Operationalization Process Research Articles

ReflACTION framework: A proposed model for implementation of clinical pharmacy services

The implementation of clinical pharmacy services (CPS) has grown worldwide. However, few studies have used models and/or frameworks to facilitate the implementation process, especially in a low and middle-income countries. In addition, there are limitations in the ways that implementation frameworks are used. Therefore, this discussion aimed to propose and describe an approach using the ReflACTION framework. ReflACTION emerged from several years of systematic observation and experience of the Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Social Pharmacy (LEPFS) in implementing CPS in different settings of Brazilian health system. These experiences led the research group to systematize the implementation of CPS based on three theorical references: Paulo Freire's theoretical references, the Maguerez Arc and the Apoteca framework. The ReflACTION framework proposes five steps that starts and ends in the setting, which are: observation of reality; gathering key-points; theorization; solution hypothesis; and application to reality. All steps were carried out considering the determinants of the implementation process. For the present study, we highlight the importance of the implementation team, the involvement of stakeholders as well as their dialogue and awareness. Thus, we describe the operationalization process for each step. The ReflACTION framework can be used to describe and guide the implementation process of CPS. We expect the proposed framework may add knowledge to implementation science and, ultimately, achieve desired patient outcomes.

Intravenous push lacosamide: Successful implementation and patient outcomes across a health system.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Intravenous administration of the antiseizure medication lacosamide can be delayed given operational challenges related to short beyond-use-dating and controlled substance requirements. The purpose of this study was to describe the steps required to successfully transition from intravenous piggyback administration to intravenous push administration and demonstrate that workflow changes improved time to administration without compromising patient safety. This multicenter study had 2 components; the first portion was a prospective description of the implementation and operationalization process, while the second was a retrospective cohort analysis comparing patients who received intravenous piggyback and intravenous push lacosamide. After the transition, the default administration route for adult patients for lacosamide doses of 400mg or less was intravenous push. While the primary objective was to describe the implementation process, secondary objectives included comparison of time to administration and safety, using a composite and incidence of PR prolongation. Success in implementation and operationalization across a large health system was achieved by following a 6-month timeline. A total of 102 patients were included in the cohort study, with 869 individual administrations analyzed (519 intravenous piggyback and 350 intravenous push). Time from verification to administration was significantly decreased when comparing intravenous piggyback (median, 159 minutes) to intravenous push (median, 88 minutes) administrations (P = 0.008). No significant difference was found in the safety composite or PR prolongation. Transitioning intravenous lacosamide administration from piggyback to push administration is feasible and decreases time from verification to administration without increased incidence of adverse effects.

Blueprints: Systematizing Behavior Change Designs—The Case of Social Comparison Theory

To improve people’s lives, human-computer interaction researchers are increasingly designing technological solutions based on behavior change theory, such as social comparison theory (SCT). However, how researchers operationalize such a theory as a design remains largely unclear. One way to clarify this methodological step is to clearly state which functional elements of a design are aimed at operationalizing a specific behavior change theory construct to evaluate if such aims were successful. In this article, we investigate how the operationalization of functional elements of theories and designs can be more easily conveyed. First, we present a scoping review of the literature to determine the state of operationalizations of SCT as behavior change designs. Second, we introduce a new tool to facilitate the operationalization process. We term the tool blueprints . A blueprint explicates essential functional elements of a behavior change theory by describing it in relation to necessary and sufficient building blocks incorporated in a design. We describe the process of developing a blueprint for SCT. Last, we illustrate how the blueprint can be used during the design refinement and reflection process.

Development of EPAT: An assessment tool for pediatric hematology/oncology training programs.

In the absence of a standardized tool to assess the quality of pediatric hematology/oncology training programs, the Education Program Assessment Tool (EPAT) was conceptualized as a user-friendly and adaptable tool to evaluate and identify areas of opportunity, pinpoint needed modifications, and monitor progress for training programs around the world. The development of EPAT consisted of three main phases: operationalization, consensus, and piloting. After each phase, the tool was iteratively modified based on feedback to improve its relevance, usability, and clarity. The operationalization process led to the development of 10 domains with associated assessment questions. The two-step consensus phase included an internal consensus phase to validate the domains and a subsequent external consensus phase to refine the domains and overall function of the tool. EPAT domains for programmatic evaluation are hospital infrastructure, patient care, education infrastructure, program basics, clinical exposure, theory, research, evaluation, educational culture, and graduate impact. EPAT was piloted in five training programs in five countries, representing diverse medical training and patient care contexts for proper validation of the tool. Face validity was confirmed by a correlation between the perceived and calculated scores for each domain (r=0.78, p<.0001). EPAT was developed following a systematic approach, ultimately leading to a relevant tool to evaluate the different core elements of pediatric hematology/oncology training programs across the world. With EPAT, programs will have a tool to quantitatively evaluate their training, allowing for benchmarking with centers at the local, regional, and international level.

