Sector In Germany Research Articles

Practice networks in Germany: structure, cooperation and priorities

The outpatient sector in Germany is characterised by special features, including organisational separation from the inpatient sector, the free choice of doctor for patients and the lack of standardised communication channels between service providers (1). This makes coordination and continuity of care more difficult, which can ultimately lead to cuts in the quality of care for patients. Examples of negative consequences of uncoordinated care include excessive utilisation of healthcare services, interruptions to treatment pathways or incorrect medication. In particular, multimorbid patients with a high demand for healthcare services are at risk of inappropriate care. There is potential for development with regard to collaborative professional practice in the outpatient sector and care models are needed that improve cooperation and coordination in care.

Staffing situation and basics requirement calculations in the inpatient and outpatient sector in Germany - a representative survey by the Working Group of Senior Gastroenterology Hospital Physicians (ALGK)

In Germany, there are no uniform hospital standards for the transparent calculation of medical staffing requirements in hospitals. This is particularly true for outpatient services.The ALGK conducted a member survey via the link https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/H7TTJYZ from March 21 to May 1, 2024. 400 members with a valid email address were contacted. The 119 extraordinary members who had ended their professional activity were not included. 17 questions were asked in the survey.The response rate was 24%. 37% represented basic and standard, 47% specialized and 16% maximum care providers. Municipal hospitals were represented by 42%, denominational providers by 34% and private providers by 24%. 7% of the hospitals had fewer than 200 beds, 28% 200 to 400 beds, 37% 400 to 600 beds, 15% 600 to 800 beds and 13% more than 800 beds. Up to 1.500 patients were treated annually in 15%, up to 2.500 patients in 15%, each up to 3.000 or 4.000 patient in 22%s, up to 5,000 patientsin 16% and more than 5.000 patients per year in 12%. The average casemix was 2373 ± 999 and the casemix index 0.70 ± 0.11. On average, 17.6 ± 7.6 doctor's posts were available and one consultant treated 14 ± 2.7 patients per day. A transparent personnel calculation was not available in 56% of the departments or clinics, in 82% there was no internal cost allocation or cost recovery calculation, in 54% there was no internal cost allocation. In 54%, there was no feedback on outpatient services from the administration, in 93% there was no transparent calculation of physician positions based on outpatient services, in 97% the training and further training of young colleagues was not taken into account in the calculation of positions, in 75% there was no communicated and recognizable strategic plan by the hospital operator for the senior gastroenterologists with regard to outpatient services. 49% of those surveyed feared that their hospital operator would not be able to cope with the restructuring in the healthcare sector with outpatient services, centralization, minimum volume compliance and would even jeopardize its existence.Transparent job calculation and communication about inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology services and the strategic objectives of the healthcare structural reform are very patchy in German hospitals. This leads to a high degree of uncertainty and existential fears.

Technological trends in the digital development of the industrial sector in Germany

The article examines the directions of digitalization in the German industrial sector. The article is aimed at determining the level of digitalization of the country’s industries and regions. The primary methods used include abstract-logical analysis, employed in the study of industries and the economic structure; comparative analysis in the examination of technologies and regions where digitalization is taking place. System analysis is applied to the study of technologies and of the impact of digitalization on the overall development of the German economy. Industries that have actively implemented digitalization measures are examined, and those lagging behind in digitalization are identified. The article presents key practices and measures for digitalization that contribute to improving the economic situation in Germany. Regions are also considered based on the degree of digitalization. An analysis of GDP dynamics and the impact of digitalization on economic growth in the country is conducted. As a result, the main trends in digitalization that have led to structural changes in the German economy are shown. It is determined that the country’s economy is stable and weakly growing against the backdrop of instability in global market and rising global inflation.

Digitalisation level, strategies and interoperable standards in the nursing care sector in Germany and in international contexts: a study protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionThe nursing care sector faces significant challenges due to an ageing population and a concurrent increase in demand for care services. Digitalisation can be one way of overcoming these challenges...

Living Inequality: Students of Development Studies from the Global South, the Low-Wage Sector in Germany, and Racism

Living Inequality: Students of Development Studies from the Global South, the Low-Wage Sector in Germany, and Racism

The role of tourism entrepreneurial ecosystems to support sales growth of European countries

PurposeOur comprehensive study, which is highly relevant to the current state of the tourism industry, investigated the extensive impact of tourism entrepreneurial ecosystems (TEE) on sales growth in European countries based on a sample of 109 entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachWe studied 109 entrepreneurs in the tourism sector in Germany and France and analyzed the data using quantitative methods.FindingsThe results showed that financing and funding, networks, technological and international trade affect the sales growth of the tourism entrepreneurs. In addition, the uneducated workforce, legal and political factors as well as TEE do not influence the sales growth.Originality/valueThese findings have significant and practical implications for entrepreneurs and policymakers in the tourism industry, providing them with valuable insights for decision-making.

