Management Initiatives Research Articles

Carbon emission reduction initiatives: Lessons from the REDD+ process of the Asia and Pacific region

Carbon emission reduction through land use management and forest-based initiatives such as REDD+ depends on multiple factors, including awareness programs, capacity building and inclusive design, and equitable and transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms. Even after a couple of decades of discussion over the REDD+ process, there have still been many contested issues that need to be resolved. Taking the case of three countries in the Asia and Pacific Region ― Vietnam, Nepal, and Fiji, ― at different stages of the REDD+, we have mapped the countries’ progress toward emission reduction program and its benefit-sharing mechanism, documented the perceived impact of a capacity building program and provided the stakeholders’ perspective on the performance of REDD+ program. Our study shows REDD+ participating countries are implementing various REDD+ capacity-building programs, but having a different level of impact from the stakeholders’ perspective. Multilevel governance presents challenges for REDD+ outcomes, as REDD+-related policies and legislations are constrained within the forest ministry but not in other sector ministries, leading to both vertical and horizontal coordination issues. Much emphasis has been given to the technical content of capacity-building programs but little has been done to enhance the functional capacity of REDD+ implementers, especially of Indigenous People and Local Communities. The decision-making process on emission reduction benefit-sharing is neither transparent nor inclusive. Although various social safeguard mechanisms are proposed by the studied countries, there is still a huge gap in understanding the impact capacity building programs in inclusive decision-making, and equitable benefit sharing for Indigenous people. REDD+ stakeholders perceived that REDD+ can be a promising financial tool for developing countries and also contribute to non-carbon benefits, but the prospects of benefit-sharing plans are not fairly inclusive. Increasing transparency and accountability through digital platforms, raising the carbon price from $5/tCO2, adopting unified safeguards, and strengthening horizontal and vertical collaboration at all levels are pivotal for the REDD+ program to generate manifold environmental and livelihood benefits in the Asia and Pacific Region.

Predicting the Population Size and Potential Habitat Distribution of Moschus berezovskii in Chongqing Based on the MaxEnt Model

The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is a national Class I protected wild animal in China, and the IUCN Red list classifies it as globally endangered. It has significant value in traditional Chinese medicine and spices. However, wild M. berezovskii has faced a severe population decline due to human hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation. Thus, studying its population size and distribution pattern is of great importance to develop effective conservation measures. Here, we determined the optimal MaxEnt model and used stratified sampling and the fecal pile counting method to predict the population size and potential habitat distribution of wild M. berezovskii in Chongqing using 133 species distribution points and 28 environmental variables. The results were as follows: (1) When the optimal model parameters were RM = 3.5 and FC = LQHPT, it had high model prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.909 ± 0.010, TSS = 0.663). (2) Under various climatic, topographic, vegetation, and anthropogenic disturbance scenarios, M. berezovskii was primarily distributed in northern, eastern, southwestern regions of Chongqing, covering an area of approximately 5562.80 km2. (3) The key environmental factors affecting the potential habitat distribution of M. berezovskii were elevation (36.5%), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 16.6%), slope (11.8%), and land-use type (7.6%), whereas climate and anthropogenic disturbance factors had relatively little influence. (4) A population estimation for M. berezovskii identified approximately 928 ± 109 individuals in Chongqing. We recommend prioritizing the preservation of high-altitude habitats and native vegetation to mitigate human interference and minimize road damage. In summary, our results can enhance the understanding of M. berezovskii distribution and provide a basis for effective conservation and management initiatives.

Clinical diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis and progress in the application of scoring systems

Pharyngitis can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis. However, distinguishing GAS pharyngitis from other types of upper respiratory tract infections is challenging in clinical settings. This often leads to empirical treatments and, consequently, the overuse of antimicrobial drugs. With the advancement of antimicrobial drug management and healthcare payment reform initiatives in China, reducing unnecessary testing and prescriptions of antimicrobial drugs is imperative. To promote standardized diagnosis and treatment of GAS pharyngitis, this article reviews various international guidelines on the clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis, particularly focusing on clinical scoring systems guiding laboratory testing and antimicrobial treatment decisions for GAS pharyngitis and their application recommendations, providing a reference for domestic researchers and clinical practitioners.

