Institutional Readiness Research Articles

Assessment of China’s Macro-Readiness for Integrated Innovative Management Technologies Employment

Introduction. Economic entities should constantly apply various forms of innovation, including managerial and organizational innovations, to ensure the processes of developing and acquiring adaptive capacity. One of these innovations is integrated management technologies covering several interacting heterogeneous technological, economic, organizational, social, and psychological processes or several management functions.
 Aim and tasks. The study aims to elaborate a procedure for assessing a country’s macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies and qualitatively characterise its level.
 Results. An assessment of macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies was conducted using the case of China. In order to obtain a generalized evaluation of the country’s macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies, synthetic taxonomic indicators based on readiness components and a general synthetic indicator were generated. The synthetic human capital and research indicator changed from low (0.243) in 2016 to high (0.647) in 2020. The same trend is inherent in the synthetic indicator of ICT availability and use, which increased from 0.367 to 0.920, and in the synthetic indicator of institutional and business environment, which increased from 0.310 to 0.876. Although it has improved from 0.205 to 0.451, the synthetic indicators of financial resources and development have not yet reached a high level.
 Conclusion. The suggested procedure for assessing macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies is based on constructing a synthetic indicator of readiness, combining the taxonomic indicators of human, digital, financial, and institutional readiness. This procedure, implying the determination of their qualitative levels, enables us to determine a country’s readiness to support business entities’ adoption of new management technologies. The assessment of China's readiness for applying integrated innovative management technologies using the developed approach revealed that the ICT component is the best developed, while the financial component is the most underdeveloped.

Constructs in the Institutional E-Learning Readiness Models: A Literature Review

Learning continuity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is being advocated by many. As a result, many educational institutions worldwide are turning to e-learning or online learning as a solution. Nevertheless, many of them have never used e-learning before. Accordingly, this literature review aims to gather pertinent data about the constructs existing institutional e-learning readiness models. There were 42 models found in various databases between the year 2000 and January 2021, according to the search keywords “(institution or institutionalize) and readiness and (online learning or e-learning).” This review discusses the most frequently cited constructs in various models and other relevant information which are critical for the development of a new model and/or the adoption of an existing model to assess an institution’s readiness for e-learning delivery.

Analysis of geopolitical factors in the context of ensuring national economic security of Ukraine

The study describes the concept of "economic security policy" in Ukraine. Relevance is determined by the need for the economic security of the state, which is determined by objective processes and phenomena that occur both in the national economy and society, and in the world space. The purpose is to determine the problem of economic security, which is key to the existence of the state. In the main results, the essence of economic security is defined as the readiness of state institutions to ensure the national interests of the state and create mechanisms for the protection of the national economy, to ensure the ability of society to maintain and renew reproductive processes and socio-political stability. The conclusion states that economic security turned out to be not only one of the most important components of the comprehensive system of national security, but also the basis for observing and realizing national interests. Among the main threats to economic and national security in politically and economically Ukraine, the author includes socio-political conflicts, the presence of a large number of people with dissatisfied and aggressive ideas, military conflicts, a high level of migration of refugees and displaced persons, the deterioration of the ecological situation, the growth of anthropogenic accidents, corruption, a high level of shadowing, in particular, a high level of corruption, the growth of unemployment and dependence on international creditors, as well as establishing high indicators of shadowing, in particular, a high level of unemployment, dependence on international creditors. In the conditions of increasing external threats, the transformation of Ukraine's state policy in the field of economic security should be aimed at eliminating signs of incapacity and forming Ukraine as a strong, innovative and independent state by implementing effective regulatory mechanisms to create a safe economic environment.

The Moderating Influence of Learner Diversity on the Relationship between Institutional Readiness and Learner Participation in Distance Learning in Kenya

