Management In Iran Research Articles

Evaluating the effect of ocean-atmospheric indices on drought in Iran

This study investigated the relationship between ocean-atmospheric indices and drought in Iran. Using > 30-year precipitation data from 37 synoptic stations (ending 2015), standard precipitation index (SPI) was calculated for periods of 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, 18-, 24-, and 48-month time scales. A set of monthly ocean-atmospheric oscillations (OA) indices including Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), Arctic Oscillation (AO), Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation (AMO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO): (NINO 1.2, NINO 3, NINO 3.4, NINO 4, SOI), and Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMo) were also included in our analysis. The simultaneous relationship between SPI and ocean-atmospheric oscillations was investigated using Spearman’s correlation test. The cross correlation function (CCF) coefficient was also utilized to investigate their asynchronous relationships at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, 18-, 24-, 48-month lag time. Finally, the multivariate linear regression was used to model the end relationships among SPI time-scales and OA indices. AMO and NINO 4 had the most significant and most frequent relationship with SPI in the western and northern parts of Iran. Except for southeastern parts, AMO, NINO 3.4, and NINO 4 had the most significant and most frequent relationship with SPI. Moreover, results showed that asynchronous relationships outperformed simultaneous ones. AMO was recognized as the most important index in modeling the relationship between drought and OA indices across all stations with high potentials to be used for predicting climatic conditions and drought management in Iran.

Perspectives of the tourism development in terms of water crisis (case study of Iran)

The objectives of this paper are to clarify how valuable natural resources associated with tourism industry are; to assess efficiency of the relation between water resources and sustainable development of tourism industry; to promote ecofriendly skills of visitors in order to have an interactive relationship with tourism assets; to maximize economic, social and environmental benefits for both local communities and tourists; to find out the value of Iran’s experience with tourism development with conservation of natural resources for other countries, in particular for Ukraine. Methodology. The research used statistical methods (based on the goals declared in the 20YPPT & SDP plans, Iranian population forecasts, the number of international and domestic tourists in the country is determined before 2025, the amount of water needed for the tourism sector is calculated according to statistics, the amount of available water per capita is calculated and its rate of decline is specified, the volume of water for the domestic sector and necessary for tourists is determined), the study of documents and interviews with experts within Delphi regarding the method of systematic sampling. Results. The authors calculated the predicted values of the influx of foreign and domestic tourists for the period of 2016-2025 based on goals declared in 20YPPT & SDP plans, Iranian population forecasts. Therefore, 7.8 million foreign and 51 million domestic tourists were expected in 2016, and 27.95 million and 53.5 million, respectively in 2025. The volumes of water consumption in the tourism sector are predicted in three scenarios: water use is stable and the same with local residents; water use is twice as much as that of local residents; water use is in parallel with global demand growth rates of 4-8% per year. According to the first scenario, the share of the tourism sector in water use will increase from 6.15% to 19.5%, according to the second one – from 19.1 to 69% and according to the third one – from 7.1% to 37.1%. The first scenario is defined as optimal, the second one is identified as crisis, and the third is considered. The average amount of water required for the tourism sector, taking into account unaccounted water (from 0.53 billion cubic meters in 2016 to 1.24 billion cubic meters in 2025) was also determined. Scientific novelty. In the study, based on 20YPIT and SDP plans, the volume of tourist flows in Iran was predicted, the volume of water consumption in the tourism sector in Iran was predicted in three scenarios, and a conceptual model of the consequences of unplanned water management in Iran’s tourism for 2016-2025 was developed. Practical significance. This study explains the nature of the impact of the tourism sector on water resources until 2025, determines the exact amount of water that tourists may need in these years, which makes it possible to make effective decisions by identifying weaknesses and opportunities.

Service innovation and firm performance: operational experiences in uncertain environments

Innovation is one of the main factors affecting the firms' performance; however, it is less investigated in service firms. This study aims to assess the effect of service innovation on firms' performance in uncertain environments when the market orientation capabilities can help firms to operate more efficiently. Data was collected from travel agency managers in Iran. The results revealed that in stable environments, service innovation affects firm performance indirectly via quality of service and customer satisfaction. But having considered environmental uncertainties, service innovation showed a direct effect on firm performance in addition to indirect effects. Moreover, market sensing and customer linking capabilities are moderating the relationship between service innovation and firm performance in uncertain environments.

