Integrated Information Technology System Research Articles

Monitoring and evaluation as critical approach to enhance the performance of local government: South Africa

The present study undertakes an analysis of monitoring and evaluation as a pragmatic methodology for enhancing the efficacy of municipalities in the context of South Africa. Research findings indicate that a significant obstacle faced by South African municipalities is the issue of substandard performance. These aspects can be linked to several reasons, such as inadequate allocation of resources, limitations in capacity, and deficiencies in monitoring and assessment processes. This article posits that the use of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is crucial in addressing instances of suboptimal performance within municipalities. There exists a necessity to enhance the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems in order to attain efficient performance management and ensure the provision of high-quality service delivery. The research was conducted among three distinct municipalities, namely Amajuba, uThukela, and uMgungundlovu, located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The sample population comprised of municipal officials belonging to the Performance Management System (PMS) and Corporate Services units. The study employed a qualitative methodology and deliberately selected important participants who possessed knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter under investigation. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the sample size consisted of 20 people. The researchers organized focus group conversations in order to gather data, which was subsequently controlled through the utilization of the NVivo software application. The findings of the study indicate that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a crucial component in enhancing the performance of local government. Its primary purpose is to establish the essential circumstances for achieving greater levels of performance that are sustainable over an extended period. Municipalities are required to demonstrate a firm dedication to the prioritization and adoption of municipal monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as an essential tool for facilitating progressive local governance. This commitment involves the institutionalization of M&E practices, the enforcement of mandatory adherence to established systems and procedures, the integration of information technology systems to enhance and fortify the implementation of M&E, and the utilization of participatory M&E approaches to assess the effectiveness of municipal functions and development endeavors.

SWOT -AHP AS A METHOD OF PUBLIC SERVICE STRATEGY

SWOT-AHP helps companies to develop and plan strategic alternatives to overcome all the challenges faced. The purpose of this study is to determine the public service strategy of the Makassar Laboratory Center. This research is a quantitative research, using the SWOT-AHP approach to determine the right strategy in improving organizational performance. Data is collected from the documentation results and then analyzed according to SWOT-AHP stages. The results of data processing show that in the item of strength, having an international standard TB lab is the most dominant strength possessed by BBLK Makassar, in the item of weakness, the biggest weakness is the organizational culture that still tends to be negative (rigid, individual, passive, lack of empathy in providing services, so efforts need to be made for the organization to carry out public services based on public excellent. While the most dominant opportunity to be utilized is information technology support, while the biggest threat faced by BBLK Makassar is the entry of foreign investors in laboratory services that have more sophisticated systems and equipment (the threat of global competition in the AFTA era). After the SWOT-AHP analysis, 4 strategies emerged, namely: increasing the promotion and technology-based information services, building an integrated information technology system, improving the quality and quantity of human resources, and maximizing tool utilization by adding new types of examinations.

Information Technology Systems for Infection Control in German University Hospitals-Results of a Structured Survey a Year into the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic.

Digitalization is playing a major role in mastering the current coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, several outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in German hospitals last year have shown that many of the surveillance and warning mechanisms related to infection control (IC) in hospitals need to be updated. The main objective of the following work was to assess the state of information technology (IT) systems supporting IC and surveillance in German university hospitals in March 2021, almost a year into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As part of the National Research Network for Applied Surveillance and Testing project within the Network University Medicine, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the situation of IC IT systems in 36 university hospitals in Germany. Among the most prominent findings were the lack of standardization of IC IT systems and the predominant use of commercial IC IT systems, while the vast majority of hospitals reported inadequacies in the features their IC IT systems provide for their daily work. However, as the pandemic has shown that there is a need for systems that can help improve health care, several German university hospitals have already started this upgrade independently. The deep challenges faced by the German health care sector regarding the integration and interoperability of IT systems designed for IC and surveillance are unlikely to be solved through punctual interventions and require collaboration between educational, medical, and administrative institutions.

Make personal information security great again: A case of users’ perspectives on personal identifiable information in South Africa

Background: There is concern that information technology (IT) users are not taking cognisance of personal information security (PIS), with many keen to disclose personal identifiable information (PII) across connected and integrated IT systems that use the Internet. Compromised PII has led to many users being vulnerable to information security risks emanating from malicious software and hackers.Objective: This article elicits perspectives from IT users in the metropole area of Johannesburg, South Africa, in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of oversharing PII across the Internet.Methods: The study uses a quantitative approach to elicit data on user perspectives. The quantitative data were collected through online surveys distributed amongst IT employees working across various companies in Johannesburg.Results: The results revealed that of the four constructs drawn from the literature review, namely training, interest, awareness and action that possibly predict user predisposition to maintain information security at a personal level, of concern is that only the construct interest would not likely predict PIS.Conclusion: Dangers such as identity theft and phishing attacks are exacerbated by the willingness of users to overshare PII across social networks. A concerted user awareness campaign to promote user PIS needs to be revisited whilst incorporating innovative ways to raise interest amongst users regarding these dangers. South African companies are encouraged to invest resources in bespoke ways to increase user interest, which would be seen as an ideal starting point to making PIS great again.

