International Management Standards Research Articles

Two Sides Of The Same Coin? A Panel Data Approach To The Innovation-Standard Relationship

Previous studies have shown an ambivalent relationship between standards and innovation while emphasizing the need to clarify the relationship and uncover their possible causal link. This paper revisits the standard-innovation relationship with the ISO 9001 standard, and patents applications as indicators of standards and innovation, respectively. Using a panel dataset of 81 countries covering the period 1993-2019, we find that ISO 9001 certification is positively associated with innovation. Our fixed-effects and system GMM estimates show that doubling the number of ISO 9001 certificates obtained at the national level increases innovation by 1.3-2.2%. The results vary according to the edition of the standard and the countries’ level of development, whereby developed countries seemed to benefit more from the international quality management standards. The paper also suggests that official development assistance (ODA) may be a vehicle through which wealthier countries can help developing ones harness the benefits of standardization.

Implementation of international standards of risk management in ukrainian business environment: benefits and drawbacks

Introduction. Risk manageрment is an integral part of effective execution of any project. By applying international standards of risk management, project managers can improve the effectiveness of risk management in a project-oriented business, maximizing opportunities to achieve project goals and minimizing costs. The purpose of the paper is to clarify the essence of the concept of "risk management", to analyze the main international standards of risk management and to determine the main advantages and obstacles on the way to its implementation in Ukraine. Results. World experience and international risk management standards recommend that companies develop best practices, in particular, risk management policies and standards. Policies and standards are key elements that determine the consistency of risk management in a company. They are official documents developed and approved at the top management level. According to the risk management policy, companies must ensure the implementation of risk management to eliminate potential sources of non-compliance. A risk management standard describes how to assess risks and opportunities in an organization and the actions to be taken in response to identified risks and opportunities. The standard stipulates that all risks identified by company employees, regardless of their role or position, must be registered and assessed. Implementation of risk management systems at enterprises is one of the key elements of effective modern corporate management. Conclusion. The main advantage of implementing of international standards of risk management in the organizations is that they encourage companies to study their business processes in detail and focus on their constant optimization. However, it is worth noting that the implementation of international risk management standards in Ukraine has a multifaceted nature and faces a number of problems associated with the adaptation of these methods at domestic enterprises. It should be taken into account that the implementation of the risk management system will not bring immediate results. This process should be approached from the perspective of a long-term perspective and is aimed at achieving further competitive advantages in the future.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСНОВЫ СТРУКТУРНОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ ЭКОНОМИКИ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ

The article examines the problem of structural transformation of the Russian Federation Arctic zone’s economy as a unique subject of the national economy and a specific object in the national economic management system. The authors propose using the methodology of international and national management standards of the quality management system (QMS) as tools for structural transformation of this macroregion’s economy. In this regard, the process of structural transformation of the regional economy is considered from the perspective of reforming the management structure as the most conservative element of the management system and training competent managers at all levels as a subject implementing the goals of structural transformation.

CATCH 2023 Meeting Summary: Collaborate & Address Treatment Challenges in Haemophilia

Abstract Access to treatment and healthcare services for people with haemophilia in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland ranks highly by international standards for contemporary haemophilia management. Collaborate & Address Treatment Challenges in Haemophilia (CATCH) is an annual Sobi™ medical education meeting which brings together multidisciplinary haemophilia treaters throughout the UK and Ireland to discuss all aspects of haemophilia management, including associated challenges and unmet need. This report summarises key issues explored and discussed during CATCH 2023, including ‘raising the bar’ in haemophilia care; haemophilia care for women and girls; changing haemophilia treatment paradigms to consider disease impact as well disease severity; bone health and haemophilia; and shared decision-making.

