Organizational Structure Research Articles

From liberation to rights: the organized men’s movement in Norway, 1978–1980

ABSTRACT This research article investigates the historical and organizational dynamics of the Norwegian Men’s Liberation Movement, contrasting it with similar men’s movements in Western contexts. Emerging in the 1970s, men’s liberation movements in the United States and other Western countries initially sought to address male roles through feminist-inspired critiques but evolved into platforms expressing male grievances, leading to the rise of men’s rights activism. The study focuses on Norway’s ‘Mannebevegelsen’, which, unlike its counterparts, did not transition into a typical men’s rights agenda but was influenced by a specific demographic – fathers without custody – shaping its objectives and leading to its structural and ideological fragility. This shift underscores the significance of organizational structure in influencing the trajectory and longevity of men’s movements. Utilizing social movement theory and a detailed examination of the Norwegian context, this paper explores why the movement diverged from similar movements in Sweden and Denmark, and why the Norwegian experiment proved relatively short-lived. The findings highlight how different factors, beyond ideological shifts, such as individual agency and backing from ‘agency-laden institutions’, critically shape the evolution of men’s movements.

A dynamic framework for contractors to measure the performance of highway maintenance based on grey theory

Highway maintenance performance measurement is the key to implementing performance-based contracting (PBC). However, contractors have struggled with accurately understanding client intent and translating performance goals into measurable indicators. To make PBC successfully applied, this study proposes a dynamic performance measurement framework of highway routine maintenance based on grey theory. A performance indicator system is established based on the organizational structure of highway assets and the bill of quantities in the real world. In addition, a statistical analysis using the data about maintenance cost and highway condition score has been conducted to ascertain the weights and thresholds assigned to various indicators. As a result, the performance indicators, their corresponding weights, and thresholds can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate diverse periods and areas. Then, the grey theory has been employed to evaluate the comprehensive performance level of service within a region. This framework is experimented with using the data of three maintenance areas in Shaanxi Province, China: Qiaogouwan, Huaziping, and Ansai. At the end of the process, comparison and sensitivity analysis are conducted. The results demonstrate the model’s reasonability and robustness, providing valuable tools for contractors to assess the performance of highway maintenance in meeting client specifications.

Ultra-small platinum nano-enzymatic spray with ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties for photoaging treatment

Photoaging induced by ultraviolet (UV) results in oxidative stress and inflammation. Noble metal nanozymes have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, which are expected to eliminate the excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory factors in the photoaged skin. Hence, we have synthesized ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (Pt NPs) with a diameter of nearly 5 nm for photoaging treatment. Thanks to multi-enzymatic capacities (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) of Pt NPs, they can effectively protect fibroblasts from UV-induced ROS attack, relieve fibroblasts from UV-induced cell cycle arrest, downregulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to regenerate type I collagen, and inhibit M1 macrophage polarization to decrease the expression of inflammatory factors. For photoaged mice treatment, we employ the concept of routine spray skincare and encapsulate Pt NPs solution in a spray bottle. In combination with roller needle, following Pt NPs nano-enzymatic spray given, UV-induced photoaged mice display reduced wrinkle formation in the collagen-depleted dermal tissue of mice and more youthful performance in both appearance and organizational structure. Consequently, multi-enzymatic functions of Pt NPs nano-spray offers a promising avenue for anti-photoaging therapy, providing potential benefits in both preventative and restorative skincare applications.

Navigating digital transformation and business model innovation in the tourism sector: challenges opportunities, and leadership styles

Purpose Technological advancements are reshaping the tourism industry, necessitating the adaptation of business models through digital technology utilisation for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive tourism offerings. The diverse nature of tourism businesses, encompassing size, technology access, risk aversion, labour intensity, and more, presents a spectrum of challenges and opportunities for business model innovation (BMI) and digital transformation (DT) to maintain competitiveness. This study focuses on the core aspects of DT and BMI within the tourism sector, offering pivotal insights to aid tourism companies embarking on the intricate journey of DT and BMI in this evolving landscape. Design/methodology/approach The study conducts an extensive literature review to identify critical issues and pathways for tourism businesses pursuing DT and BMI. The review is focused on the challenges, opportunities, risks and imperatives that tourism organisations have to navigate in the current DT landscape to renew their business model. Findings The findings underscore the pressing need for tourism businesses to undergo a holistic DT. While digital technologies are reshaping the essence of tourism value chains, the transformation extends beyond technology adoption to encompass a profound renewal of organisational culture, competencies, structure, leadership and operational models. This paradigm shift is indispensable for crafting more innovative, sustainable and more inclusive tourism development. The paper also provides strategic recommendations and outlines future research directions to fortify the transformational journey of the tourism sector. Originality/value The paper provides key insights into supporting DT and BMI in tourism businesses, advancing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities tourism organisations face in the digital age.

