Modern Management Approaches Research Articles

Fenced and Fragmented: Conservation Value of Managed Metapopulations.

Population fragmentation is threatening biodiversity worldwide. Species that once roamed vast areas are increasingly being conserved in small, isolated areas. Modern management approaches must adapt to ensure the continued survival and conservation value of these populations. In South Africa, a managed metapopulation approach has been adopted for several large carnivore species, all protected in isolated, relatively small, reserves that are fenced. As far as possible these approaches are based on natural metapopulation structures. In this network, over the past 25 years, African lions (Panthera leo) were reintroduced into 44 fenced reserves with little attention given to maintaining genetic diversity. To examine the situation, we investigated the current genetic provenance and diversity of these lions. We found that overall genetic diversity was similar to that in a large national park, and included a mixture of four different southern African evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). This mixing of ESUs, while not ideal, provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of mixing ESUs over the long term. We propose a strategic managed metapopulation plan to ensure the maintenance of genetic diversity and improve the long-term conservation value of these lions. This managed metapopulation approach could be applied to other species under similar ecological constraints around the globe.

Probing Organization Performance Using a New Hybrid Dynamic MCDM Method Based on the Balanced Scorecard Approach

Abstract In recent years, the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach has become an important performance evaluation tool. However, in order to find ways to ensure that the model more accurately reflects the interdependence and feedback problems related to each factor that occurs in real world situations, a hybrid dynamic Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) BSC model is developed. The goal is to establish an evaluation and relationship model of organization performance that is based on the BSC approach. In this approach, the DEMATEL technique is used to explore how various factors influence each other while the basic concept of analytic network process (ANP) with DEMATEL (known as DANP, DEMATEL-based ANP) is used to yield the influential weights for the dimensions/criteria. Finally, the VIKOR method is used to evaluate gaps in the performance matrix. Empirical analysis helps to determine performance gaps and improve the scores for achieving the aspiration levels for each factor which have been determined based on influential network relationship mapping using the DEMATEL technique. The results show that this method can be used to extract the major factors that can enhance an organization's management performance, leading to continuous improvement. The method can be used to help an organization to evaluate and revise its strategies, and generally to adopt modern management approaches in every day practice.

Secure Distribution Protocol for Restoring Information with Different Accesing Grants

In the paper will be presented some advances in procedures used for encryption and division of secretdata, as well as modern approaches for management of splitted information. Computer techniquesfor secret information sharing aim to secure information against disclosure to unauthorized persons.The paper will describe algorithms allowing for information sharing and secret parts distribution withregards to the different accessing grants for particular persons. Presented protocol allows to preventinsider treats and information leakage, while performing secret part distribution, and informationrestoration.

Performance Management In Zimbabwe : Review Of Current Issues

Performance management is a modern strategic management approach designed to achieve desired results with available resources. Being cognisant of the fact that Governments will continue to experience fiscal space challenges, the Government of Zimbabwe decided to promote optimum utilisation of the scarce revenue streams that flow into the national fiscus. This noble goal is to be achieved through performance management, a key component of Results Based Management system, which emphasise achievement of tangible and high quality results from limited resources. However, to vested interests, performance management is a subversive and revolutionary force. This paper critically traces and examines the evolution of performance management in Zimbabwe.

Evolution of Modern Management through Taylorism: An Adjustment of Scientific Management Comprising Behavioral Science

From traditional approach to scientific approach and then Scientific Management to Modern phase; methodology, principles and approaches have reached its current stage. Taylor, the originator of scientific management brought a revolution in the twentieth century by introducing scientific aspects of formulating patterns and disciplines within project management. Scientific management emphasizes on profit maximization by utilizing the workers through controlled mechanism, training, monetary incentives under managers, however it has been scrutinized and criticized highly for its short term focus on profit, treating workers as a machine like forms which eventually argued to result negative performance in the long run. Therefore, a drift towards behavioral study emerged and social factors have been included to address the challenges which Taylor's method neglected. This paper through an extensive literature review showed that, the advancement of technology and globalization stimulated the modern management approach to adjust and complement the scientific management by supplementing the human factor and their contributions within an organization rather than substituting the traditional approach. Therefore together with productive activities and completion of defined tasks, a successful modern day project management model highly values employee contribution and feedbacks at all level.

