Headquarters Research Articles

Patient perspectives and utilization of telemedicine for chronic conditions in Pakistan barriers and facilitators towards its access

BackgroundTelemedicine, utilizing technology for remote healthcare, offers promise for chronic disease management. It enables virtual consultations, addressing geographical barriers and mobility limitations. This study explores patient perspectives on using telemedicine, particularly via smartphones, to improve access, continuity of care, and ultimately reduce chronic disease burden.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from February 1, 2024, to April 1, 2024, to examine telemedicine consultations. The investigation was conducted at the Sehat Kahani head office, where 460 persons with chronic diseases were recruited. These participants were initially identified by Electronic Health Records (EHR) of Sehat Kahani and subsequently registered following randomization through systematic random sampling.ResultsThis study investigated telemedicine perceptions among 450 chronic disease patients (74.2% female, avg. age 40.6). Over 85.5% agreed on the necessity of telemedicine for chronic care. Notably, higher education, income ≥ 25,000 PKR, and health insurance significantly correlated with telemedicine use. And a larger portion of participants expressed positive perceptions of TM services in terms of faster medical care delivery (n = 369, 82%). These findings underscore telemedicine's potential to revolutionize chronic disease management.ConclusionThe study found that chronic disease patients in Pakistan have a positive opinion of telemedicine. Variables such as educational attainment, financial resources, and access to insurance exerted a substantial impact on the utilization of telemedicine. This implies that efforts should be made to mitigate inequalities in order to promote broader acceptance and implementation of telemedicine. Telemedicine shows potential for enhancing the management of chronic diseases in Pakistan.

Pengaruh Kompetensi, Independensi dan Due Professional Care terhadap Kualitas Internal Audit

Based on the results of observations, the background to this research is the fluctuation in the number of employees and internal auditors, as well as fluctuations in the number of case findings discovered by internal audit which are thought to be caused by various factors. This research aims to determine the influence of Competency, Independence and Due Professional Care both partially and simultaneously on the Quality of Internal Audit at Bank BJB Syariah Braga Bandung Head Office. The research objects in this report are employees at Bank BJB Syariah Braga Bandung Head Office. This type of research is quantitative research with an associative approach and the type of data used is primary data processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 application, with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, literature studies and questionnaires. The sampling technique is probability sampling with simple random sampling. The population in this research is all employees at Bank BJB Syariah Braga Bandung Head Office, totaling 384 people with a sample of 80 people. The research results show that Competence, Independence and Due Professional Care partially influence the Quality of Internal Audit at Bank BJB Syariah Braga Bandung Head Office by 70.1%, 53% and 65.9%, and simultaneously influence is 71.1%.

Analysis of Inventory Accounting Information System Model for Sustainability of Pontianak City Culinary SMEs

The purpose of this study was to determine the system of receiving, issuing inventory from the central warehouse to the outlet, to determine the system of receiving raw materials and supporting materials at the outlet and the restaurant's main warehouse, and accurate inventory information can encourage business decision making for inventory investment to be efficient and effective so that the business can survive and grow. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method on Culinary SMEs in Pontianak City. The data collection techniques that researchers use are observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The data analysis tool used to support this research is a flow chart from warehouse to outlet. The use of an Accounting Information System can automatically calculate and update EOQ and ROP based on actual sales and demand data so as to provide an integrated solution to inventory management problems from outlets to headquarters. With standard forms facilitating the flow of goods and orders, this model helps management to maximise inventory investment effectively and efficiently. This has a positive impact on timely order fulfilment, increasing outlet sales and revenue, and supporting the sustainability and development of SME culinary businesses. Overall, the implementation of this system encourages management effectiveness and increases profits by maintaining customer satisfaction. This research resulted in a flowchat Accounting Information System model with oulets consisting of outlets to the head office, and using Road Letter forms, Goods Request Letters, Goods Receipt Reports, Raw Material Inventory Cards, and Helping Material Inventory Cards.

