Change Management Research Articles

Are innovative firms more circular when women hold upper positions?

The circular economy paradigm demands immediate and significant adjustments and changes in management and production business processes to maintain adequate to good ecosystem conditions for the use and development of human life. In this context, we analysed the impact of female leadership in the business environment and its relationship with the conservation of planetary health. This empowers women in the transition toward circular business model within the planet's capacity.For a panel data sample of the world's largest companies, we find that active female participation in high business positions leads to significant changes toward a model that protects the natural and endemic wealth of different ecosystems around de world. Additionally, we found that the active presence of women in the decision-making process concerning the protection of the environment, human development, and economic prosperity is strongly associated with the prospective knowledge that female independent directors possess, and to a greater extent, with the knowledge spillover that the presence of female executive directors entails.

A nationwide survey of changes in nutritional management after gastrointestinal cancer surgery over a 12-year period using medical claims database

A nationwide survey of changes in nutritional management after gastrointestinal cancer surgery over a 12-year period using medical claims database

Impacts of industry 4.0 on supply chain management of logistics providers: A methodical review

The arrival of Industry 4.0 transformed and reshaped manufacturing, and the logistics industry is not excluded. As such, there is a need to explore the influence of this latest technological innovation on industries with a focus on logistics providers; this research examines the impact of Industry 4.0 on logistics providers' supply chain management. Using qualitative analysis of secondary sources, this research identifies the key relevance of Industry 4.0 technologies to logistics providers while assessing their adoption and exploring their impact on supply chain performance. Through the series of examination of secondary sources, it was revealed that Industry 4.0 components such as IoT enable real-time tracking, reducing lead times and improving customer service. AI, on the other hand, helps optimize routing and scheduling while also enhancing efficiency. Nevertheless, the industry 4.0 implementation into the logistics provider supply chain is not without challenges; the challenges evidenced through the research include data security, interoperability, and workforce skills. This study recommends investments in technology and skills, data security measures, collaborative organizational structures, agility, change management, and benchmarking to navigate the transformative landscape of Industry 4.0 in logistics supply chain management.

Moving toward Bank 4.0 in India: a qualitative thematic analysis and future research agenda

Purpose The banking sector is more revolutionized than ever, with advanced technologies driving a seismic change in the financial industry. This study aims to understand how digital technologies influence banking sector employees and their perception of working in an era of Banking 4.0. Design/methodology/approach This study incorporated qualitative analysis to gain different insights from diverse respondents from banking industries. A purposive sampling method was adopted, and semistructured interviews were conducted, taking a sample of 72 respondents. All the transcripts were then analyzed using NVivo. Findings The findings focus on challenges related to understanding technology phenomena, managing changes, infrastructure, skills, competitiveness and regulatory mechanisms. This is further followed by the favorable impact of Banking 4.0 on employees and future avenues, such as innovation in financial services, work productivity, career opportunities and change management, banking 4.0 and banking 5.0, and banking 4.0 management strategies identified as the significant findings. Practical implications This study provides guidelines for Banking 4.0 provision strategy and conceptual reference toward the development of Banking 4.0. It also supports the Enhanced Access and Service Excellence 4.0 program, driven by the Indian Bank’s Association, to focus more on digitization, automation and data analytics. Originality/value The novelty of this research provides a qualitative hierarchy of significant challenges, favorable impacts and future research avenues of Banking 4.0 in the Indian banking sector.

Post-acquisition transformation challenges: how did the change in ownership affect Soni Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, in the early years?