The Importance of Capacity-Building in Watershed Groups: Lessons from the Hudson River Watershed, USA.

Municipalities face challenges meeting environmental protection and conservation goals due to a lack of resources, capacity, and political will. As a result, grassroots environmental organizations often emerge to help meet these challenges by filling gaps in governmental operation and structure. At the watershed scale, environmental organizations and groups are critical for effective watershed governance, often helping with collaboration as well as providing municipalities with additional support and resources. Despite the vital role environmental organizations and groups can play, they continue to face challenges such as insufficient resources, inconsistent leadership, and lack of organizational structure, thus limiting the contributions they can deliver. In this manuscript, we present case study research on watershed groups exploring their capacity to meet their mission and goals. Drawing from a needs assessment study conducted in the Hudson River watershed in 2019-2021, we found that while watershed groups are generally in need of technical resources, participation, and funding, our research suggests capacity (such as internal structure, strategic planning, and leadership) is most important for successful and sustainable groups. Therefore, we argue that support for capacity is more likely to help sustain groups and their long-term beneficial impact. To make this argument we present qualitative interview and focus group data to articulate watershed group goals, challenges, and needs, with an emphasis on capacity-related themes that emerged around expertise, leadership, structure, and planning. We then conclude with recommendations that can be applied to other watershed groups in the United States, and likely beyond.

ANALISIS PROSES ADMINISTRASI DI DEPARTEMEN MARKETING PADA PT RAGA PERKASA EKAGUNA

This research was conducted to determine the administrative process in the Marketing department at PT Raga Perkasa Ekaguna. The purpose of this research is to determine the obstacles and solutions in solving problems that occur during the administrative process in the Marketing department at PT Raga Perkasa Ekaguna. Data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The observations carried out are collecting observational data about the object that the writer is researching. The author conducted direct interviews with the parties concerned in implementing the administrative process in the Marketing department. There are obstacles that occur in the administrative process in the Marketing department at PT Raga Perkasa Ekaguna, namely the company's lack of experience capability, lack of human resources, inappropriate company software and hardware, lack of company funds, not meeting the required legality, admin and company work experience. client, the company's NPT does not meet the requirements, and the company's CSMS does not meet the minimum CSMS value. The solutions taken to overcome the obstacles that occur are looking for cooperation partners, completing the organizational structure with competent human resources, completing software and hardware, seeking funding from banks and investors, looking for projects that comply with legality, admin, NPT and company work experience, updating CSMS database and complete current evidence from the project.

CUSTOMARY LAND GOVERNANCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG THE DEBNE AND WEIMA AFAR CLANS, NORTHEAST ETHIOPIA

This study is based on three months of fieldwork among the Debne and Weima Afar clans in Amibara woreda (district), Afar National Regional State (ANRS), Ethiopia, which was conducted in three rounds in 2016, 2018 and 2022. The purpose of the study is to explore the customary organisational structure and the rules and regulations employed by the local communities in managing natural resources on their rangelands as well as in resolving conflicts. While the clan system provides the basis for the Afar social and political organisation, claims to land are made at subclan and lineage levels. The formal administration largely functions using the clan structure, as it has more legitimacy than the state itself. Given the infrastructural limitations and legitimacy deficits of the government in the region, this paper argues that the clan system continues to play a dominating role when it comes to social organisation, resource management and conflict resolution. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .

Measuring and understanding information storage and transfer in a simulated human gut microbiome.