Evaluation results of national hospital accreditation program in Iran: The view of hospital managers

BackgroundAccreditation programs have a crucial role in improving the safety and effectiveness of hospital services. Many factors contribute to achieve accreditation goals. This study evaluated the national Iranian hospital accreditation program from the view of hospital managers in Iran. MethodsThe study was conducted in 2015 using a validated questionnaire designed to collect feedback concerning accreditation processes and impacts. In total, 547 managers were surveyed using a stratified random sampling method. A 5-degree scale Likert from totally disagree=1 to totally agree=5 has been used for the evaluation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. ResultsApproximately half of hospital managers were satisfied with the accreditation standards and surveying methods. The reason for their dissatisfaction was the high number of measures (2.38). The main challenges to the accreditation method were reported inadequate surveyor training (2.94) their satisfaction with the infrastructure was low because of a lack of hospital resources. Nonetheless, the accreditation program was perceived as being successful in improving patient safety (3.80), patient compliance (3.72), and error reduction (3.53). ConclusionAn effective accreditation program requires reducing the number of standards and making them clearer as well as the infrastructure for the implementation of accreditation such as sufficient and sustainable funds, enough human resources and equipment should be provided. Appropriate surveyors should be selected and trained professionally to ensure inter-rater reliability among them.

Assessment of sustainability indicators for Iranian fisheries management (case study of Persian Gulf)

The Persian Gulf Iranian fishery, just like many marine fisheries, needs sustainable management. The assessment of the sustainability of the fishery requires the development of a set of local indicators. This paper used an integrated multi-criteria participatory framework as a decision-making approach, to evaluate sustainability relating to ecological, economic, social, technological, and management dimensions. The indicators were modified from appropriate tools such as Rapfish and other reference studies. The determination of the importance of sustainability indicators was performed based on local stakeholders’ opinions in the Persian Gulf, Iran. Three groups of stakeholders in this field have included fishers, managers, and researchers. Also, cognitive mapping as a soft methodology was applied to useful tools, for the assessment of the perceived linkage among indicators. The result of the assessment was analyzed and provided an overview for understanding the decision-making process and how to achieve sustainable fishery management in Iran.

Understanding librarians’ knowledge sharing behavior: The role of organizational climate, motivational drives and leadership empowerment

Library managers in Iran have always been concerned with a low level of knowledge sharing among librarians. Identifying effective factors on librarians' knowledge sharing behavior helps us to understand and improve the situation. Organizational factors are one group of these factors. The effect of organizational climate, employees' motivational drives, and leadership empowerment on the subjective norms, attitude, intention, and knowledge sharing behavior among librarians in public libraries in Iran was studied. A conceptual model was designed in light of the Theory of Reasoned Action. Ten hypotheses were formulated. Data were collected by using a questionnaire and were analyzed using structural equations models. The findings showed that constructive organizational climate and positive motivational drives in public libraries, as well as personal and organizational knowledge sources strengthened by the librarians' ability of leadership have a positive and significant effect on subjective norms, attitude, intention, and knowledge sharing behavior. Such conditions facilitate the process of knowledge sharing in public library environments. Moreover, the study highlights the effect of the librarians' leadership empowerment on their attitude to knowledge sharing behavior by motivational drives.

Competencies Gap in Hospital Management in Tehran, Iran: A Cross-sectional Survey

Competent managers are essential to the efficient, effective and responsive of hospitals. This study aims to determine the competencies gaps in hospital management. This cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire among 127 hospital managers in the Iran. The questionnaire included 61 items and 11 dimensions. Participants were completed on a five-point scale ranging the level of importance that each proposed competency had in their job and to indicate their proficiency in each skill. Managers felt most competent in terms of legal and ethical issues, health delivery, planning, change management. People management, leadership and strategic management and problem-solving were rated as being most important for the efficient and effective management of hospitals. The gaps were highest for people management (–0.97), leadership and strategic management (–0.82) and problem-solving (–0.80). The least skill gaps were in the areas of legal and ethical issues (–0.31), health service delivery (–0.32) and change management (–0.43). The findings of this study reflect the reality of the management in Iran and the needs of managers and will be helpful in the conceptualization, design and delivery of hospital management programmes aimed at improving current and future management and management capacity in the hospital in Iran.

