Practical Management Research Articles

Reasons for patient no-shows and drop-offs after initial evaluation in physical therapy outpatient care: a qualitative study.

Reasons for patient no-shows and drop-offs after initial evaluation in physical therapy outpatient care: a qualitative study.

Green Solution For Sacred Waste: Developing Eco-Friendly Aromatic Product

The great cultural and spiritual heritage of India produces a tremendous amount of floral waste, mostly from temples. Though the wastes are sacred in nature, proper management is hardly done, thereby causing problems for the environment by polluting water and producing bad gases at the time of its decomposition[1]. For this reason, the current research work has tried to transform temple flower waste into eco-friendly dhoops and incense sticks, thus motivating sustainable development with a circular economy.[2] This project included the collection of flower waste, preprocessing it into usable raw materials, and formulating dhoops and incense sticks using natural binders and essential oils.[3] Different formulations were developed to improve binding strength, burning efficiency, and fragrance while eliminating the use of carbonaceous materials like camphor and charcoal.[4] Natural ingredients like gum benzoin, gugal, and babool gum improved product performance and contributed to eco-friendliness by reducing emissions and ash residue. Results will show that products can be produced from temple flower waste successfully. This means practical waste management and the resultant product is also an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional products.[5] The results of this study can be used to scale up such initiatives and benefit communities by promoting environmental conservation through innovative and green practices.[6]

Analyzing the impact of faces on consumer engagement in social media videos: a machine learning approach

Purpose This study aims to gain insight into the use of the human face in different contexts in social media videos and its impact on consumer engagement with brands. Design/methodology/approach Using machine learning techniques, this research collected 2,754 social media videos posted by the top 50 brands across a three-year time frame. Data were analyzed using generalized estimation equations. Findings Consistent with attachment theory, the findings suggest that the mere presence of the human face in social media videos has a robust, positive effect on consumer engagement, which further increases with larger face sizes. However, the results also show boundary conditions with face duration on-screen and hedonic (vs utilitarian) brand positioning. Research limitations/implications This study focused on top brands posting videos on TikTok. This study should be replicated in other contexts such as additional platforms and brands. Practical implications Managers trying to grow their brand using social media videos should feature human faces (and closer-up human faces), with varying effects if the goal is comments versus shares versus likes. Originality/value This research examines how faces impact user engagement with social media videos. It provides insights into how a brand-related variable (hedonic vs utilitarian) can moderate the impact of faces and further expands the learnings of attachment theory in branded social media videos. Methodologically, a key part of this is the scalability of machine learning to code videos with human faces at a frame-by-frame level.

Trap evaluation to optimize wild pig removal efforts in remote settings

Context Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are the most abundant, widespread, and economically significant large vertebrate established in the Hawaiian Islands. Owing to their generalist diet and rooting behavior, wild pigs alter soils and watersheds, negatively affecting native biota. Aims Lethal removal of wild pigs by trapping is often the most effective and practical management action to reduce their impacts, but terrain and access are challenging. Methods We compared the effectiveness and efficiency of three trap designs (i.e. corral, box, and passive net traps) on a fenced population of wild pigs in a remote montane forest setting on the Island of Hawai‘i, where use of cellular-activated ‘smart’ traps was not possible. Key results During three high-intensity removal efforts between 30 November 2021 and 8 May 2022, we trapped and euthanized 435 wild pigs through 162 trapping events. Although each trap type effectively captured wild pigs, passive net traps captured more wild pigs per capture event than did corral and box traps. Specifically, when using passive net traps, we captured approximately four wild pigs per capture event, which was two to three times more than with corral traps and box traps respectively. Passive net traps were more effective and efficient than were box traps, although they performed similarly to corral traps. Conclusions All trap types we tested successfully captured wild pigs, but passive net traps typically captured more wild pigs per event than did traditional corral and box traps. Net traps were a valuable addition to remote trapping strategies. Implications In remote and rugged settings where smart trapping technology cannot be used, we recommend incorporating passive net traps into a trapping program to optimize removal of wild pigs.