Subject area of the teaching case MBA. Student level and proposed courses the teaching case can be used on Master’s level in Change Management, Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management. A brief overview of the teaching case Mr Sharma, the dynamic and entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly formed Soni Manipal Hospital (SMH), Jaipur, and Unit Head, Manipal Hospitals [Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd. (MHEPL)], in a meeting with SMH’s Head of Human Resources and the Head of the Nursing Management, Mr Yaduvanshi realised the exponential growth of employee resistance, their lack of skills and technological advancements for documentation hindering the hospital's transformation goal. The case study highlighted the challenges the protagonist faced when taking charge as the CEO after nine months of acquisition and the factors contributing to them. Expected learning outcomes Students reading this case are expected to understand leadership theories, strategic and quality management approaches, and theories of social behaviour, such as Herzberg’s two-factor theory and social exchange theory (SET) and the application of these concepts in acquired organisations to develop healthy leadership–employee relations and change management theories. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human resource management.

COVID-19 as an advantage or a disaster? Crisis and change management strategies of Hong Kong social entrepreneurs during the pandemic

PurposeA qualitative approach based on grounded theory was utilized, with data collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs. Alas’s Triangular Model provided the framework for data analysis and interpretation.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores how Hong Kong social enterprises approached crisis and change management during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining their resilience-building strategies.FindingsThe pandemic triggered an existential crisis for many social enterprises, causing severe revenue losses. However, strong leadership and cultures based on social mission enabled resilience. Enterprises demonstrated agility by rapidly transitioning operations online and establishing partnerships. Technology adaptation and social innovation were pivotal to sustaining impact.Research limitations/implicationsAs the sample comprises enterprises that survived the pandemic, insights into failed enterprises are lacking. Comparative analysis could illuminate differences in crisis response between successful and unsuccessful cases.Practical implicationsThe study’s practical implications suggest that social enterprises should focus on developing flexible crisis management plans, cultivating purposeful leadership, embracing digital transformation, strengthening collaborative networks and prioritizing organizational learning to effectively navigate crises while staying true to their social missions.Social implicationsFindings demonstrate how shared values and cultures grounded in purpose can anchor organizations amidst upheaval, fostering resilience. This underscores the role of social enterprises in modeling responsiveness to societal needs.Originality/valueWhile research has examined social enterprises’ vulnerability in crises, investigation into their crisis management practices is limited. This study enriches understanding of how social enterprises effectively navigate turbulence.

Shaping sustainable tourism: local insights for Svalbard’s future

ABSTRACT While tourism is frequently heralded as a key agent of opportunity and change in the Arctic, transformative change in the polar regions comes with a great deal of uncertainty. The strongly hierarchical Svalbard policy context allows limited action space for expanding tourism or developing new products. Still, Tourism is strictly regulated, and it is debatable whether the local residents have any real say in the shaping of development paths. Nevertheless, understanding local attitudes is always a component in building relationships between public institutions and local stakeholders. Albeit a constraining policy context, knowledge about stakeholder attitudes can provide valuable information about the consequences of alternative policy strategies and interventions that are likely to build or degrade trust in institutions with power. We surveyed the residents of Longyearbyen (N = 238) through an ad-hoc sample to examine attitudes toward effects of tourism, interaction with tourists, and to what extent local attitudes align with or depart from a plausible local interpretation of how key sustainable development goals (SDG) could inform and direct sustainable development of tourism in Svalbard. Current tourism practices face challenges related to several SDGs targeting work conditions, climate change and environmental management.

An examination of the literature surrounding leadership and change management to implement a Golden Theatre Initiative: Reducing inefficiencies within a neurosurgical operating department

An examination of the literature surrounding leadership and change management to implement a Golden Theatre Initiative: Reducing inefficiencies within a neurosurgical operating department

Sustainability and Capability Building in Organizations: A Focused Group Approach

This study investigates business sustainability and the development of comprehensive capabilities that are crucial for future-ready organizations. It delineates the sustainable business practices that are necessary to enhance the functional, operational, technological and strategic dimensions of an organization. Furthermore, we examine methods to augment a firm’s capacity to foster sustainable growth. The authors utilized a structured approach; four focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with experts from multinational firms to garner real-time industry insights in the context of the new normal. The discussions emphasized key practices such as change management, competency building, green business functions, regenerative strategies, empathetic leadership and the triple bottom line approach. This research underscores the real-time business practices implemented during and after the pandemic to address and mitigate the disruptions caused by the outbreak.