Teaching-Service Integration in Health Training: Potentialities and Operationalization Process of Integrated Curriculum Authors

Teaching-Service Integration in Health Training: Potentialities and Operationalization Process of Integrated Curriculum Authors

Academic word difficulty and multidimensional lexical sophistication: An English‐for‐academic‐purposes‐focused conceptual replication of Hashimoto and Egbert (2019)

AbstractThis article presents a conceptual replication of Hashimoto and Egbert (https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12353), a study that featured multivariate models where lexical sophistication variables accounted for word difficulty (yes–no recognition) better than frequency alone among learners of English as a second or foreign language from North America. This current study (nwords = 88; npeople = 128) conceptually replicated Hashimoto and Egbert with data from three Asian university English‐for‐academic‐purposes sites. Methodological differences included a more conservative lexical sophistication operationalization process and avoidance of stepwise regression. Like the original study, the replication's findings favored multivariate models over frequency, which predicted 36% of word difficulty's variance alone. In a multiple regression model accounting for word difficulty, R2 = .52, frequency accounted for 17% of the predicted variance with age of acquisition (AoA: 18%) and word naming reaction time (WN_RT: 16%) also being significant predictors. This replication also extended the testing approach by using a mixed‐effect model, involving person and site intercepts as random effects. The model's ability to predict word difficulty fell, marginal R2 = .22, conditional R2 = .40, but frequency, AoA, and WN_RT remained the strongest predictors. Taken together, this replication successfully supports the original study's more‐than‐frequency conclusion while highlighting the need for further research into the area.

A Call to Action to Review the USPSTF's Recommendation for Testicular Self-Examination.

We urge the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to call for a formal review of the evidence regarding testicular self-examination (TSE). Twelve years have since passed since the evidence was last formally analyzed where normally re-reviews occur in 5-year cycles. If they would decide to move forward with this action, we ask for the USPSTF to review their methods for establishing recommendations to optimize their rating system operationalization process. Finally, emerging evidence demonstrates a net positive effect of TSE. This stands in contrast to the assertions of TSE’s supposed harm that is prevalent in the literature as well as the rationale behind the USPSTF’s “D” rating of TSE.

Digital reputation and firm performance: The moderating role of firm orientation towards sustainable development goals (SDGs)

This study analyzes the link between a firm's digital reputation and performance and the conditions under which its orientation towards sustainable development can moderate this link. The manuscript deals with relevant topics such as the digital tools that support the implementation of the firm's sustainability strategy, concerning the firm's commitment to deploying Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a sample of firms from the Fortune 500 list from 2015 to 2019, the findings show that digital reputation positively impacts a firm's financial and non-financial performance. Furthermore, results reveal that breadth (the variety of SDG-related themes covered) and concentration (the distribution of non-financial disclosure among the SDGs) operate as moderators in the above relationship. On the other hand, depth (the total volume of the SDG-based information) appears not to be significant. Finally, this study enriches the debate by providing a new data operationalization process to measure the firm's commitment to the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.

Mining Industry Corporate Social Responsibility to Education Development

The impact of mining industries’ operations on different areas is easy to be noticed. Thus, nowadays different research considering ecology, economy, society, or engineering is performed in light of mining industries. However, the impact on education development is not the first choice. Thus, the aim of this paper is the verification of possibility to indicate the main key factors (activities) in the mining industry, that are in accordance with the CSR doctrine and are capable of ensuring education development. To reach this purpose, KGHM Polska Miedź SA was selected for the research, as an example of a mining company operating on a global scale. Then, the appropriate CSR standard “Principles for Global Corporate Responsibility, Bench Marks for Measuring Business Performance” was a basis for the operationalization process to assure the research tool, that defines the list of the activities in accordance with CSR doctrine. The obtained research tool was used to perform the survey, which indicated the key factors that assure education development. As a result, over 65 key factors were indicated. Generally, the factors considered, e.g., free access to education for workers, suppliers, and vendors, do not affect the education of children and young workers, as does preparing company documents in language adequate to the operating area.