Failure Risk Analysis of SMEs based on ISO 31000

Higher competition makes Indonesian SMEs continue to improve their competitiveness, as it became the biggest driver of the national economy. The limitations of SMEs in the process of meeting customer demands are a major problem so that the risk of process failure accepted by SMEs is quite large. Therefore, this study aims to reduce the level of risk failure in SMEs to be able to increase success in meeting customer demand. The UKM used as a case study in this research is CV.Z, which is engaged in the fashion sector with made to order system. To reduce risk, the risk management process adopted adopts the approach of ISO 31000 as an international risk management standard. In the process of assessing the magnitude of the risk, the Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) technique was used in this study. The result is that as many as 38 failure modes were identified in the production process, with the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) value 162. Corrective action was taken in the largest RPN failure mode by applying new methods and providing training to workers. It is expected that implementing corrective actions can reduce the failure rate in the process in SMEs.

FEATURES OF RISK DETERMINATION AND CONTROL OF THE UNDERGROUND FACILITIES STABILITY LOSS UNDER CONDITIONS OF ROCKS PROPERTIES VARIATION

Problem statement. Modern geotechnical production or an underground structure used as a military-industrial facility must meet the requirements of international risk management standards, which form the basis of safe and effective management. Implementation of effective risk management improves the quality of decision making, and has a positive impact on the benefit of the enterprises and society as a whole. The purpose of the article. To improve the method of risks’ determining for the mining stability loss and other underground structures, taking into acount the variability of the physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Methods. The use of a systematic approach in analytical studies of literary sources, systematization of modern approaches and methods in determining risks in the life safety system, processing by statistical methods, and the use of probability theory. Research results. Based on the results of field studies of the underground mining of the Yubileynaya mine at the Pershotravenskoye Mining Structural Division of PuAT DTEK Pavlogradugol, graphs of roof deformations were constructed, displacements were determined, dependencies were obtained, and the risks of underground mining destruction were identified. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the use of the parameters’ scatter by their standard deviation in identifying the risk of stability loss for underground mining is proposed. Practical value. A methodology for identifying and predicting geomechanical parameters for a risk-oriented system for monitoring the stability of the rock mass while ensuring safety when using developments as military-industrial complexes is proposed.

Estimating the Health and Economic Impact of Improved Management in Prevalent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Populations in England, Germany, Canada, and Japan: A Modelling Study.

COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Management is complex and costly. Although international quality standards for diagnosis and management exist, opportunities remain to improve outcomes, especially in reducing avoidable hospitalisations. To estimate the potential health and economic impact of improved adherence to guideline-recommended care for prevalent, on-treatment COPD populations in four high-income settings. A disease simulation model was developed to evaluate the impact of theoretical improvements to COPD management, comparing outcomes for usual care and policy scenarios for interventions that reduce avoidable hospitalisations: 1) increased attendance (50% vs 31-38%) of early follow-up review after severe exacerbation hospitalisation; 2) increased access (30% vs 5-10%) to an integrated disease management (IDM) programme that provides guideline adherent care. For cohorts of 100,000 patients, Policy 1 yielded additional life years (England: 523; Germany: 759; Canada: 1316; Japan: 512) and lifetime cost savings (-£2.89 million; -€6.58 million; -$40.08 million; -¥735.58 million). For Policy 2, additional life years (2299; 3619; 3656) and higher lifetime total costs (£38.15 million; €35.58 million; ¥1091.53 million) were estimated in England, Germany and Japan, and additional life years (4299) and cost savings (-$20.52 million) in Canada. Scenarios found that the cost impact depended on the modelled intervention effect size. Interventions that reduce avoidable hospitalisations are estimated to improve survival and may generate cost savings. This study provides evidence on the theoretical impact of policies to improve COPD care and highlights priority areas for further research to support evidence-based policy decisions.