Substituição de recursos humanos na Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais: uma alternativa para o aumento quantitativo do efetivo operacional

A Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais (PMMG) tem adotado uma postura gerencial moderna ao usar ferramentas gerenciais que direcionam para o desenvolvimento administrativo. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, verificar a possibilidade de substituição do quadro de funcionários administrativos, composto de policiais militares, por técnico-administrativos civis. O estudo foi realizado num batalhão da PMMG localizado no Sudoeste de Minas Gerais. Foi realizado um levantamento das seções em que os técnicos administrativos não poderiam trabalhar e uma pesquisa quantitativa sobre a quantidade de policiais militares que podem ser substituídos. Na seção Discussão e Resultados, os dados foram tabulados e analisados com o objetivo de esclarecer se é vantajosa ou não a substituição dos policiais militares por técnicos administrativos civis. Concluiu-se que a substituição dos policiais que trabalham em funções administrativas por técnicos administrativos civis é vantajosa, tanto pela possibilidade de aumento do efetivo policial nas ruas, quanto pela economia financeira do Estado.

The Status of Knowledge Management in Teaching Hospitals Affiliated to Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences

Knowledge management is one of the modern management approaches, which has become the key to success in organizations. For this reason, the purpose of the present paper is to investigate the status of knowledge management in education and treatment centers of Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences. This study was a descriptive-analytical survey. The statistical population included all the staffs of hospitals of Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences. Sample size was estimated 502 persons using random sampling method. Data collection tool is Probst’s knowledge management questionnaire. Reliability of the questionnaire was obtained 0.89 using Cronbach’s alpha, and its validity has been confirmed by experienced professors. In order to analyze the data using SPSS software, T test, ANOVA test, correlation coefficient, and regression were used. According to the obtained data, it was found that the status of knowledge management and its dimensions (Goals, identification, acquisition, development, distribution, use, preservation, and knowledge measurement) in the studied hospitals was at an average level. Considering the responsibility of teaching and treatment centers in educating students, more attention should be paid to knowledge management in these organizations and it should be prioritized. Therefore, knowing their status in the scope of knowledge management, the authorities of the hospitals should focus on all dimensions so as to reduce the interval between the status quo and the desired status.

CHAOS IN THE BLUE OCEAN: An Empirical Study Including Implication of Modern Management Theories in Turkey

In this empirical study, whether Six Sigma, Blue Ocean, Crisis Management and Chaos Theories had effects upon business performances, and if available, the direction of these effects were tried to be determined. The research hypotheses were established upon the assumption that modern management approaches as the independent variables had positive effects upon the business performance as the dependent variable. In order to determine this, the sample was created, and after performing data collection upon a valid sample, the analyses were made and the research results were concluded. After various analyses, it was concluded that the current management theories had positive effects upon the business performance. It was revealed in our study that the chaos theory applications provided to have relatively positive results for the businesses in our country because of the fierce competition and environmental conditions’ uncertainty rather than the developed countries.

Assembling the Dubai Government Excellence Program

Purpose– This paper seeks to outline the various elements of a public sector excellence awards programme, the Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP), a unit reporting directly to the cabinet of the Dubai Government. It identifies how the programme seeks to overcome latent contradictions.Design/methodology/approach– The approach relied on interviewing within DGEP, document analysis, conversations with public sector managers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and more general observations of the nature of government in the UAE and especially Dubai. The notion of hybrids in governance is used to unpack the various components of the DGEP and their roles in its overall functioning paying particular attention to the monarchical context of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.Findings– The study found that the monarchical context of public sector management in Dubai acts as a strong influence to counteract the frequently observed inertia of public administration with regards to quality management initiatives. It traces how changing political priorities have been reflected in a changing portfolio of excellence award categories.Originality/value– The paper describes an unusual case of an integrated excellence management approach to a whole government. It identifies monarchical context as an aid to pursuing a modern management approach, speculating that this might be a special case of a more general condition that might aid innovation in public sector contexts. The paper also suggests the usefulness of the notion of hybrids for the public sector governance literature.