HPR7 Alignment with Services Providers was the Single Most Challenging Change in the Brazilian National Agency for Private Healthcare System (ANS) Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) Project.

Brazilian National Agency for private healthcare system (ANS) makes the regulation for private healthcare system in Brazil. ANS, since 2019, is running the pilot value-based new payment models project. In total, 13 projects were selected by ANS. The goals of this analysis are to identify key operationalization process challenges for implementing new value-based payments models in Brazil, according with the managers of private healthcare plans participating in the projects.

The Enterprise: State of affairs, challenges and way forward

The operationalization of the Enterprise, which was conceived as the operational arm of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and can be considered a crucial component of the international deep seabed regime, still lies in wait and remains plagued by several outstanding matters. In this article, the characteristics and underlying objectives of the Enterprise are analyzed, along with a number of lingering issues and current developments that seem to complicate its establishment as an autonomous organ of the ISA. Although years of inaction have resulted in a significant backlog, it is argued that the ISA must treat the operationalization of the Enterprise as a top priority, since further delay will not only jeopardize the operationalization process, but might also limit the Enterprise’s options and use in the future. An Interim Director-General should be appointed as soon as possible, a transparent framework for joint ventures with the Enterprise must be developed and all options to mobilize the necessary funds and technical expertize should be explored.

A systematic review of scales for measuring information security culture

Purpose The concept of information security culture, which recently gained increased attention, aims to comprehensively grasp socio-cultural mechanisms that have an impact on organizational security. Different measurement instruments have been developed to measure and assess information security culture using survey-based tools. However, the content, breadth and face validity of these scales vary greatly. This study aims to identify and provide an overview of the scales that are used to measure information security culture and to evaluate the rigor of reported scale development and validation procedures. Design/methodology/approach Papers that introduce a new or adapt an existing scale of information security culture were systematically reviewed to evaluate scales of information security culture. A standard search strategy was applied to identify 19 relevant scales, which were evaluated based on the framework of 16 criteria pertaining to the rigor of reported operationalization and the reported validity and reliability of the identified scales. Findings The results show that the rigor with which scales of information security culture are validated varies greatly and that none of the scales meet all the evaluation criteria. Moreover, most of the studies provide somewhat limited evidence of the validation of scales, indicating room for further improvement. Particularly, critical issues seem to be the lack of evidence regarding discriminant and criterion validity and incomplete documentation of the operationalization process. Research limitations/implications Researchers focusing on the human factor in information security need to reach a certain level of agreement on the essential elements of the concept of information security culture. Future studies need to build on existing scales, address their limitations and gain further evidence regarding the validity of scales of information security culture. Further research should also investigate the quality of definitions and make expert assessments of the content fit between concepts and items. Practical implications Organizations that aim to assess the level of information security culture among employees can use the results of this systematic review to support the selection of an adequate measurement scale. However, caution is needed for scales that provide limited evidence of validation. Originality/value This is the first study that offers a critical evaluation of existing scales of information security culture. The results have decision-making value for researchers who intend to conduct survey-based examinations of information security culture.

Linking Transformational Leadership to Performance: A Study in a Correctional Institution

The article describes the effect of transformational leadership on class I prison officers' performance through job satisfaction and work motivation. The research instrument is based on each construct's operationalization process that was adopted and developed from previous research. Using the Structural Equation Modeling approach with the help of the Lisrel 8.8 statistical device, the authors found that that there was a significant favorable influence among transformational leadership, job satisfaction, and performance, also between job satisfaction and performance. However, the test shows no significant relationship between work motivation and employee performance. New research results are expected to add to the literature's limitations and provide empirical evidence regarding the relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction on employee performance.