Bioactivity of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) berries parts against Galleria mellonella and Erwinia carotovora and LC-MS chemical profile of its potential extract

Natural products received much attention as an environmentally beneficial solution for pest management. Therefore, the extracts of invasive silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) weeds using their berries parts (seeds, peels and mucilage) supported by bioassay-guided fractionation were tested against both the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora causes of the blackleg of potatoes. The seeds and peels of S. elaeagnifolium were successively extracted by maceration using dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and ethanol (EtOH), respectively. While, its mucilage was extracted using EtOAc. The successive EtOH extract of the plant seeds had promising inhibition efficacy and the best minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/ml against E. Carotovora amongst other extracts (DCM and EtOAc of the plant berries parts). Depending on dose response activity, EtOH extract had G. mellonella larval mortality and pupal duration rates (LC50; 198.30 and LC95; 1294.73 µg/ml), respectively. Additionally, this EtOH extract of seeds was fractionated using preparative TLC to three characteristic bands. The insecticidal and bacterial activities of these isolated bands (SEA, SEB, and SEC) were evaluated at a dose of 100 µg/ml, causing mortality by 48.48, 62.63 and 92.93% (G. mellonella larvae) and inhibition by 15.22, 0.00 and 31.66 mm (E. carotovora), respectively. Moreover, the separated major three bands were tentatively identified using LC-ESI-MS analysis revealing the presence of two phenolic acids; chlorogenic acid (SEA) and dicaffeoyl quinic acid (SEB) in addition to one steroidal saponin (SEC) annotated as borassoside E or yamoscin. Finally, the plant seeds’ successive EtOH extract as well as its active constituents, exhibited potential broad-spectrum activity and the ability to participate in future pest management initiatives. A field study is also recommended to validate its bio-efficacy against selected pests and to develop its formulations.

Utilising Health Technology Assessment to Develop Managed Access Protocols to Facilitate Drug Reimbursement in Ireland.

The Health Service Executive, responsible for operating the Irish health service, has introduced health technology management (HTM) initiatives to manage expenditure on medicines. One such approach is managed access protocols (MAPs) to support access to high-cost medicines, while providing oversight, governance and budgetary certainty to the payer. Herein we describe the development and operation of MAPs, using case studies of liraglutide (Saxenda®), dupilumab (Dupixent®) and calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies. A MAP imposes the eligibility criteria attached to reimbursement support of a medicine. Criteria applied include controls on prescribing authority, clinical diagnostic and severity criteria, previous lines of treatment, concomitant treatments, outcome data collection, and validations within the reimbursement claims system. The choice of criteria are specific to each medicine, dictated by the areas of uncertainty highlighted in the health technology assessment report, such as the place in treatment, population, duration of treatment, etc., the commercial arrangements reached with the marketing authorisation holder, and specific recommendations made by the decision maker. By December 2023, there were28 medicines reimbursed subject to a MAP in Ireland. Across the three case studies outlined, over 3000 patients were accessing novel treatments for chronic illnesses in September 2023. Managed access protocols can provide some cost certainty for the payer by aligning utilisation and expenditure with committed funds, while enabling access where unmet need is highest. Managed access protocols are now established in the drug reimbursement process in Ireland, meeting the needs of both payers, patients and industry, and are likely to remain a feature of the reimbursement landscape.

The mapping of processes in a campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology in Brazil: a case study

This research analyzes the process mapping developed by the Business Process Mapping Commission (CMPN) in a Campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, a Brazilian Public Institution of Higher Education (IPES). From a documentary analysis, the history of management initiatives by processes of the rectory and the Campus object of study was presented. In the form of a case study, it was possible to identify, through a semi-structured interview with the members of the CMPN, the motivations, expectations, methodology and the main challenges faced in the implementation of the mapping of the processes that until the end of this work was in progress. Through the application of a questionnaire with closed questions, it was possible to assess that, in the perception of teaching, research and extension managers, the mapping of processes has a positive impact on the quality of teaching. Process management is an approach that can generate greater efficiency in the organization, however, it is perceived that the particularities of the Brazilian public sector create barriers for IPES initiatives to achieve the critical success factors found in the literature, requiring their own models.