The Implications of E-Logistics on Business Performance in Supply Chain Management

Through a literature review of academic logistics publications and practitioner journals, this research examines the effect of Information Technology (IT) on logistics. The literature review and the examples from experience show that third-party logistic providers have a higher chance to exploit IT since they must share integrated IT systems with their clients. We analyze how e-logistics' relative effectiveness affects the bottom lines of various companies scattered along the distribution chain. Competition nowadays is between supply chains, and there is a growing need for firms to improve operations that affect their performance. The research studied the supply chains of major corporations, to draw substantial results.This resulted in analyzing a whole supply chain from the manufacturer all the way to the consumer. E-logistics tools used in the execution and planning of supply chains were identified, and their effectiveness was evaluated. A questionnaire was sent out to 475 people who were selected at random to be a good cross-section of the population. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were utilized to analyze the data in this research. We make an effort to draw a picture of the tools' ability to improve the performance of specific businesses by tracing the connection between e-logistics setups and key performance characteristics. The results showed that e-logistics do affect the efficiency of businesses. In addition, the positive effects that IT has had on logistics are highlighted. It is explored where logistics is going in the future.

Potential role of general practice in reducing emergency department demand: A qualitative study.

To inform local, state and national strategies intended to reduce demand for ED care, the present study aimed to identify key factors influencing the current provision of acute care within primary healthcare (PHC) and explore the policy and system changes potentially required. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through content and thematic approaches incorporating the Walt and Gilson health policy framework. Eleven interviews were conducted. Five key considerations were highlighted, namely the barriers and enablers for general practitioners (GPs) in providing acute care, barriers to patient use of PHC instead of ED, suggestions for new PHC models and improvements for current ED models. Additionally, economic issues relating to clinic funding and GP remuneration, complexities of state or federal funding and management of urgent care centres (UCC) were identified. Potential policy changes included GP clinics incorporating emergency appointments, GP triage, further patient streaming and changes to the ED medical workforce model, as well as linking hospitals with PHC clinics. Suggested system changes included improving rapid access to non-GP specialists, offering qualifications for urgent care within PHC, developing integrated information technology systems and educating patients regarding appropriate healthcare system pathways. The present study suggested that while PHC has the potential to attenuate the demands for ED services, a whole-of-system approach focusing on realignment of priorities and integrated changes are needed.

Enterprise resource planning systems and implementation experiences for selected public Universities in Kenya

Implementation of enterprise systems has found widespread usage in large and mid-sized institutionsworldwide. As espoused by many scholars, there has been a rapid increase in implementation of thesesystems in management and administration of institutions of higher learning. In view of this, universitieshave taken up deployment of enterprise systems to replace existing management and administrationusing computer systems, but there is low uptake on the implementation of enterprise resource planningsystems. To realize this end, a study was carried out on evaluation of implemented integrated enterpriseresource planning systems in selected public universities in Kenya. The study sought to investigateimplementation of enterprise resource planning systems in public university, analysis of existingopportunities through use of these integrated information technology systems in management andchallenges to ease of use of these systems in administration and management of public universities havebeen reviewed and recommendations drawn on probable ways of utilizing the enterprise systems. Thestudy adopted the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Information Systems Success Model. Thefindings of the study showed that most of the implementation projects had been abandoned or stalledaltogether. Challenges associated with institutional connectivity and limited skilled expertise to drivethe implementation processes were highlighted as leading influencers of implementation processes inrespective public universities. The study recommends increased investments towards improvement ininstitutional connectivity, blending of internal and external skilled expertise to drive implementationinitiatives and regular contribution of implementation experiences in internal and external seminarsfor future studies and contribution to the body of knowledge.

Pharmaceutical supply chains and management innovation?