The objective of this study was to establish the moderating influence of learner diversity on the relationship between institutional readiness and learner participation in distance learning in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-methods research. The target population included 916 learners enrolled in bachelor of education programs, with a representative sample of 180 students selected. A structured survey questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Open-ended survey questions provided qualitative insights, enriching the data. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the quantitative data, providing a clear overview of learners' perceptions and responses. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test this hypothesis. The findings suggest that learner diversity does not significantly alter the relationship between institutional readiness and learner engagement. While institutional readiness remains a robust predictor of participation (Model 1: β = 0.920, t = 31.226, p < 0.05), the introduction of the moderating variable in Model 2 leads to diminished individual significance for both institutional readiness and the moderating variable. However, Model 3 unveils a nuanced landscape, emphasizing the critical role of the interaction term. The substantial impact of the interaction term (β = -8.392, t = -12.019, p < 0.05) underscores the intricate interplay between institutional readiness and learner diversity. This study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing institutional readiness to enhance learner participation in distance learning, acknowledging the subtle yet influential role of learner diversity in shaping this relationship. Future research could delve deeper into the specific mechanisms through which learner diversity interacts with institutional readiness to influence participation. To enhance distance learning in Kenya, it is recommended to strengthen institutional readiness by investing in robust technological infrastructure. Continuous faculty training programs should be implemented to enhance digital teaching proficiency. Collaborative efforts among faculty members to improve online learning experiences should be encouraged. Equitable access to resources, particularly for diverse learners, must be ensured to promote inclusivity. Policymakers should prioritize these measures, emphasizing the significance of a well-prepared institutional environment for effective and equitable distance education in Kenya.

Readiness of Medical Recording and Health Information Education Institutions in the Digital Transformation Era of UTAUT Based

Based on the results of the 2022 PERSI survey, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) ownership is not yet optimal. Permenkes Number 24 of 2022 concerning Medical Records, one of which mandates that EMR be mandatory in all hospitals in Indonesia. The Ministry of Health has a target in December 2023 to have completed the integration of One Health in all hospitals in Indonesia. Hospitals throughout Indonesia must race in the development of EMR according to the target of the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The aim to assist government programs by increasing knowledge of medical records and health information officers (PMIK) regarding the challenges and strategies of health education institutions in preparing graduates in the era of digital transformation of UTAUT-based health information. The method used is through an online national seminar with several speakers and attended by ≥ 570 participants. The results are achievement of increasing the enthusiasm of participants in increasing their knowledge with indicators of success obtaining post-test scores that are dominated by correct answers, interactive question, and answer discussions. The conclusion seminar activity can help government programs in increasing digital acceleration in Health Facilities, this can be continued in further research programs on evaluating the use of EMR.

IMPLEMENTING CLIENT-CENTRICITY IN THE FIELD OF STATE SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF ENTERPRISES

The article emphasizes the importance and relevance of using a client-oriented approach in public administration in the foreign economic sphere, including foreign trade state promotion. Attention was drawn to the fairly high level of readiness of the main institutions of the export promotion ecosystem to implement the principles and standards of client-oriented approach. Appliance of information system «One window» based on the Russian Export Center digital platform implemented in 2020 with client-oriented principles. Examples of individual measures of the implementation process in this area are given. The contribution to the client-oriented approach of the main actors in the export promotion ecosystem is formulated in general terms.

Assessing capacity for culture change in serious illness communication across McGill University cancer centers.

457 Background: Patients with advanced malignancy at McGill University’s Rossy Cancer Network (RCN) frequently die in the emergency room or hospital in the context of cancer directed therapy. Internal data indicate delayed referral to palliative care for high-risk patient groups and lack of training and physician discomfort with serious illness communication (SIC). To plan for a system-wide quality improvement (QI) initiative, we aimed to assess capacity for culture change around SIC across three university-affiliated cancer centers. Methods: Interdisciplinary oncology and palliative care leaders from the three RCN sites completed an institutional readiness survey to assess local data and QI infrastructure and potential strengths and challenges related to SIC. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received care at RCN sites for advanced malignancy and who died over a 24-month period. We organized pilot three-hour multi-disciplinary training sessions in use of a Serious Illness Conversation Guide and targeted physicians, nurses, and social workers from each RCN site. Participants completed a survey upon training completion. We developed a quality improvement plan. Results: Institutional readiness surveys highlighted challenges in identifying patients who could benefit from serious illness conversations and lack of consistency and localization of electronic health record documentation of SIC. Preliminary analysis from a retrospective chart review (n=370) demonstrated that 98% of patients had documentation of some aspect of SIC. Only 38% of SIC documentation described patient goals and values, and only 23% referred to patient preferences or wishes. Most instances of SIC documentation (74%) focused on code status and orientation of treatment toward either comfort or cure. 28% of patients had first documentation of SIC within 30 days of death. Fifteen healthcare providers took part in the multidisciplinary training sessions. Training evaluation data suggest that trainees found the training acceptable and feasible, and appreciated the interprofessional nature of the sessions. Results include presentation of an implementation plan. Conclusions: Culture change initiatives related to SIC benefit from a robust assessment of existing resources and challenges. We used a multi-modal approach to assess and build capacity for a cross-institution QI initiative. This process and the resulting network and hospital-level QI plans can assist other academic institutions in leveraging SIC to transform and improve cancer care.

