Management Tool Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of Sensor-Based Smart Building Monitoring and Data Gathering Techniques

In an era where buildings are increasingly becoming multifaceted entities, the paradigm of smart buildings has witnessed significant evolution. This advancement integrates sophisticated communication technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. Intending to design an effective smart building monitoring system, this research paper explores and compares various solutions for measuring building parameters by identifying a broad spectrum of review articles considering building occupant behavior, sensor deployment, and implementation complexity. The objective of our paper is to compile diverse information on various sensors used for monitoring building conditions and provide a comprehensive overview of data structuring and processing, all within a single article. Additionally, this paper addresses the challenges of combining data from decentralized systems and the need for managerial tools to optimize user experiences. The findings contribute to the advancement of smart building management, offering valuable insights for improving building performance and user experience as well as evaluating future research directions in this field. This review is designed to serve as an introduction for anyone venturing into the field of building monitoring.

Developing an infodemic management toolkit for immunization: An iterative consultation process

Abstract Issue An infodemic is an overwhelming amount of information, accurate and otherwise, that accompanies health emergencies such as outbreaks and other health crises. Infodemic management work is done by people from different positions and professions, with differing resources at their disposal, and applied to a range of health issues. An infodemic insights report can help identify questions, concerns, information voids and circulating mis- disinformation to help inform an emergency response. Health issue specific guidance can be useful for those who may have infodemic management as part of their regular work but want to identify infodemic insights and contextualize these insights in relation to other programme data. Description The WHO and UNICEF ‘how to build an infodemic insights report in 6 steps’ document provides general guidance. A more immunization specific document, with practical and specific tools in standalone short focus areas was developed to guide infodemic managers or those working on vaccine demand and acceptance, and by vaccination field workers. The toolkit is intended for vaccines across the life course, including for children, adolescents, pregnant people, adults, and people with pre-existing conditions or have other vulnerabilities. Results Rounds of iteration with experts both internal and external to WHO provided useful feedback, review and suggestions. The toolkit provides information targeted at different resource and capacity levels. Lessons The consultative process resulted in a toolkit informed by experts and those who are likely end-users of the document. The consultations sought to align the toolkit with immunization programme processes and with other tools and interventions for improving vaccine uptake. Having health issue specific guidance is a useful addition to the infodemic manager toolbox and tools such as these can be an important component of community resilience and health security initiatives. Key messages • For immunization, infodemic management can support programme activities to build vaccine confidence and improve uptake, and manage vaccine-related events. • Expert informed guidance on health topic specific areas can be a useful addition to the infodemic manager toolbox.

Effectiveness of combined physical exercise and cognitive training in older adults with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Falls among cognitively impaired older adults are a global concern. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of combining physical exercise and cognitive training to improve balance among older adults. A systematic search of databases, including Embase, Medline-OVID, CINAHL-EBSCOhost, and Central-Cochrane Library, was conducted from March 9 to April 6, 2023. The search used keywords based on the PICO question, where the population was older adults with cognitive impairment. Compared to a single therapy, the intervention involved a combination of muscle strengthening and cognitive therapy, with the outcome of falls or balance. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in any setting. Studies with participants under 60 years old and lacking baseline clinical assessments were excluded. EndNote 20 was used as a reference manager tool, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flow diagram was used to map out the number of identified records. Two investigators worked independently, and the Jadad scale was used for critical appraisal. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023454876. A fixed-effects meta-analysis was performed using an inverse-variance method. Four articles met the inclusion criteria, three of which were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were from Europe, New Zealand, and the Philippines, with a total sample of 255 participants and mean ages of 65.9–87.5 years. The studies used combined physical and cognitive training in one group. Results showed a significant moderate effect size (effect size (ES): 2.29; standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.41; p<0.05; heterogeneity (I2): 0%) indicating no heterogeneity. In conclusion, the combined intervention displayed the potential to improve balance for cognitively impaired older adults.

The informational relevance of social accounting for the management of financial institutions. A case study: Banca Transilvania Financial Group

This paper analyzes the relevance of social accounting information for managing financial institutions, using Banca Transilvania Financial Group (BTFG) as a case study. It explores how social accounting data can enhance decision-making processes within these institutions. Social information from BTFG’s annual integrated reports was used to construct a social balance sheet, and financial data was collected to calculate economic value added (EVA) and social value added (SVA). Research question include: Does social accounting represent a lever for substantiating the managerial decision in financial institutions? Results show that SVA is a valuable indicator for financial institution managers, reflecting the institution’s contributions to social well-being, environmental impact, and community support. Policy implications suggest regulatory bodies should mandate the inclusion of social accounting metrics in financial reporting standards to encourage socially responsible practices, enhance transparency, and incentivize institutions achieving high SVA. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the practical application of social accounting in financial institutions and highlighting the importance of SVA as a managerial tool. It aligns with existing research on integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) metrics into financial decision-making, enhancing the understanding of combining social and economic indicators for comprehensive performance assessment The abstract covers motivation, methodology, results, policy implications, and contributions to the literature.