Considering biological systems as information processing entities and analyzing their organizational structure via information-theoretic measures has become an established approach in life sciences. We transfer this framework to a field of broad general interest, the human gut microbiome. We use BacArena, a software combining agent-based modelling and flux-balance analysis, to simulate a simplified human intestinal microbiome (SIHUMI). In a first step, we derive information theoretic measures from the simulated abundance data, and, in a second step, relate them to the metabolic processes underlying the abundance data. Our study provides further evidence on the role of active information storage as an indicator of unexpected structural change in the observed system. Besides, we show that information transfer reflects coherent behavior in the microbial community, both as a reaction to environmental changes and as a result of direct effective interaction. In this sense, purely abundance-based information theoretic measures can provide meaningful insight on metabolic interactions within bacterial communities. Furthermore, we shed light on the important however little noticed technical aspect of distinguishing immediate and delayed effects in the interpretation of local information theoretical measures.

AI-driven digital business ecosystems: a study of Haier's EMCs

PurposeThere is a knowledge gap regarding the determinants of open innovation processes and outcomes in a joint value creation context, as well as what role artificial intelligence (AI) and data management play in facilitating open innovation processes. One strategy to better understand joint value creation through open innovation, supported by AI and data management, is to conduct studies on the digital business ecosystem (DBE). The purpose of this paper is to improve our current knowledge of this urgent issue in contemporary management through the lens of an ecosystem-based theory by conducting an empirical study on two DBEs (called ecosystem micro-communities (EMCs)), developed by Haier, as well as multiple literature reviews on the key concepts “Haier EMC” and “digital business ecosystem”.Design/methodology/approachBy building on multiple literature reviews and empirical data from a multi-year and ongoing research program driven by Haier, this study examines Haier’s EMC model for AI-driven DBEs. Secondary data were collected through iterative literature reviews on DBEs, the EMC concept and the two selected EMC cases. The empirical data were collected through a qualitative study of two Haier EMCs in China.FindingsHaier's ecosystem micro-community concept represents a radical shift towards a more flexible, responsive and innovative cross-industry organizational structure, offering valuable lessons for business leaders and scholars. Haier’s ecosystem micro-community model, part of their RenDanHeYi philosophy and here viewed as a DBE, is a pioneering management concept that not only redefines the management of the firm and the traditional corporate structure, but also the traditional view on innovation management, business strategy, human resource management and marketing (customer centricity). The concept has therefore an important and big impact on traditional management. For scholars, the gap in understanding innovation processes in open business ecosystems is addressed by the concept. However, the concept also opens new areas for academic research, particularly in innovation management, business strategy, human resource management and marketing. The concepts further encourage more interdisciplinary research.Research limitations/implicationsThe DBE is a relatively new research area that will need more research. While the EMC model is promising as an effective version of a DBE, its effectiveness across different industries and organizational cultures needs to be explored further. Future research should investigate its applicability and impact in diverse business environments. To understand the EMC’s long-term impact, longitudinal studies are needed. These should focus on the sustained competitive advantages, potential market disruptions and the evolution of customer value propositions over time. Finally, considering increasing concerns about data privacy and security, future research should also explore how DBEs solve the issue of data protection and IP while promoting open innovation and value sharing.Practical implicationsFor managers and practitioners, the EMC concept could inspire leaders to learn how to foster innovation by creating smaller, autonomous teams that can respond quickly to market changes in the form of a DBE. The concepts exemplify how value creation and capture could be enhanced for any company and even could be a new strategy in the company’s digital transformation and repositioning into a more competitive, high-end player on the market. The concept also emphasizes employee empowerment and ownership, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. The concept can further improve companies’ adaptability and resilience by decentralizing decision-making. Finally, the micro-communities allow businesses to be more customer-centric, developing products and services that better meet specific customer needs.Social implicationsThe social implications could be positive, as complex social problems commonly need an ecosystem approach to develop and deliver impactful solutions. In addition, Haier’s ecosystem micro-community model seems inherently scalable and culturally adaptable.Originality/valueHaier’s EMC model is well-known in the research literature and is a novel approach to DBEs, which has been proven successful and replicable in different countries and industries. Providing insights from multiple literature reviews and two unique Haier EMC cases will contribute to a better understanding of highly effective data- and AI-driven business ecosystems, as well as of determinants of open innovation processes and outcomes in a joint value creation context, as well as what role AI and data management play in facilitating open innovation processes.

