Organizational Aspects Research Articles

The sustainable potential of the architectural and urban heritage of the Algerian ksour

ABSTRACT This paper aims to assess the sustainability potential of Algerian desert Ksour's architectural and urban heritage. It identifies systems aligning with the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), categorized into formal, spatial organization, and architectonic aspects. The approach correlates Ksour's architectural features with SDGs defined by the International Union of Architects, yielding 40 passive features applicable for achieving SDGs. Notably, features like high windows (architectural) and strategic siting (urban) remain relevant for energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. This research gives us the opportunity to improve our strategies for rehabilitating and adapting built heritage so that it can meet current environmental challenges, but also opens up the possibility in the future of continuing to identify more sustainable systems by extending the study of heritage examples, but also and above all of developing a reflection on the adaptation of these passive systems in the design of contemporary architectural and urban projects.

Predictors of family-focused practices among mental health workers in Quebec

ContextEngaging family members in the ongoing care of individuals with mental illness is a practice known to bolster the client’s recovery journey and enhance the overall wellbeing of both children and families involved. Despite its potential benefits, there remains a dearth of understanding surrounding the implementation of family-focused practices (FFP) by mental health professionals serving adults, as well as the factors that could either promote or hinder such practices. This knowledge gap is particularly pronounced within North American settings.GoalThe goal of this study was to identify potential hindering and enabling factors of FFP used in adult mental health services.MethodsA sample of 512 professionals working with adult mental health clients, from all regions of Quebec, Canada, with a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and working in different work settings, completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ). Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of several factors – organizational, professional, and personal – on the degree of family-based practices of mental health workers.Results and discussionFindings of this study show that the strongest predictors for the adoption of higher FFP levels among adult mental health professionals in Quebec, are being employed on a full-time basis, perceiving a higher level of skills, knowledge, and confidence toward FFP, and having a supportive workplace environment. Results underscore the need to address both organizational and worker-related aspects to effectively promote better FFP in mental health services.

Me, us and IT

The adoption and pedagogical use of technologies such as virtual worlds to support teaching and learning, and research in higher education involves a complex interplay of technical, organisational and personal factors. In this paper, eighteen educators and researchers provide an overview of how they perceive a virtual world can be used in education from the perspective of themselves as individuals ‘me’, their educational organisations and as members of the Australian and New Zealand Virtual Worlds Working Group (VWWG) community of practice ‘us’, as well as the complex technology that underpins this learning environment ‘IT’. Drawing on Linstone’s (1981, 1984) Technical, Organisational and Personal (TOP) multiple perspective concept as the framework for analysis, the authors discuss their perspectives of how the personal, organisational and technical aspects of teaching through the use of virtual worlds have impacted on their teaching and research in higher education. The potential of employing the TOP framework to inform future research into the use of technologies such as virtual worlds in teaching and learning is explored.

Nurses’ perceptions of discharge planning implementation: A descriptive qualitative study

Background: Discharge planning is crucial in hospitals to ensure continuous patient care, thereby preventing re-admissions or complications. However, its implementation still requires improvement due to various obstacles and variances in nurses’ perceptions. Objective: This research aims to explore nurses’ perceptions regarding the implementation of discharge planning. Methods: This study is a descriptive qualitative research involving 14 participants selected through purposive random sampling. Data was collected from April to June 2023 through in-depth interviews, with notes taken and recordings made for transcription. Data analysis was conducted using the Colaizzi method. Results: Participants exhibited a good understanding of discharge planning, yet disparities emerged in their perceptions regarding ten key themes: knowledge, goals, and benefits; organizational aspects in implementation management; activity mechanisms; methods and media employed; implementation steps/flow; implementation content; particularly notable was the theme of implementation timing; evaluation processes in implementation; availability of specialized formats and documentation procedures/format completion; and encountered implementation categories and room-related obstacles. These themes emerged as significant areas needing attention based on the research findings. Conclusion: Nurses’ perceptions regarding the implementation of discharge planning have not been optimized due to constraints imposed by hospital management policies and room management, differences in nurses’ perceptions and attitudes towards implementation, and factors related to patients and their families.