BSC inside a strategic management control package

PurposeKaplan and Norton proposed the strategy map as a way to overcome the weaknesses of the balanced scorecard (BSC), but this approach may not be enough. The purpose of this paper is to present a strategic management control package composed of three systems from strategic management and management control. This conceptual approach operationalizes strategic alignment, which is the core interest of the BSC.Design/methodology/approachThe rationale for this research is derived from the literatures on business models (BMs), the BSC and management control packages. The authors first identified gaps in the BSC literature, which has underlined the BSC’s insufficient connection to strategy, and the strategic literature, which has criticized the BM as being too conceptual. The authors propose to fill these gaps through contributions from the management control package literature.FindingsThe findings are in line with the current literature on the interdependencies of management control systems. In response to the criticism of the BSC because of its weak strategic foundations, the authors provide a framework comprising three management systems: the BM, the strategy map and the BSC. This framework ultimately promotes two feedback loops that provide a dynamic view of the reciprocal influences of the BSC and strategy.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral authors note that the BSC suffers from a lack of conceptualization. The underlying assumptions and the conceptual and empirical validity of the cause-and-effect relationships are particularly questioned. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to overcome the criticism linked to the “low” strategic alignment of the strategy map, and then of the BSC, by proposing a conceptual framework based on a package including three management systems: the BSC, the strategy map and the BM. A major limit lies in the purely conceptual dimension of this research, and it will be interesting to empirically investigate the conceptual package through longitudinal case studies.Practical implicationsThe authors propose guidelines to develop a strategically aligned BSC through a three-step operationalization process to achieve a non-linear strategic management control. Moreover, the authors suggest empirical research avenues to address the weaknesses of Kaplan and Norton’s BSC and to enhance its connection to strategy through an integrated strategic management control package that includes a BM.Originality/valueThis paper adds value by proposing a package of management systems that includes both strategic management and management control perspectives. The authors, therefore, offer a way to bridge the gap between these research streams and highlight the interest of recent developments in the literature regarding the management control package.

Design and management of innovation laboratories: Toward a performance assessment tool

There is a strong emergence of new spaces to foster innovation all over the world (Fablabs, Living Labs and Design Factories, among others). Past experiences have shown these types of projects involving “innovation laboratories” are at risk of not succeeding in their goals. Although several studies have tackled the problem of design, development and sustainability of innovation laboratories, there is still a gap in understanding how the capabilities and performance of these environments are affected by the strategic intentions at the early stages of design and functioning. Throughout this work, eight frameworks from the literature that analyze innovation laboratories are identified and compared. Then, based on both literature and the authors' experience, an updated framework is proposed as the basis for a guidance tool for researchers and practitioners aiming to assess or to adapt an existing project. As part of the operationalization process of the framework, a maturity grid‐based assessment tool is proposed to evaluate the maturity degree of an innovation laboratory. Afterwards, to evaluate the viability and to integrate the perception of innovation laboratory managers, an exploratory study with answers from fifteen laboratories from five different countries is performed. Insights and implications for emerging and already existent projects of innovation laboratories are then discussed.

An Open Platform for Modeling Method Conceptualization: The OMiLAB Digital Ecosystem

This paper motivates, describes, demonstrates in use, and evaluates the Open Models Laboratory (OMiLAB) - an open digital ecosystem designed to support conceptualization and operationalization of conceptual modeling methods. The OMiLAB ecosystem is motivated by a generalized understanding of model value and is targeted to research and education stakeholders fulfilling various roles in a modeling method's lifecycle - modelers, domain experts, methodologists, modeling software developers, knowledge workers, model-driven software engineers etc. While much is reported on novel modeling methods and tools for various domains, only limited knowledge is available on the conceptualization of such methods by means of a full-fledged dedicated open ecosystem and a methodology that facilitates entry points for novices, as well as an open innovation space for experienced stakeholders. This gap is maintained by the lack of an open process and platform for (a) conducting research in the field of modeling method design, (b) developing agile modeling tools and model-driven digital products, and (c) experimentation with, and dissemination of such methods & related prototypes. OMiLAB incorporates principles, practices, procedures, tools and services required to address the forecited issues, as it aims to be the operational deployment for a conceptualization and operationalization process built on several pillars: (a) a granularly defined concept whose building blocks can be customized for the domain of choice; (b) an Agile Modeling Method Engineering framework supporting quick prototyping of modeling tools; (c) a model-aware “Digital Product Design Lab”; and (d) dissemination channels for reaching a global community. Demonstration and evaluation of the OMiLAB in research is hereby carried out by two selected application cases for domains- and case-specific requirements: the iStar case for requirements engineering, and the EnterKnow case for semantic business process management systems. These two cases show the broad spectrum of modeling methods realized within the OMiLAB, ranging from conventional conceptual modeling methods (iStar) toward the model-aware development and operationalization of Digital Products (EnterKnow). Besides these exemplary cases, OMiLAB has proven to effectively satisfy requirements raised by almost 50 modeling methods, supporting researchers in designing novel modeling methods, developing tools and disseminating outcomes. The educational impact of the OMiLAB is also measured in terms of international visibility and feedback from the NEMO Summer School series, whose attendants directly interact with both the physical and virtual environments of the OMiLAB.