Exploring occupational safety and health in future workscapes

Aims: The aim of this manuscript is to address the evolving dynamics of work, which are placing increasing demands on current occupational safety and health (OSH) protocols. It emphasizes the need for a more adaptable approach to ensure safe and efficient work environments. The primary objective is to introduce new frameworks capable of handling the uncertainties of the future in OSH.
 Methods: To tackle the challenges posed by the changing landscape of work, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has adopted a strategic foresight approach. This approach is rooted in future studies and strategic planning, allowing NIOSH to anticipate future challenges in OSH. It involves creating well-structured and informed scenarios of potential futures, enabling organizations to prepare effectively for upcoming challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
 Results: This manuscript represents NIOSH's inaugural foray into strategic foresight. The results showcase the integration of strategic foresight methods to enhance institutional readiness in the realm of OSH. The study delves deep into the anticipated trajectories of OSH research and protocols, offering valuable insights into the future of OSH.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the evolving nature of work necessitates a more adaptable approach to occupational safety and health. NIOSH's strategic foresight venture marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. By proactively preparing for future challenges and opportunities, organizations can ensure safer and more efficient work environments. This manuscript provides a foundation for enhancing institutional readiness and navigating the evolving landscape of OSH research and protocols.

Research During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Crucial Arms for Struggle

At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), a global research–action–policy network, collaborated with membership-based workers’ organisations and non‑governmental organisations to conduct a mixed methods, longitudinal study with nearly 2,000 informal workers across 11 cities in the global South and North. The research process underpins three of WIEGO’s core research principles, which include centring informal workers’ lived experience and knowledge, fostering collective ownership over the research process, and producing actionable evidence for advocacy. Drawing from the insights of researcher-activists, this article considers how WIEGO’s institutional readiness, highly nuanced and contextualised analyses, and attention to trust and care enabled a co-productive research process. Moreover, the article seeks to understand how these factors can potentially shape the broader objectives of research as both a capacity-building and mobilising tool and as a medium for translating knowledge for advocacy locally, nationally, and internationally.

Humanitarian vs Pandemic Responses: Vulnerable Groups among Rohingyas in Bangladesh

The Rohingya diaspora is a politically sensitive humanitarian crisis for Bangladesh. The current Covid-19 pandemic poses a range of governance, demographic, and environmental policy challenges in an already fragile context. The ongoing situation combined with the pandemic requires a rethinking of humanitarian strategies to tackle the double burden of crises – humanitarian and pandemic. Drawing together evidence and experience from a mixed method participatory action research conducted among Rohingya refugees and the host community in Bangladesh, this article highlights the importance of the institutional readiness of research organisations to produce contextual interventions and targeted approaches in pandemic and humanitarian response for diverse communities. The article also reflects on the strategies researchers applied to create a knowledge network between researchers and implementers, which not only informed the study design and its selection of most vulnerable groups but also worked towards producing knowledge fit for purpose, where critical evidence was shared with key decision makers and policymakers.

Implementing e-learning environment at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The ubiquity of e-learning has necessitated research into its application and effectiveness. This study scrutinizes the factors influencing e-learning adoption in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically within the higher education sector. To determine these influential factors, the study surveyed professors from both private and public universities via emails, achieving 220 responses from over 1,500 sent. The collected data was analyzed using SmartPLS, and regression modeling was used to determine the significant relationships among the factors. The findings highlighted seven key elements, including e-learning policies, institutional readiness, quality e-learning systems, course design quality, awareness of benefits, interactive discussions, and motivation. Furthermore, the research unveiled six substantial gaps in the current e-learning structure: resource insufficiency, lack of e-learning skills, ineffective course design, inadequate knowledge of benefits, low motivation, and a lack of student-centered learning. It has been concluded that these seven factors, and their intricate relationships, significantly impact the successful adoption and effectiveness of e-learning tools within universities. The research offers practical guidance for universities aiming to implement or enhance e-learning practices, emphasizing areas requiring increased attention and resources. It underscores the importance of not only the technical infrastructure but also the quality of course design, the role of awareness and motivation, and the necessity of a student-centered approach.