MODERNIZATION OF THE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS USING SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT

Currently, the issue of modernization of outdated automatic control systems at strategically important infrastructure facilities of the city, such as water supply and water treatment, is urgent. Using modern automation equipment allows for improving the environmental situation and increasing the reliability of technological processes. This article discusses the development of a new automated system for the biological treatment facility of the Almaty Su sewage treatment plant to replace the outdated current automation. A control system for air conditioning machines, based on Schneider Electric equipment, has been developed using EcoStructure Control Expert software to manage the Modicon M340 controller. Additionally, using EcoStructure Machine Expert, a control system has been created for air injection machines during the biological cleaning phase, which uses the Modicon M241 controller.A process control mnemonic circuit was designed to switch between Modicon M340 and M241 controllers. Remote I/O architectures were developed using the Architecture Builder to create network configurations. An emergency protection system was implemented on Honeywell equipment at Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) JSC, using Safety Controller and Manager tools. Security levels at SIL enterprises were calculated.

Public-Private Partnerships in the Healthcare Sector and Sustainability: Managerial Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

This article aims to critically understand the current state of the art of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector and to highlight implications useful for implementing sustainability-oriented PPPs. By employing text mining to analyze the sampled articles, we identify the main themes distinguishing healthcare PPPs and sustainability. We critically discuss the narrative underlying the results achieved in terms of emerging topics: governance, managerial tools, barriers, advantages/disadvantages, and big data. Finally, we propose a literature-driven framework on PPP management that identifies implications – systemic approach, technical managerial skills, governance balance, operational instruments – that can facilitate the development of sustainability-oriented PPPs in the healthcare sector.

Future ecosystem business model tool: Design science and field test in the efuel ecosystem towards the sustainability transition

This paper presents a novel business model design tool called Future ecosystem business model (FEBM). The FEBM aims to address the lack of managerial tools linking business models, foresight, and ecosystem strategizing in the context of systemic technological changes, as those characterizing the sustainability transition in a multi-level perspective. The tool has been shaped through a design science approach building on a structured review of the literature. A field test was conducted through a case study to test the proposed tool. The empirical context was that of a publicly funded project in the field of electrofuels (efuels). The project foresaw the development and integration of several technologies, whose adoption was likely to have significant implications within and across industries. The proposed approach contributes to the literature on business model design in the context of technology-driven transformations characterized by high uncertainty and interdependence, such as those related to the sustainability transition. Strategy and innovation managers may find in the proposed FEBM tool an actionable approach to shape decision-making against far-reaching technological and societal challenges.

Practices of Management Accounting Techniques in Service Sector Public Enterprises in Nepal

Management accounting is the act of making sense of financial and costing data and translating that data into useful information for management and officers within an organization. This research aims at examining the practice of management accounting and the major difficulties in applying management accounting tools in the public enterprises of the service sector of Nepal. It also tries to assess the impact of management accounting system on the performance of sampled organizations. The specific survey research has been followed with a descriptive-analytical approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents which were analyzed by the multiple correlation and regression model. The study employed simple judgmental sampling procedure to draw the samples. Out of the seven public enterprises in Nepal that operate in the service sector five were selected as the samples. The results revealed that there is a significant impact of management accounting systems on organizational performance. The study suggested to implement the effective managerial tools and techniques a separate managerial accounting department should be established within an organization. The study also recommended that academicians who have better knowledge about MA tools and techniques should put in the effort to develop environmentally friendly tools and techniques into practice and also to keep management accounting information system. It helps to keep them informed from time to time about every aspect of MA and its application.

“It Had to Be Us”: The Rudolph Effect and the Inclusion of Unconventional Leaders

More insights are needed about how to overcome situations where conventional leadership breaks down. By teasing apart concepts and processes associated with the inclusion of unconventional leaders, Greimas and Courtès’ actantial model is leveraged to collate the relationships threaded by the actors involved with the 2018 rescue mission of the Wild Boars soccer team in Thailand. What we label as the Rudolph Effect describes how outcasts, misfits, and mavericks can be redefined as valuable members of a leadership team. This case study suggests that providing opportunities for unconventional team members to demonstrate their skills and capital allows them to shift from supporting or advisory roles to more decisional and leadership roles. Both theoretical and practical managerial tools that facilitate the development and inclusion of unconventional leaders are provided.

