International Benchmark Research Articles

Cost-benefit analysis of enhancing the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in Australia.

Objective Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but its use in Australia is low compared with other countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic effect of an increase in LARC uptake to international rates. Methods An economic model was designed to assess two scenarios, namely increasing the current rate of LARC uptake of 12.5% to the international benchmark of 14.8% among: (1) women currently using the oral contraceptive pill (OCP); and (2) women at risk of pregnancy and not using contraception. Model inputs included cost of contraceptive methods, discontinuation rates and abortion and miscarriage costs associated with unintended pregnancies. Results Women who switch from an OCP to LARC would save A$114-157 per year. Those not currently using any contraception who adopt LARC would incur costs of A$36-194 per year, but would reap savings from the reduction in unintended pregnancies. Over 5 years there would be a net saving of A$74.4 million for Scenario 1 and A$2.4 million for Scenario 2. Conclusion Greater use of LARC would result in a net gain in economic benefits to Australia. These benefits are largely driven by women switching from an OCP to LARC who have reduced costs, as well as women wishing to avoid pregnancy who choose to use LARC rather than no method. This evidence will support women making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC. What is known about the topic? LARC is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but uptake in Australia is relatively low. What does this paper add? There are economic benefits to society for women who switch from an OCP to LARC, as well as for women who switch from no contraception to LARC. What are the implications for practitioners? The findings of this study will support women in making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.

Compared to what? Media-guided reference points and relative economic voting

The idea of the relative economy, or benchmarking economic voting, has been around for a long time. However, the choice of international benchmark(s) remains underspecified, especially in cross-national and time-series studies. This paper argues that the selection process of benchmark(s) should be guided by the theory suggesting that voters benchmark countries that are similar, familiar, and connected, and that media guide voters to appreciate these reference points. Using domestic media coverage from Lexis-Nexis spanning 22 languages, 29 democracies, and over 30 years, this research identifies the unique reference points across time and space. Analysis of this novel dataset shows that voters react strongly to relative economic performance when they make vote choices. Moreover, the benchmarking effects become more pronounced with highly educated populations, but are not affected by clarity of responsibility.

A reference specimen for compaction tests of fiber reinforcements

Compaction behavior of textiles has a major influence on the outcome of various manufacturing processes for fiber reinforced polymer composites. Nevertheless, no standard exists up to date which specifies test methods or test rigs. A recent international benchmark revealed high variation associated with the result data. This work is a very first step toward a reference specimen, allowing for an isolated view on variations attributed to the test rig mechanics. A specimen design is proposed, intended to show compaction characteristics similar to technical textiles in terms of transverse compaction pressure and corresponding displacement. The reference specimen was tested in a round-robin study comprising test rigs at four different European research institutions. While reproducibility of the compaction behavior on each of the test rigs was high, clear variations between the results gained with different test rigs were observed.

Comparative analysis of coupling schemes of Monte Carlo burnup calculation in RMC

As wrapping tools for coupling Monte Carlo (MC) neutron transport code with depletion solver, four different coupling schemes are implemented in Reactor Monte Carlo Code (RMC) developed at Tsinghua University, and verified in two assembly testing cases derived from VERA international benchmark. In this paper, accuracy and time consumption are comparatively analyzed, as well as memory requirement which is significant in large-scale burnup calculation. Results illustrate that beginning of step approximation, as the basic and simplest coupling method, performed with relatively poor accuracy. With nearly the same efficiency, two predictor-corrector methods provide identical accuracy better than the beginning of step approximation, but require different computer memories. High order predictor-corrector combined with sub-step method (HSPC) has the best performance and requires the most memory. By means of hybrid parallelism, domain decomposition and parallel depletion solver in RMC, HSPC is able to be applied in large-scale burnup problem.