The challenges of hepatitis C management in Iran: A qualitative study with patients.

The patient's perspective concerning the treatment process and the knowledge of the challenges and problems that they encounter can help to improve their treatment conditions. The present study aimed at analyzing the experiences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients in Iran and the challenges encountered during the management and treatment process. Semi-structured in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The criteria for selecting patients were as follows: HCV-positive subjects, with confirmed diagnosis of HCV, and under treatment. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. MAXQDA Ver11 software was used to better manage data. This study is based on the "Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research" (COREQ) checklist. Twenty-one HCV patients were interviewed. The mean age of participants was 36.14 ± 11.29 years. Seven themes with 20 subthemes emerged from the content analysis of the interviews, namely, (a) disease-related stigma, (b) lack of knowledge, (c) psychological problems, (d) financial problems, (e) complications of treatment, (f) lack of family and community support, and (g) health-care system. The findings of this study showed that a range of economic, social, and cultural problems could affect the treatment of HCV patients. Health policy and decision makers should try to provide them with a better management.

Status of Human resources management in Iran’s health sector and the path to development: A qualitative study

Status of Human resources management in Iran’s health sector and the path to development: A qualitative study

Impacts of land use changes and climate variability on transboundary Hirmand River using SWAT

Abstract Many river basins are facing a reduction of flows which might be attributed to changes in climate and human activities. This issue is very important in transboundary river basins, where already existing conflicts about shared water resources between riparian countries can easily escalate. The decrease of streamflow in the transboundary Hirmand (Helmand) River is one of the main challenges for water resources management in Iran and Afghanistan. This research aims to quantify the causes of this problem which has a direct impact on the dryness of the Hamoun wetlands being an international Ramsar site. To achieve this, the land use changes in the Middle Helmand Basin (MHB) in Afghanistan were evaluated for three time periods between 1990 and 2011 using remote sensing data and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model for understanding watershed response to environmental changes. It was concluded that the total irrigated area in the region has increased from 103,000 ha in 1990 to 122,000 ha in 2001 and 167,000 ha in 2011 (62% increase). According to the results, the average annual discharge when adapting the land use during the simulations was 4,787 million cubic meters (MCM)/year and while employing the land use of 1990 from the beginning of the simulations, the average annual discharge was 5,133 MCM/year. Therefore, the agricultural developments in the Helmand basin decreased the discharge with about 346 MCM/year accompanying an increase of 64,000 ha in an irrigated area in MHB after 1990. Notably, the impact of land use change increases significantly for more recent periods and causes a reduction of 810 MCM in annual streamflow for the MHB. The amount of water depletion (i.e. actual evapotranspiration) per hectare has increased from 5,690 in 1985 to 7,320 m3 in 2012. The applied methodology of this study is useful to cope with such a data scarcity region. It can help quantify the impact of land use change on the region and formulates strategies that can improve the situation between Iran and Afghanistan.

Leadership effectiveness of hospital managers in Iran: a qualitative study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the leadership effectiveness of hospital managers in Iran. Design/methodology/approach Top managers (15), middle managers (10) and operational managers (5) of public, private or social security hospitals in Tehran participated in a qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were recorded, transcribed and then analyzed via MAXQDA 10 software. Findings The findings were categorized into two main themes of internal and external factors with eight sub-themes. The most important internal factors that had an influence on the leadership of the hospital managers were intra-organizational relations, manager’s personality traits, knowledge, attitude and skills of the manager. The most important external factors included extra-organizational relations, macro-level health policies, access to special financial resources, and social, economic and political factors. Research limitations/implications The results call for a need to understand and analyze the socioeconomic factors influencing managers’ leadership while adopting appropriate strategies. Practical implications The results of the current study can help design training programs for hospital managers, and suggest criteria for appointing hospital managers across the country and this can enhance the effectiveness of their leadership. Health sector policymakers and decision makers should reform the programs that target training and empowerment of hospital managers so that the right people with the right competencies will hold such positions. Social implications The results of this study showed that leadership effectiveness is also influenced by social and external factors. On the other hand, the effectiveness of management leadership can play a significant role in the quality of care provided to the community, patient satisfaction and in hospital social performance through the appropriate management of all hospital resources. Such factors should also be considered in training and appointing hospital managers. Originality/value Although there are several studies on hospital managers’ leadership worldwide, this study is the first to investigate the leadership effectiveness of hospital managers in Iran.

Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the Interpretation of Self-Determination

The legitimacy of the partition of Ireland has been inextricably bound up with interpretations of self-determination. The creation of Northern Ireland following the First World War was just about defensible in terms of the understanding of the principle of national self-determination prevalent at the time. But in the context of the post-colonial emphasis on territory in establishing who was entitled to self-determination, Northern Ireland’s status as a conditional part of the United Kingdom appeared anomalous and facilitated the province’s portrayal as a colonial leftover. The Troubles compounded Northern Ireland’s lack of international legitimacy. In the 1990s there were further changes, including a post–Cold War easing of the anathema against secession. This and other alterations in the interpretation of self-determination meant that Northern Ireland no longer stood out as a relic of imperialism, creating the space for the acceptance of Northern Ireland as an internationally legitimate political entity under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. This favorable external environment for the settlement did not endure. Of the external challenges to the accord, the most serious is Brexit. Its implementation would end what was taken for granted in the 1998 accord, that British and Irish management of the Northern Ireland problem would continue to be facilitated by the two countries’ common interests arising from their membership of the European Union. The article explores the implications of this potential disruption and its bearing on the issue of Irish self-determination.

Two-Decade Experience of Crimean-Conge Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) Management in Iran

Two-Decade Experience of Crimean-Conge Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) Management in Iran

Current status and future perspectives of solid waste management in Iran: a critical overview of Iranian metropolitan cities.

By growing urban population, Iran faces numerous environmental issues and solid waste management is on the top of these problems. Studies showed that a daily average of 700-1000g of wastes are produced per person in Iran, in which organic waste accounts for a significant amount. On the other hand, hospital waste represents a part of the wastes, which need careful consideration from the environmental point of view. In the present study, the amount, composition, and management of urban and hospital wastes were evaluated in 7 Iranian metropolises, which account for about 30% of the population and produce about 35% of the country wastes. Based on prior surveys, landfill method is the current main method for waste management in these cities, which is generally not completely sanitary and therefore causes many environmental problems. The other common methods for waste management in these cities are composting of organic wastes, and the use of waste conversion methods to energy. However, the latter is ongoing only in Tehran which also includes some limitations. Therefore, the study also evaluated the future perspectives and feasibility of waste-to-energy conversion as a promising economic route for waste disposal.

Challenges Imposed by Water Resource Management in Iran

Challenges Imposed by Water Resource Management in Iran

Evaluating the Possibility of Establishing Knowledge Management in State Welfare Organization of Iran

Today, knowledge is seen as the only assuring source of a competitive constant merit for organizations. Organizations have realized that their knowledge of methods for accomplishing tasks and of providing services is an important asset to be managed like their other valuable assets. Before exercising knowledge management, vast studies on the field seem necessary. In doing so, this research has been done with the purpose of evaluating the possibility of establishing the knowledge management in State Welfare Organization of Iran (SWOI). Methodology: For this study, descriptive research method was used for gathering data. In doing so, 208 managers and experts from SWOI were selected using stratified random sampling method; and, they answered 80 question questionnaires. Its Content Validity has been approved by the experts. Results: The Reliability (Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha) of all the factors was more than 0.7 which is in an acceptable limit. After performing Shapiro and Wilk test and after being sure that data are normally distributed, results from data analysis using One Sample t Test showed that from 7 factors of Bukowitz and Williams knowledge management model, conditions of 6 factors (finding, use, learning, evaluation, development /maintenance, and the removal of the knowledge) of the research hypotheses are not acceptable and only knowledge sharing and exchanging calculated average, 3.18, is above the average line. Moreover, there is no significant difference, (p>0.05), observed among subjectsʼ averages based on cognitive factors of sex, position, etc. But there is a significant difference, (P<0.05), in education level variable in indices of knowledge finding, knowledge learning, and removal of knowledge. Effect size index, too, shows that the biggest difference is related to subscale of removal of knowledge. Conclusion: Finally, we can evaluate conditions of processes necessary for establishing knowledge management in Iran as not acceptable which makes it as a necessity for those in charge to pay attention to it. At the end of the research, applied suggestions are provided too.

