Time Shortages Research Articles

An EOQ inventory model for deteriorating items with time-dependent deterioration rate, ramp-type demand rate and shortages

This paper presents an economic order quantity (EOQ) model for deteriorating items having time proportional deterioration rate, time dependent ramp-type demand rate and shortages. Shortages are allowed to occur in the inventory system and completely backlogged. The ramp-type demand rate is deterministic and varies with time up to a certain point and then becomes constant. The three-parameter Weibull distribution rate indicates the change in deterioration rate with respect to time and takes into account of the items which are already deteriorated while receiving into an inventory system as well as items those might start deteriorating in future. To start with, the model is developed for shortages, but is also valid for the seasonal items and newly launched high tech products like computers, laptops, mobile phones and automobiles, etc. The purpose of this study is to develop an optimal policy, so that the average total cost is minimised by optimising the procurement time point. Furthermore, the solution procedure and the numerical example are provided to illustrate the proposed model. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the various parameters on optimal solution is carried out.

An EOQ inventory model for deteriorating items with time-dependent deterioration rate, ramp type demand rate and shortages

This paper presents an economic order quantity (EOQ) model for deteriorating items having time proportional deterioration rate, time dependent ramp-type demand rate and shortages. Shortages are allowed to occur in the inventory system and completely backlogged. The ramp-type demand rate is deterministic and varies with time up to a certain point and then becomes constant. The three-parameter Weibull distribution rate indicates the change in deterioration rate with respect to time and takes into account of the items which are already deteriorated while receiving into an inventory system as well as items those might start deteriorating in future. To start with, the model is developed for shortages, but is also valid for the seasonal items and newly launched high tech products like computers, laptops, mobile phones and automobiles, etc. The purpose of this study is to develop an optimal policy, so that the average total cost is minimised by optimising the procurement time point. Furthermore, the solution procedure and the numerical example are provided to illustrate the proposed model. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the various parameters on optimal solution is carried out.

Underemployment and employment among young workers and the business cycle in Spain: the importance of education level and specialisation

The objective of this paper is to identify the effect of education on young workers’ time-related underemployment as well as analysing whether education has been a defence mechanism against the recent crisis. Especially relevant is the analysis regarding field of study, which has not been addressed in the underemployment literature. Using data from the Spanish Labour Force Survey 2006–2014, bivariate probit selection models are estimated for three different periods. This methodology enables to analyse the evolution of underemployment among young people, simultaneously considering their probability of employment. The results indicate that underemployment is negatively related to education level for each period and tertiary education has smoothed the negative effect of the recession. Moreover, those specialisations that provide students with specific and work-oriented skills (sciences, technology and health) help workers avoid underemployment and enable them to handle the recession better. Conversely, more generally oriented fields (education, and arts and humanities) are associated with a higher probability of underemployment. Similar patterns have been found regarding unemployment, indicating education plays a similar role in both working time shortages.

Two Warehouse Inventory Model with Different Deterioration Rates under Time Dependent Demand and Shortages

Two Warehouse Inventory Model with Different Deterioration Rates under Time Dependent Demand and Shortages

EOQ model for non- decreasing time dependent deterioration and Decaying demand under non-increasing time shortages

EOQ model for non- decreasing time dependent deterioration and Decaying demand under non-increasing time shortages

Radiation Therapists’ and Diagnostic Radiographers’ participation in continuing professional development and knowledge of Regulatory Body Registration

AbstractBackgroundIrish healthcare has seen radical reforms in recent years. Regulatory Body Registration was introduced to improve patient care and regulate professionals. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement of registration. Professionals need to keep up-to-date with new techniques and technologies while maintaining their skills.PurposeThis research assessed the factors affecting CPD participation in Radiation Therapists and Diagnostic Radiographers and their knowledge and attitudes towards Regulatory Body Registration.Materials and methodsOnline surveys were designed and made available on the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) Website for IIRRT members. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests in a statistical computer programme.ResultsPersonal development, time, cost and staff shortages negatively affect CPD participation. Reflective practise is not a barrier to CPD. Knowledge and attitudes to Regulatory Body Registration varied.ConclusionCPD must be developed in Radiation Therapy and Diagnostic Radiography. Funding, time and increased staffing could result in effective implementation of CPD. Regulatory Body Registration has been communicated but more information regarding the process is required.

