Large Organizations Research Articles

Age-friendly human resource practices: a comparison of Baltic and Nordic countries

PurposeDue to population ageing, the European Union (EU) has adopted active ageing as a guiding principle in labour and retirement policies. Among the strategies for active ageing, age-friendly workplaces play a crucial role. This study compares age-friendly human resource (HR) practices in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The latter are pioneers in active ageing, and as the employment rate of older employees in the Baltics is like that in the Nordic countries, we may assume equally age-friendly workplaces in both regions.Design/methodology/approachWe used the latest CRANET survey data (2021–2022) from 1,452 large firms in seven countries and constructed the fuzzy logic model on age-friendliness at the workplace.FindingsDespite a high employment rate of older individuals in the Baltics, HR practices in these countries fall short of being age-friendly compared to their Nordic counterparts. Larger firms in the Nordic countries excel in every studied aspect, but deficiencies in the Baltics are primarily attributed to the absence of employer-provided health and pension schemes. The usage of early retirement is more frequent in the Nordic countries; however, its conceptualisation as an age-friendly HR practice deserves closer examination. Our findings suggest that the success of active ageing in employment has translated into age-friendly HR practices in larger organisations in the Nordics, but not in the Baltics. It is likely that high employment of older individuals in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is a result of the relative income poverty rate.Originality/valueOur model represents one of the few attempts to utilise fuzzy logic methodology for studying human resource practices and their quantitative evaluation, especially concerning age-friendly workplaces.

ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)

Business technology tends to maximize the use of technology within the company to meet the demands and desires of customers. However, technology has also the potential to benefit management and business practices. Several factors influence an organization's decision to use new technology. Some of these factors are: to increase results, to improve the product, to reduce the dependence on specialized work as well as to keep up with the latest trends and developments. Technology is important because it can be a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talented employees. However, technology also has the potential for it the management and practices of businesses also benefit. The purpose of this study is to determine how the introduction of technology affects different business processes. Also, in this paper, we will try to identify the effects and advantages of the application of technology to small and medium enterprises in North Macedonia and Kosovo. Technology has revolutionized the way enterprises conduct business, enabling small businesses to catch up with larger organizations. Small businesses use a variety of technologies to develop competitive advantages in the economic marketplace as well as increase the productivity of their employees. Small and medium business owners should consider implementing technology in their planning process for easier integration and the possibility of future expansion. The results from this study suggest that SMEs may be able to increase their business capacity when innovations and technologies are applied.

The Mediation Effect of Customer Satisfaction in the Relationship between CSR and Financial Performance: An Empirical Study in Large Companies in Serbia

Although corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be examined from the point of view of the fundamental philosophy of business and society, many companies focus solely on profit. The main goal of this research is the investigation of the relationship between CSR and organizational financial performance, and the role of customer satisfaction in the proposed relationship. To investigate the proposed relationships, PLS–SEM analysis was performed using the statistical software Smart PLS. The sample used for this study consists of 165 large companies that operate in the Republic of Serbia, each with more than 250 employees (large organizations). The obtained results showed that in companies in Serbia, there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between CSR and customer satisfaction and a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between CSR and financial performance. Regarding the mediating role of customer satisfaction in explaining the relationship between CSR and financial performance, a positive full mediation relationship was found. Theoretical and managerial implications are also provided.

Life Cycle Comparative Assessment of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Bottles: A Case Study of Drinking Bottled Water in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand

In the current context where all sectors aim to promote sustainable development, hospitals, as large organizations with significant human interactions, face challenges in managing not only medical waste but also general waste such as water bottles. Improper management of these wastes can lead to environmental problems and high disposal costs. This study performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) of regular (petroleum-based) and alternative (bio-based) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, to identify effective strategies for mitigating environmental impacts. The assessment was divided into three scenarios: label-free bottles, bio-based bottles, and 100% recycling. The results indicate that using label-free bottles instead of conventional ones merely reduces environmental impacts by 2%. Transitioning to 30% and 100% bio-based PET can decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7 and 13 tons of CO2 eq per year, respectively. Currently, the hospital's PET bottles contribute 56.2 tons of CO2 eq annually. Health impacts associated with conventional PET bottles amount to 11.70 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a comprehensive measure that includes both mortality and morbidity. Meanwhile, 30% and 100% bio-based bottles reduce this to 7.35 and 4.87 DALYs, respectively. Achieving 100% recyclability in bottle management can cut GHG emissions from disposal processes by up to 90%. Moreover, combining the use of 100% bio-based PET bottles with 100% recycling can lower GHG emissions by up to 40% compared to current practices. These findings highlight the potential for significant environmental and health benefits through improved bottled water management strategies in hospitals.

Do we care? Reporting of genetic diagnoses in multidisciplinary intellectual disability care: a retrospective chart review

BackgroundAdvances in understanding the etiology of intellectual disability (ID) has led to insights in potential (targeted) treatments and personalized care. Implications of ID on health are often complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. The aim was to investigate the reporting of genetic diagnoses in multidisciplinary ID care and to identify associated clinical and demographic factors.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on a randomly selected sample of individuals (n = 380) of a large ID care organization in the Netherlands. Data on genetic etiology, including genetic testing and diagnoses, and clinical and demographic characteristics were collected from files held by multidisciplinary team members.ResultsReports on genetic etiology were available in 40% of the study sample (n = 151), with a genetic diagnosis recorded in 34% (n = 51), which is 13% of the total sample. In those with reported genetic diagnoses, this was reported in 90% of medical, 39% of psychodiagnostic, and 75% of professional caregivers’ files. Older age, mild ID, and the legal representative not being a family member were associated with less reported information on genetic etiology.ConclusionsThis study revealed that genetic diagnoses were often not reported in ID care files. Recommendations were formulated to reduce delay in diagnosis, and enable personalized care for individuals with ID.

The Development of an Instrument to Assess the Areas Where Enterprise Architecture Contributes to Organizational Goals

ABSTRACT This paper presents an instrument to assess the value of Enterprise Architecture (EA) to an organization. The instrument builds on EA value items as described in the literature and consists of three questionnaires targeted at developers, implementers, and users of EA. By comparing the outcomes with the organization’s goals, gaps can be identified and recommendations made to optimize the extent to which the EA function is value-driven. The instrument is validated in three large organizations.

Risks of AI Applications Used in Higher Education

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more widely used in higher education, we must pay attention to the risks that can emerge. AI projects, whether applied in classroom learning or used for decision-making regarding admissions, financial aid allocation, or hiring, must include attention to governance and compliance issues, regardless of the project’s scope and scale. Concerns highlighted in this work include transparency, user privacy, data confidentiality, data integrity, and system availability, however, we note that this is a non-exhaustive list of risks. In this paper, risk assessment is defined, and two examples of risk management frameworks, namely the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework and the non-profit humanitarian effort ForHumanity’s Independent Audit of AI, Algorithmic, and Autonomous Systems are briefly described. We identify characteristics of AI applications that need to be assessed for vulnerabilities they may present, such as bias and discrimination. This paper aims to facilitate discussion among stakeholders about the risks that may be encountered from using AI in higher education, as well as to suggest ways developers, decision-makers, and users can mitigate these risks. Much discussion and published literature has focused on risk management frameworks designed for large organizations or enterprises or frameworks that do not consider risks specific to AI. We hope that decision-makers carefully consider the risks, perform due diligence when implementing AI applications, and create a plan for mitigating the risks. This research supports e-learning practice because students and faculty are embracing AI applications. Leaders and decision-makers in higher education need to be proactive in protecting their varied stakeholders. The paper asks what risks may be encountered by institutions of higher education when using AI tools and products in the classroom and for various aspects of decision-making and if published frameworks can mitigate these risks.