Three decades of nurses’ talent retention: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose Nurse turnover is perceived to be a major challenge for health-care administrators. The turnover is because of various factors like poor working conditions, low salaries, poor work–life balance and international opportunities. The purpose of conducting a bibliometric analysis on “Nurses’ Talent Retention” is to comprehensively analyze the trends, patterns and research contributions related to this area. By synthesizing and analyzing the existing literature, this study aims to identify key areas for nurse retention, thereby providing a foundation for further research, practical interventions and policy implications. Design/methodology/approach This research investigates talent retention practices in nursing from 1989 to 2023 by analyzing 427 documents from 213 sources sourced through Elsevier Scopus. Using the PRISMA framework, the study uses bibliometric analysis using the R studio’s biblometrix package. Key findings reveal a growing scholarly interest with an annual growth rate of 11.46%, an average document age of 7.93 years and an average citation rate of 43.26. Notably, international collaboration represents 17.56% of co-authorships, indicating the global relevance of the research. The study addresses three main research questions, including factors contributing to nurse retention in the Indian context, and implications for nurse well-being and turnover rates across different health-care contexts and countries. Findings The bibliometric analysis of nurse retention highlights several key findings. Magnet hospitals, accredited by the ANCC, demonstrate superior work environments, staffing levels and nurse outcomes, emphasizing the significance of nursing leadership and professionalism. The factors such as resilience, influenced by perceived competence, collaboration and coping strategies, highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being in retention efforts. Transformational leadership and supportive work environments are associated with increased intentions for nurses to remain in their roles, suggesting the need for organizational practices fostering positive workplace cultures. Diversity management initiatives promoting inclusivity correlate with positive organizational outcomes, indicating the potential for diverse and inclusive workplaces to enhance nurse retention. Practical implications These findings provide substantial implications for health-care organizations and policymakers. Investing in nursing leadership and nurturing supportive work environments can enhance nurse satisfaction and retention. Implementing diversity management in recruitment practices can create inclusive workplaces, positively impacting nurse retention and organizational outcomes. Mandating staffing ratios may also improve nurse retention and patient care quality. Understanding the economic and organizational costs associated with nurse turnover emphasizes the need for effective retention strategies and healthy work environments. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of nurse retention dynamics by synthesizing findings from the literature. By highlighting the importance of nursing leadership, resilience and diversity management, it provides valuable insights for future research and practice in the field. The study also emphasizes the economic and organizational costs of nurse turnover, enhancing the urgency of implementing effective retention strategies.

Professionalising patient safety? Findings from a mixed-methods formative evaluation of the patient safety specialist role in the English National Health Service.

Objectives: While safety-dedicated professional roles are common in other high-risk industries, in health care they have tended to have a relatively narrow, technical focus. We present initial findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of a novel, senior role with responsibility for leadership of safety in English National Health Service organisations: the patient safety specialist. Methods: We conducted interviews with those responsible for designing, developing and overseeing the introduction of the role. We also carried out a national survey of current patient safety specialists. Data collection and analysis focused on the rationale for the role, its theory of change, and experiences of putting the theory into practice. Results: Interview participants articulated a clear theory of change for the role, highlighting ways in which the focus of the role, the seniority, responsibility and influence of role holders, and the expertise they brought might result in better safety management and speedier implementation of initiatives to manage risk and improve safety. Survey respondents had mixed experiences of the role to date, particularly in terms of material and symbolic support from their organisations. Together, findings from the two datasets indicated the need for a careful balance between strategic and operational activities to secure impact for patient safety specialists while ensuring they were embedded in the realities of clinical work as done-a balance that not all role holders found easy to achieve. Conclusions: The vision for the patient safety specialist role is clear, and supported by a plausible account of how the work of role holders might result in the intended objectives. The degree to which specialists are supported and resourced to deliver on these ambitions, however, varies markedly across organisations.