Epidemiology of malaria and hematological analysis in district Dir (lower), Pakistan

Background: Malaria is considered as a tropical disease, in developing countries. Among all parasitic infections malaria is most widespread and devastating disease. According to WHO malaria is endemic in 24 countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Medical Laboratory Technology University of Haripur. Total 995 samples were collected at District Head Quarter Hospital (DHQ), Tehsils Hospitals (THQs), and other private laboratories in District Dir (Lower). These samples were processed to observe the shape of RBCs as well as plasmodium species in the smear microscopically, and for hemoglobin estimation. Data was analyzed through SPSS version-21. Results: Highest percentage of malaria was recorded in Munda (35.17%) followed by Timergara (19.59%) whereas the lowest number of cases were found in Khall (5.02%). Prevalence of P. vivax was (98.0 %) and P. falciparum was (2 %) in district Dir Lower. Mean red blood cell count (RBCs) was 4.2±0.64 mm3 while mean Hb was 11.0±1.99g/dl. Based on different age categories, the highest RBCs and Hb levels were found in age group 41-50 years, whereas the lowest RBCs were found in age group 11-20 years while the lowest Hb levels were recorded in group 1-10 years. In associated diseases, the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were the most frequent (20%) followed by diarrhea (18%). Mean Hb of males was 11.8±1.53 g/dl while the mean Hb of female was 11.5±5.384 g/dl. Hb in both males and females were low as compared to the standard. However, as compared to females, Hb of males were significantly lower with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: We concluded that males are more commonly infected from malaria as compared to females. Males and children were found to have low Hb as compared to females and higher age group patients. URTIs and diarrhea were the most common associated illness.

A Multi-Server Queuing-Inventory System with Attraction-Retention Mechanisms for Impatient Customers and Catastrophes inWarehouse

This paper presents a multi-server Markovian queuing-inventory system (MQIS) that incorporates attractionretention (AR) mechanisms for impatient customers and models catastrophic inventory losses within a warehouse setting. The system consists of C identical servers, a limited waiting area, and a storage capacity of Q items. Periodic disruptions may destroy all inventory in the system, compelling waiting customers either to remain until stock is replenished or to exit the system. A subset of servers may take joint vacations when no customers are waiting. To analyze this queuing-inventory system (QIS), we derive balance equations using a three-dimensional continuous-time Markov chain framework, solving for steady-state solutions through a recursive method. We then derive performance metrics and identify special-case queuing-inventory models within the broader system. A cost-loss model is formulated to optimize the service rate and server vacation strategies, minimizing overall costs. A genetic algorithm is employed to conduct a cost analysis. We collected primary data from the Ethio Telecom district head office in Arba Minch, Ethiopia to validate our theoretical findings. The empirical analysis serves a dual purpose: to investigate performance measure sensitivity to parameter variations and to discuss an optimization problem aimed at minimizing expected total cost (ETC) while assessing the impacts of AR mechanisms and catastrophic events on ETC.

Quality of Life among Patients with Myocardial Infarction Admitted in Government Head Quarters Hospital, Erode. Tamilnadu

Myocardial infarction (MI), colloquially known as "heart attack," is caused by decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to a portion of the myocardium. To determine the effectiveness of transitional care model on quality of life among patients with myocardial infarction. Pre- experimental design, where one group pretest and post-test design were used for this study. The study was conducted in Government headquarters hospital, Erode. 15 patients with myocardial infarction who are fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted with health education on transitional care model on quality of life once a day for 7 days. WHO QOL tool was used to assess the quality of life. Pretest mean score was (52.40±8.89), which is 70% where as in post-test mean score was (45.93±5.91) which is 61%, showing the difference of 9 the paired ‘t’ value was 2.59, when compared to table values (0.05) it was high. Significant association was found between transitional care model on quality of life and history of smoking. The nursing intervention was highly effective on transitional care model on quality of life among patients with myocardial infarction.

Determinan Tunneling Incentive dan Mekanisme Bonus Terhadap Keputusan Perusahaan untuk Melakukan Transfer Pricing

Factors affecting tunneling incentives and bonus mechanisms in corporate transfer pricing decisions are analyzed in this study. The motivation to place capacity from a branch office to a head office is called tunneling incentives, which will be influenced by transfer pricing decisions. In addition, the way managers determine transfer prices can be influenced by the bonus mechanisms implemented in the company. A qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach is used in this study. The results of this study show that there is a different relationship between tunneling incentives and bonus mechanisms in transfer pricing decisions, so there is no clear agreement. Important insights into the factors affecting transfer pricing practices are provided to stakeholders by these findings, as well as their impact on the transparency and accountability of financial statements. This study is expected to be used as a reference for further research and provide recommendations for companies in formulating more effective transfer pricing policies. In addition, this study presents detailed illustrations based on existing facts to assist future research by considering tunneling incentives and bonus mechanisms in the context of transfer pricing.