Deteriorating Fuzzy Multi-Objective EOQ Inventory Models with Shortages under Partial Backlogging

In this paper we have formulated a multi-objective inventory problem in which time dependent deterioration and shortages are allowed. We consider demand is constant and holding cost is function of time with limitation on storage space. Next to solve multi-objective inventory model and using fuzzy programming technique. Finally, by model is expressed by numerical example.

Sending mobile messages to different social ties in modern urban life

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of mobile messaging for the purposes of information sharing and social networking based on the types of social ties involved. The authors identify two psychological traits in the model: perceived time shortages (TSs) and anxiety trait. These traits can influence individuals’ mobile-messaging usage by facilitating users’ connections to different social ties in modern urban life.Design/methodology/approach– The authors distributed questionnaires at random on the streets of certain densely populated areas in Hong Kong to young urbanites, who are the dominant users of technological social media. The authors collected 492 valid responses, which the authors analysed via multivariate regression analysis.Findings– Mobile messages are more effectively used to share information within strongly tied groups rather than weakly tied groups. However, there is little difference between weakly and strongly connected groups in terms of the perceived effectiveness of mobile messages used for social networking. Anxious people are more inclined to send mobile messages to individuals with whom they have weak ties, and people who perceived TSs send more mobile messages to individuals with whom they have strong ties.Research limitations/implications– The rapid nature of information and communication technology has enabled new “richer” forms of mobile media. For instance, WhatsApp allows people to attach images and other multimedia files to their messages, and WeChat provides a location-sharing service that enables users to meet new people based on their friendship preferences. Future studies should examine this trend.Originality/value– This study contributes to the literature by elaborating the mobile-messaging behaviour of urban citizens who are anxious and perceive TSs within strongly and weakly connected social groups.

Economic Order Quantity with Linearly Time Dependent Demand Rate and Shortages

This paper presents an inventory model with linearly time dependent rate and shortages under trade credits. We show that the total cost per unit is convex function of time. Some properties have also been discussed based an optimal solution. The results are discussed with the help of numerical examples. Sensitivity analyses with a variety of numerical results showing the effect of model parameters on key performance measures are demonstrated. Mathematica 7 software is used for finding numerical solutions.

Postresuscitation debriefing in the pediatric emergency department: a national needs assessment

The objectives of this study were to assess current postresuscitation debriefing (PRD) practices in Canadian pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and identify areas for improvement. A national needs assessment survey was conducted to collect information on current PRD practices and perspectives on debriefing practice in pediatric EDs. A questionnaire was distributed to ED nurses, fellows, and attending physicians at 10 pediatric tertiary care hospitals across Canada. Summary statistics are reported. Data were analyzed from 183 participants (48.7% response rate). Although 88.8% of the participants believed that debriefing is an important process, 52.5% indicated that debriefing after real resuscitations occurs less than 25% of the time and 68.3% indicated that no expectation exists for PRD at their institution. Although 83.7% of participants believed that facilitators should have a specific skill set developed through formal training sessions, 63.4% had no previous training in debriefing. Seventy-two percent felt that medical and crisis resource management issues are dealt with adequately when PRD occurs, and 90.4% indicated that ED workload and time shortages are major barriers to effective debriefing. Most responded that a debriefing tool to guide facilitators might aid in multiple skills, such as creating realistic debriefing objectives and providing feedback with good judgment. PRD in Canadian pediatric EDs occurs infrequently, although most health care providers agreed on its importance and the need for skilled facilitators.

An inventory model with time dependent demand and shortages under trade credit policy

This model investigates an economic order quantity (EOQ) model over a finite time horizon for an item with a quadratic time dependent demand by considering shortages in inventory under permissible delay in payments. Shortages are assumed after variable time T1(< T cycle period). The credit period (m) is known and fixed. The model is derived under three different circumstances depending on the time of occurrence of shortages, credit period, and cycle time. The results are illustrated with the help of numerical examples. The sensitivity analysis of key parameters of the optimal solution is studied with respect to changes in different parametric values. Some special features of the model are discussed.

Inventory management of perishable products: a time decay linked logistic approach

This paper proposes a logistic-based approach to a class of inventory problems with shortages and time decay functions. Time decay and shortages are a common phenomena in products with short life cycles, and financial volatility necessitates more accurate characterisation of inventory costs based on time-adjusted value. In this paper an extended approach of Wagner–Whitin (WW) is used to determine lot sizes, replenishment cycle, and schedules. A sensitivity analysis of the proposed optimisation procedure has been conducted to justify its advantages.