Work-based learning and transformative potential

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Work-based learning only continues to become more valuable as industries and markets continue to develop and grow. In the article by Bilderback (2025), the author identifies both the benefits of work-based learning as well as areas of opportunity for further growth. Work-based learning provides the training, mindset, skills, and values for employees to transform their firms, and create the products and services of the future with high resilience, dynamicism, and quality. Research limitations/implications The research implications of this article suggest that integrating work-based learning initiatives into educational and organizational frameworks can significantly enhance leadership development and workforce readiness in Tennessee. Policymakers and educators are encouraged to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to design programs that meet evolving labor market demands while fostering inclusivity and equity in vocational training. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and adaptation of these initiatives are essential to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability, thereby contributing to long-term economic growth and organizational success. Practical implications Managers should ensure they provide work-based learning and mentorship opportunities for their employees to cultivate essential skills. Firms should ensure the work-based learning they provide aligns with the strategies, needs, and values of the firm. Firms should work to collaborate with educational institutions to provide practical learning and find new talent from these students. Firms should create a culture of knowledge-sharing and innovation within work-based learning. Managers should implement feedback systems of the learning programs to ensure they can continue to improve. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The effects of workplace bullying on organisational commitment among nurses

Background/Aims Workplace bullying is a growing concern in healthcare organisations, with negative effects on employee satisfaction and performance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace bullying and organisational commitment among nurses, examining sub-variables of bullying. Methods A total of 331 nurses were recruited from 69 hospitals in Tamil Nadu, India. Workplace bullying was measured using an adapted version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire, with respondents rating the frequency that they experienced 16 bullying behaviours, including personal attacks, physical assaults, work-related bullying and being made to feel underestimated or undervalued. Organisational commitment was measured using an 18-item scale relating to affective, continuance and normative commitment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and partial least squares regression analysis, with a P-value below 0.05 indicating a significant relationship between variables. Results Over half of the respondents reported experiencing workplace bullying very often or extremely often. Both work-related bullying and being made to feel underestimated or undervalued were found to be significantly correlated with organisational commitment but, surprisingly, this relationship was positive, suggesting that experiencing these types of bullying was associated with higher levels of commitment. Neither personal nor physical attacks were significantly associated with organisational commitment. Conclusions Bullying is a widespread problem among nurses, but the relationship between this and organisational commitment is complex and warrants further exploration. Work-related bullying and being made to feel underestimated or undervalued might cause nurses to appear more committed, but this may be a coping mechanism that could be causing harm to the individual. Implications for practice Managers should not ignore bullying behaviours or negative working environments, even if staff seem committed. Healthcare organisations should implement strategies to address workplace bullying, such as raising awareness of the impact on staff, implementing conflict-resolution mechanisms, enforcing strict anti-bullying policies and providing support for those affected.

Organising general practice for care homes: a multi-method study.