Determinants of the Development of Cyber-Crime Operating Within Digital Banking: The Case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

This study was initiated with the aim to analyze the determinants of the development of cyber-crime operating within digital banking at Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). A descriptive and explanatory survey design entertaining a mixed approach was adopted. Qualitative data was collected through administering a self-completion questionnaire distributed to 380 sample respondents. The study enjoyed a 92.1% response rate. The study focused on customers of commercial bank of Ethiopia as a target population. The convenient sampling technique was employed to include the bank's customers who were available during the study period when the researcher visited the head office. The data collected from questionnaires was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22, and the findings were interpreted based on the listed hypothesis, regression mode, descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicated that technological advancement, lack of cyber security awareness and training, insider threats, regulatory and legal frame work and inadequate security measures are the factors that have significant effects on the development of cyber-crime at a 95% confidence level. The findings highlight the importance of investing in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics, to strengthen the banks capabilities in detecting and mitigating risks in real time.

The Mediating Role of HRM Outcomes in the Relationship Between Managerial Staff Development and Company Performance Results: A Contextual Study of MNCs in Central Europe

ABSTRACTThe main goal of the article is to determine the mediating role of human resources management (HRM) outcomes in the relationships between managerial staff development (MSD) and company performance results in multinational companies (MNCs) and to establish whether there are any identifiable regularities in this scope in four types of contexts, that is, the pre‐pandemic and pandemic period in the headquarters (HQs) and foreign subsidiaries of MNCs. This article presents an innovative approach to analyzing the relationship between these variables. To capture the actual relationships, the efficiency index was introduced which makes a novelty in the studies on management of MNCs. Additionally, the empirical research was conducted in MNCs established in Central Europe, which is not a frequent subject of research. The research findings show that in the foreign subsidiaries of MNCs, during a pandemic, the results in HRM mediate the relationships between MSD and company's performance results in finance, innovativeness, and quality stronger than in the pre‐pandemic time. As for the HQs during the pandemic, this mediation effect was stronger when innovativeness was considered, stayed the same for quality, and decreased for finance.

Accuracy of ultrasound TIRADS classification for the differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid lesions taking Bethesda classification as gold standard

AbstractBackgroundThe TIRADS classification system is commonly used in ultrasound imaging to evaluate the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules, but there is still debate about its accuracy. The BSRTC categorizes FNA biopsy results to determine the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules, and this remains the gold standard for diagnosis.MethodologyThis is a cross-sectional study design conducted in the Radiology Department of Chughtai Lab Head Office in Lahore. This study assessed 154 patients with thyroid nodules. The ultrasound equipment used for the study is the Toshiba Applio 500 model, while the equipment for FNAC included topical anesthesia, 21-gauge 10 CC syringes, glass slides, cell block, and the Olympus CX23 microscope. The sampling technique employed is the consecutive sampling technique.ResultsOut of 154 patients, the mean age was 42.0 ± 13.6 years. Majority were female (89%) while 11% are male. The P-value of <0.0001 suggests a statistically significant association between TIRADS and Bethesda categories. The findings suggested that ultrasonography is a highly reliable and effective method for diagnosis, with a superior degree of sensitivity and specificity in addition to invasive cytology tests. Results from the ROC curve analysis showed an impressive area under the curve of 0.972. The sonographic features show significant associations with TIRADS categories (P-value <0.0001). The association between TIRADS suspiciousness and Bethesda diagnosis is statistically significant (P-value <0.0001). Benign nodules were most commonly classified as not suspicious (56.5%), followed by mildly suspicious (9.7%), while malignant nodules were primarily classified as highly suspicious (11.0%). Notably, no malignant nodules were categorized as benign.ConclusionHealthcare professionals may consider utilizing TIRADS as a first-line imaging method and then BETHESDA if needed to provide patients with the most accurate results and minimize unwanted interventional exposure. Combining these two scoring methods appears to yield the most precise outcomes for identifying and distinguishing benign from malignant nodules, which is critical for arriving at a definitive diagnosis in individuals with thyroid malignancies.