SYNERGY OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ANTI-CRISIS STRATEGIES IN ENSURING ENTERPRISE STABILITY

The article considers the current problem of ensuring the stability of an enterprise in conditions of economic instability through the synergy of the organizational structure and anti-crisis strategies. The research aims to learn about different approaches to the integration of organizational structures with strategic management, which contribute to increasing the adaptability of an enterprise to external challenges. The main elements of synergy are considered to be, in particular, the mechanisms of implementing anti-crisis measures within the existing organizational structure, which allow for increasing the stability of an enterprise in conditions of market instability. The article draws attention to the fact that effective cooperation of the organizational structure with anti-crisis strategies significantly improves the ability of an enterprise to adapt to changes in the external environment. Based on the data obtained, recommendations are formulated for improving management decisions aimed at increasing the adaptive potential of an enterprise. In particular, the possibilities of optimizing internal processes in order to react faster to changes and minimize risks related to crisis phenomena were analyzed in detail, which ensures the stability and competitiveness of the enterprise. The possibilities of optimizing internal processes in order to react faster to changes in the external environment are considered. Particular attention was paid to the role of leadership in implementing strategic changes. The effectiveness of using the company's resources in crisis conditions was assessed. The role of leadership in implementing strategic changes is considered separately. Leadership in crisis times plays an important role in ensuring the effectiveness of implementing anti-crisis measures, as well as in strengthening the corporate culture, which contributes to increasing the level of trust and cohesion of the team. The article shows that the effective use of the company's resources in crisis conditions is a key factor in ensuring its long-term stability. The conclusions from the work indicate the need to improve the organizational structure of the company in order to ensure its greater integration with anti-crisis strategies, which will allow the company to effectively face external challenges and strengthen its competitive position on the market. Therefore, the presented article contains practical recommendations that may be useful both for business managers and researchers in the field of strategic management and organizational development in conditions of economic instability.

Multi-Level Approaches to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention Education and Training for Health Professionals.

Alcohol-exposed pregnancies, which can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), is one of the most common preventable causes of lifelong intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S. Healthcare teams can play a critical role in preventing FASDs; however, they are currently unprepared to do so. Training can remediate this problem. This article explores the different approaches to the education and training of healthcare providers around FASD prevention used by six Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-funded programs, and how they have been adapted to (1) the specific needs of the healthcare professionals and/or the clinical setting and (2) the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article offers an in-depth description and comparison of the models utilized by the programs described, detailing the challenges of each model as well as the adaptations made. Interdisciplinary collaboration and review highlights these models and offers a variety of solutions and lessons learned that can be implemented in similar practice settings and/or educational initiatives. Based on organizational structure (i.e., national organization, educational institution, and clinical settings) and program purpose, different methods were employed for FASD education. Some programs were focused on FASD prevention through staff training and alcohol screening and brief intervention/clinical intervention and others were focused on broadscale professional education and awareness. Improvements were made on an ongoing basis as challenges related to COVID-19, staff shortages, and patient and clinician discomfort were identified, resulting in modifications to content and delivery modality (e.g., online forums and use of social media). FASD prevention education is wrought with a variety of challenges related to stigma, discomfort, and misinformation, which these programs encountered in a variety of ways.

Treasury monitoring as a method of state financial control

The article identifies the elements of the control system, on the basis of which the organizational and functional structure of control monitoring as a method of internal state financial control is disclosed. The definition of the budgetary procedure is given and, based on the powers of the internal state financial control body, the budgetary procedures within which control monitoring is carried out are specified. The subject of control monitoring has been defined, which is to ensure that the object of control complies with the rules of accounting, preparation and provision of accounting (financial) statements, fulfillment of the terms of contracts (agreements) for the provision of budgetary funds, provision of reports on the implementation of state programs and government assignments, etc. The implementation of the powers to conduct control monitoring is carried out through operational and proactive interaction between the objects of control and the Federal Treasury through automated (information) systems, which allows you to receive real-time data on the use of financial resources and form a motivational opinion on the need to adjust the financial and economic activities of the object of control.

Factors Associated With Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review.