Exploring Innovation Success Factors and Strategies for B2B Platforms in the Manufacturing Sector in Germany

Objective: Business-to-business (B2B) platforms in the manufacturing sector have a profound impact on the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, there is still a lack of research on this topic. The primary objective of this study is to explore the existing landscape of B2B platforms and thoroughly assess the benefits and challenges for companies using them, in order begin to fill the identified research gap. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of B2B platforms in the German manufacturing sector and their profound influence on the digital transformation of SMEs. Methods: Within the scope of our in-depth analysis of the current state of B2B platforms, a meticulous review of relevant literature is conducted following the approach of Brocke et al. and a comprehensive analysis of both industry-specific and cross-industry best practices on B2B platforms is performed. In addition, the research includes in-depth interviews with platform providers, partners, and academic experts to enhance the depth of understanding. We identify the factors that contribute to their adoption as well as those that hinder their integration, providing the basis for successful innovation. The viability of the concept is assessed through a comprehensive evaluation methodology involving platform operators. Results: By providing an in-depth assessment of the benefits and challenges faced by companies using B2B platforms, this work contributes to filling existing research gaps. It identifies factors that contribute to their adoption and those that hinder their integration, thus laying the foundation for successful innovation. Finally, it proposes forward-looking guidelines that will enable SMEs to capitalize on the transformative capabilities of these platforms in the future. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that SMEs can reap numerous benefits from B2B platforms, such as increades efficiency, optimal use of resources, and access to previously untapped markets. However, certain barriers, including the high costs associated with implementation and a prevailing lack of trust among platform users, serve as obstacles to their widespread adoption. The results of this research provide important insights into the current state of B2B platforms and their potential to drive digital transformation. This research advances academic understanding in this area, and provides valuable knowledge for companies seeking to navigate the landscape of B2B platforms and their role in driving digital transformation as a foundation for innovation.

An empirical analysis of organic micro-level agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (microAKIS) in three federal states in Germany

ABSTRACT Purpose To achieve the ambitious policy goals concerning organic agriculture in Germany, it is crucial to understand which actors and institutions in the German organic microAKIS are most important to farmers and how farmers within the system share knowledge. This study explores these questions by focusing on farmers who are members of organic producer associations (OPAs) in three federal states in Germany. Design/methodology/approach Fieldwork was conducted in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria from April to September 2021 through qualitative research utilizing participant observation on organic farms and in-person and Zoom interviews with farmers and experts in the organic agricultural sector. Findings This study concurs with previous studies’ findings that German organic farmers obtain and exchange knowledge, information, and innovations from a wide variety of sources surrounding their farm business as a whole; however, regarding agricultural practices and technologies, fellow farmers and OPAs are the most important sources. Practical implications Through comparing the microAKIS in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria this paper explores how farmers in different states depend diversly on state structures, how in the organic sector farmers rely heavily on the private sector for knowledge and information exchanges surrounding agricultural practices and technologies, and how these networks can be improved. This enables discussions on advancing the sector and meeting policy goals by addressing farmers’ needs. Theoretical implications The microAKIS framework is advanced by engaging in a comparative analysis and bottom-up approach to identify significant actors according to farmers in the organic sector in Germany. Originality/value This study outlines the individuals and organizations that make up the organic microAKIS in Germany, which has been underexplored in the fast-growing organic sector, and utilizes empirical evidence to display farmers’ perspectives.

The Role of Knowledge, Consumption Behavior and Adoption of Renewable Energy on Environmental Management: Concern about Environment as Moderator

Environmental management has been the significant factor that effect the sustainable development around the globe and this aspect requires the focus of recent studies. Hence, the present study examines the impact of knowledge, consumption behavior and adoption of renewable energy on environment management of industrial sector in Germany. The study also investigates the moderating role of concern about environment among knowledge, consumption behavior and adoption of renewable and environment management. The study collect the data from the employees of industrial sector who are dealing with environmental protection activities using surveys. The study checks the validity, reliability and association among variables using smart-PLS. The outcomes revealed that the knowledge, consumption behavior and adoption of renewable energy have a positive association with environment management. The results also exposed that the concern about environment significantly moderates among knowledge, consumption behavior and adoption of renewable energy and environment management. The study helps the regulators in making regulations related to environment management using effective knowledge, reliable consumption behavior and adoption of renewable energy.