Reduced anthelmintic use on 13 New Zealand sheep farms: farmer motivations and practical implementation

ABSTRACT Aims: To describe the personal drivers, sources of information and gastro-intestinal parasite control methods used by a group of New Zealand sheep farmers identified as low users of anthelmintic (AHC), and their perception of the efficacy and impacts of this approach. Methods: A convenience sample of 13 sheep farmers farming with a policy of reduced AHC use (no pre-determined routine treatments of ewes >19 months old and/or lambs not routinely treated at pre-determined intervals from weaning through to late autumn) were identified. Semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding their farming philosophy, motivations for reducing AHC use, perceptions of the impacts of farming with reduced AHC use, and parasite control practices. Semi-quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics for demographic data and categorising participants’ use of AHC and non-chemical control methods. Qualitative data regarding participants’ motivations, approaches and rationale were analysed by systematic analysis of the transcripts and distillation of key concepts. Results: Participants had been operating with reduced AHC use for 3 to ≥20 years. Key motivators for reducing AHC use were a diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance (AR) or concerns about AR developing. Parasite management information came from a wide range of sources. All respondents expressed overall positive views regarding the impacts of reduced AHC use but detailed information was not available. All identified that regular monitoring, based primarily on subjective animal and non-animal factors was important for their parasite control strategy. Most used faecal egg counts (FEC), often in an ad hoc manner. Five never treated adult ewes, two routinely treated ewes prior to lambing with short-acting AHC and the remainder occasionally treated a small number in low body condition. Four routinely treated some or all lambs at 28–30-day intervals from weaning to late autumn while the remainder based their treatment decisions for lambs on monitored information. All placed heavy emphasis on feeding sheep well, ensuring high post-grazing residuals, and cross-grazing. Conclusions: AR was a key motivator for participants to reduce AHC use, and a range of information sources and decision-making processes were used. Key parasite management practices were monitoring, primarily using subjective assessments, emphasis on feeding stock well and cross-grazing. Clinical relevance: The rising prevalence of AR will likely result in increasing the motivation for sheep farmers to reduce their AHC use. Veterinarians will play a key role in providing advice and assistance to facilitate changes in parasite management.

Toward a roadmap for sustainable lean adoption in hospitals: a Delphi study

BackgroundThe benefits of lean adoption in healthcare include improved process efficiency and quality of patient care. However, research indicates that lean implementation in healthcare, and specifically hospitals, is often not sustained. Furthermore, there is a need for maturity models that guide lean implementation, specifically in hospitals. This study develops a prescriptive maturity model named the Sustaining of Lean Adoption in Hospitals Roadmap (SOLAR) that acts as a practical guideline for the sustainable adoption of lean in hospitals.MethodsThe SOLAR has three theoretical foundations, namely lean implementation success factors in hospitals, implementation science, and change management theory. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine the lean implementation success factors in hospitals as the first building block. Secondly, practices from implementation science were used to create the action items in the SOLAR. Ten change steps were elicited from change management theory as the third theoretical building block of the roadmap. We refined the roadmap through three Delphi rounds that verified its useability in hospitals.ResultsThe final SOLAR consists of four maturity phases (prepare, plan, experiment and learn, and sustain) and includes action items for each phase related to the hospital’s strategy, resources, engaging of people, and culture. The action items and change management steps shown in the SOLAR are not intended as an exhaustive list but provide guidelines on aspects hospitals must consider when they aim to adopt lean sustainably.ConclusionsThe strong theoretical base of the SOLAR enables hospitals to safely experiment and learn which implementation methods are best suited to their unique environment. The SOLAR is, therefore, an actionable guideline that informs both academics and practitioners involved in lean adoption in hospitals. This roadmap can guide future retrospective longitudinal or action research.