Does Citizen Feedback Influence Public Service Motivation? Evidence From a Survey Experiment in the Context of Urban Service Provisions

Despite the growing interest of research on public service motivation (PSM), limited studies have considered the interaction between street-level bureaucrats and citizens. This study examined the impact of citizen feedback on PSM among street-level bureaucrats. Anchoring on the social exchange theory, this research posits that citizen feedback plays a pivotal role in influencing PSM. Using a vignette–survey experiment in the context of urban service provisions in Magelang city, Indonesia, this study empirically tested the causal relationship between citizen feedback and PSM. The finding reveals empirical evidence that positive citizen feedback enhances PSM, while, conversely, negative feedback diminishes PSM. These results underscore the importance of citizen feedback as an alternative managerial tool to motivate street-level bureaucrats who directly engage in service delivery. Public managers can also use these findings as a starting point to design a citizen feedback handling system in public service delivery.

The power of machine learning methods to predict crowdfunding success: Accounting for complex relationships efficiently

The objective of this paper is to both demonstrate and explain the power of machine learning (ML) methods to predict crowdfunding success. The first step to achieve this objective is to compare the predictive performance of four ML methods (boosted trees, random forest, Shallow Neural Networks and Deep Neural Networks) to standard binary logit estimation using a dataset of more than 108,223 Kickstarter projects. The data used for the comparison is a set of categorical and continuous variables for each project that can be analyzed using all 5 modelling methods. The second step to achieve the objective is to show that the presence of complex relationships between the explanatory variables and outcome variable explains the power of ML methods. These relationships can be categorized as threshold-type (when a certain level of a explanatory variable is need for an effect to occur), Goldilocks-type (where a very specific level of an explanatory variable is needed for an effect to occur) and interactions (where the effect of one explanatory variable on the outcome variable is moderated by the levels of other explanatory variables). Our estimations show that these relationships are embedded in the context of crowdfunding. Because crowdfunding is a marketing activity, factors like attention, saturation, and synergy between levers are pervasive. It is because machine learning has the ability to account for these relationships (without knowing where they are in advance) that these methods are both better predictors and better managerial tools than standard binary logit models. We further show that even greater prediction power is unleashed by activating the text-analysis capabilities of ML methods. However, even when this is not possible, the value realized by employing ML approaches to predict crowdfunding success is substantial.

The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Perceived Stress Among Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of lavender aromatherapy via inhalation as a stress management modality for patients in cardiac rehabilitation. This was a quasi-experimental design. Aromatherapy was provided via inhalation to participants before a cardiac rehabilitation session over 8 minutes using lavender essential oil. The same protocol was used in the non-aromatherapy session without the essential oil. Blood pressure and radial pulse were measured, and subjective data were also collected including assessment of stress level (1-10 scale) and affect using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics version 20. Quantitative measures were analyzed using Mann-Whitney nonparametric equivalent to the t test. Inferential measures were analyzed using the χ 2 or Fisher's exact test. In the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, 25 patients participated in this study. The average change in negative affect (PANAS-) between pre and post-aromatherapy compared with pre- and post-non-aromatherapy sessions was statistically significant. Results showed a reduction in blood pressure following both aromatherapy and non-aromatherapy sessions with no statistical significance between sessions. Heart rate decreased equally post-aromatherapy and non-aromatherapy sessions. Aromatherapy may be a useful stress management tool for cardiac rehabilitation patients.

СПЕЦИФИКА SWOT-АНАЛИЗА КАК ИНСТРУМЕНТА СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОГО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ

This article presents the definition and ana-lyzes the specifics of such a strategic man-agement tool as SWOT analysis. The au-thors reveal the role and characteristics of the components of the analytical method, determine the importance of additional tools when analyzing the macroenvironment of an enterprise. A study of a non-profit project and its results is presented and an inde-pendent assessment of the qualitative con-tent of the SWOT analysis of the project under consideration is carried out, con-clusions about the dependence of the effec-tiveness of the results obtained on the hu-man factor are reflected. The characteristics of the use of SWOT analysis as an inde-pendent tool of strategic management are derived.

Impacts of the Ban on the Soil-Applied Fumigant Methyl Bromide.