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the implementation of innovative programmes within the downstream domain of the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC), with the aim of informing improved service provision.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was used to assess to what extent innovation could be adopted by hospital and community pharmacies to improve the delivery process of pharmaceutical products. Unstructured interviews and 130 questionnaires were collected and analysed to identify factors that facilitate or prevent innovation within PSC processes.FindingsThe analysis led to the creation of the innovative pharmaceutical supply chain framework (IPSCF) that provides guidance to health-care organisations about how supply chain management problems could be addressed by implementing innovative approaches. The results also indicated that the implementation of Lean and Reverse Logistics (RL) practices, supported by integrated information technology systems, can help health-care organisations to enhance their delivery in terms of quality (products and service quality), visibility (knowledge and information sharing), speed (response to customers and suppliers needs) and cost (minimisation of cost and waste).Practical implicationsThe study’s recommendations have potential implications for supply chain theory and practice, particularly for pharmacies in terms of innovation adoption. The IPSCF provides guidance to pharmacies and health-care organisations to develop more efficient and effective supply chain strategies.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the academic literature as it adds novel theoretical insights to highly complex delivery process innovation.

E-Readiness of Integrated Information Systems Using STOPE Framework in Udayana University

Many industries and institutions have switched to digital technology, an integrated information technology system, since we entered the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. In implementing new strategies, problems often occur because they do not assess technology readiness (e-readiness) to be built. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a technology readiness assessment (e-readiness) either before or after the new system is implemented to assess how ready it is. The review can use the STOPE framework to be flexible so that this framework can be adjusted to the case study handled. IMISSU is an integrated management information system technology belonging to Udayana University. The results of the IMISSU e-readiness assessment found that the readiness of Udayana University in implementing IMISSU is at a very ready level (4 of 4). Assessment using the STOPE framework includes three levels, namely the domain, sub-domain, and sub-sub-domain levels. The study was conducted by distributing 100 questionnaires divided among various academicians in the university, adjusted to the STOPE framework domain.

Development of FHIR based web applications for appointment management in healthcare

Abstract The integration of Information Technology systems in healthcare is no new concept, however, the ever growing solutions offered by the IT field are pushing a revamp of older implementations of Hospital Information Systems. Contemporary web-based solutions are now readily available and promise independence from operating systems and desktop bound systems, while incorporating faster and more secure methods. The focus on interoperable systems has been setting new goals towards fully computerized hospital management and the progress of healthcare standards over the years has made interoperability an obligation. The work presented hereby reflects a FHIR web based application to overcome the problem presented by scheduling and appointment management.

The effect of ERP on firm performance through information quality and supply chain integration in Covid-19 era

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has an imbalance between demand and supply in Indonesia's manufacturing industry. The products needed to handle the spread of the virus are in high order, and there is even a product shortage. Products that are not required to prevent a pandemic have stagnated so that the manufacturing industry suddenly reduces capacity. Manufacturing companies need to coordinate quickly to be able to adjust the disruption. Manufacturing companies already have an integrated information technology system that has been the primary process in Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP). Manufacturing companies make ERP their primary system, so they need to be updated and adjusted as needed. This study obtains a questionnaire from Indonesia's manufacturing industry using the google form link and distributed through social media WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Data processing was carried out by using the partial least square of 285 manufacturing company respondents. The results showed that ERP sustainability was able to influence supply chain integration (internal and external). External integration has an impact on information quality, while internal integration does not affect. Supply chain integration and information quality affect increasing firm performance. Research makes a practical contribution to the industry in optimizing ERP systems in Pandemic conditions and a theoretical contribution to ERP sustainability as a mainstay in supply chain integration.

ERP and Firm Performance on Information Quality and Supply Chain Integration during COVID-19 pandemic

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has an imbalance between demand and supply in Vietnam's manufacturing industry. The products needed to handle the spread of the virus are in high order, and there is even a product shortage. Products that are not required to prevent a pandemic have stagnated so that the manufacturing industry suddenly reduces capacity. Manufacturing companies need to coordinate quickly to be able to adjust the disruption. Manufacturing companies already have an integrated information technology system that has been the primary process in Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP). Manufacturing companies make ERP their primary system, so they need to be updated and adjusted as needed. This study obtains a questionnaire from Vietnam's manufacturing industry using the google form link and distributed through social media WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Data processing was carried out by using the partial least square of 285 manufacturing company respondents. The results showed that ERP sustainability was able to influence supply chain integration (internal and external). External integration has an impact on information quality, while internal integration does not affect. Supply chain integration and information quality affect increasing firm performance. Research makes a practical contribution to the industry in optimizing ERP systems in Pandemic conditions and a theoretical contribution to ERP sustainability as a mainstay in supply chain integration.