Enhancing Urban Sustainability: Developing an Open-Source AI Framework for Smart Cities

To address the growing need for advanced tools that enable urban policymakers to conduct comprehensive cost-benefit analyses of traffic management changes, the Urbanite H2020 project has developed innovative artificial intelligence methods. Among them is a robust decision support system that assists policymakers in evaluating and selecting optimal urban mobility planning modifications by combining objective and subjective criteria. Utilising open-source microscopic traffic simulation tools, accurate digital models (or “digital twins”) of four pilot cities—Bilbao, Amsterdam, Helsinki, and Messina—were created, each addressing unique mobility challenges. These challenges include reducing private vehicle access in Bilbao’s city center, analysing the impact of increased bicycle traffic and population growth in Amsterdam, constructing a mobility-enhancing tunnel in Helsinki, and improving public transport connectivity in Messina. The research introduces five key innovations: the application of a consistent open-source simulation platform across diverse urban environments, addressing integration and consistency challenges; the pioneering use of Dexi for advanced decision support in smart cities; the implementation of advanced visualisations; and the integration of the machine learning tool, Orange, with a user-friendly GUI interface. These innovations collectively make complex data analysis accessible to non-technical users. By applying multi-label machine learning techniques, the decision-making process is accelerated by three orders of magnitude, significantly enhancing urban planning efficiency. The Urbanite project’s findings offer valuable insights into both anticipated and unexpected outcomes of mobility interventions, presenting a scalable, open-source AI-based framework for urban decision-makers worldwide.

Líneas de investigación y perspectivas futuras de los estudios organizacionales: una revisión

Organizational studies allow us to analyze and understand the functioning of organizations, generate knowledge and improve their management and performance, from perspectives different from the classic ones with which the organizational phenomenon has been analyzed in a traditional way; These perspectives invite a critical look at this phenomenon. However, it is relevant to evaluate its potential to provide theories, models and tools that help advance the field of management and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of organizations. To date, no review has been identified in Scopus that synthesizes the literature on organizational studies from a bibliometric analysis, by doing so, this article provides a basis for researchers in organizational studies to learn about various future lines of research. The objective of this document is to review scientific documents published in Scopus(r) on organizational studies, to propose a structure of published scientific knowledge, so that different future lines of research are offered. 1091 documents were found that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the database that were processed with Bibliometrix, VosViewer and ToS. The main lines of research identified were: a) Leadership and management of organizational change; b) Changing, diverse and inclusive work environments; c) Legitimation, sustainability and organizational responsibility.

The Clinical Utility of Finding Unexpected Subclinical Spikes Detected by High-Density EEG During Neurodiagnostic Investigations.

This study aimed to analyze the frequency of unexpected subclinical spikes (USCS) in pediatric patients who underwent high-density electroencephalogram (HD-EEG). Of the 4481 successful HD-EEG studies, 18.5% (829) were abnormal, and 49.7% of these abnormal studies showed SCS, of which 64.1% were USCS. USCS were found to be correlated with attention/concentration deficits and executive dysfunction, often accompanied by the dual psychiatric diagnosis of ADHD. MRI revealed abnormal findings in 32.6% of the subjects with USCS, such as abnormal signal or signal hyperintensity in brain parenchyma, temporal or arachnoid cysts, and vascular malformations. Moreover, the USCS group who received neuropsychiatric testing scored lower than the population mean on Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient, Working Memory Index, and Processing Speed Index. This study highlights the potential of USCS as biomarkers that can lead to changes in clinical management and outcomes, provide valuable information about pathophysiological mechanisms, and suggest potential treatment pathways.

“AI Can’t Steal My Soul”: In the Age of AI, the Human Touch is Paramount for the Craft of Managing Change

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly adopted as tools to enhance change management processes. Although many change managers are excited about AI's potential, others worry that their contributions may become obsolete. We explore the tension between job augmentation and automation and how it affects change management professionals. We argue that change managers need to approach their profession as a context-sensitive craft. We highlight elements that are likely to become increasingly central for change managers’ success: (a) high-level skills—relational mastery and systems thinking—and (b) the continued development of specific attitudes—authentic dedication and communal co-presence. In contrast, other tasks that change managers were previously engaged with (e.g., routine communication, reporting) will play a smaller role in the future. We advocate for approaching change work as an AI-augmented craft and call for a critical reflection of the skills and attitudes necessary to effectively diagnose, envision, and mobilize change in the age of AI.