Service demand analysis and optimization strategy construction of emergency observation patients based on the Kano model

BackgroundEmergency observation unit in China are characterized by a high number of patients, complexity of diseases, and instability of patient conditions, leading to low patient satisfaction. The Kano model is an effective method widely used to identify customer demands and improve service quality to enhance customer satisfaction. However, its application in emergency observation unit has been studied less. This study aims to design a questionnaire based on the Kano model and identify the demands of emergency observation patients to determine priorities for improvements in the emergency observation unit and improve patient satisfaction. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from March 21st, 2023, to May 20th, 2023. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 100 patients from the emergency observation unit, who completed a questionnaire designed based on the Kano model to assess their demands for care service. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0 software. The element selection line and sensitivity analysis were used to determine factors for patient service demand improvement. ResultsA total of 13 patient service demands for improvement were screened out from 19 service demands, including 1 item of must-be quality (M), 11 item of one-dimensional quality (O), and 1 item of attractive quality (A), These attributes showed significant differences in patients’ sociodemographic characteristics. ConclusionThe Kano model is a valuable tool for identifying the characteristics of patients' service demands, and the element screening method can be employed to establish the hierarchy of these demands. These results offer crucial direction for creating forthcoming nursing management initiatives in emergency observation unit.

Prioritising water-related regional development project ideas based on stakeholder involvement activities: A case study from Szigetköz, Hungary

Szigetköz—a large island of the Danube in Hungary—is attracting a new wave of interest in water-related regional development projects from the public and private sectors alike. The revived interest in the Szigetköz floodplain area, which has historically endured the adverse effects of large-scale water management initiatives, draws attention to the necessity for careful consideration and the active involvement of local stakeholders in the decision-making process.In our research, we conducted various stakeholder engagement activities, including interviews, questionnaires, and workshops. These activities helped define the problems and objectives of each stakeholder group. Through collaborative consultations, we gathered over 100 proposed water related development project ideas. Additionally, to address key issues in project development and selection, we evaluated the integrative potential of each proposed project, considering the number of distinct water management issues it addressed. We also assigned an attitude score to each project, derived from the diverse objectives of various stakeholder groups, and analysed these quantities using a multiple-criteria analysis.This paper details a novel approach to assess and rank the proposed water-related regional development project ideas based on the calculated integrative potential and attitude scores. The goal was to prioritise and further develop these proposed projects to benefit Szigetköz and its surrounding areas.Main results of the study have shown the average project scored between 0.33–0.50 in integrative potential out of a maximum of 1.00 For positive attitude score the average was between 0.28–0.43, out of a maximum of 1.00 while for the negative attitude score the average project scored between -0.14–0.00 out of a minimum of -1.00.The ranking of projects that was based on these scores, highlighted three types of proposed projects that need to be further developed in different ways. The top-ranked positive attitude integrative projects need cost-benefit calculations involving all ecosystem services to justify their economic sustainability. Top-ranked opposing attitude integrative projects need conflict resolution to be socially sustainable. Finally, project ideas that scored low on integrative potential need to be developed to make use of blue-green infrastructure, and circular economical advancements to foster their environmental sustainability.

Mining impacts peatland hydrology reducing discharge and water storage volumes

Peatlands cover about 3% of the Earth’s land surface, but are the largest terrestrial carbon store and are important for freshwater storage. In Australia, nationally protected peatlands (called upland swamps) exist in the catchment headwaters for Sydney’s drinking water supply. In this region, longwall mining of underground coal seams can result in subsurface fracturing, land subsidence, and, potentially, peatland drainage. This study presents the water balance modelling results for an upland peat swamp before and after it was undermined in 2020. Following a detailed field campaign, a conceptual lumped hydrology model was developed to estimate the local water balance, with a Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.85 for the modelled storage of the intact swamp. After undermining, the water balance of the swamp changed, with higher deep seepage rates and reduced surface water discharge rates. For the first time, these findings detail the hydrologic effects of longwall mining on peatland environments. Based on these findings, broader catchment management initiatives are recommended to prevent or limit further water extraction from upland swamps, including incidental water losses associated with subsidence.