Information Technology Blue Print Design Using Enterprise Architecture Planning in Politeknik Negeri Bali

The Information Technology (IT) blueprint basically contains a strategic plan of the company / institution in implementing and developing information technology / information systems in the company / institution. This study aims to design the IT Blueprint model in terms of data architecture, application architecture and technology architecture using the Zachman Framework enterprise architecture, where the blueprint is a comprehensive and integrated information technology system design. The methodology used in this study refers to the framework of Enterprise Architecture Planning. The results of this study obtained data architecture design, applications and technology along with data entities, business entities and business processes and business process functions so that they can illustrate the IT blueprint model along with the implementation roadmap that serves as a reference and guideline campus of Politeknik Negeri Bali (PNB).

Efficiency of Telematics Systems in Management of Operational Activities in Road Transport Enterprises

Implemented in road transport enterprises (RTEs) on a large scale, telematics systems are dedicated both to the particular aspects of their operation and to the integrated fields of the total operational functioning of such entities. Hence, a research problem can be defined as the identification of their efficiency levels in the context of operational activities undertaken by RTEs (including more holistic effects, e.g., lowering fuel/energy consumption and negative environmental impacts). Current research studies refer to the efficiency of some particular modules, but there have not been any publications focused on describing the efficiency of telematics systems in a more integrated (holistic) way, due to the lack of a universal tool that could be applied to provide this type of measurement. In this paper, an attempt at filling the identified cognitive gap is presented through empirical research analysing the original matrix developed by the authors that refers to the efficiency rates of organisational activities undertaken by RTEs. The purpose of this paper is to present a tool that has been designed to provide a holistic evaluation of efficiency of telematics systems in RTE operational management. The results are presented in a form of an individual (ontogenetic) matrix of the analysed companies, for which a determinant was calculated with the use of Sarrus’ rule. Obtained in such a way, the set of values identified for the determinants of the subsequent ontogenetic matrices came as an arithmetic progression that characterised the scope and the level of the influence exerted by the implemented IT (information technology) systems on the organisational efficiency of operational activities undertaken by the analysed RTEs. We present a hypothesis stating that the originally developed matrix can be viewed as a reliable tool used for comparative analysis in the field of efficiency of telematics systems in RTEs, and this hypothesis was positively verified during the research. The obtained results prove the significant potential for the wide application of the discussed matrix, which can be used as a universal tool for the analysis and comparison of efficiency indicated by the integrated IT systems in the operational activities undertaken by RTEs.

Implementing ERP evaluation through a fuzzy analysis: an empirical investigation

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated manufacturing performance measurement through an (implemented) integrated information technology system to focus the organisation on value streams and, by doing so, to improve performance, and, secondly, to analyse the results obtained. This study extends the literature on information systems (ISs) integration by providing insights into a set of interrelationships that are relevant for the attainment of firm profitability from IS integration. The conceptual model for fitness evaluation was developed by literature review. The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for fitness evaluation and to determine a fitness index using fuzzy methods. To test the hypotheses, we employed a multi-case study methodology. An evaluation of the improvement in efficiency of the processes was conducted on 21 medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which produce on the basis of orders, and have implemented a system of (ERP), in order to check the progress of each order and to increase the efficiency of the processes they are connected to.

Implementing ERP evaluation through a fuzzy analysis: an empirical investigation

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated manufacturing performance measurement through an (implemented) integrated information technology system to focus the organisation on value streams and, by doing so, to improve performance, and, secondly, to analyse the results obtained. This study extends the literature on information systems (ISs) integration by providing insights into a set of interrelationships that are relevant for the attainment of firm profitability from IS integration. The conceptual model for fitness evaluation was developed by literature review. The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for fitness evaluation and to determine a fitness index using fuzzy methods. To test the hypotheses, we employed a multi-case study methodology. An evaluation of the improvement in efficiency of the processes was conducted on 21 medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which produce on the basis of orders, and have implemented a system of (ERP), in order to check the progress of each order and to increase the efficiency of the processes they are connected to.

Drawing the threads together: How emerging technologies can help integrate the health care needs of children and young people in out-of-home care