Decoupling of a management standard: how decision-makers reinterpret, renegotiate, and modify the adoption of ISO 9001

PurposeThe authors extend the literature on decoupling by analyzing the microlevel effects of institutionalized practices within the framework of international standards. This study investigates the specific informal management practices that decision-makers embrace in order for organizations to achieve ISO 9001 certification without all regulations being adopted and followed according to the standard's original design and purpose.Design/methodology/approachAs the basis for its research framework, this paper adopts the neo-institutional theory. The research employs the comparative case study method and draws its data from a sample of 21 ISO 9001:2008 certified organizations in Bulgaria.FindingsThe results show ambivalent behavior toward the ISO 9001 standard's formal requirements. This behavior is expressed through targeted noncompliance with (certain) regulations and procedures regarding top management commitment, as well as documented information which are formally adopted within the organization and certified as complying with the standard.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has implications for future research into decoupling, organizational learning, and standardization. In terms of limitations, the authors examined the process of decoupling from a micro perspective in Bulgaria only. Noncompliance with international standards such as the ISO 9000 may exhibit specific regional or national characteristics.Practical implicationsFindings from this research encourage the International Standards Organization to respond to previous calls for revising the formal structure of ISO 9000 and other international management standards by considering a more flexible and liberal point of view.Originality/valueAs opposed to previous studies which have explored decoupling from a macro perspective, this study focuses on how the internal constraints imposed by the standard's universal requirements are being mitigated at a micro level. That is, the authors provide a detailed account of the specific informal management practices which managers (deliberately) adopt in order to achieve certification without fully integrating the formal criteria imposed by international standards (e.g. ISO 9001).

МЕЖДИСЦИПЛИНАРНыЙ ИНСТРУМЕНТАРИЙ В ПОДТВЕРЖДЕНИИ РОЛИ СОЦИАЛьНыХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ В УСТАНОВЛЕНИИ ОБРАЗА ЖИЗНИ И ПОВЕДЕНИЯ СОЦИАЛьНыХ ОБЪЕКТОВ

This article is devoted to studying the possibility of using interdisciplinary tools in sociological research. The model of V. V. Leontiev is one of the mathematical tools that make it possible to evaluate the considered set of social objects for the possibility of carrying out further sociological research with it. This tool can be used as an element of a quantitative strategy. The empirical basis of the study was the results of data monitoring carried out as part of the substantiation of the theory of the penetration of international management standards into the activities of social facilities located on the territory of the Russian Federation. The period of time covering the assessment of the behavior of social objects was from 1993 to 2021. The study shows that the key characteristics that determine the behavior of social facilities when international quality management standards are introduced are their size, type of activity, and geographical location. Factors that largely predetermine the behavior of social facilities in the context of the penetration of international quality management standards into their activities are historical, demographic and geographical. The consideration of the penetration theory is based on the hierarchy of social objects (scalar chain), which represents their interconnection and mutual influence on each other. To substantiate the possibility of classifying this tool as sociological monitoring, in the article we considered the typification of industries based on the results of their activities and the application of this typification to justify the dissemination of international quality management standards throughout Russia, based on the theory of penetration. Based on the results of using the model of V.V. Leontiev in sociological research, we identified the risks of sociological research in ongoing quantitative strategies, as well as the role of the social component in the phenomenon we studied.
 The article focuses on changing the lifestyle and behavior of social objects through organizations belonging to social sectors. Social sectors, which include educational institutions, are prevailing in changing the standards of society.

Challenges for the Bulgarian Companies in the Implementation of Sustainability Practices

Abstract The topic of sustainability, and in particular the sustainability practices of companies, is especially relevant nowadays. The introduction of such practices is very important for Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria. This study is part of a large-scale university project (UNWE, Sofia) that focuses precisely on sustainability practices in international business. The aim is to find out if Bulgarian companies are familiar with sustainable practices and whether they apply them correctly in their daily operations. This is achieved via analysis and synthesis of results from a survey. The summarized data of the aforementioned survey is part of the whole project and represents the policies for sustainable development in specially selected Bulgarian private companies. Each of the companies included in the survey is ISO 14000 certified (the international standards for environmental management) and this condition determines the scope of the study. The research could serve as a basis for better understanding of the integration process of sustainability practices in Bulgarian companies.