Evaluation of RANS k – ε calculations for turbulent stably stratified layers based on GEMIX experiments using the CUPID code

In the present study, the prediction capability of RANS k − ε turbulence models implemented in the CUPID code which has been developed by KAERI for nuclear safety assessment was evaluated based on GEMIX (GEneric MIxing eXperiment) experiments.The present study is a part of the work participating in the International Benchmark Exercise based on the GEMIX experiment done by OECD/NEA and PSI. The GEMIX experiment performed by PSI is focused on the basic turbulent mixing mechanisms in unstratified and stably stratified conditions.For both the unstratified and stably stratified conditions considered, the RANS k − ε turbulence model calculations show reasonably good agreement with experimental data for time-averaged axial velocity. However, the turbulent kinetic energy measured in the GEMIX experiment was not well predicted by RANS k − ε model, which becomes worse in the stably stratified conditions.The influence of grid resolution and the inclusion of buoyancy terms in k − ε model were not significant. Also, the different RANS models such as SST and RST showed similar results to k − ε model, which indicates the fact that the drawbacks of k − ε model such as the isotropic feature do not play significant role of underestimation of turbulent kinetic energy in the present GEMIX benchmark problems. On the other hand, with the tuning of the model constant Cμ based on the experimental data of k and uv¯, the prediction capability of RANS turbulence models is shown to improve the estimation of the turbulent kinetic energy in stably stratified conditions, which is consistent with the turbulence modeling theory reported in the literature. The present sensitivity approach for Cμ could be elaborated by a calibration approach in order to improve the prediction capability of the current RANS k − ε calculations. As has been seen by the RANS society, such a pragmatic modeling could be a successful means.

Towards A Sustainable Islamic Banking System: Re-embedding Murabaha Mode of Financing

This study is an attempt at solving the chronic problems of banking murabaha, notably the ribawi benchmark rate problem. To this end, the first stage of this study examines whether the recent solution for banking murabaha, namely Islamic Interbank Benchmark Rate (IIBR), is a sustainable solution to solve the problem. The Johansen cointegration test between IIBR and LIBOR, as an international benchmark rate, as well as IIBR and JIBOR, as an Indonesian one, is performed to prove that notion. The results suggest that IIBR has long-run equilibrium relationship with the two ribawi benchmark rates. IIBR hence does not fulfil the sustainability feature as a long-run solution for Islamic finance. The second stage of this study proposes the so-called universal Islamic banking system as a solution to remedy the problem. The proposed model is not only theoretically appealing but also practically possible to be implemented.

Effective workspace design: imperative in resolving problem of increasing fluidity of knowledge-based academic activities in universities

Academic workspace is globally witnessing paradigm shift in designs in the contemporary time. This is as a result of the increasing fluidity of academic work in recent time and the requests emanating from industries for commercialisation of research findings. This has prompted the global attempts to standardize workspace designs particularly in knowledge-based work that contained many different activities. Benefits outlined in this new designs underline activity based work environments with outlined space utilisation and effectiveness. This paper expressed the fact that effectiveness of workers in universities depends on the adequacy and effectiveness of workspace provided. Against this background is this compares of the National University Commission (NUC) workspace standard in Nigeria with the International standards. This is with a view to improving the existing designs of Nigerian academic workspace. Data gathered from literature were used as International Benchmark to compare with the National University Commission (NUC) Benchmark. These data were analysed using tables. Findings showed that design of academic workspace in Nigerian universities is both environmentally and technologically below the contemporary time international requirements. This paper concludes that the situation of academic workspace design in Nigerian universities still leaves gap for improvement to meet international benchmark. It recommends that Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) should encourage the adoption of minimum standard of academic workspace facilities that will compare favourably with international standard for better effective international research collaboration and job performance in universities. Managers, authorities of universities, academia, facilities managers, real estate managers, planners, designers, developers and investors in academic facilities to synergise and develop user-friendly workspace that can flow with the fluidity of knowledge work in academia.

Progress in Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation Methods for Textile Permeability

A great amount of attention has been given to the evaluation of the permeability tensor and several methods have been implemented for this purpose: experimental methods, as well as numerical and analytical methods. Numerical simulation tools are being seriously developed to cover the evaluation of permeability. However, the results are still far from matching reality. On the other hand, many problems still intervene in the experimental measurement of permeability, since it depends on several parameters including personal performance, preparation of specimens, equipment accuracy, and measurement techniques. Errors encountered in these parameters may explain why inconsistent measurements are obtained which result in unreliable experimental evaluation of permeability. However, good progress was done in the second international Benchmark, wherein a method to measure the in-plane permeability was agreed on by 12 institutes and universities. Critical researchers’ work was done in the field of analytical methods, and thus different empirical and analytical models have emerged, but most of those models need to be improved. Some of which are based on Cozeny-Karman equation. Others depend on numerical simulation or experiment to predict the macroscopic permeability. Also, the modeling of permeability of unidirectional fiber beds have taken the greater load of concern, whereas that of fiber bundle permeability prediction remain limited. This paper presents a review on available methods for evaluating unidirectional fiber bundles and engineering fabric permeability. The progress of each method is shown in order to clear things up.