A SWOT Analysis of Organizations in the Agri-Food Chain Sector from the Northern Region of Portugal Using the PESTEL and MEETHS Frameworks

Research on modern agri-food chains aims to enhance flexibility by analyzing supply chain aspects to identify improvement opportunities. A SWOT analysis of 39 agri-food sector organizations using a SWOT analysis organized using the PESTEL and MEETHS categories was conducted to evaluate the stakeholders’ needs in this sector of activity in Northern Portugal. Logistic regressions were used to compute inferential statistics, which were complemented with a qualitative analysis. Cooperatives and primary sector companies often claim superior product quality without clear evidence, while corporations integrated into competitive national markets, like those with smoked products, adapt better to dietary trends. Small- and medium-sized enterprises struggle with competitive wages, leading to high turnover and difficulty retaining skilled workers. High costs hinder many organizations, particularly cooperatives, from adopting modern communication technologies affecting competitiveness. Challenges include identifying market opportunities and managing global competition for raw materials, like wild fish. Fishing and meat sectors depend heavily on modern distribution and are dominated by large retailers. Low labor costs boost competitiveness but reflect the struggle to add value. Larger organizations are more optimistic though many face challenges with the cost and volatility of key products, like pork and milk. This study offers the following key recommendations: invest in technology and innovation while balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability; strengthen strategic planning and collaboration among corporations, cooperatives, associations, and academic institutions; and adapt to regulatory changes, invest in market and technological capabilities, and address resource limitations. Research and collaboration with policymakers and academic institutions will support tailored solutions, enabling the sector to anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Developing innovation culture in traditional Asian corporations – the case of four large business organisations in Thailand

ABSTRACT This study investigates factors affecting innovation culture in ASEAN economies and proposes a model for building innovation culture in traditional organisations. Using multiple-case analysis, the research examines four large Thai businesses across conglomerate, retail, communication, and support service sectors. We employ qualitative methods, including interviews with innovation centre directors, mid-level management, and staff, to gather insights. The study identifies key strategies for fostering innovation culture in traditional Asian organisations by analysing commonalities. The resulting model emphasises leadership, strategy, and resource allocation as crucial elements for building and maintaining an innovative culture. This research contributes to both theoretical understanding of innovation culture in traditional Asian business organisations and practical application in organisation development. The findings provide valuable insights how to overcome cultural obstacles and foster innovation in traditional ASEAN economies to improve their global competitiveness by creating a corporate culture favourable for innovation.

Symptom vs context: lessons learned from a large-scale implementation of the Cultural Formulation Interview.

Mental health services in multicultural societies require culturally sensitive approaches to reduce health disparities. The Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) is thought to enhance shared decision making and to facilitate culturally and contextually informed treatment. There is, however, little known regarding its implementability in large-scale psychiatric services. The current paper reports on (a) efforts to implement the CFI in a large organization for mental health services in the Netherlands, and (b) two studies that evaluated this implementation process and identified barriers to CFI adoption in clinical practice. Implementation of the CFI was facilitated by developing an online course, an advanced training of "team coaches", (digital) resources, and integrating the CFI questions into the intake format. A preliminary evaluation revealed that the CFI was administered in only 13.2% of all intakes across the entire organization, with minimal utilization of training resources. Study 1 aimed to investigate how the CFI was perceived by clinicians and stakeholders. A survey of 150 clinicians found a great lack of familiarity with the CFI and its purpose. While 67% reported partial CFI use, 50% saw no added value, and 61% deemed it relevant only for ethnic minorities. Study 2 examined which patient and clinician variables were associated with adequate CFI use (i.e., correct documentation of the CFI information in initial intake reports). The sample consisted of 112 intakes of patients conducted by ten clinicians. Regression analysis showed a significant association between clinicians' cultural competences and adequate CFI use, meaning that more culturally competent clinicians tended to generate better cultural assessments using the CFI. In addition, the CFI information was documented more adequately among patients who were unemployed at the time of assessment. In conclusion, implementation of the CFI requires a fundamental rethinking of the entire intake assessment, shifting it from a symptom-oriented approach towards a context- and person-centered one. Future trainings may benefit from embedding the CFI within a broader cultural competency training, rather than solely focusing on the CFI, which is currently the common practice.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Rates Among Staff in Community Mental Health and Substance Use Organizations.