Hidden Spyware in the Service of State Security. Legal, Organisational and Systemic Aspects

Hidden Spyware in the Service of State Security. Legal, Organisational and Systemic Aspects

Leaders’ views on leadership and skills development in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Orientation: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is increasingly becoming a reality in organisations worldwide.Research purpose: The aim of this article was to explore the views of international leaders on leadership and skills development in employees to equip them for the 4IR.Motivation for the study: Leaders have to adjust their perspectives and leadership while the entire workforce is required to focus on their skills development on technological, individual and interpersonal levels.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research methodology is applied, using a phenomenological paradigm. Eight top leaders from Australia, India, Germany, South Africa, North America, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore in various global and organisational fields were interviewed on leadership and skills development in the 4IR.Main findings: Leaders focus on understanding and applying new technological trends, adopting a 4IR mindset, and developing skills through training and integrating systems. Additionally, they believe that skills development needs to include hard and soft skills, continuous training, and anticipating future trends. Skills need to have individual, interpersonal, organisational, societal and spiritual aspects to address the 4IR complexities adequately.Practical/managerial implications: Leaders need to understand the complexes of the 4IR and need to train and support employees to develop themselves and their skills adequately.Contribution/value-add: This article adds to the research on skill development, training and understanding future work trends to prepare leaders, industry and employees for future work trends and requirements for education for future work places.

ЦИФРОВЫЕ ИННОВАЦИИ В ЗЕРНОВОМ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕ: МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПРИНЦИПЫ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ИСКУССТВЕННОГО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТА

The paper discusses an innovative approach to monitoring grain ecosystems, based on the use of neural network technologies. A classification of the tasks of monitoring the phytosanitary condition of crops in a grain field has been carried out, and the corresponding intellectualization tools have been identified. The main attention is paid to the problems of detection, classification and development of diseases in crops, for the effective solution of which it is proposed to use computer vision methods, including a complex of convolutional architectures GoogleNet, DenseNet, U-Net, which have shown high performance in classification and segmentation problems on test samples of images of wheat diseases, obtained as a result of three years of field experiments in the Krasnodar Region. The results of the study show that the use of neural network methods in the process of monitoring grain ecosystems contributes to the effective solution of complex problems associated with diagnostic procedures, allowing to reduce the level of uncertainty in the decision-making process, which is especially important under the influence of environmental factors with a high level of randomness and variability. The main barrier to the intellectualization of production processes is the lack of methodology for working with artificial intelligence, big data and other digital technologies at different levels of management in the agricultural sector of the economy, which affects not only issues of technical implementation and implementation of artificial intelligence, but also organizational aspects, including work with data, staffing the intellectualization process, information infrastructure, defining the roles and responsibilities of participants in the process, as well as the integration of intelligent solutions with the agricultural solutions module of the national platform “Digital Agriculture”.

Model for improving organizational and methodological aspects of management accounting of intangible assets and goodwill

Model for improving organizational and methodological aspects of management accounting of intangible assets and goodwill

Compounding pharmacy regulations: experience of the Latvian pharmaceutical market

The article aims to examine technological, organizational and regulatory aspects of drug quality and safety assurance system, as well as peculiarities in civil circulation of extemporaneous drugs in Latvian pharmaceutical market to improve approaches for statutory regulation of this special and socially significant type of activity of pharmaceutical organizations. This work continues a series of articles about compounding pharmacy practice in different world healthcare systems.

Volleyball Players' Performance During Competition and Its Relation to The Coach's Familiarity with The Pedagogical Requirements of Training

The study outlines the necessary training requirements for a coach to achieve athletic excellence in players. These factors include the coach's scientific knowledge, such as their understanding of scientific concepts related to modern coaching and assessment methods, knowledge of fundamentals and training methods, ability to instill personal qualities in players, and knowledge of teaching and learning methods. Additionally, the coach's personal qualities in relation to the players are important, including their behavior, ability to develop a spirit of competition, socialization, and team spirit, and understanding of the educational aspects of coaching. Finally, the coach's application of scientific knowledge in training is crucial, including mastery of the training load, game plans, and the organizational aspects of matches. Furthermore, the coach's understanding of the selection criteria is recognized as a crucial element in enhancing player performance.

AI-based analysis and linking of technical and organisational data using graph models as a basis for decision-making in systems engineering

AbstractThe increased complexity of development projects surpass the capabilities of existing methods. While Model Based Systems Engineering pursues technically holistic approaches to realize complex products, aspects of organization as well as risk management, are still considered separately. The identification and management of risks are crucial in order to take suitable measures to minimize adverse effects on the project or the organization. To counter this, a new graph-based method and tool using AI, tailored to the needs of complex development projects and organizations is introduced here.

A unifying framework for functional organization in early and higher ventral visual cortex.

A key feature of cortical systems is functional organization: the arrangement of functionally distinct neurons in characteristic spatial patterns. However, the principles underlying the emergence of functional organization in the cortex are poorly understood. Here, we develop the topographic deep artificial neural network (TDANN), the first model to predict several aspects of the functional organization of multiple cortical areas in the primate visual system. We analyze the factors driving the TDANN's success and find that it balances two objectives: learning a task-general sensory representation and maximizing the spatial smoothness of responses according to a metric that scales with cortical surface area. In turn, the representations learned by the TDANN are more brain-like than in spatially unconstrained models. Finally, we provide evidence that the TDANN's functional organization balances performance with between-area connection length. Our results offer a unified principle for understanding the functional organization of the primate ventral visual system.