Influence of Scanner Position and Plot Size on the Accuracy of Tree Detection and Diameter Estimation Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning on Forest Inventory Plots

This research tested how different scanner positions and sample plot sizes affect the tree detection and diameter measurement in forest inventories. For this, a multistage density-based clustering approach was further developed for the automatic mapping of tree positions and simultaneously applied with automatic measurements of tree diameters. This further development of the algorithm reduced the proportion of falsely detected tree locations by about 64%. The algorithms were tested in different settings with respect to the number and spatial alignment of scanner positions and under manifold forest conditions, covering different age classes and a mixture of scenarios, and representing a broad gradient of structural complexity. For circular sample plots with a maximum radius of 20 m, the tree mapping algorithm showed a detection rate of 82.4% with seven scanner positions at the vertices of a hexagon plus the center coordinates, and 68.3% with four scanner positions aligned in a triangle plus the center. Detection rates were significantly increased with smaller maximum radii. Thus, with a maximum radius of 10 m, the hexagon setting yielded a detection rate of 90.5% and the triangle 92%. Other alignments of scanner positions were also tested, but proved to be either unfavorable or too labor-intensive. The commission rates were on average less than 3%. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the dbh (diameter at breast height) measurement was between 2.66 cm and 4.18 cm for the hexagon and between 3.0 cm and 4.7 cm for the triangle design. The robustness of the algorithm was also demonstrated via tests by means of an international benchmark dataset. It has been shown that the number of stems per hectare had a significant impact on the detection rate.

Natural history of neurological improvement following complete (AIS A) thoracic spinal cord injury across three registries to guide acute clinical trial design and interpretation

Study designRetrospective, longitudinal analysis of motor and sensory outcomes following thoracic (T2–T12) sensorimotor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in selected patients enrolled into three SCI) registries.ObjectivesTo establish a modern-day international benchmark for neurological recovery following traumatic complete thoracic sensorimotor SCI in a population similar to those enrolled in acute clinical trials.SettingAffiliates of the North American Clinical Trial Network (NACTN), European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI), and the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS).MethodsOnly traumatic thoracic injured patients between 2006 and 2016 meeting commonly used clinical trial inclusion/exclusion criteria such as: age 16–70, T2–T12 neurological level of injury (NLI), ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A, non-penetrating injury, acute neurological exam within 7 days of injury, and follow-up neurological exam at least ~ 6 months post injury, were included in this analysis. International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord injury outcomes including AIS conversion rate, NLI, and sensory and motor scores/levels were compiled.ResultsA total of 170 patients were included from the three registries: 12 from NACTN, 64 from EMSCI, and 94 from SCIMS. AIS conversion rates at approximately 6 months post injury varied from 16.7% to 23.4% (21.1% weighted average). Improved conversion rates were observed in all registries for low thoracic (T10–T12) injuries when compared with high/mid thoracic (T2–T9) injuries. The NLI was generally stable and lower extremity motor score (LEMS) improvement was uncommon and usually limited to low thoracic injuries only.ConclusionsThis study presents the aggregation of selected multinational natural history recovery data in thoracic AIS A patients from three SCI registries and demonstrates comparable minimal improvement of ISNCSCI-scored motor and sensory function following these injuries, whereas conversions to higher AIS grades occur at a frequency of ~20%. These data inform the development of future clinical trial protocols in this important patient population for the interpretation of the safety and potential clinical benefit of new therapies, and the potential applicability in a multinational setting.SponsorshipInVivo Therapeutics.