General practice provides first-line National Health Service care for around 400,000 care home residents. Good primary care can enhance residents' health and well-being and optimise use of hospital services. This study aimed to explore the relationships between organisation of general practice and the perspectives and experiences of residents, general practice and care home staff, outcomes and costs. Survey of general practices (2018), qualitative study (2019), analysis of primary care data (2019-21). National Health Service England Vanguard funded innovation in services for care homes in five areas (2015-8); Enhanced Health in Care Homes introduces standardised care home healthcare processes in England (2020-4). England: national survey; qualitative work in three areas (two Vanguards); analysis of national primary care data across early implementation of Enhanced Health in Care Homes and the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and fifty general practice survey respondents; 101 interviewees (general practitioners, practice managers, receptionists, care home managers, nurses, senior carers, residents, relatives, commissioners) in three areas; 103,732 care home residents ≥75 years, registered with participating practices in Clinical Research Datalink Aurum 2019-21. Qualitative analysis identified three themes concerned with general practitioner services to care homes: relational processes, communication and organisation. Continuity of care, sensitivity to the skills of care home staff and routines of the home, along with a willingness to dedicate time to patients, are all crucial. Different structures (e.g. scheduled visits) provide opportunities to develop effective, efficient care, but flounder without established, trusting relationships. The way in which new initiatives are implemented is crucial to acceptance and ultimate success: telemedicine was an example that generated efficiencies for the National Health Service, but could be a burden to care homes, resented by staff and perceived as a barrier to overcome. One hundred and fifty practices responded to our survey, a majority staffed by ≤5 general practitioners. Larger practices were more likely to have a nominated general practitioner for care homes and make weekly scheduled visits. Analysis of primary care data found that in practices with a higher number of care home residents, patients had more contacts with primary care and fewer urgent referrals. Between 2019 and 2021, total contacts and estimated costs increased, and urgent referrals and polypharmacy fell. Sparse evidence of systematic change in Vanguard areas limited our conclusions about specific initiatives. Implementation of national policy during the COVID-19 pandemic complicates data interpretation. Larger practices or those with higher numbers of care home residents were more likely to adopt ways of working that are associated with higher-quality care. However, trusting relationships between care homes and a motivated, adequately resourced primary care workforce may be more important than models of care, in enhancing primary care for care homes. General practices and care homes find creative ways around initiatives that are not perceived to offer any benefits, emphasising the need for local flexibility when implementing national initiatives. Future work could address how best to promote ways of working that prioritise trusting relationships; the absence of care pathways specific to care home patients, and the impact of Enhanced Health in Care Homes on system-wide costs. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 14/196/05) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 13, No. 11. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Development of an evaluation programme for the intelligent management of mobile infectious disease hospitals in response to public health emergencies: a Delphi study

ObjectivesTo construct a scientific and practical intelligent management assessment programme for mobile infectious disease hospitals and explore pathways to enhance their management effectiveness.DesignA preliminary pool of indicators was developed based...

Black-box simulation-based optimization for berth allocation in multipurpose ports: a case study in Colombia

PurposeThis study aims to optimize berth allocation at a multipurpose terminal on the Magdalena River in Colombia. By addressing the berth allocation problem (BAP) while considering key constraints such as berth capacity, vessel specifications, cargo diversity and fluctuating operational demands, the goal is to significantly enhance efficiency, increase revenue and improve service quality.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a three-phase methodology: (1) standardization and characterization of vessel operations, (2) development of a dynamic simulation model to replicate terminal activities and (3) application of simulation-based optimization techniques. This iterative process integrates simulation with optimization algorithms to enhance terminal performance by optimizing revenue, reducing waiting times and balancing operational factors.FindingsThe study resulted in a 6.22% revenue increase, reduced ship diversions and improved adaptability to waiting times. By employing black-box simulation-based optimization, the research demonstrates the critical role of data-driven approaches in enhancing port management efficiency.Originality/valueThis study makes a valuable contribution by applying black-box simulation-based optimization in a real-world port setting. It provides actionable insights into port operations and logistics, showcasing the power of advanced optimization algorithms in addressing complex logistical challenges, with significant implications for both academic research and practical port management applications.

An extensive assessment of exploitation indicators for multispecies fisheries in the South China Sea to inform more practical and precise management in China

An extensive assessment of exploitation indicators for multispecies fisheries in the South China Sea to inform more practical and precise management in China

The impact of incontinence on mental health.

Bladder and bowel issues, particularly those related to continence, can significantly impact an individual's mental health. These challenges often lead to isolation, anxiety, stress, depression and social anxiety, all of which can profoundly affect a person's quality of life. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to recognise these concerns and incorporate them into assessments for bladder and bowel health. By actively listening, offering empathy and guiding patients toward further support-alongside providing practical treatment and management strategies-clinicians can play a vital role in delivering comprehensive care. This article explores common bladder and bowel issues, the psychological and social challenges they present, and the difficulties both patients and healthcare professionals face in addressing and managing them.