This article explores the historic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on turnover rates among staff in community mental health and substance use organizations in the United States. While existing literature extensively covers turnover in physical healthcare settings, the mental health and substance use sector's unique challenges have received less attention. The study utilizes a six-year dataset from a large multi-service organization in the northeast to analyze turnover patterns before, during, and after the pandemic. Key findings include a spike in turnover during the pandemic, particularly in Hospital Diversion Programs, and significant variations by age and gender. Despite the pandemic not significantly affecting overall turnover rates, the results offer insights into specific groups at risk for turnover, such as staff under 29 years old. The study concludes by discussing the implications for targeted retention strategies, especially as mental health organizations nationwide adopt the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center model.

112 Promoting Physical Activity in Workplaces: The Integral Role of Well-being Management

Abstract Purpose The primary purpose of the research was to find out how employers in Finland support physical activity at workplaces and how physical activity is related to the management of well-being at work. In the new government program in Finland, physical activity is integrated as a part of developing work ability and well-being at work. Methods The Adults on the Move program conducted the Finnish barometer on physical activity at workplaces. The research was carried out by interviewing 300 employers representing five industries and 1100 employees. The role of the management practices on activity of worksite physical activity was analyzed using regression analysis. Indicators were formed from the data. Results In the barometer, questions were related to physical activity as well as to the management of well-being at work. The basic decisions of well-being management are setting the goal, making the plan, and deciding the responsibility of the supervisors. The results showed that the implementation of physical activity at workplaces is strongly linked to the quality of well-being management. When all three basic decisions of well-being management are implemented, the action to increase physical activity is carried out most effectively: • Most diverse task-specific physical activity solutions are in use, • Physical activity is taken into account in remote work, • Physical activity suppors recovery, • Physical activity is part of the cooperation with occupational health care, • Physical activity is included in supervisor coaching and training and further in personnel development discussions. Conclusions The level of well-being management is thus related to the implementation and diversity of physical activity at workplaces. Basic management decisions were more commonly made in large organizations. The management of small and medium-sized companies needs training on physical activity and well-being at work, so that the means of physical activity for the personnel would be optimal and high-quality. In this way, work ability and well-being at work are increased through physical activity. Funding Adults on the Move Program, Ministry of Education and Culture.

Towards a Crisis Management Playbook: Hospice and Palliative Team Members’ Views Amid COVID-19

ContextThe critical role of hospice and palliative care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is well recognized, but there is limited evidence to guide healthcare leadership through future crises. ObjectivesOur goal was to support future organizational resilience by exploring hospice and palliative team members’ perspectives on crisis leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City (NYC). MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study used individual, semi-structured interviews of purposively sampled interdisciplinary team members. Enrollment sites were two large NYC metro hospice care organizations and one outpatient palliative care practice. We asked participants to complete a demographic form and a 45–60 minute interview. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, for data analysis. We triangulated the data by presenting preliminary study findings to a group of clinicians (n=21) from one of the referring organizations. ResultsParticipants (n=30) were professionally diverse (e.g., nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, administrators), experienced (mean=17 years; 10 years in hospice), and highly educated (83% ≥ master's degree). About half (n=15) self-identified as white, non-Hispanic, and nearly half (n=13) self-identified as being from a racial/ethnic minoritized group. Two (n=2) did not wish to self-identify. We identified four themes that reflected challenges and adaptive responses to providing care during a crisis: Stay Open and Stay Safe; Act Flexibly; Lead Adaptively; and Create a Culture of Solidarity. ConclusionWhile additional work is indicated, findings offer direction for a crisis management playbook to guide leadership in hospice, palliative care, and other healthcare settings in future crises.