РОЗВИТОК СТАНДАРТІВ З УПРАВЛІННЯ ПРОЄКТАМИ: МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ДОСВІД

The article examines the main international standards for quality management and configuration management in projects. The most widespread standards were analyzed, namely: PMBOK (A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge) – a body of knowledge on project management, developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI); ISO standards (ISO 10006:1997 Quality management – Guidelines to quality in project management – standard for quality in project management, ISO 21500:2012 Guidance on project management – standard for project management, ISO 21500:2021 Project, program and portfolio management – Context and concepts – the main profile standard, which is a comprehensive guide to the use of the ISO 21500 series of standards); Prince 2 and PRINCE 2 Agile – a standard method of effective project management developed by the CCTA (Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency); IPMA - standards of the International Project Management Association. International Project Management Association; OPM 3 (Organization Project Management Maturity Model) – a model of Organizational Project Management Maturity; P2M (from Project and Program Management for Enterprise Innovation) is a Japanese approach to managing complex projects of implementing innovative technologies at the enterprise level in an unstable environment. An analysis of the evolution of PMBOK international standards from the 1st edition of 1996 to the 7th edition of 2021 was carried out, which was characterized in detail and presented the relationship between project management principles and areas of project effectiveness according to PMBOK 7th edition. ISO standards are considered and the main ones related to project management are characterized. The standard method of effective management of Prince 2 and PRINCE 2 Agile projects is studied and the main principles on which they are based are given. The main evolutionary transformations of the IPMA standard from 1965 to 2015 are characterized. Appropriate conclusions have been drawn.

ОСНОВНЫЕ МЕТОДЫ ПО УПРАВЛЕНИЮ КРЕДИТНЫМИ РИСКАМИ ПО ОПЫТУ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫХ БАНКОВСКИХ СИСТЕМ

The article considers the essence of credit risks, as well as the main models for managing them, based on international experience. Undoubtedly, the topic of our study is quite relevant, since at the current level of the world economy and the banking system development, credit risks still take place. Accordingly, any methods that are both directly and indirectly related to the mitigation of certain actual or probable, expected banking threats will always be in great demand. In the course of our research, we studied three main international standards for credit risk management, in particular, COSO-ERM, RMS, and Basel II standards.

Etiology, pathophysiology, and management of Allergic Asthma in Children’s

Many young toddlers experience frequent chest discomfort, wheezing, and coughing. Before the age of six, one-third of preschoolers experience these symptoms, yet only 40% of these wheezing preschoolers go on to develop asthma. The majority of youngsters in older school-aged children suffer asthma. Controlling asthma affects quality of life. Only a small portion of patients who receive asthma therapy succeed in controlling their condition. Even if co-morbidities, an erroneous diagnosis, or subpar inhaling technique could be to blame, non-adherence is frequently the main factor in therapy failures. Non-pharmacological interventions focus on avoiding cigarette smoke and avoiding allergens when a child is allergic. The GINA and the British Guideline for the Therapy of Asthma are two international standards for pharmacological management.

A Future Perspective on Waste Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles in Lao PDR: Current Status and Challenges

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become a hot topic worldwide because they are not only the best alternative for energy storage systems but also have the potential for developing electric vehicles (EVs) that support greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and pollution prevention in the transport sector. However, the recent increase in EVs has brought about a rise in demand for LIBs, resulting in a substantial number of used LIBs. The end-of-life (EoL) of batteries is related to issues including, for example, direct disposal of toxic pollutants into the air, water, and soil, which threatens organisms in nature and human health. Currently, there is various research on spent LIB recycling and disposal, but there are no international or united standards for LIB waste management. Most countries have used a single or combination methodology of practices; for instance, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, direct recycling, full or partial combined recycling, and lastly, landfilling for unnecessary waste. However, EoL LIB recycling is not always easy for developing countries due to multiple limitations, which have been problems and challenges from the beginning and may reach into the future. Laos is one such country that might face those challenges and issues in the future due to the increasing trend of EVs. Therefore, this paper intends to provide a future perspective on EoL LIB management from EVs in Laos PDR, and to point out the best approaches for management mechanisms and sustainability without affecting the environment and human health. Significantly, this review compares the current EV LIB management between Laos, neighboring countries, and some developed countries, thereby suggesting appropriate solutions for the future sustainability of spent LIB management in the nation. The Laos government and domestic stakeholders should focus urgently on specific policies and regulations by including the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme in enforcement.