Strategic approaches for successful digital transformation in project management across industries

Digital transformation has become imperative for organizations across industries seeking to enhance operational efficiency, innovate customer experiences, and maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This paper explores strategic approaches that enable successful digital transformation in project management, addressing key challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth and sustainability. In the current business environment, digital transformation in project management encompasses the adoption of advanced technologies, integration of digital tools, and reengineering of processes to optimize project delivery and outcomes. Organizations are increasingly leveraging cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) to streamline project workflows, enhance decision-making capabilities, and facilitate real-time collaboration among stakeholders. Successful digital transformation initiatives in project management are underpinned by strategic planning and leadership commitment. Alignment of digital transformation goals with organizational objectives ensures clarity of purpose and enhances stakeholder engagement throughout the transformation journey. Moreover, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning enables teams to adapt to technological advancements and embrace change effectively. Challenges in achieving successful digital transformation include legacy system integration, data security concerns, skill gaps among team members, and resistance to cultural change. Addressing these challenges requires proactive risk management, investment in training and development programs, and collaboration with technology partners to navigate complexities and ensure seamless implementation. Case studies illustrate diverse approaches to digital transformation in project management, highlighting best practices and lessons learned across various industries. Organizations that successfully navigate digital transformation not only achieve operational efficiencies and cost savings but also create value through enhanced customer experiences and improved competitive positioning. Looking forward, the strategic adoption of emerging technologies and agile methodologies will continue to shape the future of digital transformation in project management. Organizations must remain adaptable and responsive to market dynamics, leveraging digital tools to drive innovation, accelerate time-to-market, and sustain long-term growth in an increasingly digital-first world. In conclusion, strategic approaches to digital transformation in project management empower organizations to harness the full potential of digital technologies, driving efficiencies, fostering innovation, and achieving sustainable success across industries.

Effect of community-based public health service on health-related quality of life among middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases in China

BackgroundThe growing prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases poses a significant public health challenge globally, particularly impacting the well-being of aging populations. This study aims to assess the impact of community-based public health service (PHS) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases in China.MethodsUtilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we constructed a novel scale based on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to measure the HRQoL of middle-aged and older patients with hypertension and/or type-2 diabetes. Multivariate linear regression models with Instrument Variables and Propensity Score Matching techniques were applied to examine the effect of PHS on the HRQoL of identified chronic disease patients.ResultsAmong 8,403 hypertensive and/or diabetic patients, only 10.98% had received PHS. After adjusting for covariates, PHS exhibited a significant association with an elevated overall SF-36 score (β = 3.539, p < 0.001). Similar effects were observed in the physical and mental component summary scores, with increases of 1.982 (p < 0.001) and 5.095 (p < 0.001), respectively. Sensitive analysis affirmed the robustness of these findings. Heterogeneity analysis revealed significant HRQoL improvements among males, females, those aged 70 and older, patients with comorbidities, and urban residents, while the effect was less pronounced in the middle-aged, those without comorbidities, or rural dwellers.ConclusionCommunity-based PHS has exerted a positive impact on both the physiological and psychological aspects of HRQoL among middle-aged and older chronic disease patients, with effects varying among individuals with different characteristics. Our findings advocate for enhancing the delivery and utilization of government-funded PHS, increasing health literacy, and promoting early prevention strategies for chronic diseases. Furthermore, targeted health management initiatives for patients with comorbidities and enhancements in the quality of community healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, are deemed necessary.