Status of Human resources management in Iran's health sector and the path to development: A qualitative study.

Background: Resource generation, stewardship, financing, and provision of health care services are 4 major functions of the health system. In this study, human resource management, as a vital aspect of resource generation, was studied and some interventions have been suggested for Iran. Methods: This was a mixed method study. Data were collected through the review of the relevant articles and government documents, interviews with human resources managers and experts in the health sector, and focus group discussions with selected authorities. The interview questions were based on a model proposed by the WHO. Results: The collected data were categorized into 3 broad sets: description of the current status, factors contributing to the current status, and suggested interventions for improvement. Lack of a comprehensive human resources management policy and inattention to the human resources management in the developmental plans are some of the most common problems in Iran’s health sector. Also, unequal distribution, unemployment, migration of graduates, and inadequate and ineffective participation of faculty members in universities are some other problems referred to as lack of a unified stewardship and dearth of a comprehensive human resources planning. Suggested interventions have focused on stewardship function of the health care system. Conclusion: A policy brief on the human resources for health needs should be developed and added as a separate article to the upstream documents of the country (eg, Iran’s 20-year outlook plan). Implementing and monitoring operational plans for policy execution at Ministry of health has a major role in executing the adopted strategies.

Leadership in limbo: Characteristics of successful incident commanders in health sector of a disaster-prone country.

Iran, as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, is exposed to a wide range of hazards. Hence, the health sector should be prepared to deal with the consequences of emergencies. This study aimed to explore Iranian disaster management status and to identify the necessary characteristics of successful incident commanders in this field. A qualitative content analysis was designed using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 commanders and experts, selected by purposeful sampling, who had first-hand experiences in managing health disasters. Field notes, formal institutional reports, and photos were employed as well. Verbatim transcribed interviews and other data sources were analyzed using constant comparison method. Ethical issues were considered carefully throughout the study process. Two main themes were developed: The first theme, "limbo situation," as expression of the problem describes inadequacies and complexities of disaster management in Iranian health sector, including seven categories. The second theme was "effective disaster leadership" consisting of "commanders' traits" and "commanders' competencies" as subthemes. The study demonstrated the chaotic feature of disaster management in Iran and probably some other developing countries, with crucial and unclear role of field commanders. Working under stress, time pressure, uncertainty, and management of paradoxes needs timely and on-field decision making. This study revealed that Iranian health sector incident commanders should be transformational leaders with the ability of influencing subordinate staff and have Janusian thinking skills for overcoming the existing limbo situation.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES LISTED ON THE TEHRAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Purpose–Cash is one of the most important assets to business firms. To evaluate a business firm, the competencies of a firm in creating and increasing the cash are of great importance for investors, creditors, and other beneficiaries. So, the main objective of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between cash flow management and firm financial performance in Iran. Design/methodology/approach – In the present study, using the data of 155 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2009-2016, panel data, and multivariable regression, we tried to analyze the relationship cash flow management and financial performance. Findings –The results obtained indicated that there is a relationship between the decrease (increase) of cash conversion cycle and operational cash conversion cycle and the improvement (debilitation) of financial performance. Moreover, the pending period for collection of sales revenue, cash conversion cycle, and operational cash conversion cycle is the Granger Cause of return on assets. Originality/value – Since a few studies have been conducted on cash flow management in Iran, the current study has covered the topic in Iran..

Health Cube with School of Empathy and Stress Reduction for Iranian Drivers New Tools for Traffic Psychology and Biocentric Health Management in Iran

Health Cube with School of Empathy and Stress Reduction for Iranian Drivers New Tools for Traffic Psychology and Biocentric Health Management in Iran