Exploring the role of leadership in facilitating higher education internationalization in Japan: a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Amid stiff competition in the burgeoning East Asian higher education market, Japan has implemented a series of internationalization initiatives to buoy its floundering HE sector. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to explore Japanese and non-Japanese faculty and leaders’ views of effective leadership and its role in internationalization processes. Utilizing Bass’s full range leadership model, this study first elicited faculty and leaders’ (n = 162) views on three leadership constructs (transformational, transactional, and passive avoidant) using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). The results of the MLQ informed semi-structured interviews with five Japanese and five non-Japanese (n = 10) faculty and leaders, exploring their views regarding effective leadership and its role in internationalizing their institutions. The results suggest that while both groups identify transformational leadership as most effective, there is a significant difference in terms of how they perceive its efficacy. The qualitative analysis offered further insight into how cultural norms affect leadership in Japanese universities and offered ideas regarding how leaders can more effectively integrate non-Japanese faculty and develop cohesive, diverse faculty units. The results suggest the high degree to which leadership affects the readiness of Japanese institutions to adapt to an increasingly transnational landscape.

Student readiness in the transfer of online learning to face-to-face learning after the Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many researchers flocked to examine students' readiness to participate in online learning. Furthermore, after the Covid-19 Pandemic, it provides motivation to examine the readiness of students in face-to-face learning after the Covid-19 Pandemic. This article aims to determine the readiness of students in changing online learning to face-to-face learning after the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is a mixed methods research, where strengthening the results of the research hypothesis using qualitative data from interviews with respondents selected based on certain criteria from the questionnaire results. The sampling technique used random sampling. The data for this study were obtained from filling out a questionnaire distributed to undergraduate students at two private universities and one state university in the city of Yogyakarta involving 172 respondents via Google Form. The data obtained was then processed through structural model evaluation with the SmartPLS application. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires and interviews to obtain qualitative data. Data validity tests were carried out using reliability, normality, and construct validity tests. Data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis model of structural evaluation or inner model and outer model. The results in this study found that there was no significant positive effect of institutional readiness on student readiness and there was a significant positive effect of learning experience on student readiness. This research is expected to trigger research with other similar themes that are better with a wider research object.

Planning nature-based solutions for water management and circularity in Ljubljana, Slovenia: Examining how urban practitioners navigate barriers and perceive institutional readiness

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and the circular economy offer new opportunities for water management and water circularity in cities. In the process towards circular water NBS planning and implementation, urban practitioners such as urban planners and environmental/water engineers operate as facilitators and change agents due to their technical expertise. Moreover, from their professional standpoint, they can navigate barriers and influence key actors of institutional readiness of cities to uptake NBS. This study aims (i) to explore the barriers that urban professionals face towards the widespread mainstreaming and implementation of NBS for water management and circularity in Ljubljana, and (ii) to understand the perceived institutional readiness for planning NBS for water management and circularity in the city. Through 14 semi-structured expert interviews, and following a content discourse analysis, three overarching topics emerged: urban planning, urban design, and NBS implementation. The findings reveal the institutional readiness of Ljubljana to adopt and upscale solutions like NBS, although barriers still persist: misalignment of strategic goals, institutional fragmentation, lack of supportive policy and legal frameworks (procurement rules, urban design laws), and limited citizen involvement. New approaches and skilled knowledge brokers are required in order to change the narrative of water being perceived as a problem, and to mainstream NBS for water circularity across the city in the future.

Requirements, Barriers and Tools for Participation in an Inclusive Educational Digital Environment.

An inclusive digital environment in education is considered a cornerstone for a modern society and particularly important for learners with disabilities. This paper delves into this topic and presents the findings from a one-week "Learning, Teaching and Training Activity" (LTTA) conducted as part of the Erasmus+ project on the "Digital Readiness of Vocational Educational Institutions in an Inclusive Environment." The LTTA involved discussions on the requirements, barriers, and applicable tools for digitalization in Vocational Educational Institutions (VET) with educators and self-representatives (learners with disabilities). The feedback from participants was analyzed and included evaluations of various tools in terms of their effectiveness and usefulness. These tools encompassed document accessibility, onboard Windows accessibility features, AI in the form of large language models (LLM) as assistive technology, and image recognition-based assistive technologies. Results, presented in this paper, indicate that especially learners with disabilities can benefit from participation in an inclusive digital environment.

Investigational drugs services pharmacists education and workflow structure.