Risk Management Activities in a Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Team at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Results of a Prospective Analysis.

The objective of the study was to highlight sources of harm that could negatively affect the lung cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) activities to reduce the level of risk of each factor. A modified Delphi approach was used by a board of multi-health care professionals of the lung cancer MDT to identify the main processes, subprocesses, and risk factors of the multidisciplinary pathway of patients with lung cancer. A semiquantitative matrix was built with a five-point scale for probability of harm (likelihood) and severity of harm (consequences) according to the international risk management standards (ISO 31000-2018). The risk level was calculated by multiplying likelihood × consequences. Mitigation strategies have been identified and applied by the MDT to reduce risks to acceptable levels. Three main processes (outpatient specialist visit, MDT discussion, and MDT program implementation), eight related subprocesses, and 16 risk factors were identified. Four risk factors (25%) were related to outpatient specialist visit, seven (43.75%) to case discussion, and five (31.25%) to program implementation. Overall, two risk factors were assigned a low-risk level (12.5%), 11 a moderate-risk level (68.75%), one (6.25%) a high-risk level, and two (12.5%) a very high-risk level. After the implementation of mitigation measures, the new semiquantitative risk analysis showed a reduction in almost all hazardous situations: two risk factors (12.5%) were given a very low level, six (37.5%) a low level, seven (43.75%) a moderate level, and one (6.25%) a very high level. An interdisciplinary risk assessment analysis is applicable to MDT activities by using an ad hoc risk matrix: if the hazard is identified and monitored, the risk could be reduced and managed in a short time.

Риск-ориентированный подход как метод исследования воздействия техногенного подводного шума на морские экосистемы

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses the effect of man-made underwater noise upon marine ecosystems. The purpose was to investigate the international practice of applying the risk-oriented approach to determination of environmental impact for man-made underwater noise in terms of marine ecosystems, as well as to discuss the introduction of risk management tools and conceptual models of ecosystem-based management of man-made underwater noise, including the Arctic areas. Subject matter and methods. This paper is based upon the methodical materials developed by KSRC, international risk management standards, as well as Russian and foreign publications in this field. The study relies on system analysis methods. Main results. The study analysed the results of international investigations regarding the assessment of man-made underwater noise effect upon marine ecosystems using the methodology of environmental risk management. It also discussed conceptual approaches to the assessment of marine noise pollution. As a case study, this paper discussed a regional environmental risk assessment in terms of shipping noise effect upon whales. The study concludes that risk-based and ecosystem-oriented approaches are possible and practicable to apply in man-made underwater noise management so as to preserve biodiversity and environmental status of Russian seas. Conclusion. International projects and programs rely on risk-based assessments in their approaches to the investigation of man-made underwater noise effect upon marine ecosystems. Russia needs its own scientific basis for man-made underwater noise management based on the methodology and practice of risk-oriented approach.

Implementation of Good Practices in Environmental Licensing Processes

One of the main command and control mechanisms for the environment is the environmental licensing process. However, the isolated adoption of this mechanism has not satisfactorily ensured the environmental quality of natural resources. On the other hand, an increasing number of organizations are voluntarily adhering to good environmental practices. As a result, approximating the relationship between command and control instruments (state regulation) and good practices becomes increasingly important for improving the environmental performance of organizations. Within this context, the present work proposes to evaluate how good environmental practices can strengthen and advance current environmental licensing models adopted in South America. This research consists of an exploratory case study, conducted with a qualitative approach. Several countries in South America were evaluated because of the great natural resources that the region has, as well as the European Economic Community, due to their adoption of the so-called “best available techniques” of environmental management since 1996. The results of the study indicated that voluntary adherence to international environmental management standards has evolved in the analyzed countries and that environmental agencies in South American countries could establish legal bases to consolidate the inclusion of good environmental practices in environmental licensing processes. It was also observed that some benefits could be given to organizations that implement good environmental practices, such as granting of licenses with extended terms; debureaucratization (with time gain) of administrative procedures; exemption or reduction of fees; and facilitation of financing. This study could thus support debates for the effective advancement of the current environmental licensing model. However, this hypothesis must be evaluated and consolidated through further research, carried out individually for each country analyzed.