Turnover has a negative impact and can harm businesses, specifically the organizational structure and service delivery. The purpose of this review is to provide policymakers, healthcare administrators, and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia with approaches and strategies for reducing turnover and improving provider retention by synthesizing existing literature and identifying the key variables influencing turnover intention. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore numerous variables associated with medical professional turnover intentions in Saudi Arabia from 2016 to 2024. The librarian assisted with the creation of the query string. The literature search was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. By utilizing the key terms turnover AND healthcare providers ANDhealthcare facilities AND Saudi*. The authors separately examined and evaluated the risk of bias in each study using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The findings of this review show that all studies were executed using a cross-sectional design, and five studies were published in 2022. According to this review, ten studies were carried out in hospital settings. Ten studies examined elements associated with work. Moreover, five studies were associated with external variables, followed by five studies linked to personal factors. The most common factors for turnoverwere satisfaction, stress, and work. Turnover-related factors can have an impact on the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system. This review provides crucial information on the factors related toturnover, using the growing body of research in the Saudi context.

Role of document management system for business processes optimization

The automation of work processes and seamless integration with various business services highlight the essential role of digital document management systems (DMS) in enhancing organizational flexibility, productivity, and adaptability. DMS serve as centralized repositories that streamline, automate, and interconnect business processes, thereby facilitating effective document management. The integration of DMS with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provides a comprehensive solution for optimizing business workflows, addressing the needs for both operational efficiency and strategic management. The research paper delineates a business model for the life cycle management of electronic documents and records, focusing on the integration of processes such as document creation, management, approval, and secure distribution. This integrated approach enhances organizational structure, optimizes processes, and bolsters security, leading to significant cost reductions and increased work efficiency. The model emphasizes the importance of streamlined and automated document workflows in reducing manual errors and operational bottlenecks. Key features of DMS include advanced mechanisms for digitizing physical documents, ensuring that all data is captured accurately and efficiently. Centralized storage with version control allows for easy retrieval and management of documents, ensuring that the latest versions are always accessible. Additionally, advanced search and accessibility features enable quick and efficient document retrieval, which is crucial for maintaining high productivity levels. The study underscores the pivotal role of DMS in modern enterprises, advocating their implementation as a strategic move to drive operational excellence and competitive advantage. By integrating DMS with ERP systems, businesses can achieve a cohesive and efficient operational environment that supports both day-to-day activities and long-term strategic goals. This comprehensive approach to document management not only optimizes efficiency and reduces errors but also enhances the overall agility and responsiveness of the organization in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Institutional change of the Colombian army 2012–2021

ABSTRACT Military transformations occur reactively in response to changes in environmental conditions and conflicts. Likewise, military transformations show a tendency to copy the best practices of the most powerful forces and of organizations like North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, little is known about the effect of a proactive planning strategy on the transformation process. This article raises the theoretical debate on the institutional change of the Colombian Army, presenting evidence that allows us to define whether it has been carried out in a reactive, evolutionary way or with a design-based approach which would lead to the development of institutional work through the modification of the factors of military capabilities. The main result shows the presence of institutional work to generate disruptions in the Army. Particularly when altering the doctrine, changes in education and training are triggered, which allows the organizational structure to be redesigned to adopt new practices. However, limitations in the acquisition and deployment of new technologies and infrastructure inhibit institutional change and organizational transformation.

Order Management in the Era of Customization

The economic growth and development of the country largely depends on success in the main industries, where mechanical engineering plays a key role. The economies of different countries rely on industrial enterprises that satisfy people’s needs through the production of goods and services. To ensure competitiveness in a dynamically changing market, continuous improvement and development of enterprises is required. In the current conditions, mechanical engineering enterprises increasingly need to adapt to each individual customer, which in turn forces them to rebuild enterprises to the parameters typical for single or small-scale production. The production process is the joint work of tools, equipment and personnel through which products are produced. The complexity of the process of releasing new products is due to the involvement of a large number of departments involved in this process. Order execution is based primarily on the management of production systems. One of the most important processes in enterprise management is the order management process.The purpose of this study is to determine the methods of optimizing the order management process and reducing the influence of the internal cooperation factor on the increase of the period of its implementation at machine-building enterprises. As a methodological basis such general scientific methods as analysis, synthesis, comparison and contrast were used. As the information base, the article analyzes the works of modern authors who consider the issues of order management and such an element of the organizational structure as internal cooperation between departments, their influence on the internal processes of the enterprise and the timing of order execution. The features of the planning process for a single type of production are considered. In the course of the work, the main reasons for the shift in previously determined order completion dates, the most important indicators for order fulfillment, the peculiarities of the planning process at the unit type of production were considered, as well as the most frequently encountered problems during project implementation were identified. In connection with the trend towards changes and development of enterprises, in terms of changes in order management processes for customized products, an increase in the number of created enterprises and an increase in the share of customized products, a conclusion was made about the relevance of studying the order management process in a single type of production at machine-building enterprises. Conclusions are drawn about the need for further study of the issues under consideration. The materials can be used in companies in the real sector of the economy, in administrative structures and in the educational process.