Integrating systematic layout planning with fuzzy constraint theory to design and optimize the facility layout for operating theatre in hospitals

Because of the competition of the medical market and the importance of the operaing theatre (OT), the OT process efficiency becomes a hot spot problem in hospital management. The OT facility layout is not only a problem about cost reduction, but also a great contribute to the efficiency of OT process. However, the facility layout optimization of OT was always ignored in the past decades. In order to become more competitive in the medical market, the facility layout of OT should be considered as an essential section in early design phase. To overcome these problems, this paper proposed a approach for designing and optimizing the facility layout of OT in hospitals. First, systematic layout planning (SLP) is applied to design the layout of OT based on the logistics and non-logistics relationships. The SLP is a tool which is used to arrange a workplace in a plant by locating two areas with high frequency and logical relationships close to each other. After that, fuzzy constraint theory is proposed for comprehensively evaluate the layout schemes. Fuzzy constraint theory uses objective function and constraint conditions for solving the problem which involves uncertainty. After designing and optimizing the facility layout of OT in Shanghai East Hospital, we can get the optimal layout plan. The aim of this study was development a new approach to design and optimize the facility layout for OT. This research results are able to help the hospital managers to adopt more modern management approaches in every day practise.

TRANSFOR-M: A unique transatlantic forestry Master program leading to a dual European and Canadian degree

To educate their students in modern sustainable forest and environmental management approaches sensitive to cultural and situational differences, three Canadian (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick) and four European (Albert-Ludwigs- Universität, Freiburg, Germany; University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden; and Bangor University, Wales) universities have developed a new transatlantic forestry Master program leading to a dual European and Canadian post-graduate degree (TRANSFOR-M). The two-year English language program has the following key characteristics: 1) the optimal use of expertise at partner institutions to deliver effective, globally oriented programs in forestry and environmental management; 2) one intensive language course in the language of the host country for the Canadian students; 3) e-learning courses accessible among all partner institutions (and once tested through TRANSFOR-M, to a broader audience); 4) a “thesis” or research project report that is co-supervised by both a Canadian and a European professor; 5) access to work internships to provide practical experience in an international context and increase the employability of the graduate students and 6) two mandatory three-week field courses (one across the four European countries and one across the three Canadian provinces), where all program participants meet.

INDIGENOUS MANAGEMENT THOUGHTS, CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES: The Case of the Igbos of Nigeria

This paper examines core values and practices of traditional Igbo culture which have semblance with the modern management approaches and theories. The paper adopted the matching concept method and developed a model of relationship. It argues that the Igbo societies managed their affairs effectively in a manner similar to selected scientific principles and practices of the West even though it was not documented. It also submits that native management structures in advance encouraged the successful adoption of management practices from the western culture. In this paper, Human relations, Teams, Motivation, Management Functions and Decision Making are posited as African and core values of Ndigbo (the Igbos) which supported the movement of management theories in useful direction.

Integrating hierarchical balanced scorecard with fuzzy linguistic for evaluating operating room performance in hospitals

Health care organizations are operating in a complex environment. The competitive and dynamic health care sector has spurred hospitals into delivering greater flexibility and quality of services. An efficient performance evaluation system is essential for controlling, monitoring and improving service quality in health care organizations. The performance evaluation of operating room (OR) is a useful work for managers to control the operational process of OR team so as to promote the performance. This paper explores the use of a management tool: balanced scorecard (BSC), which facilitates managers to meet multiple strategic goals, and fuzzy linguistic method for evaluating OR performance. BSC is a strategic planning and management system that is used extensively in business and industry, government and nonprofit organizations. First, a model is developed for measuring the acceptable performance of OR based on the interaction financial, customers, internal business process and learning and growth perspective. After that, BSC structure integrated with fuzzy linguistic is proposed for measuring and improving the service. The aim of this study was to build a performance evaluation system for OR and use a fuzzy linguistic to convert the subjective cognition of managers into an information entity and confirmation of improvement. This research results are able to help the organisation to evaluate and revise its strategy and generally to adopt modern management approaches in every day practise.