Analytical model for collision probability assessments with large satellite constellations

At a time when space debris are already a growing issue in the space sector, the deployment of large constellations, made of hundreds to thousands of satellites, is of concern from an environmental point of view. In the next decade, the space sector will undergo a considerable change as the population of active satellites is about to quintuple. This scenario will pose new challenges regarding space traffic management, generating the demand for more powerful and efficient tools.In this study, an analytical model for collision probability assessments between de-orbiting or injecting space objects and satellite constellations is presented. Considering the first to be subjected to a continuous tangential acceleration, its spiraling motion would result in a series of close approaches in the proximity of a constellation. The mathematical description of the crossing dynamics relies on the assumptions of circular orbits and independent collision probabilities, but does not require to propagate the satellites’ orbit. The statistical model presented in the current work constitutes an efficient tool for the evaluation of the mean collision probability related to this type of events. A comparison with a propagation method has been performed for validation purposes, showing that the model is capable of delivering accurate results, also in case of elliptical crossing orbits.The statistical model has been used to assess the risk connected to constellation’s satellites replacement, once they have reached their programmed End-of-Life. The environmental impact of the full replacement of 12 approved constellations is analysed by means of average collision probability. In particular, it is shown that the key features for space exploitation sustainability are the maximum thruster acceleration, the size of the satellites and the true anomaly phases between constellations’ and crossing satellites. The consequences of an in-orbit collision are also investigated by assessing the collision risk generated by the formation of a debris cloud.The results corroborate the need for international standards for space traffic management as an exponentially increasing satellite population could trigger a chain reaction of collisions, making Low Earth Orbit inaccessible for decades.

Information security and value creation: The performance implications of ISO/IEC 27001

Although protecting information is the key challenge in a business environment characterized by increasing digitalization and connectivity, the impact of firms’ investments in information security on their financial performance is unclear. In this paper, we focus on ISO/IEC 27001 (i.e., the most renowned norm in the field and the fourth most widespread ISO standard) and analyze the relationship between the attainment of the certification and firms’ financial performance. We developed a set of theory-grounded hypotheses and tested them through a long-term event study complemented by an ordinary least squares regression on a dataset of 143 US-listed companies. The results indicate that the ISO/IEC 27001 certification is associated with improvements in profitability, labor productivity, and (partially) sales performance. The impact appears affected by the level of internationalization of the certified firm. The study contributes to the scientific debate on information security and certifications by developing the first large-scale empirical investigation based on secondary data on the financial implications of ISO/IEC 27001. Moreover, we further deepen the current knowledge on the effects of international management standards on firms’ performance thus enabling comparisons with other major management system standards.

MODELING PROCESSES TO IMPROVE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY ON THE BASIS MODERN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

The article investigates the ways and means of improving and perfecting the occupational safety management system at the enterprises of Ukraine with the help of modern international standards. A detailed analysis of the new international standard ISO 45001 on safety, as well as a model for improving the management system of labor protection at the enterprise. The object of research is international standards for occupational safety and health management. The purpose of the work is to analyze the implementation of a new international standard on occupational safety with the development of a new model of occupational safety management at the enterprise. Research methods – analytical. Quality management of labor protection at enterprises is one of the priority activities of enterprises in order to reduce occupational injuries, improve working conditions and microclimate in the enterprise. In order to effectively manage occupational safety at enterprises, the authors of the article propose the introduction of a new model of occupational safety system management in accordance with the international standard ISO 45001. The research consists in determining the correct approach to the organization of the labor protection system at the enterprises of Ukraine by applying modern international standards for occupational safety and health management, modeling processes to improve the state of labor protection at enterprises The results of research can be recommended for implementation in the management system of labor protection at enterprises of Ukraine.