Research Progress on Rolling Forming of Tungsten Alloy.

Tungsten is a metal with many unique characteristics, such as a high melting point, high hardness, high chemical stability, etc. It is widely used in high-end manufacturing, new energy, the defense industry, and other fields. However, tungsten also has room-temperature brittleness, recrystallization brittleness, and other shortcomings due to the adjustment of the composition and organizational structure, such as the addition of alloying elements, adjusting the phase ratio, the use of heat treatment and deformation strengthening, etc. Its performance can be improved to meet the requirements for use in different fields. At present, the main production method of tungsten alloy is powder metallurgy. The use of a rolling open billet rotary forging-stretching process can improve production efficiency and product quality, but in actual production, due to the combined effects of various factors, such as elastic deformation of rolling elements, plastic deformation of the rolled material, etc., the mechanical properties of tungsten plates and bars are often difficult to control effectively, seriously affecting rolling stability and production efficiency. For this reason, researchers have conducted extensive and deep research and optimization on the rolling process of tungsten alloys, including establishing mathematical models, performing numerical simulations, optimizing process parameters, etc., providing important references for the rolling and forming of tungsten alloys. Meanwhile, the material properties are greatly influenced by the microstructure, and the evolution of the microstructure can be well quantified by some advanced characterization techniques, such as SEM, TEM, EBSD, etc., so that certain properties of tungsten can be obtained by controlling the texture evolution. In conclusion, this paper comprehensively summarizes the research progress of tungsten alloy roll forming and provides an important reference for further improving the processing performance and production efficiency of tungsten alloy.

Audit committee and the quality of financial reporting information - evidence in the new organisational structure of Vietnamese listed companies

The Audit Committee (AC) is a new part of organisational structure of a joint-stock company (JSCs), which has just been legislated in Vietnam since 2021. The AC aims to supervise activities to enhance the truthfulness and fairness of financial reporting information. The article aims to analyze and evaluate the actual effectiveness of the AC in improving the quality of financial statement information. The secondary data including 255 observations from listed companies that have established AC. We carried out analysis and forecast using the binary logistic model. The results show that the AC has played a primary role to improve the quality of financial statement information.

Clinical engineering units and their role in the organizational structure of the healthcare system.

Clinical engineering units and their role in the organizational structure of the healthcare system.

Maternal outcomes and pre, syn, and post-partum care in the united states and five high-income countries: An exploratory comparative qualitative study

Many studies have documented differences in maternal health outcomes across high-income countries, noting higher and growing maternal mortality in the US. However, few studies have detailed the journeys of care that may underlie or influence differences in outcomes. This study explores how maternity care entitlements and experiences vary among the US and five high-income countries, to study variations in child delivery care practices. Health systems with different organizational structure, insurance coverage and with known differences in maternal care delivery and maternal health outcomes were selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, comparison of secondary data, and literature scan. We find that, while prenatal care approaches were broadly similar across all six countries, there were some important differences in maternity care provision among the comparator countries: (1) the US has more fragmented coverage during pregnancy than comparator countries (2) there were differences with regards to the main provider delivering care, the US relied primarily on physician specialists rather than midwives for prenatal care and delivery which was more common in other countries, (3) the intensity of labor and delivery care varied, particularly with regards to rates of epidural use which were highest in the US and France and lowest in Japan, and (4), there was large variation in the use of postnatal home visits to assess health and wellbeing, notably lacking in the US. The US’ greater use of specialists and more intensive labor and delivery care may partially explain higher costs of care than in comparator countries. Moreover, US maternal mortality is concentrated in the pre- and postnatal periods and thus may be related to poorer access to prenatal care and the lack of an organized, community-based approach to postnatal care. Given the increase in maternal mortality across countries, policy makers should look across countries to identify promising models of care delivery, and should consider investing in more comprehensive coverage in pre- and postnatal care.