The loss of the soil fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) and adoption of soil fumigant alternatives has been challenging for farmers, particularly for those crops in which pathogens previously controlled by MeBr have emerged as significant problems, but it has resulted in some unanticipated benefits for the scientific community and the environment. Applauded as one of the most effective environmental agreements to date, the universally accepted Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances has had a significant impact on the environment, reducing the release of halogenated compounds from anthropogenic sources enough to mitigate global warming by an estimated 1.1°C by 2021. The funding associated with various MeBr transition programs has increased collaboration across scientific disciplines, commodity groups, industry, and regulatory agencies. Chemical alternatives and improved application strategies, including the development of gas-retentive agricultural films, coupled with sound efficacy data and grower ingenuity have resulted in the sustained production of many of the impacted crops; although there has been some loss of acreage and value, particularly for Florida fumigated crops, for some, value has continued to increase, allowing production to continue. The loss of a single, broad-spectrum tool for pest control has led to a deeper understanding of the specific pest complexes impacting these at-risk crops, as well as the development of new, biologically based management tools for their control while increasing our understanding of the role of the soil microbiome in pest control and crop production.

Unlocking Continuous Improvement in Heart Failure Remote Monitoring: A Participatory Approach to Unveil Value Dimensions and Performance Indicators.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) constitutes a public health concern affecting quality of life, survival, and costs. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) can enhance HF management, involving patients actively and improving follow-up. While current HF RPM assessments emphasise cost-effectiveness analysis, there is a need to consider wider RPM impacts and integrate stakeholders' perspectives into assessments for better comprehensiveness. Methods: We developed a four-stage participatory approach to select value dimensions and indicators for continuous HF RPM assessment: Stage 1 involved building a literature-informed initial list; Stage 2 utilized expert interviews for validation and list expansion; Stage 3 involved a web-Delphi process with Portuguese stakeholders and experts for agreement assessment; and Stage 4 included a conclusive expert interview. Results: A literature review identified fourteen studies on telehealth, RPM, and HF, informing an initial list of four value dimensions (Access, Clinical aspects, Acceptability, and Costs) and 22 indicators. Seven semistructured interviews validated and further adjusted the list to 38 indicators. Subsequently, the web-Delphi process engaged 29 stakeholders, giving their opinions regarding assessment aspects' relevance and proposing additional elements - 1 dimension and 12 indicators. Five value dimensions and 38 indicators (76.0%) reached group agreement for selection, while 12 did not reach an agreement. Upon expert appreciation, 5 dimensions, 43 indicators, and 6 case-mix parameters were considered relevant. Discussion: This comprehensive social approach captured diverse stakeholder perspectives, achieving agreement on pertinent HF RPM monitoring and evaluation indicators. Findings can inform visualization and management tool development, aiding day-to-day RPM evaluation and identification of improvement opportunities.

Training on Reference Manager Tool (Mendeley) for Students of Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu

Reference Manager Tool (Mendeley) training for students at the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Muhammadiyah University was carried out with the aim of assisting students in creating bibliographies automatically and searching for references from leading international and national journals that have accreditation, especially in writing quotations. Training is carried out through lecture methods, practice and question and answer sessions led by the team. This activity was held at campus IV, Muhammadiyah University on Wednesday, December 6 2023, with the participation of 95 students from the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Muhammadiyah University, Bengkulu. The implementation of this service uses several techniques, namely lectures, discussions and demonstrations. The implementation stages of this service consist of several opening and introduction sessions, introduction to Mendeley installation and initial preparation, Mendeley account creation, main feature training, reference organization, use of citation tools, making a bibliography, question and answer sessions and practice. This service concludes that 80% of students understand well how to insert citations and create a bibliography using Mendeley. This service provides significant benefits and makes a positive contribution in preparing students at the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu to face academic challenges, as well as assisting in producing more structured written work. Some suggestions that should be considered for better implementation of service include conducting initial surveys to identify student knowledge and needs, providing complete and easily accessible training materials in various formats, conducting evaluations and collecting feedback from training participants to improve and adjust the program in the future.