Model interpretability on private-safe oriented student dropout prediction.

Student dropout is a significant social issue with extensive implications for individuals and society, including reduced employability and economic downturns, which, in turn, drastically influence social sustainable development. Identifying students at high risk of dropping out is a major challenge for sustainable education. While existing machine learning and deep learning models can effectively predict dropout risks, they often rely on real student data, raising ethical concerns and the risk of information leakage. Additionally, the poor interpretability of these models complicates their use in educational management, as it is difficult to justify identifying a student as high-risk based on an opaque model. To address these two issues, we introduced for the first time a modified Preprocessed Kernel Inducing Points data distillation technique (PP-KIPDD), specializing in distilling tabular structured dataset, and innovatively employed the PP-KIPDD to reconstruct new samples that serve as qualified training sets simulating student information distributions, thereby preventing student privacy information leakage, which showed better performance and efficiency compared to traditional data synthesis techniques such as the Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks. Furthermore, we empower the classifiers credibility by enhancing model interpretability utilized SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values and elucidated the significance of selected features from an educational management perspective. With well-explained features from both quantitative and qualitative aspects, our approach enhances the feasibility and reasonableness of dropout predictions using machine learning techniques. We believe our approach represents a novel end-to-end framework of artificial intelligence application in the field of sustainable education management from the view of decision-makers, as it addresses privacy leakage protection and enhances model credibility for practical management implementations.

Patch-TS: A Fast and Accurate PatchMixer-Based Model for Medium- and Long-Term Sap Flow Prediction with Environmental Factors

In this study, we proposed a fast and accurate PatchMixer-based framework (Patch-TS). After the data were processed, which included missing values and normalization, the environmental factors were selected via the Pearson correlation coefficient method. Then, the newly developed sap flow prediction model was trained. The resulting data demonstrated that the coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) are 0.921, 0.00824, and 0.0497, respectively. The R2 of Patch-TS further improved to 0.929 after 7 factors were extracted via the Pearson correlation method. Furthermore, we comparatively analyse the mitigating effects of RevIn (Reversible Instance Normalization) and Dish-TS on data drift. In addition to the predictive performance of the models under different prediction windows, Patch-TS outperforms the other models. The results demonstrate that the model developed in this paper is an effective tool for accurately predicting sap flow, which is a valuable contribution to the practical management of trees and forests.

Research on the Problems of Practical Teaching Management in Higher Education Under the Background of Informatization

As humanity enters the era of informatization, coupled with the impact of the pandemic, online teaching has emerged as a brand-new teaching approach that runs parallel to traditional teaching methods. This new modality has undergone large-scale application, achieved remarkable educational outcomes, and garnered broad social recognition. Compared with theoretical teaching, practical teaching operates in a more complex environment, presents significantly higher maintenance challenges, and requires more intricate course initiation conditions. These factors render the course offering rate and its stability highly susceptible to external influences, thereby hindering the full potential of practical teaching. Simultaneously, these issues increase the management costs of practical teaching, posing even greater challenges to teaching administration. The organization and management of practical teaching are critical components for its smooth implementation. However, in the process of integrating with informatization technologies, practical teaching management has not received adequate attention or widespread focus, thus affecting the effectiveness of practical teaching reform and management. This calls for further supplementation and improvement in this area.

Effectiveness of early intervention and combination treatment with monoclonal antibodies and antivirals in oncohematological patients with SARS-CoV-2: a retrospective experience.

Patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 and pre-existing oncohematological conditions challenge clinicians due to a heightened risk for severe COVID-19 and forced deferral of cancer treatment. Different treatment approaches aim to either prevent the progression of mild disease ("early therapy") or to treat more severe COVID-19. Currently, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of a tailored approach for oncohematological patients. We present a real-world experience from two university hospitals. In this retrospective study we recruited oncohematological patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between March 2020 and June 2023 from two hospitals in Latium, Italy. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia received either antiviral or monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) alone, a dual therapy (antiviral with MoAb) or a triple therapy (two different antivirals and MoAb). The study aimed to evaluate the practical management of hospitalized oncohematological patients with COVID-19. We focused on the impact in patients with COVID-19 related pneumonia of specific therapies, early treatment, and tixagevimab-cilgavimab prophylaxis on in-hospital mortality and viral clearance time. Overall, 101 patients were recruited, 76 (75.24%) patients developed pneumonia, and 16 (15.84%) patients died from any cause. While most patients (75,25%) did not receive "early therapy", those who did had a higher chance of survival (p=0.04). Furthermore, the pneumonia subgroup treated with early therapy demonstrated a higher survival rate as well (p=0.02). Out of the hospitalized patients triple therapy resulted in lower mortality (all patients survive in this group). This group also showed a significant reduction in the time to viral clearance from the first day of the evaluated therapy (6 days [IQR 4;9]), compared to patients treated with only remdesivir (17 days [IQR 8;37]) (p=0.03). Our findings demonstrate that early therapy significantly reduces in-hospital mortality, while triple therapy accelerates viral clearance in hospitalized patients. These results, in line with recent studies, underscore the critical importance of prompt treatment and a multitargeted pharmacological approach for optimizing outcomes in oncohematological patients with SARS-CoV-2. Future research, involving larger cohorts, should delve deeper into COVID-19 treatment strategies for this vulnerable population, with a particular emphasis on the elderly, who continue to experience high mortality rates.

Factors influencing uptake and sustained utility of HealthPathways in Australian general practice: a qualitative study.

Background Formalised clinical pathways have become popular approaches to translate evidence into clinical recommendations, tailored for the local healthcare setting. In recent years, the HealthPathways platform has been used to implement a range of clinical and referral pathways in New Zealand and Australia. Despite widespread adoption, little is known of factors influencing the sustained use of HealthPathways in Australian general practice. Methods This qualitative study, conducted in three Melbourne Primary Health Network catchments, applied normalisation process theory to explore HealthPathways implementation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 participants, including general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, practice managers, Primary Health Network staff and key regional informants. Analysis combined inductive and deductive approaches. Results The findings suggest that although HealthPathways holds promise for enhancing clinical practice, its adoption and impact are currently limited due to low awareness and varied integration across Primary Health Network catchments. Recent medical graduates found it useful for helping patients access appropriate care. Adoption was influenced by peer recommendations and time constraints, although established GPs resisted change. Targeted education, effective promotion and improved monitoring systems were identified as crucial to facilitate wider and more effective use of HealthPathways, ultimately contributing to better patient care and streamlined clinical processes. Conclusion Although HealthPathways' relative normalisation is evident, challenges in integration persist, requiring targeted strategies. Comprehensive promotion to GPs, standardisation across Australia and enhancing technical interoperability between digital interfaces is essential. Strong partnerships and feedback mechanisms can optimise HealthPathways' impact on patient care, supporting the objectives of the Australian National Primary Health Care 10-year plan.

Practical Management: Guidelines to Perform the Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test.

Graded exertion testing has diagnostic utility in the management of athletes with sport-related and recreation-related concussions, the results of which are used to prescribe individualized aerobic exercise treatment that facilitates recovery from sport-related concussion and reduces the incidence of symptoms persisting beyond 1 month. Current exertion protocols, such as the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, however, are recommended for patients aged 13 years and older and are not appropriate for younger children with concussion. This practical management article describes a pediatric exertion test protocol using a standard, commercially available treadmill that is designed for patients aged 5 to 12 years with concussion. The Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test (PCTT) uses age-appropriate walking speeds and symptom-reporting scales and provides additional guidelines on how to perform the test safely in younger children. The PCTT is intended to identify the presence and severity of concussion-related exercise intolerance and can function as an important component of a comprehensive medical evaluation of concussion in children.