169 Background: Per NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine, 428,103 research studies are registered globally as of September 19th, 2022. Each institution must assess its institutional readiness as the complexity and volume of clinical trial increases. Institutional readiness helps assess the capacity of an institution to adopt new technologies and policies to accept, activate, and adjust research despite the complexity of the clinical trial. Clinical research pharmacists help improve the safety and quality of the research by reviewing the scientific literature and medication-related information to develop protocols and evaluate clinical trial feasibility as part of the scientific review committee while performing supportive pharmaceutical review of the protocol, preparation, storage, dispensing, and consulting clinical coordinators and sponsors on the logistics of the trial. Investigational drug service (IDS) also oversees institutional compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), FDA regulations, and laws. Lack of training for pharmacists, poor safety and quality control, lack of resources, and unstandardized approach to the management of investigational drug products can lead to discrepancy, delay in care, and ultimately, harm to the patient. This study will address the deficiency of institutional readiness to conduct clinical trials with investigational agents and introduce policies and procedures needed to be followed by pharmacists or pharmacy technicians to conduct research. Methods: To explore the challenges in clinical trials and compare work efficiency, work productivity, and growth in the investigational drug service (IDS) pharmacy. This study is conducted at a single-health system compromised of 7 satellite investigational pharmacy from June 2021 to August 2022. Interventions include Epic/Beacon training, CITI training, annual compounding competencies, protocol and procedure development, and Vestigo implementation. Data for inclusion was identified from (where Dr. Ayoubi got data from) were extracted and analyzed. Results: 71% decrease in # of protocols on the priority list to amend protocols. Informatics pharmacists build 190 protocols in one year. Revenue has doubled in one year. Productivity increased as time to verify is reduced by 9.43 minutes to verify an order and time to dispense is reduced by 31.3 min. Number of clinical trials designated to each pharmacist increased from 3-4 to 20 productions per month. Number of investigational drugs ordered increased by 89 last year. Conclusions: Education and Training remain one of the main set back to clinical trials growth, and proper training and education are the pillars to conducting clinical trials in a safe manner and promote growth.

Implementation and operational management of marketed chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T Cell) therapy-a guidance by the GoCART Coalition Pharmacist Working Group.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) are a type of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) classified as ex-vivo (cell-based) gene therapy. CAR-T cells constitute an immunotherapy that works by enabling T cells to specifically recognise cancer cells and destroy them [1]. CAR-T cells are currently licensed to treat certain blood cancers including relapsed or refractory lymphomas, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or multiple myeloma [2]. The indications for their use are expanding and are expected to encompass other therapeutic areas. CAR-T cells are used both in children and adults [2]. CAR-T cells are biologic drugs and are therefore more complex than traditional medicinal products. T cells collected from the patient (or donor) are sent to a Good manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing facility where they are genetically modified to contain a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This receptor is designed to recognise and target a specific protein on cancer cells. Once manufactured, they are delivered to the hospital where they are administered to the designated patient. Hospital pharmacies are central in the process of ensuring appropriate organisational governance, operational handling, clinical suitability, and pharmacovigilance [1, 3]. The GoCART Coalition Pharmacist working group's mission was to develop standards of care to advance the field of cellular therapies in Europe. The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidance on the implementation and safe operational use of marketed CAR-T cell products within hospital pharmacies primarily throughout Europe. This document outlines the key areas where pharmaceutical expertise should focus and the key considerations for the hospital pharmacy. Countries may have different requirements and there may be variation in practice between hospitals. This document is intended as a guide and the recommendations should be adapted to meet local requirements. This document does not provide clinical information relating to the use of CAR-T cell products. The Summary of medicinal Product Characteristics (SmPC) [4, 5], and national and international clinical guidelines (where in place) should be followed for the most up-to-date clinical management of CAR-T cell patients. An example is the UK "institutional readiness documents" for pharmacy which includes detailed checklists for each stage of the pathway [6]. Spain developed the Plan of Advanced Therapies in the National Health System: CAR medicines published in November 2018 [7], the CAR-T Medicines Management Procedure of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy [8] or the Hospital pharmacist's roles and responsibilities with CAR-T medicines article published also by the Spanish Oncology group of the Spanish Society of Pharmacy [9]. This guide has been designed to support the implementation of marketed CAR-T products; however, the principles may also be applicable to clinical trials. For CAR-T cell products being used in clinical trials, additional trial regulation and clinical trial protocols must be followed. This document is divided into two sections. Section 1 outlines considerations for hospital pharmacies during the implementation of a CAR-T cell service. Section 2 outlines the key operational considerations for hospital pharmacies in the patient and product pathway.