The Influence Of Understanding Village Fund Accounting And Community Participation In Fund Management Village With The Principle Of Tri Pantangan As A Variable Moderation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of accounting understanding and community participation on village fund management with the principle of tri pantang as a moderator variable in villages in Tumbangtiti District, Ketapang Regency. This research method uses primary data, and the data collection method uses a questionnaire technique. The population in this study includes all village officials in the Tumbangtiti District, Ketapang Regency, consisting of the Village Head, Village Secretary, Treasurer, and Finance Officer. The sampling technique used is non-probability obtained through questionnaire distribution, with a total of 64 respondents. The results of this study indicate that accounting understanding has a positive effect on village fund management, community participation has a positive effect on village fund management, tri pantang cannot moderate the effect of accounting understanding on village fund management, and tri pantang moderates the positive effect of community participation on village fund management.

About the Second Koguryo Capital

The article discusses the current issue of studying the second capital of the early medieval state of Koguryo. It reviews and generalizes the limited and somewhat outdated Russian historiography on the topic. In order to reveal the unique features of the capital during the middle period, key Korean and Chinese written and epigraphic sources were examined and analyzed. According to the written data of the “Samguk Sagi”, the existence of the second capital is connected to the period between 3–427 AD. Information regarding the location of the capital remains unclear until the end of the Koguryo period and is only revealed in the subsequent Bohai period. The analysis of written sources is complemented by archaeological data of the ancient Guonei city and Wandu Mountain City located in the Jilin province of China, which correlate with the capital’s sites. Guonei city located in modern Jian city was a large centre; the perimeter of the walls was approximately 2.74 kilometres. In the central part, buildings correlating to administrative or palace buildings were excavated. At the nearby Wandu Mountain City, the perimeter of the walls was approximately 7 kilometres, and a large palace complex stretching over four terraces was discovered. Archaeological information indicates a different time period of the capital as a fortified city, and confirms its functioning as a centre of the district and Huanzhou county throughout the Bohai period. It is believed that initially, the Koguryo leader established a military headquarters in a hard-to-reach mountain valley near Yalu river, which evolved into a big administrative and political centre as the state developed. Further archaeological surveys are needed in the Koguryo capital area to establish a detailed chronology and better understand the futures of the Koguryo capital, and to further explore the connection between archaeology and early chronicle information.

The Transformative Patent Landscape in Saudi Arabia Since the Saudi Vision 2030 Announcement

This study analyzes the patent landscape of Saudi Arabia from the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 in late April 2016 to September 2024, utilizing the Patsnap database to evaluate patent grants across various organizations. The findings reveal a gradual increase in patent registrations, with Saudi Aramco leading in patent grants, followed by King Faisal University (KFU), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and King Abdulaziz University (KAU). SABIC, a prominent industry player in Saudi Arabia, has registered most of its patents using its European Head Office address and holds extensive collaborations with international partners, generating numerous patents. The analysis identifies the top patent offices where KSA organizations seek protection, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), European Patent Office (EPO), the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), and the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. However, the limited number of registrations at the SAIP highlights a need for improvement. The primary application domains encompass borehole/well accessories, measurement devices, organic chemistry, computing, and chemical/physical processes. The landscape reveals that Saudi Aramco and KFUPM focus predominantly on upstream and downstream technologies, while KAU, KFU, and KAUST concentrate on life sciences. Key findings indicate a significant increase in patent activity since the vision announcement, suggesting a growing focus on innovation within Saudi Arabia. However, the concentration of patents among a few major players (Saudi Aramco and SABIC) and the underrepresentation of patents filed with the Saudi Authority of Intellectual Property (SAIP) highlight areas for improvement. This study emphasizes the necessity to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and healthcare research institutions to foster broader participation in innovation and protect novel technologies. This research contributes valuable insights into the current state of patenting activities in Saudi Arabia and outlines opportunities for enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN UTI PATIENTS OF DISTRICT D.I.KHAN AND TO PROBE THEIR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Background: Globally urinary tract infections are present predominantly and mostly UTIs are present or noticed in the developing countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. There are multiple factors in spread of UTIs like microbes, taking certain medicines, sexual activities, poor hygiene, not taking enough water etc. Objectives: The prevalence of UTIs and development of resistance against the antibiotics is due to unjustified use of antibiotics. Methodology: We performed a study in a remount area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa i,e Dera Ismail Khan. We conducted a research study consist of a three months duration. Hundred (100) urine samples were collected from the patients who visited District Head Quarter (DHQ) teaching hospital Dera Ismail Khan. Patients having different age groups were included in study, Results: After processing samples, the number of samples having E.coli i,e positive samples were 73 in number, which were confirmed on the basis of different tests. The prevalence of UTIs due to E. coli organism was noticed increased in female patients (69 %) as compared to male patients and its prevalence was 31%.When the isolated E. coli strain were tested against different antibiotics, showed that those strains which were isolated from urine samples of the male patients of age group 61 to 80 years showed higher sensitivity against PTZ, NF, FOS, AK, IMP, and SCF, while in female high rate of sensitivity against PTZ, NF, FOS, AK, IMP, and SCF antibiotics was observed against E. coli strains which were isolated from the patients having age from 21 to 40 years Likewise E.coli isolates were sensitive against Imipenem, Peracillin + Tazobactam, Cefoperazone + sulbactam, Fosfomycin, Amikacin, Nitrofurantoin, Peracillin and Tambactam irrespective of age of the patients from which bacteria were isolated. Conclusion: Furthermore, present study also revealed, that the E. coli has developed resistance against commonly used antibiotics which is a serious concern to worry about and serious steps should be taken by the authorities to stop frequent use of antibiotics without proper prescription to avoid this issue.

