clinical experience without formal didactics or simulation opportunities, and course grades were determined by evaluations only. Outcomes: No students received passing scores of 70% on the precourse medical assessment in either curriculum group. The mean score on the postcourse knowledge assessment for the novel-curriculum students (N = 13) was 21.8/30 (72.8%), compared with the 17/30 (56%) for the students in the traditional curriculum (N = 6). No students in the traditional curriculum received a passing score on the postcourse assessment. Before the course, few students felt “comfortable” or “very comfortable” managing common ICU conditions (acute respiratory distress syndrome, 0%; undifferentiated shock, acute hypercarbic respiratory failure, and identifying need for mechanical ventilation, 33%; acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, 50%; septic and hypovolemic shock, 83%). At completion, there was an improvement in the reported level of comfort; 100% of students reported feeling “comfortable” or “very comfortable” with all topics, save for cardiogenic shock at 83%. Comfortability levels remained high on subsequent evaluation 12 months post-course (6 months into trainee’s intern year). Discussion: A limitation of traditional critical care curricula is that it lacks structure designed to ensure exposure to core critical care topics. It relies on the randomness of patient’s disease states present during a given rotation. Incorporating scheduled didactics ensures consistent exposure to these topics regardless of the patient cases on service. A limitation of this study is the small sample size of both the novel-curriculum group and the percentage of traditional curriculum students undergoing written assessment. Despite the small sample size (N = 13), this pilot demonstrates feasibility of consistent delivery of core content via didactics and simulation coupled with experiential learning. Our results may suggest benefit in this multimodal approach compared with experiential learning alone; however, further research is needed. Traditional assessment relies solely on clinical impression which is biased and often fails to capture an actionable level of detail. Lack of objective measures of assessment impedes identification of areas for improvement at the trainee level as well as within a curriculum. The use of multiple methods of assessment allows for mitigation of bias and overcomes some of the limitations of a single method alone. 1 Simulation assessment allows for greater practical assessment of procedural competency than written assessment. Significance: With this novel pilot curriculum incorporating multiple educational strategies, students improved their confidence and knowledge in core critical care topics. By harnessing didactic and simulation training to complement the clinical experience, consistent delivery of core content is assured. Furthermore, evaluation is strengthened through use of knowledge assessment questions and simulation-based assessment as compared with traditional evaluations which are largely subjective. More research is needed to understand the impact when scaled to a larger group.

An empirical study into the use of 7 quality control tools in higher education institutions (HEIs)

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to revisit Ishikawa's statement: “95% of problems in processes can be accomplished using the original 7 Quality Control (QC) tools”. The paper critically investigates the validity of this statement in higher education institutions (HEIs). It involves analysis of the usage of the 7 QC tools and identifying the barriers, benefits, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for the application of the 7 QC tools in a HEI setting.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey instrument was developed, and as this is a global study, survey participants were contacted via social networks such as LinkedIn. Target respondents were HEIs educators or professionals who are knowledgeable about the 7 QC tools promulgated by Dr Ishikawa. Professionals who work in administrative sectors, such as libraries, information technology and human resources were included in the study. A number of academics who teach the 7 basic tools of QC were also included in the study. The survey link was sent to over 200 educators and professionals and 76 complete responses were obtained.FindingsThe primary finding of this study shows that the diffusion of seven QC tools is not widespread in the context of HEIs. Less than 8% of the respondents believe that more than 90% of process problems can be solved by applying the 7 QC tools. These numbers show that modern-quality problems may need more than the 7 basic QC basic tools and there may be a need to revisit the role and contribution of these tools to solve problems in the higher education sector. Tools such as Pareto chart and cause and effect diagram have been widely used in the context of HEIs. The most important barriers highlighted are related to the lack of knowledge about the benefits and about how and when to apply these tools. Among the challenges are the “lack of knowledge of the tools and their applications” and “lack of training in the use of the tools”. The main benefits mentioned by the respondents were “the identification of areas for improvement, problem definition, measurement, and analysis”. According to this study, the most important factors critical for the success of the initiative were “management support”, “widespread training” and “having a continuous improvement program in place”.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory study provides an initial understanding about the 7 QC tools application in HEIs, and their benefits, challenges and critical success factors, which can act as guidelines for implementation in HEIs. Surveys alone cannot provide deeper insights into the status of the application of 7 QC tools in HEIs, and therefore qualitative studies in the form of semi-structured interviews should be carried out in the future.Originality/valueThis article contributes with an exploratory empirical study on the extent of the use of 7 QC tools in the university processes. The authors claim that this is the first empirical study looking into the use of the 7 QC tools in the university sector.