Introduction: This presentation describes the progress of the and Young People in Out-of-Home Care Innovation Fund Integrated Care project currently being undertaken by Children's Health Queensland.Children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) are subject to many levels of disadvantage including socio-economic disadvantage and trauma. In comparison to the general population, they experience poorer mental and physical health outcomes in childhood and adolescence, which continue into adulthood. There are more than 8000 children and young people in OOHC in Queensland. There is a recognised lack of coordination in their health care. The young people, their carers and the Child Safety workers negotiate a fragmented system - primary versus specialist care, and public versus private services - without clear roles and responsibilities among providers, and lacking oversight of each young person's health management. Paediatricians have historically taken a lead role in advocating for this vulnerable group of young people, however, the health needs of this group are diverse and primary care is positioned to be the first site of comprehensive assessment in a tiered approach, supported by the expertise of paediatricians and other staff within Hospital and Health Service child protection units. Practice Change: This project is developing an integrated system of health assessment and management for children and young people in OOHC that maximises the input of the primary sector, while allowing efficient digital communication between primary and tertiary care providers. The specific innovative elements of this project are: Pioneering collaboration between primary health care and Queensland Health settings at a level of engagement that has not been attempted or achieved previously. Development of a secure, shared digital platform for the documentation of the young person’s health status, with integrated multi-user management planning capability. Scalability of the piloted system to other groups of paediatric patients and across the State. Aim and Theory of Change: The aim of this project is to create an infrastructure and clinical tools to support the co-ordinated health assessment and management of children and young people in out-of-home care. Targeted Population: Children and Young people in out-of-home care residing in the Brisbane region are being targeted for this study. Stakeholders: Key Stakeholders include Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services; Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service; participating general practices and individual practitioners; and hospital Child Protection Units and Paediatricians. Timeline: the project commenced January 2017 and has a projected end date of June 2019. Sustainability: After initial set-up costs, efficiencies in health service utilisation and worker capacity will be immediate, and sustainable over the long term. Transferability: The platform will be built with the view to scaling the project across the state. Furthermore, the integrated information technology system will be scalable to many different groups of clients across the health system. Conclusions: Project progress will be discussed including the successful collaboration between the stakeholders and early development of the clinical tools. Delays include the complexities involved in building the integrated information technology system. A successful parallel project will also be highlighted.

Automated notifications improve time to anesthesia induction: Integrating health information technology systems to enhance perioperative efficiency.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of health information technology systems integration on perioperative efficiency by investigating if automated notifications of patient arrival to the operating room leads to decreased time to induction by anesthesiologists.Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review of all outpatient and short-stay patients who received General Anesthesia at our institution between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.Time was used as a measure of efficiency between the two comparison groups.The two comparison groups were as follows:Group 1: Pre-event notification implementation (July 1, 2017-Dec 31, 2017)Group 2: Post-event notification implementation (Jan 1, 2018 – June 30, 2018)In this study, our primary outcome measure duration (DUR) was collected from patient electronic medical records:DUR: Time (duration in minutes) between anesthesia start and induction of anesthesia, exclusively for first case of the day.Results:Duration of induction was significantly shorter post-event notification implementation compared to pre-event implementation (median duration, 6 min vs 7 min; p=0.001).Conclusion:We demonstrate that health information technology systems integration improves perioperative efficiency of anesthesiologists at our institution. Further investigation is warranted to provide data to support provider buy-in and greater uptake and implementation of these systems to enhance patient care and coordination in the healthcare setting.

UPGRID project: the management and control of LV network

Implementation of new technical solutions from smart grid area can provide new information about the state of the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) network. As a result, it is possible to build the functionalities that bring a new quality to the network operations and management. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA gathered experience in the field of smart grid for several years. After the completion of several smart grid pilot projects in the MV network and deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), it is time to focus on LV network management. By integrating existing systems and adding new functionality, it is possible to meet these challenges. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA has launched, as part of the Horizon 2020 UPGRID project, the pilot project that aims at supporting the management and control of LV network. Information technology (IT) solution developed in scope of the project implements the functionality of the six major groups: LV SCADA, network analysis, network control and management, outage management, field crew support, and user data panel. The paper presents: the concept of the solution, experience with the development and integration of IT systems, the impact of the solution on the grid, and verified possibilities of improving network's reliability or efficiency.

Does an integrated information technology system provide support for community pharmacists undertaking Discharge Medicines Reviews? An exploratory study.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the views of community pharmacists participating in the pilot of a secure online platform in Wales, the Choose Pharmacy application (CPA), with particular interest in the electronic Discharge Advice Letters (e-DALs) and online Discharge Medicines Review (DMR) form.Materials and methodsA qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was adopted. A gatekeeper from National Health Service Wales Informatics Service identified 35 pharmacies, of the 43 pharmacies where the CPA had been implemented, that had completed at least one DMR, and these were therefore invited to an interview.ResultsA total of 17 pharmacists were interviewed. Overall, the results were positive and CPA and e-DAL were perceived to facilitate continuity of care between care settings. The design and usability were perceived as good as pharmacists could navigate the CPA without problems; many felt this was due to the level of training they had received. Many pharmacists were happy for other services to be included on the platform due to its ease of use and automatic reimbursement. Several pharmacists felt that communication between primary and secondary care can be further improved as the uptake of e-DAL increases.ConclusionCPA was found to streamline the completion of online DMR improving continuity of care between primary and secondary sectors, which in turn should improve patient safety on discharge from hospital.