An intersectional perspective on the impacts and responses of entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, research is swiftly progressing to comprehend the impact on solo self-employed individuals and microenterprises. Although there is unanimous agreement within the literature that this unprecedented event has profoundly affected businesses globally, evidence regarding these impacts’ precise direction and extent remains inconclusive. A limited understanding exists concerning the various intersecting factors influencing entrepreneurs’ affectedness and coping strategies. This article employs qualitative interview data to examine how entrepreneurs from knowledge-intensive services and retail and hospitality sectors in Germany experienced, navigated and responded to the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results reveal that factors at the intersection of sector affiliation, gender, migrant background and care/parental responsibilities determine entrepreneurs’ affectedness and shape their coping strategies, including using state aid programmes. Highlighting distinct combinations of intersecting factors, we contribute to advancing the ongoing scholarly discourse on crisis dynamics and intersectionality in entrepreneurship and policymaking.

Synthetic natural gas in the private heating sector in Germany: match or mismatch between production costs and consumer willingness to pay?

BackgroundThe residential heating sector in many European countries requires a fundamental transformation if it is to become climate neutral. Besides the introduction of efficiency measures and updating heating systems, scholars and practitioners consider replacing fossil fuels in existing heating systems a viable approach. Drop-in renewable gases such as biomethane and synthetic natural gas (SNG) cause considerably fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than natural gas and can be used in natural gas boilers, the dominant heating system in many European countries. To move the ongoing debate around e-fuels forward, this study reports on a Discrete Choice Experiment with 512 respondents in Germany that analyzed consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for SNG. I build on these insights by comparing WTP to the production costs, making evidence-based decision-making possible.ResultsThe results show that consumers prefer renewable gases over natural gas. Comparing the two types of renewable gases, SNG and biomethane, reveals that consumers clearly favor the latter despite the criticism it has come under in the last 10–15 years. Consumers show a surprisingly high WTP for increasing shares of SNG, with premia of 40 to almost 70% over a natural gas-based tariff. Comparing production costs to the WTP reveals that only tariffs with small shares of SNG (5% and 10%) can be offered at cost-covering prices.ConclusionsGiven the urgent need for a fundamental transition of the residential heating sector, marketers and policymakers should consider carefully whether it is worth channeling a rather unknown and expensive product like SNG into the voluntary market for heating gas, especially as biomethane is already established in the market and clearly a cheaper and more popular alternative.

Working from home during COVID-19: boundary management tactics and energy resources management strategies reported by public service employees in a qualitative study

BackgroundIncreased working from home has imposed new challenges on public service employees, while also granting opportunities for job crafting. Grounding on the Job Demands-Resources model and Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources theory this exploratory research aims to investigate the work-nonwork balance of employees one and a half years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the research focus lies on employees’ job crafting strategies to optimize their working from home experience concerning boundary management and energy resource management.MethodsTwelve semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with public service employees from different sectors in Germany. The experiences were content analyzed using the software MaxQDA and inductive and deductive categories were derived.ResultsBoundary management comprised different strategies such as communicative (e.g., negotiating work time), physical (e.g., going to the garden), temporal (e.g., logging off in between the work day) and behavioral (e.g., prioritizing tasks) strategies. The job crafting strategies regarding energy management included preventing exhaustion (e.g. taking breaks), healthy cooking and energy management in case of sickness (e.g. deciding on sick leave).ConclusionsThis qualitative case study enriches research on job crafting by offering insights on boundary tactics and energy resources management strategies for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results point out different starting points for employees and decision makers, how a work-nonwork balance, energy management and thus employees’ wellbeing may be increased when working from home in the future.Trial registrationThe study design and methodology were approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Cologne and the study was prospectively registered (Ref No. 21-1417_1).