The impact of ESG performance, reporting framework, and reporting assurance on the tone of ESG disclosures: Evidence from Chinese listed firms

This study explores the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework adoption, and ESG reporting assurance on the tone of ESG disclosures among Chinese listed firms. The research analyzes a dataset of 5985 observations from Chinese listed companies. It employs empirical methods to examine the relationships between ESG performance, GRI framework adoption, ESG reporting assurance, and ESG disclosure tone. The study finds a positive link between high ESG performance and a more optimistic ESG reporting tone, aligning with signalling theory. Conversely, adopting the GRI framework and ESG reporting assurance limits the use of positive tones, consistent with impression management principles. This underscores the importance of governance mechanisms in influencing responsible reporting and mitigating corporate hypocrisy. Additional tests affirm these findings, addressing potential endogeneity concerns. This study contributes to the existing literature on ESG reporting by providing empirical evidence on the influence of ESG performance and managerial tools on reporting tones. It establishes a positive link between ESG performance and ESG reporting tone and highlights the governance function of ESG reporting assurance and the GRI framework in curtailing managerial tendencies to manipulate tone. The paper bridges a research gap by responding to calls for more research into what drives the tone of ESG information. It cements the relevance of signalling theory in ESG and affirms that the deployment of GRI and ESG reporting assurance can serve as tools to inhibit impression management.

Putting the pieces together: towards an integrative framework for healthcare performance

PurposeIn the past few decades, performance measuring systems have become important managerial tools for healthcare organizations. Healthcare performance metrics are a useful tool in understanding how healthcare organizations achieve their goals while satisfying the needs of their patients and conforming to national and international standards. Various efforts have been made to assess healthcare performance. Most of these measures are focused on a single perspective or developed by a single source to meet management and strategic objectives on time.Design/methodology/approachWe develop a review of the literature to shed light on the measures used to assess performance in the healthcare sector at various points in time, as well as to establish a thorough understanding of healthcare performance measurement.FindingsDeveloping real-time digital traceability of metrics and an integrative perspective that increases the actionability of information acquired is an attractive potential made possible by the introduction of new technologies and the digitization of data.Originality/valueWe conclude that a proper measurement system should be one to combine patient, physician, non-medical staff and system perspective, which will further facilitate the assessment of healthcare performance and the comparative function.

Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Vermicompost to Manage Bottom Rot in Organic Lettuce.

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris [Frank] Donk) is an aggressive soilborne pathogen with a wide host range that survives saprophytically between crops, presenting a challenge for organic vegetable farmers who lack effective management tools. A 2-year field experiment was conducted at two organic farms to compare anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) and worm-cured compost (vermicompost) to manage bottom rot caused by R. solani subspecies AG1-IB in field-grown organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa). At each farm, four replicate plots of seven treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Randomization was restricted by grouping treatments to evaluate ASD, and treatments to evaluate vermicompost in starter plugs. ASD experiment treatments were three different ASD carbon sources that are commonly used and widely available to local farmers in Vermont: compost, cover crop residues, and poultry manure fertilizer, as well as a tarped control. Vermicompost experimental treatments were vermicompost compared with two types of controls: a commercial biocontrol product (RootShield PLUS + G), and unamended (untarped control). This study demonstrated that the ASD method is achievable in a field setting on Vermont farms. However, neither ASD nor vermicompost produced significant disease suppression or resulted in higher marketable yields than standard growing practices. Given the laborious nature of ASD, it is likely more appropriate in a greenhouse setting with high-value crops that could especially benefit from being grown in plastic tarped beds (e.g., tomatoes and strawberries). This study is the first known attempt of field-implemented ASD for soil pathogen control in the northeastern United States.

The issue of corporate mandatory standards in production improvement programmes

Purpose: This paper aims to explore and describe how companies manage the level of standardisation of improvement practices in a multisite context. It seeks to explain the managerial strategies applied to change the standardisation level in manufacturing companies with multiple production sites worldwide.Design/methodology/approach: This paper collects data through interviews, observations and company documents from a large multinational producing company and, specifically, from of the largest production sites in the company. The research design resembles a grounded theory approach by being reflexive and open to emerging themes. The standardisation strategy was analysed at a company that strived to increase the standardisation of problem-solving practices within about 20 production sites as part of their corporate lean programme.Findings: Several managerial tools were applied at the corporate level to increase the standardisation level of problem-solving practices, such as developing standards and a company-specific toolbox aligned with an in-house maturity model. In addition, deploying change leaders and global implementation targets enabled audits and progress. However, consequences at the production-site level became minor adaptations of standards, the design of training models as a "roll-out", and a resource-demanding implementation process.Originality/Value: This paper empirically demonstrates strategic tools that corporate management teams apply to influence the company's standardisation level of practices. The study describes the purpose and consequences of the design of the toolbox, maturity model, training model, and implementation targets, which aims to simplify the complex task of managing standardisation in a corporate group. By applying a knowledge-based view, four processes (i.e. adaptation, integration, upskilling, and learning) were identified to improve the management strategies in multisite contexts.