Testicular cancer malpractice trends

ObjectiveMedical and surgical advancements have been made in testicular cancer management over the past 50 years. The evolution of practice standards is expected to provide patients benefits in quality of life and oncologic outcomes, but changes in care standards can introduce potential opportunities for increased malpractice claims against providers. We seek to evaluate if modifications in testicular cancer management have translated to a rise in malpractice lawsuits. MethodsA retrospective review of testicular cancer malpractice cases within the Google Scholar Case Law database was performed from January 1, 1975, to January 1, 2024. ResultsOf 102 cases initially screened, 24 were identified after duplicates were excluded and cases irrelevant to malpractice litigation in testicular cancer patients. Most cases were related to delays in diagnosis or treatment (n = 21, 87.5%). Two cases (8.3%) were in response to complications from radiation treatment, and 1 case (4.2%) was a suit in response to the loss of semen specimen for fertility preservation after testicular cancer diagnosis. No malpractice claims were filed in response to surveillance practices or surgical techniques utilized for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. ConclusionsDespite the adoption of changes in testicular cancer management and ongoing controversies in care, an increase in malpractice lawsuits in response to changing paradigms in testicular cancer was not seen.

Recommendations from the 2024 Australian evidence-based guideline for unexplained infertility: ADAPTE process from the ESHRE evidence-based guideline on unexplained infertility.

The 2024 Australian evidence-based guideline for unexplained infertility provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for the optimal diagnostic workup for infertile couples to establish the diagnosis of unexplained infertility and optimal therapeutic approach to treat couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility in the Australian health care setting. The guideline recommendations were adapted for the Australian context from the rigorous, comprehensive European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2023 Evidence-based guideline: unexplained infertility, using the ADAPTE process and have been approved by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. The guideline includes 40 evidence-based recommendations, 21 practice points and three research recommendations addressing: definition - defining infertility and frequency of intercourse, infertility and age, female and male factor infertility; diagnosis - ovulation, ovarian reserve, tubal factor, uterine factor, laparoscopy, cervical/vaginal factor, male factor, additional testing for systemic conditions; and treatment - expectant management, active treatment, mechanical-surgical procedures, alternative therapeutic approaches, quality of life. CHANGES IN ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RESULTING FROM THE GUIDELINE: This guideline refines the definition of unexplained infertility and addresses basic diagnostic procedures for infertility assessment not considered in previous guidelines on unexplained infertility. For therapeutic approaches, consideration of evidence quality, efficacy, safety and, in the Australian setting, feasibility, acceptability, cost, implementation and ultimately recommendation strength were integrated across multidisciplinary expertise and consumer perspectives in adapting recommendations to the Australian context by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, which had not been used in past guidelines on unexplained infertility to formulate recommendations. The Australian process also included an established data integrity check to ensure evidence could be trusted to guide practice. Practice points were added and expanded to consider the Australian setting. No evidence-based recommendations were underpinned by high quality evidence, with most having low or very low quality evidence. In this context, research recommendations were made including those for the Australian context. The full guideline and technical report are publicly available online and can be accessed at https://www.monash.edu/medicine/mchri/infertility and are supported by extensive translation resources, including the free patient ASKFertility mobile application (https://www.askfertility.org/).