Pelatian penggunaan Zoom Meeting untuk pendidikan dan pelatihan di BKPSDM kabupaten Wakatobi

The use of information technology in training has posed a challenge to the sustainability of traditional training methods, be it at a slow or rapid pace. In the post-Covid-19 era, often referred to as the "new normal," the training landscape has demanded a paradigm shift from conventional to technology-based training. The transformation of training through the adoption of technology applications and e-learning has emerged as a viable solution. This study examines the strategic issues faced by the Government of Wakatobi Regency concerning Education and Training, primarily limited personnel/officials in the Civil Service Agency and Human Resources Development Agency of Wakatobi Regency, with limited proficiency in information technology and inadequate infrastructure to meet information technology standards. The collaborative community engagement initiative with the Civil Service Agency and Human Resources Development Agency of Wakatobi Regency through Zoom Meeting-based training has yielded highly positive outcomes, contributing to the implementation of sustainable training programs and enhancing the institution's readiness to conduct online technical and functional training or Diklat. Furthermore, this engagement has significantly increased the capacities of personnel in the field of information technology for educational and training purposes. As part of a continuous effort, this community engagement activity has also supported the institution in planning and budgeting for the provision of appropriate infrastructure for online Education and Training, earmarked for the fiscal year 2024

Assessing the Big Data Adoption Readiness Role in Healthcare between Technology Impact Factors and Intention to Adopt Big Data

Big data is quickly becoming a new area where administrative work can be improved. Even so, it is still in the early stages of being used in hospitals in countries with less technology. Therefore, there is an inadequate grasp of the evaluation of big data adoption preparedness in the healthcare sector as data-point-determined insights become crucially useful in healthcare institutions in underdeveloped nations. This process, called “digital transformation,” has a lot of benefits; for example, it helps healthcare organizations to create more efficient processes, offer different services, give better care, make more money, and cut costs. This paper aims to suggest and assess a conceptual framework that focuses on technological factors and can assist in determining the readiness of healthcare institutions in developing nations to utilize big data. Although the study can offer valuable perspectives on the advantages that can arise from adopting big data in the healthcare sector, it is important to highlight that leveraging big data analytics in healthcare has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services. This, in turn, can indirectly contribute to sustainability objectives by optimizing the allocation of resources, minimizing waste, and improving patient outcomes. A total of 328 healthcare workers from Malaysia were subjected to experimental testing of the model. The collected data were evaluated using the Smart PLS 3 program and the structural equation model (SEM). The study’s findings supported our hypotheses. The results showed that technological factors affected the participants’ perception of their readiness for big data, which ultimately influenced their interest in utilizing it. By concentrating on big data preparedness in the healthcare industry and ambition to utilize big data, this research provides an important theoretical contribution. Employees who are “big data ready” would benefit from the study’s results, as, through their recognition, said employees are more likely to increase the desire to use big data in Malaysia’s healthcare sectors.

The metaverse and Islamic financial contracts: The case of Ijarah

The metaverse is a virtual world that exists alongside the actual world. While the actual world refers to the real, physical world, the metaverse is a digital world that is accessed through technology. Evidently, several international brands have integrated their businesses with the virtual metaverse providing business opportunities. However, there are currently several gaps in the sector of Shariah finance that need to be addressed in order to take full advantage of the potential of the metaverse. For instance, rare studies enlighten the concept of Ijarah, a substitute for conventional leasing in the metaverse virtual world. Undoubtedly, the metaverse has the potential to revolutionize the Shariah finance industry by providing new opportunities for financial inclusion and innovation. Therefore, for the readiness of Islamic finance institutions, this study is an attempt to explore the possibility of executing Shariah principles that could be utilized in the metaverse. More specifically, this study is an endeavor to explore and discuss how Shariah-based leasing i.e., Ijarah integrates with the recent metaverse technologies. Additionally, this study also discusses the metaverse evolution and its integration into international business brands, the metaverse virtual assets ownership, the metaverse virtual leasing, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and virtual real estate in the metaverse. Indeed, this study is a novel addition to the Shariah finance literature, which helps policymakers to generate new strategies that guide the execution of Ijarah contracts in the virtual universe of the metaverse.