INFLUENCE OF COMMUNICATION FORMALITY ON PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC TOURISM IN ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK

This1study is aimed1at establishing the1influence of communication strategies on performance of domestic tourism promotion initiatives, the case of Aberdares national park. It focused on communication formality. Descriptive survey was1employed1in this research. The study population included employees of Aberdares National Park (ANP) at their head office in Nyahururu County and local community living around Aberdares National Park. A total of 170 employees are found at ANP head office in Nyahururu County. Stratified random sampling was employed as per the departments (General Administration, HR, IT and Operations, finance and accounting), a 50% sample of the total population was adopted therefore 85 respondents made up the target population. Structured questionnaires were used in data collection. Validity was measured by half split method. Pilot testing was done to ensure validity of the instrument where by a sample of 10 were chosen to confirm validity and reliability1of the1instrument. Data1was further presented1in form of tables. The return rate of 94.12% was achieved from the 80 filled questionnaires out of 85 respondents chosen each from ANP staff and domestic tourists. Results showed that Communication formality played a vital role in influencing performance of domestic tourism at A.N.P. The statement that achieved the highest mean were; ANP had well established communication media in place. The study made recommendation that A.N.P needs to more often improve communication content so as to help in changing public opinion on local tourism and that A.N.P should be able to make use of all media channels available so as to achieve maximum coverage. KEYWORDS: Communication Strategies, Communication Formality, Performance, Domestic Tourism Aberdares National Park

A dynamic and decentralised headquarters to thrive in uncertainty

Abstract Military headquarters have been seen as grown up to the point that this reduces the agility of decision-making and decreases the survivability of the headquarters and command posts in war. At the same time, war is becoming ever more complex and intertwined through the fast pace of information flows and technological advancements. This design science research aims to solve these problems of headquarters. The research was done by framing the problem with several theories and then designing a solution. Systems thinking and complexity leadership theories were used to understand the problem. After this qualitative coding was used to form complexity leadership themes specific to military headquarters. These themes were combined with organisational theories and the military theories of tempo-based operations. A solution was then designed through theory-based analysis and abductive reasoning and tested in exercises. This article suggests that military headquarters should not seek for one optimal organisational structure, but instead the structures should be intentionally and dynamically tailored according to the situation and context at hand. A headquarters seen through the mental model of a Dynamic Headquarters Structure (DHS) can adjust its own networking, information-flows and delegation of decision-making to thrive in different environments.

Comparison study of genexpert MTB / RIF assay versus sputum smear microscopy results in presumptive tuberculosis cases in district Ghotki, Sindh.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay by comparing its results with sputum smear microscopy. Study Design: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: Department of Outpatient (OPD), Taluka and District Head Quarter Hospitals of District Ghotki Sindh. Period: October 2022 to 2023. Methods: In this study 350 Participants were included and all sputum specimens were tested for both above mentioned diagnostic tools that are sputum smear microscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay during the period October 2022 to April 2023. All details regarding the study such as Demographic details, sputum smear microscopy results, and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay test results of patients were collected. A case of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was considered to be a patient having mycobacterium tuberculosis detected in sputum by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Results: In this study, 61 cases (17.4%) out of 350 participants, were detected in GeneXpert MTB/ RIF assay and 35 cases (10%) out of 350 participants were positive in sputum smear microscopy. Male ratio is slightly higher than female among GeneXpert positive cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy sputum smear microscopy were 57%, 100%, 100%, 91.7%, and 92.5%, respectively, when GeneXpert test is taken as reference test. Conclusion: Sputum smear microscopy is as specific as GeneXpert but less sensitive test for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis than GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF KLEBSIELLA SPECIES IN URINE SAMPLES OF UTI PATIENTS VISITING DHQ HOSPITAL D.I. KHAN