A Comparative Analysis of Gender based Management Styles of Software Project Managers

Management has been studied and has been part of the literature since early twentieth century. With the invention of compute;, related sciences and commercialization of software become part of industry. Softwares were started seeing as projects, and with this software project management evolved. Different job positions such as software project managers are being advertised. This jobs are equally applied by both males and females members of the society. Some software projects are labeled as highly successful, some successful and others are total loss. There are many possible reasons of failure of a software project ranging from time shortages, costs, changing customer requirements, management techniques, and management styles to many others. In this research paper the authors have explored the management styles of male and female software project managers. In order to explore the management styles of male and female software project managers(SPM) a questionnaire was developed and was distributed among 120 employees who had served under both male SPMs and female SPMs, in Pakistan. Out of 120 respondents the data was analyzed for 100 respondents (forty males and sixty females). Twenty questionnaires were discarded due to partial completion of the questionnaire, bias towards filing the questionnaires and other such reasons. The data analysis shows that both male and female employees recommend male SPMs. On the basis of the data analysis it is recommended by the authors that male SPMs may be preferred but females SPMs must be given chance having required skills and suitable training and development.

Cleaning – on the way to evidence-based knowledge

Cleaning – on the way to evidence-based knowledge

“I feel it is not enough…” Health providers’ perspectives on services for victims of intimate partner violence in Malaysia

BackgroundThis study explores the views and attitudes of health providers in Malaysia towards intimate partner violence (IPV) and abused women and considers whether and how their views affect the provision or quality of services. The impact of provider attitudes on the provision of services for women experiencing violence is particularly important to understand since there is a need to ensure that these women are not re-victimised by the health sector, but are treated sensitively.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 54 health care providers responsible for providing services to survivors of IPV and working in health care facilities in two Northern States in Malaysia. A thematic framework analysis method was employed to analyse the emerging themes. Interviews were coded and managed by using NVIVO (N7), a qualitative software package.ResultsWe found that when providers follow the traditional role of treating and solving IPV as “medical problem”, they tend to focus on the physical aspect of the injury, minimise the underlying cause of the problem and ignore emotional care for patients. Providers frequently felt under-trained and poorly supported in their role to help women beyond merely treating their physical injuries. What emerged from the findings is that time shortages may well impact on the ability of medical officers to identify cases of abuse, with some saying that time limitations made it more difficult to detect the real problem behind the injury. However, data from the interviews seem to suggest that time constraints may or may not end up resulting in limited care, depending on the individual interest of medical professionals on violence issues.ConclusionsPromoting empathetic health care provision is challenging. More awareness training and sensitisation could help, especially if courses focus on women’s needs and strengths and how health providers can validate these and contribute to a longer term process of change for victims of violence. Clear guidance on how to record history of abuse, ask questions sensitively and validate experiences is also important together with training on good communication skills such as listening and being empathetic.

Equation Chapter 1 Section 1A Two Warehouse Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items with an Exponential Demand and Shortage

In this paper, the two warehouse inventory problem for deteriorating items with exponentially increasing time demand rate and shortages is considered. Here existing storage is known as own warehouse OW and the other is hired on rental basis known as rented warehouse RW. The model allows different levels of item deterioration in both warehouses. Here replenishment rate is finite. The stock is transferred from RW to OW in continuous release pattern and the associated transportation cost is taken into account. Shortage in OW is allowed and excess demand is backlogged. An attempt is made to incorporate the different preservation facilities in own and rented warehouses for deteriorating items with exponentially time dependent demand. It is also assume that the preservation facility in RW is better than OW. For the general model, we give the equations for the optimal policy and cost function and we discuss some special case. A numerical example is given to illustrate the solution procedure of the model.

An EOQ Model for Weibull Deteriorating Items With Price Dependent Demand

In the present paper we developed an economic order quantity model for Weibull deteriorating items with price dependent demand rate together with a replenishment policy for profit maximization. The demand rate is a continuous and differentiable function of price. The variable items deteriorate with time shortages are allowed and completely back-ordered. Further it is illustrated with the help of numerical examples.