Validation of microbiological testing in cardiovascular tissue establishments: results of a second international quality-round trial

The performance of many laboratories can be evaluated by participation in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. EQA allows for comparison of a laboratory's performance with a source outside the laboratory-either a peer group of laboratories or a reference laboratory. Such EQA schemes do not exist in tissue banking despite the fact that tissue establishments (TE) perform very complex procedures. This paper describes the first ever EQA scheme in the field specifically assessing microbiological aspects in heart valve (HV) banking. Twenty-two TEs participated. Three HV tissue samples were sent to each participating TE-two contaminated with non-pathogenic micro-organisms and a third negative control. The aims were to isolate and identify the micro-organisms present and then to successfully decontaminate the HV tissue using the routine standard operating procedures of the TE. Eight of the TEs were able to isolate and identify all contaminating micro-organisms present, and of these, five also successfully decontaminated the tissue; 13 TEs failed to establish the identity of one or more of the contaminants; five TEs appear to have introduced contamination during the processing or testing of the tissue; and eight failed to successfully decontaminate the HV tissue. This initiative provides TEs with an international benchmark for tissue product microbiology testing. It has identified significant variation in practice and in the ability of different TEs to identify the presence of contamination. There is now work ongoing with the aim of setting up a regular EQA scheme for HV banking.

The States as Important Laboratories for Federal Prescription Drug Cost-Containment Efforts

This Viewpoint proposes ways states can control the costs of expensive drugs produced by single manufacturers, including importation from other countries, international benchmark pricing, and statewide upper payment limits.

Uncertainty Quantification and Propagation of Multiphysics Simulation of the Pressurized Water Reactor Core

In recent years, the demand to provide best-estimate predictions with confident bounds is increasing for the nuclear reactor performance and safety analysis. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency has been developing an international benchmark of the light water reactor (LWR) uncertainty analysis in modeling (UAM) for the examination of uncertainty quantification and propagation methodologies with various modeling and simulation code systems. The objective of the present work is to develop an uncertainty propagation mechanism based on the stochastic sampling method by taking into account the uncertainties of both basic nuclear data and fuel modeling parameters in the simulation of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) that can be incorporated in the conventional LWR simulation approach. More specifically, the Three Mile Island Unit 1–related exercises from the LWR-UAM benchmark have been modeled using the coupled TRACE/PARCS code system in the three-dimensional core representation. The input uncertainties of the neutronics simulation include few-group cross sections and kinetics parameters generated using the Sampler/Polaris sequence of SCALE 6.2.1. Several heat transfer–related variables for the fuel modeling were considered as sources of input uncertainty of the thermal-hydraulics simulations, including the thermal conductivity of fuel and cladding, fuel heat capacity, and the gap conductance. Dakota was used to sample input parameters of the coupled code system and to perform the uncertainty analysis. Two types of simulations were conducted: steady-state calculation at hot full-power condition and transient scenario initiated by the spatially asymmetric rod ejection accident. Quantities of interest for the steady-state calculation, including core multiplication factor and power peaking factors, were calculated with associated uncertainties. For transient calculations, best-estimate plus uncertainty results of the time evolution of core reactivity, core power, and peak fuel temperature were generated and analyzed. The Wilks’ formula was used to determine the necessary sample size to achieve a 95% confidence of the 95% limit of output quantities of interest. Although the uncertainty propagation and quantification method presented in this paper was developed for PWRs, it could be in general applicable to the multiphysics uncertainty quantification of other types of LWR cores.

What Is Performance? A Scoping Review of Performance Outcomes as Study Endpoints in Athletics.

Purpose: This review set out to summarise, define, and provide future direction towards the use of performance outcome measures as endpoints in research performed at international benchmark events in athletics. Methods: Scoping review methodology was applied through a search of the PubMed and Sports Discus databases and a systematic article selection procedure. Articles that met the inclusion criteria underwent triage for further quantitative and qualitative analysis. A concept chart was generated to describe the methods by which performance had been measured and introduce descriptive labels for theoretical and practical application. Results: None of 2972 articles primarily identified from the database search met the triage standards for quantitative data extraction. Eleven articles were included in a qualitative analysis. The analysis identified the common methods by which performance has been measured, reported and analysed. The resulting concept chart collates labels from the qualitative analysis (categories, themes, and constructs) with sports practice labels (performance metrics, framework, and analysis). Conclusions: The state of knowledge concerning methods to employ performance metrics as endpoints in studies performed at major competitions in athletics has been summarised. Constructing a methodology that combines the performance metric variables (continuous and ordinal) that are currently utilised as endpoints remains a challenge.