Background A gram-negative rod-shaped pathogenic bacterium-Klebsiella, repeatedly causing Urinary Tract Infection. Objectives: Isolation, Characterization and antibiotic susceptibility of Klebsiella species in urine samples of UTI patients. Methodology: For thispurpose, a total of 105 samples were randomly collected from the patients with urinary tract complications visiting District Head Quarter Hospital D.I. Khan, Pakistan. Results: Urine samples with pus cells were inoculated on Cystine-lactose-electrolyte-deficient(CLED) agar and it was revealed that only 12 out of 105 samples were Klebsiella positive on the basis of cultural characteristics.Further confirmation was done using biochemical characterization through Analytical Profile Index (API 10) and out of 12 all the isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Disc diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial susceptibility on Muller Hinton Agar.Klebsiella isolates showed 100% resistance to Cefepime, Cotrimoxazole and Ceftriaxone, 91% to Ampicillin, Doxycyclineand Cefazoline and 83% to Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Imipenem, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin. Only two antibiotics Fosfomycinand Nitrofurantoin were two antibioticsKlebsiella isolates showing sensitivity. Conclusion: It is assumed that excessive use ofantibiotics without proper diagnosis is among one of the main reasons responsible for antibiotic resistance.

The Third Reich and the Act of 23 August 1944

In 1944 Berlin received through different communication channels genuine information about the actions initiated by the democratic opposition, the Royal House and, last but not least, the disgruntled elements within the Great General Headquarters in order to remove the Antonescu regime from power and to conclude an armistice with the United Nations. However, the warnings failed to produce any concrete effects, as the leaders of the Third Reich constantly ignored them and seriously underestimated the ability of the democratic opposition to remove Marshal Ion Antonescu from power. For the Third Reich, the political, economic and military consequences of Romania’s defection were devastating. From a political point of view, for Berlin the act of 23 August meant losing an ally and gaining a new enemy. In addition, the step taken by Romania considerably influenced the attitude of the other allies/satellites of Germany, namely, Bulgaria, Hungary, Finland, and Slovakia. From an economic point of view, the loss of the oilfields around Ploieşti led to a dramatic decrease in the quantity of fuel supplied to the German war machine. The Führer himself would name three major crises with which the Wehrmacht had had to deal in 1944: the Normandy landings, the fall of Army Group Center and, last but not least, “Romania’s betrayal” on 23 August 1944.

Improving Organizational Performance with ISO 9001 QMS Audits

Abstract: The effective implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) is essential for organizations striving for excellence and competitiveness, as it significantly enhances overall performance and, in turn, the business's performance. The effectiveness of QMS is commonly assessed using methods such as management reviews, customer feedback analysis and audits. Audits that are aligned with ISO standards play a critical role in evaluating management processes, measuring QMS performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. This study focuses on the importance of QMS audits in improving organizational performance within the framework of the ISO 9001 standard. Research indicates that many organizations conduct internal audits using traditional or qualitative methods which are commonly used and, they often fall short in addressing all the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. Additionally, these methods heavily depend on the skill and expertise of the auditor, making them less reliable in evaluating QMS performance comprehensively across different levels of an organization. This study examines how audit findings are utilized to guide strategic decision-making and encourage a culture of continuous quality improvement. To overcome the limitations of qualitative methods, a quantitative approach was adopted by developing a customized, comprehensive web-based audit checklist. This checklist encompasses all aspects of the QMS standard, along with contractual, statutory, and organizational requirements. The task-based, detailed checklist helps identify gaps in compliance with objective evidence, enabling management to make well-informed decisions. The study analysed data from 38 projects and 30 functional processes at the head office using web-based statistical tools to assess QMS performance. The results of the study highlight the importance of adopting robust and systematic audit practices. Such practices maximize the potential of QMS, contribute to enhanced organizational performance, and help organizations maintain their competitiveness in a dynamic business environment