Investigating of Spatial Urban Growth Pattern and Associated Landscape Dynamics in Congolese Mining Cities Bordering Zambia from 1990 to 2023

This study investigates the spatial urban growth patterns of cities along the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia border, a region of significant economic importance characterized by cross-border trade. This activity has led to rapid but unplanned urban growth. The objective is to quantify the spatial expansion of Congolese cities (Kipushi, Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania) bordering Zambia and to evaluate associated landscape changes. The methodology of this study includes the supervised classification of Landsat images with a spatial resolution of 30 m for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023. This classification was validated using field data. Subsequently, landscape metrics such as class area, patch number, Shannon diversity index, disturbance index, urban expansion intensity index, largest patch index, and mean Euclidean distance were calculated for each city and each date. The results reveal substantial landscape transformations in the border cities between 1990 and 2023. These changes are primarily driven by rapid urban expansion, particularly pronounced in Kasumbalesa. Between 1990 and 2023, forest cover declined from 70% to less than 15% in Kipushi, from 80% to 10% in Kasumbalesa, from 90% to 30% in Mokambo, and from 80% to 15% in Sakania. This forest cover loss is accompanied by an increase in landscape element diversity, as indicated by the Shannon diversity index, except in Kipushi, suggesting a transition towards more heterogeneous landscapes. In these border cities, landscape dynamics are also characterized by the expansion of agriculture and savannas, highlighted by an increase in the disturbance index. Analysis of spatial pattern changes shows that built-up areas, agriculture, and savannas exhibit trends of patch creation or aggregation, whereas forests are undergoing processes of dissection and patch attrition. Congolese cities bordering Zambia are undergoing substantial spatial changes propelled by intricate interactions between economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Our results underscore the need for sustainable development strategies to address urban sprawl through smart growth policies and mixed-use developments, mitigate deforestation via stricter land use regulations and reforestation projects, and enhance cross-border cooperation through joint environmental management and collaborative research initiatives.

Quantile mapping technique for enhancing satellite-derived precipitation data in hydrological modelling: a case study of the Lam River Basin, Vietnam

ABSTRACT Accurate precipitation is crucial for hydrological modelling in sparse gauge regions like the Lam River Basin (LRB) in Vietnam. Gridded precipitation data from satellite and numerical models offer significant advantages in such areas. However, satellite precipitation estimates (SPEs) are subject to uncertainties, especially in high variable of topography and precipitation. This study focuses on enhancing the accuracy of Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH) using the Quantile Mapping (QM) technique, aligning the cumulative distribution functions of the observed precipitation data with those of the SPEs, and assessing the impact on hydrological predictions. The study highlights that the post-correction IMERG precipitation using QM performs better than other data sets, enhancing the hydrological model's performance for the LRB at different temporal scales. Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values increased from 0.60 to 0.77, surpassing the original IMERG's 0.52 to 0.74, and correlation coefficients improved from 0.79 to 0.89 (compared with the previous 0.75–0.86) for hydrological modelling. Additionally, Percent Bias (PBIAS) decreased from approximately −1.66 to −2.21% (contrasting with the initial −20.22 and 4.6%) with corrected SPEs. These findings have implications for water resource management and disaster risk reduction initiatives in Vietnam and other countries.

The Impact of Strategic Management on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study

In today's era of globalization and intensifying market competition, business leaders, particularly in the food and beverage (F&amp;B) industry, are compelled to pursue continuous innovation and implement effective strategic management practices to remain competitive and succeed in an increasingly complex market. In this study, we will delve deeply into the implementation of strategic management in an F&amp;B enterprise, namely Ayam Guling Mister (AGM). It is the aim of this research to provide readers with an understanding of the concepts and basic principles of strategic management and their applicability to the F&amp;B industry. Furthermore, the factors influencing the successful implementation of strategic management will be discussed. This research employs a qualitative approach, which is particularly suited to the investigation of the application of strategic management in the context of food and beverages production. This enables the perspectives of organisational leaders on the management of strategic initiatives to be elucidated, thereby facilitating an understanding of the processes involved in maintaining the viability of a product. The findings from this research indicate that the implementation of strategic management at AGM is crucial to ensure business success and sustainable growth.