In-plane permeability characterization of engineering textiles based on radial flow experiments: A benchmark exercise

Although good progress was made by two international benchmark exercises on in-plane permeability, existing methods have not yet been standardized. This paper presents the results of a third benchmark exercise using in-plane permeability measurement, based on systems applying the radial unsaturated injection method. 19 participants using 20 systems characterized a non-crimp and a woven fabric at three different fiber volume contents, using a commercially available silicone oil as impregnating fluid. They followed a detailed characterization procedure and also completed a questionnaire on their set-up and analysis methods. Excluding outliers (2 of 20), the average coefficient of variation (cv) between the participant’s results was 32% and 44% (non-crimp and woven fabric), while the average cv for individual participants was 8% and 12%, respectively. This indicates statistically significant variations between the measurement systems. Cavity deformation was identified as a major influence, besides fluid pressure/viscosity measurement, textile variations, and data analysis.

The achievement analysis of Indonesian TIMSS 2011 in mathematics towards didactical situation

This analysis study focuses on Indonesian students’ achievement at TIMSS 2011in mathematics which was relatively low compared to other ASEAN countries. This condition leads to question about Indonesian mathematical learning profile and it links to TIMSS 2011 achievement. A case study is conducted to analyse and examine three teachers’ mathematical learning profile at secondary level of two province in Indonesia. The learning profile is described from the occurrence of teachers’ behavioural and students’ behavioural based on didactical situation theory (DST) and also teachers’ learning atmosphere to provoke students’ mathematical thinking. This case study used video that was produced at TIMSS Video Study 2011. After analysing the three secondary school videos of “SMP A”, “SMP B”, and “SMP C” and then correlate to DST and students’ mathematical thinking skills framework, it is found out that students at “SMP A” that gained high international benchmark in TIMSS 2011 was taught by teacher who had in line learning profile with DST. Meanwhile, the students at “SMP B” and “SMP C” who got low international benchmark showed that teacher’s learning profile were far out from DST. It is shown that DST leads to high international benchmark achievement of TIMSS in mathematics.

Length of stay following cesarean sections: A population based study in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (North-Eastern Italy), 2005-2015.

BackgroundBirths by cesarean section (CS) usually require longer recovery time, and as a result women remain hospitalized longer following CS than vaginal delivery (VD). A number of strategies have been proposed to reduce avoidable health care costs associated with childbirth. Among these, the containment of length of hospital stay (LoS) has been identified as an important quality indicator of obstetric care and performance efficiency of maternity centres. Since improvement of obstetric care at hospital level needs quantitative evidence, we compared the maternity services of an Italian region on LoS post CS.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), a region of North-Eastern Italy, collecting data from all its 12 maternity centres (coded from A to K) during 2005–2015. We fitted a multivariable logistic regression using LoS as a binary outcome, higher/lower than the international early discharge (ED) cutoffs for CS (4 days), controlling for hospitals as well as several factors related to the clinical conditions of the mothers and the newborn, the obstetric history and socio-demographic background. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Population attributable risks (PARs) were also calculated as proportional variation of LoS>ED for each hospital in the ideal scenario of having the same performance as centre J (the reference) during calendar year 2015. Results were expressed as PAR with 95%CI. Differences in mean LoS were also investigated with a multivariable linear regression model including the same explanatory factors of the above multiple logistic regression. Results were expressed as adjusted regression coefficients (aRC) with 95%CI.ResultsAlthough decreasing over the years (5.0 ± 1.7 days in 2005 vs. 4.4 ± 1.7 days in 2015), the pooled mean LoS in the whole FVG during these 11 years was still 4.7 ± 1.7 days, higher than respective international ED benchmark. The significant decreasing trend of LoS>ED over time in FVG (aOR = 0.89; 95%CI: 0.88; 0.90) was marginal as compared to the variability of LoS>ED observed among the various maternity services. Regardless it was expressed as aRC or aOR, LoS after CS was lowest in hospital C, highest in hospital D and intermediate in centres I, K, G, F, A, H, E, B and J (in descending order). The aOR of LoS being longer than ED ranged from 1.63 (95%CI:1.46; 1.81) in hospital B up to 32.09 (95%CI: 25.68; 40.10) in facility D. When hospitals were ranked by PAR the same pattern was found, even if restricting the analysis to low risk pregnancies.ConclusionsAlthough significantly decreasing over time, the mean LoS in FVG during 2005–2015 was 4.7 days, higher than the international threshold recommended for CS. There was substantial variability in LoS by facility centre, suggesting that internal organizational processes of single hospitals should be improved by enforcing standardized guidelines and using audits, economic incentives and penalties if need be.