An Integrated Production-Supply System with Uncertain Demand, Nonlinear Lead Time and Allowable Shortages

A supply chain consisting of a single-supplier and a single-buyer is modeled and compared in two different modes: non-coordinated and coordinated. The model is established based on the fact that the demand is uncertain and shortages are considered as lost sales. The buyer’s order lead time is a nonlinear function of the buyer’s order size and the number of shipments from the supplier. Quantity discount offers are used as a tool to achieve the coordination between both parties. In non-coordinated mode the total annual profits of both parties are maximized using partial derivative and a lower and an upper bound are obtained for the supplier’s wholesale price. For the coordinated mode total annual profit of the whole supply chain system is maximized using partial derivatives and coordination may increase the total annual profit of the whole system is mathematically proved. In order to encourage the both parties to coordinate, a fair profit-sharing method is proposed based on the total costs that each party incurs. The supplier’s wholesale price is evaluated such that coordination seems appealing and profitable for both parties.

Making a difference through QELCA: a time to engage community nurses

We have recently witnessed increased requests from patients and a huge ‘push’ from government for more people to die in their own homes across England. Most of the patients wishing to die at home tend to be experiencing life-threatening and limiting illnesses, and their care demands knowledge and skills in dealing with their palliative care needs. As a result, there is an inevitable added pressure on community nurses to care for all these people. The result is that patients presenting with complex end-of-life care needs may end up being cared for predominantly by generalist health professionals. Some community nurses may feel inadequately trained and prepared to care for the needs of patients at the end of life, and as a result, be left with a sense of having failed their patients. The End of Life Care Strategy (Department of Health, 2008) makes it clear that workforce development is a priority if patients are to receive high-quality and appropriate care at the end of life. However, current austerity measures inhibit the training of health professionals to care for dying patients in the community. If we have fewer skilled carers in the community, the risk is that dying patients will not receive adequate and appropriate care, which respects their wishes and dignity. In addition, the impact of poorly delivered care on the bereaved relatives and friends will inevitably manifest in bereavement complication, like traumatic distress, anxiety and even depression. For caring health professionals working at the generalist level of palliative care, more training and education is needed if we are to benefit all dying patients, regardless of where they are being cared for. In recognition of these needs, a specially designed education programme: ‘Quality End of Life Care for All’ (QELCA), has been developed by St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham, London to empower generalist nurses to deliver confident, competent end-of-life care. One of the key aims of QELCA, in addition to empowering nurses with knowledge about palliative and end-oflife care, is to develop and equip nurses to remain engaged in meaningful emotional contact with patients and their relatives. At the same time, it aims to ensure that nurses can preserve their professional and personal integrity without becoming emotionally exhausted and experiencing burnout. This is an important and brave goal, as it will require adept skills from the facilitators in order to instil the balance and ability in nurses to separate personal feelings from professional care and respect for the feelings of the dying patient. It is well documented in literature on burnout that when this delicate balance is not achieved properly, nurses experience emotional exhaustion that can lead to burnout, and patients may feel unsupported and without a sense of being treated as a unique individual (Maslach, 2003). QELCA consists of a 5-day training programme with follow-up sessions using action learning sets, and offers a platform for sharing ideas and experiences while learning new skills to improve on patient care. Of course, in today’s financial climate, there are challenges of funding, time and staff shortages, but it has been shown that QELCA training can help nurses make the best use of their limited time while learning vital skills that they can use to care for all patients at the end of life (Bryan et al, 2011). It is hoped that long-term benefits will include a more confident generalist practitioner, reduced incidents of absenteeism, and continuity of care for dying patients. The evaluation to date shows that, on the whole, QELCA is making a difference among generalist and community nurses in particular, who at first thought palliative care was not their remit or role. Senior managers need to support all community nurses to attend and help improve the care of all dying patients, regardless of setting. It is an aim of QELCA to train trainers in order to spread the benefits across the country, and quickly. In addition, such knowledge and skill will help ameliorate emotional exhaustion and eventually, burnout. Although QELCA may be aimed at generalist nurses, it could be equally helpful to other professional groups, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible from all health professionals. BJCN

Hospital pharmacists' willingness to develop pharmacy services in outpatient dialysis centres: a qualitative study

BackgroundCurrently, no pharmacy services exist in outpatient dialysis centres in Australia, although the literature demonstrates the positive contribution of pharmacists to dialysis patients.PurposeTo explore hospital pharmacists' willingness to implement pharmacy...