Study on the Optimization of Street Tree Management Strategies for Enhancing Growth and Carbon Storage Capacity

Average global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1 °C above pre-industrial levels, prompting South Korea and many other countries to set a carbon neutrality goal by 2050. Expanding green spaces has been proposed as a landscape-based approach to achieving urban carbon neutrality. However, the dense development of urban areas presents spatial and economic constraints in securing new green spaces. As a result, street trees, an existing urban green infrastructure, are increasingly regarded as a practical solution to enhancing carbon storage. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised that street trees planted without a systematic management plan may suffer from reduced vitality, leading to diminished carbon storage capacity. Ultimately, these conditions can result in increased tree mortality, turning what should be carbon sinks into sources of emissions. Such tree mortality not only results in the loss of carbon storage but also degrades the urban landscape, making systematic street tree management essential. This study aimed to address these challenges by developing an effective diagnostic approach to assess street tree growth conditions and identify methods to improve their carbon storage capacity. The methodology included identifying diagnostic indicators through a review of prior research and conducting field surveys on 72 Ginkgo biloba in Dalseo-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City. Correlation and regression analyses were performed, taking into account both growth diagnostic indicators and environmental variables. The results revealed that traffic volume and service population were the main environmental factors affecting the carbon storage capacity of Ginkgo biloba. Among the individual growth characteristics, tree height (β = 0.514), chlorophyll content (β = 0.26), and stem vigor (β = 0.216) were found to have significant influences. Based on these findings, this study proposed a management strategy to enhance the growth and carbon storage potential of urban street trees. These results are expected to serve as a vital foundational resource, contributing to the development of practical street tree management guidelines that support sustainable urban environments and climate change mitigation efforts.

Characterizing and Estimating Operational Cost Elements and Performance Metrics for Public Transport Modes in Sub-Saharan African Cities

Operation cost of public transport has been universally recognized as a vital consideration in its implementation, operation and management worldwide. The cost structure is even more complex in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the public transport system is dominated by paratransit, which is largely characterized by the private sector that owns, operates, maintains, and manages their vehicles separately. There is limited knowledge of paratransit cost structure, the extent to which they vary by mode, and their use in fare-setting and the design of regulatory policies. Accordingly, this study characterized and quantified several operational cost elements in the form of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for paratransit modes in two SSA cities: Accra-Ghana and Dar es Salaam-Tanzania. Vehicle-make in Accra-Ghana is mainly Mercedes Benz and Toyota, whereas those in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania are Toyota, Nissan, and Bajaji tricycles. Diesel is the most popular vehicle propulsion followed by petrol in both cities. Our findings show higher vehicle utilization and better fuel consumption in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania compared to Accra-Ghana. Findings further indicate higher economic and environmental efficiency in minibuses compared to taxis and three-wheelers, with Dar es Salaam-Tanzania achieving better outcomes than Accra-Ghana in revenue generation, fuel consumption, and safety conditions. Daily revenue generation is higher, 75.1USD in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania compared to 46.3USD in Accra-Ghana. The overall expenditure is higher, 0.41USD/km in Accra-Ghana than 0.28USD/km in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania. Safety-related KPIs including kilometers per accident, kilometers per mechanical breakdown, and kilometers per tyre carcase show favourable conditions in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania compared to Accra-Ghana. These insights provide essential data to inform fare-setting, regulatory policies, and operational management of paratransit services in SSA. Overall, this study has established the cost structure for paratransit modes in the study cities, making available vital data and knowledge to underpin practical engagement, operational management, and governance of paratransit services in SSA.

Chondrosarcomas: Multidisciplinary review and practical recommendations, on behalf of GroupOs.

Chondrosarcomas: Multidisciplinary review and practical recommendations, on behalf of GroupOs.