Industry 4.0 implementation framework for the producing industry

The competitive pressure induced by progressing globalization has forced companies to find new ways of differentiation. Industry 4.0 as the synonym for the next significant step in value creation advancement offers new technologies and procedures to obtain further improvements in competitiveness. The real-time networking of people, machines and objects is not only an opportunity to leverage productivity potentials; it also enables new data-driven business models to achieve increase in revenues. Although the concept and enablers of industry 4.0 are widely known across the producing industry, companies struggle with its successful and sustainable implementation. Due to the often insufficient embedding of individual solutions in a coherent overall concept, implemented solutions cannot exploit potential synergies within the company. The presented paper introduces a framework to centrally control and synchronize Industry 4.0 activities within a company. By integrating bottom-up and top-down perceptions the framework facilitates the early identification and assessment of potential industry 4.0 applications as well as efficient development of specific solutions up to the implementation in series production. Consisting of an operationalization process and an organizational model optimized for horizontal and vertical exchange within the company, the framework enables a faster and more robust implementation of industry 4.0

After decision-making: the operationalization of norms in International Relations

Research on norms in International Relations (IR) includes various concepts related to how norms influence actions. These approaches focus on the decision-making process, and largely neglect the operationalization of norms. This omission leads to an analytical gap: a lack of attention to how the substance of abstract norms is transformed and constructed in the operationalization process. This article draws on the Foucauldian theme of governmentality to introduce a novel perspective on operationalizing norms. It focusses in particular on the role of techniques as understudied parts inherent to the reflexive processes of operationalization and meaning production. The article thereby contests the prevalence of fundamental norms in conventional IR theory. It demonstrates, instead, that global governance techniques do not simply translate rationalities into practice, but construct their very own normativities. These theoretical reflections are illustrated by analysing the operationalization of norms through indicators in the case of the European Union’s human rights policy.

Current state of seagrass ecosystem services: Research and policy integration

Seagrasses contribute to the maintenance of human wellbeing. However certain aspects of their role as ecosystem service (ES) providers remain understudied. Here, we synthesise the state of seagrass ES (SGES) research and policy implications. Additionally, we recommend ways in which SGES research can be integrated in to policy design, by drawing lessons from the case of Blue Carbon (BC). SGES research suffers from three main biases: a geographical bias, SGES has been restricted to chartered seagrass areas; a type of service research bias, provisioning and regulating services have received extensive attention while cultural services remain understudied; a type of discipline bias, the ecological aspects of SGES have been well documented while economic and social aspects remain in comparison understudied. These are particularly important, as an understanding of the social and economic considerations of the provision of ES is fundamental to facilitate its integration into policy frameworks. Lessons drawn from the operationalization process of BC show the reoccurrence of certain aspects that have enabled the integration of BC into policy. These aspects are grouped under 4 different categories. From the analysis of these elements we draw lessons that could facilitate the operationalization of other ecosystem services and their incorporation into management policy frameworks.

Assessment on the Evaluation of Learning in Medical Education

The evaluation of learning has been the subject intriguing, full of stigmas historically constructed. Sometimes (most) is seen as instrument of punishment, coercion, discipline. The nature is classified as descriptive exploratory approach with mixed quantitative and qualitative. To collect data, questionnaires were given to students and teachers from 1st to 4th year course and consultation with the instruments of Student Performance Evaluation (AD). Treatment of qualitative data was by content analysis. It was observed that there are similarities between the objectified and practice, teachers and students recognize the systematic evaluation used as a component in the construction of knowledge, however, is not fully understood the operationalization process of this design evaluation by the subjects involved in research, because existence of distortions in its implementation by students and teachers compromising the pedagogical dimension of assessment, for example the “standardization” of the considerations made in relation to student performance. These factors credibility in AD by students showed decline throughout the course. However the traditional evaluation culture is still present in moments of assessment because the talks are still noticeable feeling of fear of exposing opinions. It was therefore concluded that no action needs to AD in practice between in accordance with the theory, for example, with skills that motivate teachers to the correct implementation of the proposal. It is also necessary to make the student realize the process as responsible for the results in individual and collective performances of AD.