Abstract P333: Predicted Nationwide Health and Economic Impacts of the AMA MAP TM Hypertension Program to Improve Hypertension Control

Introduction: Lack of actionable blood pressure (BP) measurements, therapeutic inertia, and suboptimal patient self-management are three key barriers to better BP control. To help address these barriers, the American Medical Association developed the Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, and Partner with Patients Hypertension (MAP TM HTN) quality improvement program. Methods: To estimate the 10-year health and economic outcomes achieved when healthcare delivery systems adopt MAP HTN, HealthPartners Institute's ModelHealth™: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) microsimulation model was applied to conduct “what if” analyses for adopting MAP HTN nationwide and in care delivery systems of varying size. MAP HTN targets patients aged 18 to 85 years with diagnosed hypertension. To account for newly diagnosed hypertensive patients over time and outcomes that follow exposure to the program after age 85, the simulation model predicted outcomes for a dynamic cross-section of U.S. adults aged 18 to 100 years. This study was conducted from the health care sector perspective, including that of the payers for medical services and the health care delivery system that provides these services. Risk equations to predict the incidence of CVD events were derived from Framingham Heart Study data and are based upon the following risk factors: age, sex, body mass index, systolic BP (SBP), lipid levels, smoking status, diabetes status, and CVD history. Modeled outcomes over 10 years included prevalence of SBP ≥140 mmHg; incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and CVD-related mortality; averted medical costs in 2021 U.S. dollars; and net costs. Results: Nationwide adoption of MAP HTN was predicted to improve mean BP control by 4.3% and prevent 601000 CVD events, with 85000 fewer myocardial infarctions, 164000 fewer strokes and 120000 fewer CVD deaths over 10 years as compared to usual care. The majority (93%) of the estimated $17.9 billion in averted costs were among Medicare beneficiaries. Total costs of implementing MAP HTN was $12.6 billion, resulting in a predicted $5.3 billion in net savings to the health care sector over 10 years. Small and large care delivery organizations could economically benefit from implementing MAP HTN at varying levels (5-50%) of shared cost savings from payers. Conclusions: The model demonstrates that AMA’s MAP HTN has the potential to improve population health and provide a positive business case by averting future myocardial infarctions, strokes, and CVD deaths.

Nurse experiences and perspectives with missed nursing care during COVID-19: A qualitative study.

This study aimed to determine clinical nurse and nurse manager perspectives on missed nursing care (MNC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Data were obtained through focus groups and virtual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select nurse and nurse manager participants in COVID-19 units and the Emergency Department in one large healthcare organization in the northeastern United States of America. A total of 15 nurses and nurse managers participated in the study. Results revealed five categories: medication delivery, turning patients, double checks, communication and rapport, and patient surveillance. A variety of factors contributed to the perceptions and experiences of MNC of COVID-19 patients during the early stage of the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis put additional and unparalleled pressure on a strained nursing workforce. Hospital leaders are responsible for ensuring their frontline nurses have the resources they need to feel supported in their roles regardless of the presenting circumstances. Nurse leaders should employ evidence-based strategies such as promoting and championing teamwork to support staff and reduce incidences of MNC during crises. Our current work may serve as a basis for informing future revisions of pre-pandemic measurement tools when applied in a pandemic-specific context. This manuscript adheres to the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR); a synthesis of recommendations. There was not patient or public contribution for this study.

Working Women’s Work Engagement and Life Satisfaction in Sabah, Malaysia: Marital Status as the Moderator

Work engagement is a vital practice that should be encouraged among employees and employers, particularly within large companies or organizations. This importance arises from the fact that such entities typically have multiple divisions and sub-divisions, including departments and sections. Work engagement plays a crucial role in fostering effective teamwork among employees and employers across these various departments. While the interplay between work engagement and life satisfaction has been explored in both Western and non-Western studies, there is limited research on this topic within the context of Sabah, Malaysia. Moreover, research focusing on the relationship between work engagement and life satisfaction in Sabah remains relatively sparse. This study aims to investigate the role of marital status as a moderator in the relationship between dimensions of work engagement and dimensions of life satisfaction. A total of 348 female government servants participated in this research, which employed a snowball sampling method. Data collection was concentrated in the district of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Questionnaires, both online and physical, were distributed among the participants. The findings suggest that marital status moderates the relationship between work engagement and life satisfaction among female government servants in Kota Kinabalu. Furthermore, marital status partially moderates the relationship between their dedication to job responsibilities and their cognitive life satisfaction.