Development and psychometric validation of a scale for sources of resistance to change in higher education institutions

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to develop a measurement model to identify sources of resistance to change (RC) based on a previous systematic review.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised 121 participants (faculty, students, graduates, and employees). Twenty-three items were assessed in four distinct stages: observation, exploration, confirmation, and communication. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis ensured the validity and reliability of the measurement process.FindingsThe final 14-item model consisted of four groups: “Personalities averse to change”; “Limited participation in the change process”; “Dominant sociocultural predisposition”; and “Weak managerial commitment to change.”Practical implicationsIt is hoped that the study will encourage further diagnostic examinations and assessments of the structural relationships associated with RC.Originality/valueThe present study expands our understanding of RC source typologies, the majority of which have focused on the individual and the organization. Higher education institutions bear a responsibility to initiate change to align with evolving environmental demands, but their endeavors are often subject to obstacles and delays stemming from individual and collective influences. To manage efficiently the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and management of change initiatives, we must comprehend and assess the primary sources of RC within such institutions.

Lane Detection, Segmentation, Pothole Detection and Traffic Sign Recognition for ADAS

Lane detection, a critical aspect of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles, is addressed in this work, combining classical computer vision methods with deep learning techniques. The proposed solution, utilizing a UNet-based model trained with TensorFlow and Keras, enhances vehicle perception for intelligent transportation systems. Integrated functionalities for pothole detection and traffic sign detection further contribute to safety and efficiency, enabling vehicles to identify road hazards and comply with regulations. The system encompasses data preprocessing, model training, and real-time video analysis, while a classical lane detection pipeline using OpenCV showcases various stages such as grayscale conversion, Gaussian blur, Canny edge detection, masking, Hough transform, and lane overlay. This comprehensive approach supports road safety, traffic management, and transportation efficiency initiatives, making significant strides in intelligent transportation systems and urban planning.

Assessing the Impact of Organizational Culture on the Sustainability of TQM Programs

This study investigates how organizational culture affects the long-term viability of Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives. TQM, a holistic management strategy that emphasizes customer satisfaction as the means of achieving long-term success, needs a supporting corporate culture to be successful. In order to create a TQM environment that is sustainable, this research examines a number of cultural elements, including leadership, communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The study finds critical cultural characteristics that have a major impact on the durability and efficacy of TQM projects using a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys and case studies from a variety of industries. Results show that TQM initiatives are more likely to be effectively sustained in firms with a strong collaborative culture, open communication, and leadership commitment to quality. It is more likely for firms to successfully maintain TQM programs when there is a strong culture of collaboration, open communication, and leadership commitment to quality. The research ends with suggestions for developing an organizational culture that upholds and reflects TQM's core values, strengthening the methodology's overall viability and influence on company performance.

Optimal management plans and initiatives for the valorization and safeguarding of local breeds: a mathematical programming approach

In this study, a parametric programming model was developed in order to deliver optimal management plans for various types of farms rearing endangered Greek sheep breeds under three distinct scenarios. The first scenario investigated the optimal internal organization of farms (i.e., management practices and resource allocation strategies that increase profitability of farms) under current market conditions (e.g., product prices) without, however, considering subsidies and compensations. The second assessed the impact of an agri-environmental support scheme on farm optimal structure and socioeconomic performance. The third investigated the effects of integrating farms into value chains and niche markets where premium prices prevail. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the wider region of Epirus and Thessaly, collecting management data from 16 farms rearing (i) Kalaritiko, (ii) Orino Epiru and (iii) Katsika rare sheep breeds. The main finding of this study was that the optimal internal organization of farms is essential for their self-reliance and viability. Therefore, it should be the basis in the designing of any initiative aimed at the preservation and valorization of local breeds. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a niche marketing strategy (i.e., a premium price strategy) can have a broader positive impact on farms structure and socioeconomic performance, particularly those engaged in cheese production, compared to an agri-environmental scheme. However, due to the fact that both initiatives possess limitations that may render them inefficient under specific external conditions, the development of an integrated incentive mechanism, which will combine both policy schemes and market-based initiatives, appeared to be a more effective strategy for the long-term viability of farms.