Seasonal and annual variations of sediment trapping and particulate organic carbon burial in Yellow River reservoirs

The Yellow River is distinguished by the highest sediment load in mainland China and significant siltation in artificial reservoirs along its main channel, reducing water availability, sediment trapping, and carbon burial in the hydrological project. Since 2002, the Water Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) has been progressively implemented as a hydraulic management strategy to mitigate reservoir sedimentation in the middle-lower basin reservoirs. However, this substantial release of sediment and water has also affected river morphology, carbon burial, and sediment trapping.This research assesses the evolution of particulate organic carbon burial and sediment trapping in eight Yellow River reservoirs from 2002 to 2018, covering the upper and middle-lower basins and two reservoirs in the Yiluo River sub-basin. We calculated the annual and seasonal variations using hydrological data from 11 stations along the Yellow River. A hydrological framework was developed to calculate sediment trapping, and a Monte Carlo analysis was performed to estimate particulate organic carbon burial across all the evaluated reservoirs.We found that sediment trapping and carbon burial in upper basin reservoirs are most influenced by shifts in the precipitation regime, particularly by natural events such as severe droughts or heavy rainfall. A strong correlation was observed between annual precipitation variations and sediment load. In middle-lower basin reservoirs, the major artificial sediment regulation is strongly linked to a significant reduction in sediment trapping and particulate organic carbon burial. This impact is especially notable in the Yiluo River Sub-basin reservoirs, which have experienced a >90 % reduction compared to levels before the WSRS implementation.Finally, we highlight the consequences of climate change and artificial water management strategies in reservoirs, demonstrating how both affect their capacity for sediment trapping and impact their role as significant carbon sinks.

Management of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) with Integrative Therapy: A Case Report

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a serious public health concern and is described as a disorder characterised by degradation of articular cartilage, bone remodeling and inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness and functional impairment, primarily affecting weight bearing joints and hands. KOA affects more than 650 million individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. In India, 28.7% of adults ≥ 40 years of age and 45.5% of adults ≥ 60 years of age have KOA. The annual incidence rate of KOA in India is 2.4%. The management of KOA involves a comprehensive approach, including non-pharmacological management, pharmacological management, surgical management, alternative therapies and lifestyle changes. By combining these management strategies, individuals with KOA can effectively reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their quality of life. We present the case of a 55-year-old female patient with bilateral KOA, who presented to Department of Regimenal therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru. The patient had taken NSAIDs and other measures intermittently for pain management from last 3 years. The symptoms have worsened from last 2 months despite taking medicines. The patient was assessed and examined clinically prior to intervention. The patient underwent treatment for 30 days with integrative therapy comprising of pharmacotherapy coupled with regimenal therapy. Prior and post intervention, the patient was assessed using multiple objective parameters. The patient reported amelioration of symptoms, which was also reflected by assessment parameters post intervention. The study found that integrative approach can be effective treatment for KOA. Keywords: KOA, Integrative therapy, NSAIDs, Regimenal therapy.

Understanding how community-dwelling persons with early dementia perceive health and community services: Informing the dementia strategy of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

With an increased aging population, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to rise. The onset of dementia marks the start of negotiating access to a wide range of health and social services to find practical and emotional supports to deal with the management of changes and subsequent challenges that individual with dementia face. The toll of dementia goes beyond the health care system, affecting families and caregivers' quality of life. This places more pressure on family caregivers and health care institutions to provide services for affected individuals. It is important to understand the service needs of this population to enable them to live at home longer, contribute to society and maintain a positive quality of life. To increase understanding of how persons living at home with early dementia and their caregivers/significant others currently perceive and interact with health and community-based services and service providers. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the experiences of individuals with early dementia and care providers with health and community-based services using semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Participants included 16 individuals 50years and older with mild/early dementia living at home, 22 informal caregivers of individuals with mild/early dementia, and 5 key community informants (community health nurses and social workers). Four thematic categories of barriers and two thematic categories of facilitators for access to and uptake of supportive services were identified. Five strategies to inform the development of an action plan to enhance access to, and uptake of, supportive services were determined. Early recognition of dementia through education and publicity enhanced public awareness, attention, and social inclusion with dementia-friendly neighborhoods and facilities need to be considered to achieve effective dementia-related services. Inclusion and recognition of the wishes of persons with dementia is key.