Attracting Female Engineers: A Qualitative Analysis in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

The number of women working as engineers in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany has risen to eleven percent in 2023 – remaining at humble levels. In higher positions, the share is even lower. While around 20 % of engineering students at German universities are female, these women do not seem to be entering the sector or they are leaving it again. The question arises as to what companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector can do to attract female engineers after graduation. This study was conducted in cooperation with the German Engineering Association. The aim was to qualitatively explore the reasons why women enter, stay or leave the engineering sector and to include the industry’s perspective to obtain a holistic view of the situation. Therefore, on the one hand the perspective of female engineers was investigated and, on the other hand, combined with the perspective of companies. We provide insights from focus groups and interviews with 49 female engineers across all career levels, from an analysis of 90 online company websites and social media pages as well as from three on-site visits at exemplary companies. The findings point to unresolved issues in recruitment and beyond: highlighting role models of successful women in engineering, the need for companies to actively attract and support women in engineering, e. g. through recruiting strategies focusing on women, insights into the working culture, and transparency regarding career options. Overall, the study suggests that companies should embed gender diversity and group specific recruitment as important issues in their organizations. Consequently, the study provides recommendations for action for companies seeking to become a more inclusive and diverse industry. Limitations are discussed and further implications are presented.

Analysis Of Data Quality/Completeness In Covid-19 Cases: Why A Digital Integrated Data Collection Is Also Necessary For Pandemic Control

Epidemiological data on the corona pandemic collected in the public health sector in Germany have been less useful in estimating vaccine effectiveness and clinical outcomes compared to other countries. In this retrospective observational study, we examined the completeness of selected own data collected during the pandemic. Information on the important parameters of hospitalization, vaccination status and risk factors for severe course and death over different periods were considered and evaluated descriptively. The data are discussed in the extended context of required digital strategies in Germany. From January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, we found 126,920 administrative procedures related to COVID-19. With regard to the data on hospitalization, in 19,749 cases, it was stated "No", in 1,990 cases "Yes" and in 105,181 cases (83+%) "Not collected" or "Not ascertainable". Concerning vaccinations, only a small proportion of procedures contained information on the type of vaccine (11.1+%), number of vaccinations (4.4+%) and date of the last vaccination (2.1+%). The completeness of data on chronic conditions/risk factors in COVID-19-related deaths decreased over four consecutive periods between 2020 and 2022 as case numbers increased. Future strategies taking into account meaningfulness and completeness of data must comprise modern technical solutions with digital data collection on infections without putting the principle of data protection at risk.

Differing industrial relations: The public and the private sector in Germany

AbstractThis article argues that industrial relations (IR) in the German public sector are not just a replica of private sector IR. It suggests that neither the structures, nor the outcomes can be sufficiently explained by derivation from private sector IR processes. Primarily, the specifics and developments of the public sector explain public sector IR. It is of fundamental importance whether trade unions operate in a profit‐driven market environment or a publicly financed environment that is under public control. Differences between the public and the private sector result not least in the distinct relevance and meanings of trade union power resources. This influences the ways in which industrial action in the private and the public sector works and is relevant for trade union strategies.

Modelling assessment of resource competition for renewable basic chemicals and the effect of recycling

AbstractThis work assesses pathways towards a net‐zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions chemical industry sector in Germany until 2050, focusing on the ammonia, methanol, ethylene and adipic acid subsectors and the effect of the recycling of C embedded in chemical end products on the GHG abatement cost and primary resource demand. This was done using a bottom‐up mathematical optimization model, including the energy sectors and the chemicals sector, with electricity and biobased options considered. Results show that net‐zero GHG emissions for the considered chemicals in 2050 are attainable at a marginal cost of 640–900 €/tCO2‐eq, even with 26%–36% of demand being satisfied by fossil production routes. This is possible because renewable organic chemicals can act as carbon sinks if, at their end of life, C is permanently stored via landfilling or passed on to the next value chain via recycling. Nonetheless, considering the cost implications, the practical deployment of renewable chemicals is a challenge. The considered renewable chemicals cost 1.3–8 times more than their fossil counterparts, resulting in a marginal CO2 price of 480 €/tCO2‐eq when all primary resources (energy crops, forest residues and renewable electricity) are considered, or 810 €/tCO2‐eq when the availability of arable land is restricted. In the transition to net‐zero emissions for the chemicals under study, a circular economy is important not only for reducing demand for primary resources as is typically the case but also reduces GHG abatement costs by 13%–24% through carbon capture and utilization effects.

We Ask and Listen: A Group-Wide Retrospective Survey on Satisfaction with Digital Medication Software.