Framework and practice of integrated coastal zone management in Shandong Province, China

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), a modern coast management approach, provides a holistic solution to all kinds of coastal problems including geographical and political boundaries. The importance of integration in coastal management has also been recognized by coastal manager in China. In this paper, we present the ICZM framework and practices in Shandong as an example of China's ICZM on provincial level. Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China, which suffers from various coastal problems with the rapid socio-economic development in the past three decades. The framework of ICZM in Shandong, especially the legislation and administrative agencies, is described. Within this framework, the practice of ICZM, either planning or implementation, has been undertaken. It is shown that the ICZM is effective and partly solves the coastal problems. Finally, some challenges and drawbacks of current coastal zone management are also discussed.

Remote Sensing and Hydrological Measurements for Irrigation Performance Assessments in a Water User Association in the Lower Amu Darya River Basin

Irrigation water management in Central Asia is notorious for its inefficiency. We assessed the operational performance of the irrigation scheme in one Water Users Association (WUA), Shomakhulum, in Khorezm district, Uzbekistan, in 2007 to provide recommendations for strategic water management planning. Relative evapotranspiration (RET), delivery performance ratio (DPR), drainage ratio (DR), depleted fraction (DF), overall consumed ratio (OCR), field application ratio (FAR) and conveyance ratio (CR) were used as performance indicators. The components of the water balance were obtained through remote sensing techniques and hydrological field measurements. The surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL) was applied to MODIS satellite data to derive actual and potential evapotranspiration. Inflows and outflows were quantified with field measurements in the irrigation and drainage network using discharge rating curves. Ponding experiments allowed determining canal seepage losses. Water balances at field level were established for application efficiency estimations. The indicator values were then compared to efficiency target values taken from the literature in order to assess the operational capabilities of the irrigation scheme. The general performance of the irrigation scheme is very poor. DPRs exceeding 1.0 indicate that more water is delivered to the system than is demanded. The seasonal DF of 0.4 is lower than the target value of 0.6. Losses during the field application averaged at 57%, which is 24% above target values. Seasonal DR, OCR, CR and RET are 0.55, 0.51, 0.76 and 0.82 against the target values of 0.1, 0.54, 0.84 and 0.75, respectively. We conclude that the distribution mechanism can be considerably improved. Besides improving water distribution (timing and equity) in the network, another recommended intervention would be to increase the DF, particularly by interventions at field level that raise the FAR, which in turn will improve DR and OCR. This can be achieved by introducing modern water management approaches such as laser leveling, double-sided irrigation, and control of inflow through flow-measuring devices installed at farm gates, and adequate water pricing.

Strategic performance measurement in a healthcare organisation: A multiple criteria approach based on balanced scorecard

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology focuses on major critical issues of modern business organisations: the effective measurement of corporate performance and the evaluation of the successful implementation of corporate strategy. Despite the increased adoption of the BSC methodology by numerous business organisations during the last decade, limited case studies concern non-profit organisations (e.g. public sector, educational institutions, healthcare organisations, etc.). The main aim of this study is to present the development of a performance measurement system for public health care organisations, in the context of BSC methodology. The proposed approach considers the distinguished characteristics of the aforementioned sector (e.g. lack of competition, social character of organisations, etc.). The proposed measurement system contains the most important financial performance indicators, as well as non-financial performance indicators that are able to examine the quality of the provided services, the satisfaction of internal and external customers, the self-improvement system of the organisation and the ability of the organisation to adapt and change. These indicators play the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), in the context of BSC methodology. The presented analysis is based on a MCDA approach, where the UTASTAR method is used in order to aggregate the marginal performance of KPIs. This approach is able to take into account the preferences of the management of the organisation regarding the achievement of the defined strategic objectives. The main results of the proposed approach refer to the evaluation of the overall scores for each one of the main dimensions of the BSC methodology (i.e. financial, customer, internal business process, and innovation-learning). These results are able to help the organisation to evaluate and revise its strategy, and generally to adopt modern management approaches in every day practise.