Program Merge: What's Deep Learning Got to Do with It?

If you regularly work with open-source code or produce software for a large organization, you're already familiar with many of the challenges posed by collaborative programming at scale. Some of the most vexing of these tend to surface as a consequence of the many independent alterations inevitably made to code, which, unsurprisingly, can lead to updates that don't synchronize. Difficult merges are nothing new, of course, but the scale of the problem has gotten much worse. This is what led a group of researchers at MSR (Microsoft Research) to take on the task of complicated merges as a grand program-repair challenge, one they believed might be addressed at least in part by machine learning.

Enhancing community-oriented care: Implementation of social prescribing within a family health team.

High quality comprehensive primary care is essential for the health and well-being of individuals and communities, but the provision of health services is inadequate to fully address these needs. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor health outcomes and are increasingly prevalent among older adults. The St. Michael's Hospital Academic Family Health Team, a large interdisciplinary primary care organization that serves approximately 55,000 people in the downtown east of Toronto, Ontario, developed and implemented a social prescribing program to support socially isolated and lonely older adults. This article reports the development of that program-called SEED (Seniors, Equity, Engagement, and Dignity)-and describes opportunities and challenges and some preliminary results from the first year. By supporting people in new ways, this program aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation, increase capacity within the family health team, and support diverse older adults to live fulfilling lives.

Historical Studies: The Social Life Of Muslim Minorities In The United States

This article describes the history of Islamic civilization in the Muslim minority country of America. The United States is secular but provides opportunities for every religion to grow and develop. The development of Islam in America cannot be separated from the scholars there. The method used in this paper is the Library research method (literature study). The results of this study noted that Islam is very developed in America compared to other religions when many Americans embrace Islam. Several Islamic financial and banking institutions were established in America Finance House Riba in California, which offers home financing based on Sharia principles. In addition, the emergence of Islamic economics and finance in this country was not as smooth as in other countries. Muslim minorities have established large organizations to help each other, such as ISNA, CAIR, and Islamic Relief USA.

أثر تطبيق معايير إدارة المخاطر ISO 31000 على فعالية إدارة المخاطر في الشركات السعودية البتروكيماوية

This study investigates the impact of implementing ISO 31000 risk management standards on the effectiveness of risk management at Saudi petrochemical companies, a leading company in the petrochemical industry. ISO 31000 is a globally recognized framework that provides principles and guidelines for managing risks systematically and effectively. The study begins with an overview of the importance of risk management in large organizations, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by companies in a complex and dynamic environment. It then reviews ISO 31000 standards, including its core principles and framework aimed at improving the risk identification, assessment, and treatment processes. Additionally, the study examines the current risk management practices at Saudi petrochemical companies and evaluates how the application of ISO 31000 standards has influenced these practices. The research employs a methodology that includes collecting data through surveys and interviews with employees and risk management officials at the company, as well as analyzing relevant documents related to processes and policies. The findings indicate that the implementation of ISO 31000 has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of risk management at Saudi petrochemical companies. Notable benefits include improved risk identification and assessment accuracy, as well as the development of more effective risk treatment strategies. The standards also contributed to raising risk awareness within the company and fostering a more adaptive organizational culture capable of addressing new challenges. The study also identifies some challenges encountered during the application of the standards, such as the need for ongoing training and the development of advanced analytical tools. However, the benefits achieved outweigh these challenges, suggesting that investing in ISO 31000 implementation can be highly valuable for leading companies. Based on the results, the study recommends continuing to enhance the application of ISO 31000 across all departments within the company, developing regular training programs to ensure employee adherence to the standards, and further improving the tools and methods used in risk management to achieve optimal effectiveness. This study provides valuable insights into improving risk management in large organizations and offers practical models that other companies across various sectors can benefit from.