Becoming a Leading Player in Protecting the Mountain Environment: The Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme and the Path to the 1982 Kathmandu Declaration

In La Moitié de la Gloire, Axel Mayenfisch’s documentary about the 1952 Swiss expedition to Chomolungma (Mount Everest), André Roch recalls how the retreating climbers simply abandoned much of their gear, either leaving it where it was or “throwing it into holes [crevasses].” Roch’s tale was by no means unusual, as mountaineers at that time gave little thought to what became of their waste. By the 1970s, however, climbers were becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment. The resulting change of attitude led many mountaineering organizations to take concrete steps to protect the mountains (e.g., cleanup campaigns) and to issue waste management guidelines for trips into the high mountains. The Union internationale des associations d’alpinisme 1982 Kathmandu Declaration—a charter of ten principles for achieving greater harmony with the mountain environment—was an important milestone in this process. Drawing on documents held in the extensive archives of the Union internationale des associations d’alpinisme, the current paper retraces the path that led to the Kathmandu Declaration and the process by which the environment became an important aspect of the aforementioned organization’s work. It also examines the hypothesis that the organization has progressively adopted a conservationist stance toward protecting nature; its aim is to reconcile environmental protection and economic development (especially tourism). The history of the Kathmandu Declaration supports this hypothesis, as it shows how the notion of sustainable development, which emerged in the 1980s, came to dominate conceptions of mountain protection.

Implementing Public Procurement of Green Innovations: Does structural Alignment Matter?

This study contributes to the theory and practice of public procurement by examining the role of structural alignment in the implementation of public procurement of green innovations. Structural alignment is defined as the coherence and harmonization between strategic aspects of an organization. The organizational aspects examined in this study are strategic goals, structural and control mechanism, and adequacy of resources. The study draws on secondary survey data collected from 379 public-sector organizations in Norway. The analysis was conducted using a novel approach that combines partial least squares structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis. There is a positive and significant relationship between strategic goals and structural and control mechanism; between structural and control mechanism and adequacy of resources; and between the adequacy of resources and the attainment of public procurement of green innovations. The findings support the structural alignment hypothesis in that the presence of strategic goals results in the implementation of the public procurement of green innovations if structure, control, and adequate resources are in place. Finally, the results show that strategic goals are a necessary condition for enacting a corresponding structural and control design and that structural and control design are a necessary condition for allocating resources, which are themselves a necessary condition for the increased implementation of the public procurement of green innovations.

Managing Satisfaction in synchronous online learning: results of a statistical study on the material of teaching Russian as a foreign language

Introduction. The widespread adoption of distance learning makes it relevant to reflect on the experience gained during the period of ubiquitous transition to the online format in 2019-2021. The purpose of the research is to investigate the factors influencing student satisfaction with synchronous online courses and to develop recommendations aimed at creating a positive educational experience for students in the online environment, specifically for teachers and methodologists. Materials and methods. This study draws upon survey data concerning the synchronous online acquisition of Russian as a foreign language among tertiary education students, both domestically and internationally. The sample comprised 307 individuals representing 16 countries, all of whom had engaged in at least one synchronous online course in the Russian language. Evaluation of satisfaction regarding the online learning experience centered on the variable denoted as "Course Satisfaction Assessment." The survey instrument was constructed based on the three-factor model, Community of Inquiry (COI), recognized for its efficacy in assessing effective online learning. This model, adapted to suit the context of synchronous online learning, comprehensively incorporates cognitive, pedagogical, and group communication factors. Results. As a result of correlation analysis, the ten most significant correlations with the variable "Course Satisfaction Evaluation" were identified. The most significant correlation of satisfaction with learning was established with positive evaluation of the course content – its practical usefulness and relevance to the needs of learners (r=0,44; p<0,01). Factors related to feedback from the instructor (r=0,34; p<0,01) and the motivational effect of the learning showed a high level of correlation with satisfaction with the training (r=0,35; p<0,01). Meanwhile, the factors of group communication did not show significant correlations. Considering the most important factors of satisfaction, recommendations were formulated to improve the effectiveness of synchronous online learning and enhance student motivation through content and organizational aspects of learning. Conclusion. The conducted study contributes to the understanding of significant aspects of student satisfaction management in synchronous online learning. Practical recommendations have application value for the practice of online learning design and teaching in synchronous online format.