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are used internationally since the 1980s. These systems reduce costs, enhance drug therapy safety, and improve quality of care. A few years ago, there was a growing effort to digitize the healthcare sector in Germany. Implementing such systems like CPOE-CDSS requires training for effective adoption and, more important, acceptance by the users. Potential improvements for the software and implementation process can be derived from the users' perspective. The implementation process is globally relevant and applicable across professions due to the constant advancement of digitalization. The study assessed the implementation of medication software and overall satisfaction. In an anonymous voluntary online survey, physicians and nursing staff were asked about their satisfaction with the new CPOE-CDSS. The survey comprised single-choice queries on a Likert scale, categorizing into general information, digital medication administration, drug safety, and software introduction. In addition multiple-choice questions are mentioned. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and GraphPad PRISM 9.5.0. Nurses and physicians' satisfaction with the new software increased with usage hours. The software's performance and loading times have clearly had a negative impact, which leads to a low satisfaction of only 20% among physicians and 17% among nurses. 53% of nurses find the program's training period unsuitable for their daily use, while 57% of physicians approve the training's scope for their professional group. Both professions agree that drug-related problems are easier to detect using CPOE-CDSS, with 76% of nurses and 75% of physicians agreeing. The study provides unbiased feedback on software implementation. In conclusion, digitizing healthcare requires managing change, effective training, and addressing software functionality concerns to ensure improved medication safety and streamlined processes. Interfaces, performance optimization, and training remain crucial for software acceptance and effectiveness.

How do childcare centers cope with heat? – Findings of a mixed-method approach from three German cities

Heat poses a crucial threat to human health, and infants and young children are considered as especially vulnerable. Therefore, staff in childcare facilities are responsible for taking actions to minimize health effects caused by heat. So far, however, little is known about the impacts of heat and how heat is dealt with in childcare facilities. To gain insights on this, we used a mixed-method approach including five semi-structured interviews, a survey (n = 51) and three workshops (n = 21) with staff from childcare centers and their overarching facilitating organizations in three mid-sized German cities. This study shows that the extent of heat exposure differs due to heterogeneous physical and structural pre-conditions, but heat-health impacts are still quite common among children as well as staff members. The staff report on various prevention and immediate adaptation measures that have already been or will be implemented indoors and outdoors in case of heat waves. Nevertheless, the study reveals that the warning and information situation needs improvement, and that heat issues need to be better institutionalized in the childcare sector in Germany in order to enhance heat adaptation.

Innovative ways of handling staff shortages in ECEC? Increasing flexibility in the regulatory frameworks for non-traditional and non-German professional staff qualifications

The staff shortages in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Germany are an important issue. They impact centres that are forced to close earlier, shut down entire groups or are unable to open at all due to the lack of pedagogical staff. However, the federal states have been making efforts to address this problem. This article discusses innovative ways of handling staff shortages based on qualitative analyses of current regulations regarding qualification requirements for the ECEC sector in Germany. Our analysis focused on the question concerning the degree to which a multi-professional orientation is already widespread in the 16 licensing laws of the federal states and what other conditions have to be met by individuals wishing to work in the ECEC sector who have no pedagogical qualifications. The second focus regarding the handling of staff shortages was on the formal recognition of migrant pedagogical staff with non-German qualifications. The results revealed first a tendency to open the labour market to individuals with non-pedagogical qualifications in the majority of the federal states. Second, most of the federal states have created ways of recognising non-German qualifications and of putting in place special regulations for Ukrainian pedagogues. In summary, it can be said that despite the relaxing of the licensing laws, no major changes in team composition could be observed. This is a positive sign given the unchanged division of tasks and positions in the teams, as there are currently no structures in place to adequately support team members with non-pedagogical qualifications.

Less social media use – more satisfied, work-engaged and mentally healthy employees: an experimental intervention study

ABSTRACTIntensive Social Media Use (SMU) can negatively impact employees’ work performance and mental health. The present experimental study investigated how a reduction of daily SMU time influences employees from different professional sectors in Germany. The experimental group (N = 84; age: M = 29.38, SD = 5.84) reduced its non-work-related SMU by 30 min daily for seven days; the control group (N = 82; age: M = 30.06, SD = 8.39) used Social Media (SM) as usual. Work-related variables and mental health-related variables were assessed via online surveys at three measurement time points (baseline; post-intervention; one-week follow-up). The intervention significantly reduced the experience of work overload, stress symptoms, fear of missing out and addictive SMU. Work satisfaction, work engagement and positive mental health increased significantly. The present findings reveal that less time spent on SMU leads to increased work motivation and higher levels of mental health. Employers and employees should take the present findings into account. Business coaching programmes, mental health promotion programmes and clinical interventions could benefit from the integration of a controlled reduction of SMU time.