Advanced method for neutronic simulation of control rods in sodium fast reactors: Numerical and experimental validation

High accuracy neutronic simulations are required for the development of Generation-IV sodium cooled fast reactors (SFR). This paper therefore focuses on the development and validation of an improved calculation method in APOLLO3® deterministic code to predict the reactivity control system in SFR.This method relies on the “lattice-core” paradigm and the generation of few group effective cross-sections. Those are computed over small lattice geometries with detailed descriptions of structures but no heterogeneity correction method. Two models are considered at the core level: the first one relies on homogeneous descriptions for all assemblies (fuel, control rods, reflector, diluent, etc.), whereas the second one takes into account the heterogeneity of absorber pins (semi-heterogeneous description).In order to assess the robustness of calculation methods, a validation work is achieved for three distinct SFR cores. A numerical validation is first performed for the SFR-3600-MOX core taken from the international WPRS benchmark. Then an experimental validation work is conducted for the control rods measurements from SUPERPHENIX start-up experiments. The last case of application is the ASTRID CFV core. At the cross-sections generation stage, the results show a good coherence with reference Monte Carlo calculations for both spatial and energy distributions. At the core level, it is shown that the homogeneous description of the control rods induces an overestimation of the reactivity worth while the semi-heterogeneous model significantly improves the results.

Reengineering the Communication Process to Reduce Patient No-Show Rates in Hospital Outpatient Clinics

Abstract Background: Patient “no-shows” cause significant concern for healthcare organizations as it affects continuity of care provided to the patient, quality of care, waiting times for new patients, and wastes clinic resources. This project aimed to reduce the rate of no-shows in a general pediatric clinic to less than 10% to be consistent with the international benchmark range of 5%–10% of primary care clinics. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary team was formed to address the rate of no-shows using a quality improvement–driven approach in August 2017. Retrospective data analysis showed that 33% of patients who were referred to the general pediatric clinic at King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital did not show up for their appointments in March 2017. Results: The impact of reengineering the patients' appointment communication process led to a noticeable reduction in the rate of no-shows in the general pediatric clinic, reaching 14% in 1 month (November to December 2017) compared with the baseline of 33%. Data analysis for the post-intervention period showed a progressive decline in the no-show rate, reaching below 10% in the general pediatric clinic, indicating a big shift in the rate of no-shows among the patients attending the general pediatric clinic. Conclusion: Reengineering the communication process and increasing awareness to update contact information are effective strategies for improving communication with patients and reducing the rate of no-shows for scheduled appointments. The next step is to share project findings with healthcare workers and leaders to sustain the improvement.

Expectations of a business rescue plan: international directives for Chapter 6 implementation

Preliminary analysis of business rescue plans suggested that a significant contrast exists between international reorganizational plans and those being published under the newly formed business rescue regime in South Africa. Since the South African regime has emerged from an international insolvency framework, an international benchmark was used to effectively assist in creating an evaluation tool. To better understand the expectations demanded of the plan, principles from comparable international regimes were identified. Data on regimes were obtained scrutinised and reported on; the expectations were extrapolated and aligned with Chapter 6 of the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, to determine whether the Act complied with a set of expectations based on an international perspective. The proposed framework shows the key principles that govern rescue plans worldwide. The framework could serve as a guideline for the evaluation of rescue plans and help practitioners to enhance what is seen as their key task, namely to compile the rescue plan. Comparison with the five key principles found by the research reveals particular shortcomings in Chapter 6 of the South African Companies Act of 2008. International regimes indicate that the rescue plan should adhere to a broader and more extensive set of expectations than those explicitly provided for by the Act.