A systemic analysis of secondary school mathematics teachers' attitudes toward assessment of learning

Aware of the various issues involved in assessing learning, but also of the difficulties encountered in classroom practice of this pedagogical act, we set out in this article to explore and analyze the assessment practices of secondary school mathematics teachers and the conceptions they underlie. The study was conducted from a systemic perspective. We therefore targeted three aspects in our study: the conceptual, the institutional, and the docimological. Analysis of the attitudes declared by a random sample of mathematics teachers enabled us to confirm that pedagogical, and in particular cognitive, issues do not represent a priority for them in assessment practices. They focus more on the organizational aspect of examinations, with a remarkable lack of concern for docimological considerations to give credibility to the assessments carried out.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AFFECTING WORK PERFORMANCE AMONG GROUND-HANDLING PERSONNEL: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Ground-handling personnel are critical for airline operations and ensuring safety during flights. Yet, these workers are at risk of developing MSDs due to highly physically demanding tasks. which can impact their health and work performance. This review examines common risk factors affecting MSDs and their impact on work performance, while also exploring prevention and management strategies for this occupational group. A total of 342 articles were identified through an explorative search of the PubMed database, Direct Scopus, and Google scholar with the limitation of the year from to 2015-2024. Only 16 articles were considered and classified based on their operation category, such as ramp operation, flight maintenance, cabin crew and baggage handler articles. The results reveal that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in ground handling personnel can be influenced not only by physical factors but also by organizational, psychological, and social aspects, which can negatively impact work efficiency and performance. ground handling workers are exposed to various musculoskeletal risks, including physical exertion, unnatural postures, Standing for extended periods., repetitive tasks, tight deadlines, and heavy lifting, as well as organizational and psychological concerns. It is crucial to mitigate these risks to safeguard and enhance musculoskeletal health of the workers.

The effect of institutional pressures and dynamic managerial capability on strategic renewal: The case of strategic agility and digital readiness as mediators in healthcare industry

This research investigates the role of institutional pressures, dynamic managerial capabilities, strategic agility and digital readiness as mediating factors in the gap of the healthcare sector's post-pandemic digital transformation. This study employed strategic and managerial questionnaires involving 308 medium-sized private hospitals in Indonesia and LISREL 6.0 was used for the analysis. Findings indicated that strategic agility did not mediate dynamic managerial capability for strategic renewal. Moreover, the private healthcare sector was found to be influenced by pressures to imitate other hospitals and competitors, and digital readiness had a stronger mediating effect than strategic agility. The study enriches organization theory by investigating institutional pressures driving strategic renewal. It also enhances the literature on strategic management by exploring the mediating role of strategic agility and digital readiness in strategic change. Lastly, it highlights the association between digital readiness and managerial and organizational aspects resulting from strategic change and further emphasizes the need for integrated teams and digital health services in hospitals to achieve strategic renewal.

Fundamental theoretical conflicts in the science of critical thinking

Introduction. The article explores the reasons for the lack of scientific consensus on critical thinking. Despite the fact that this concept has become one of the key ones for modern culture, it has not been properly defined, and organizational decisions remain controversial. In this article, we propose to focus not on the gaps in our knowledge of critical thinking, but on finding the reasons for what exactly prevents consensus on these issues. The purpose of the article is to establish fundamental uncertainties and theoretical conflicts in the science of critical thinking that prevent the solution of terminological and organizational aspects of the problem. Materials and Methods. The study is theoretical in nature and is based on an agnological approach to the analysis of expert ignorance (R. Proctor, S. Feirstein, etc.). This approach combines traditional methods of logical and philosophical analysis, but is used when the purpose of the study is not to fill the gap in knowledge, but to find explanations why exactly we do not know what we do not know. In order to achieve this goal, the subjects of scholarly debates regarding critical thinking were identified and the prerequisites on which conflicting concepts are based were analyzed. Results. The study found that the existing organizational debates about how critical thinking should be taught in educational institutions are derived from discussions at a fundamental level. The authors conclude that modern research on critical thinking, despite its apparent thematic proximity to each other, actually reflects different, yet incompatible approaches to nature, psychological mechanisms and standards of critical thinking. Conclusions. The research led to the conclusion that reaching consensus on practical issues, such as the way to organize critical thinking training, requires prior resolution of fundamental theoretical conflicts about the nature, psychological mechanisms and socio-cultural standards of critical thinking.

Manajemen Program Kampung Tertib Lalu Lintas Di Kota Jambi

The traffic order village is a pilot area, in which there are all series in managing safe, smooth and orderly traffic activities, this has the aim that the people in an area can be educated in driving in traffic. The purpose of this study was to find out and explain how the management of the Traffic Control Village Program in Jambi City is. This type of research uses descriptive qualitative methods. The data sources used are primary data and secondary data using data collection techniques through interviews, observation, and documentation. The theory used is the theory of management functions according to George R. Terry, in which there are four aspects of management functions namely, planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling. The results of this study indicate that the management of the Traffic Control Village Program in Jambi City has been going quite well, but there are still some obstacles in carrying out its organizational aspects.