Análise do Programa de Desenvolvimento do Turismo do Nordeste (Prodetur/NE) na perspectiva do planejamento estratégico

Este artigo analisa o Programa de Desenvolvimento do Turismo no Nordeste (Prode-tur/NE). A análise será feita dentro de uma perspectiva crítica que busca entender sua estrutura de gerenciamento. O programa é baseado em uma abordagem de autossustentabilidade e num moderno gerenciamento que supõe planejamento participativo e estratégico envolvendo parceria e ampla rede a alianças. Somente um elevado grau de consciência entre os vários atores nordestinos poderá garantir o sucesso do programa, o que implica consciência de todos eles em relação à interdependência entre os governos federal, estadual e municipal, bem com o empresariado e as organizações não governamentais (ONGs).

Management of gastric lymphoma

The management of gastric lymphoma is controversial and a wide variety of unimodality or multimodality approaches have been used. The aim of this report is to highlight the variety of treatment regimens deployed, the outcomes achieved and to present a modern management approach for this enigmatic tumour. 42 cases of primary gastric lymphoma managed at one centre over a 15-year period were reviewed. Weight loss (52%), pain (41%) and anorexia (33%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Most patients (86%) had high-grade lymphoma. Primary treatment modalities included surgery (36%), chemotherapy (40%), supportive care only (22%) and H. pylori eradication (2%). Adjuvant therapies included chemotherapy (17%), radiotherapy (7%) and combined chemoradiotherapy (5%). The overall median survival was 53 months, with a five year survival of 46%. In the curative group, the median survival was 75 months and five year survival 58%. Curative surgery or chemotherapy +/- radiotherapy were similarly effective for stage IE and IIE disease. The prognosis for gastric lymphoma is grade- and stage-dependent. With equivalent outcomes for cure in localised gastric lymphoma for surgery and chemotherapy, the latter is preferred in this unit because of gastric preservation, with surgery being reserved for failed medical management or presentations with haemorrhage, perforation or obstruction refractive to steroid therapy.

The correlation between problems experienced by ethnic entrepreneurs and their marketing and managerial skills

The information epoch has caused substantial changes in modern management approaches. Different emphasis is placed on leadership aspect as a distinction between business failure and success. This change has compelled the change in the management function from a mechanical exercise of planning towards an intricate system of training, motivation and retaining human capital in a business. This study analyses the correlation between problems experienced by ethnic entrepreneurs and their marketing and managerial skills. The findings confirm that ethnic entrepreneurs are in need of support services, such as training, counselling and financial assistance.

Quality, risk management and governance in mental health: an overview

Objective: To consider the origin, current emphasis and relevance of the concepts of quality, risk management and clinical governance in mental health.Conclusions: Increasingly, health service boards and management teams are required to give attention to clinical governance rather than corporate governance alone. Clinical governance is a unifying quality concept that aims to produce a structure and systems to assure and improve the quality of clinical services by promoting an integrated and organization-wide approach towards continuous quality improvement. Many psychiatrists will find the reduction in clinical autonomy, the need to consider the welfare of the whole population as well as the individual patient for whom they are responsible, and the requirement that they play a part in a complex systems approach to quality improvement to be a challenge. Avoiding or ignoring this challenge will potentially lead to conflict with modern management approaches and increased loss of influence on future developments in mental health services.