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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of fuel flow processes in a network of eight gas stations, located in the mesoregion of Alto Paranaíba and Triângulo Mineiro.

Design/methodology/approach

Two multi-criteria decision support methods were applied, respectively, of a statistical and mathematical nature, namely, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The research method used was quantitative, with a brief complement of qualitative research, and descriptive in purpose, supported by the inductive method. The data collection stage took place with the support of interviews, with the application of a structured questionnaire, and non-probabilistic sampling, for convenience.

Findings

It was possible to verify that the gas station that stood out the most was station 2 (GS2), which achieved maximum efficiency, a fact that can be justified by the analysis resulting from the application of PCA, as for the product purchase variable (PP), the GS2 is the one that buys the most fuel, and is also the one with the largest storage capacity (C), and the highest volume of product sales (PS), which suggests signs of balance between supply and demand for this station, justifying its prominence.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study were related to the DEA technique, which requires a number of variables/indicators three times smaller than the number of DMUs considered, and the difficulty in obtaining financial data on the DMUs analyzed. Considering the security and anonymity of the gas station network, it was not possible to use this data.

Practical implications

The performance assessment of fuel flow processes carried out in this study promotes the efficient use of available resources as well as identifying efficient DMUs that represent benchmarks for improving management processes and performance of inefficient DMUs.

Social implications

From a social perspective, this study promotes the improvement of the quality of flow processes and effective management of the fuel supply chain, ensuring the safe storage and transportation of fuels to customer supply. Performance management in this sector moves other sectors of the economy, since an efficient unit represents a balance between supply and demand, and consequently, boosts the regional economy, promoting economic growth of the population. Hiring qualified labor for this purpose also represents one of the implications of the study. From an environmental perspective, optimizing flow processes generates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and encourages the formulation of public policies aimed at consolidating sustainable practices.

Originality/value

Performance management applied to the context of the fuel supply chain is a relevant topic that has been little explored in scientific research, with a low level of information detail. This study using the inductive method allows the generalization and replication of this management pattern in other organizations in the sector in order to increase the efficiency of the fuel distribution system, with the perspective of maximizing outputs and reducing input consumption. In this aspect, the study introduces possibilities for advancement in social and environmental perspectives based on the effective management of fuel logistics.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Jonathan R. Barton, Paula Hernández Díaz, Andrés Robalino-López, Timothy Gutowski, Ignacio Oliva, Gabriela Fernanda Araujo Vizuete and María Rojas Cely

This paper aims to analyze the influences of context and methodological differences in how universities confront, report and manage carbon neutrality in selected Andean…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the influences of context and methodological differences in how universities confront, report and manage carbon neutrality in selected Andean universities, contrasted with a university in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential, mixed-methods design, using quantitative and qualitative approaches was applied. The data analysis is based on a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis to identify how carbon neutrality in universities is understood and applied. Informed by the quantitative analysis, the qualitative phase compared the assessment methodologies, opportunities and obstacles in three Andean universities – EAFIT in Colombia, EPN in Ecuador and the UC in Chile – contrasted with MIT (USA) for comparative purposes beyond the region.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis points to the evolution of carbon management and carbon neutrality in universities and indicates how universities have applied methodologies and defined opportunities and obstacles. In this comparative experience, the contextual issues are brought to the fore. The conclusions highlight the importance of context in carbon neutrality assessment and argue against crude comparative metrics. While carbon assessment protocols provide data on which actions may be taken, the phase of carbon management development and the specifics of context – based on local institutional, geographical, climatic, cultural, socioeconomic and national policy conditions – are far more relevant for identifying actions.

Research limitations/implications

This study only considered four universities, and the findings are not generalizable. The argument highlights the point that contextual factors generate important differences that may complicate simple comparisons based on the university's type or size. It also highlights the differences in the carbon calculation methodologies used by the institutions.

Practical implications

Results build on the recent publications that document the Latin American context. The article contributes to knowledge about Andean university commitments and actions relating to climate change and carbon neutrality. This knowledge can contribute to how universities in the region seek to apply different methodologies, set targets and the timing of actions and consider their contextual opportunities and obstacles.

Originality/value

Comparing university carbon footprints and carbon neutrality plans is an emerging topic, presenting methodological and institutional difficulties. This paper reveals some of these difficulties by comparing parameters, actions and implementation processes against contextual factors. While there is a drive for international and national comparisons and systematization of data on university carbon performance, significant methodological gaps still need to be resolved to account for these contextual factors.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

To map nurses’ actions performed during the care transitions from hospital to home of Covid-19 patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines was carried out. We searched in seven databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, BDENF, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. A two-step screening process and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The findings were summarized and analyzed using a content analysis technique.

Findings

Of the total 5,618 studies screened, 21 were included. The analysis revealed nurses’ actions before and after patient’ discharge, sometimes planned and developed with the interprofessional team. The nurses’ actions included to plan and support patients’ discharge, to adapt the care plan, to use screening tools and monitor patients’ clinical status and needs, to provide health orientation to patients and caregivers, home care and face-to-face visiting, to communicate with patients, caregivers and other health professionals with phone calls and virtual tools, to provide rehabilitation procedures, to make referrals and to orient patients and families to navigate in the health system.

Practical implications

The results provide a broader understanding of the actions taken and challenges faced by nurses to ensure a safe care transition for Covid-19 patients from hospital to home. The interprofessional integration to discharge planning and the clinical nursing leadership in post-discharge monitoring were highlighted.

Originality/value

The nurses’ actions for Covid-19 patients performed during care transitions focused on coordination and discharge planning tailored to the needs of patients and caregivers at the home setting. Nurses monitored patients, with an emphasis on providing guidance and checking clinical status using telehealth tools.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 29 October 2024

Abstract

Details

Intercultural and Inclusive Education in Latin America
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-141-7

Article
Publication date: 19 November 2024

Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Gustavo Alves de Melo, Maria Cristina Angélico Mendonça, Marcel Andreotti Musetti, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Lucas Oliveira Gomes Ferreira and Clovis Neumann

This paper aims to contextualize the process of public hospital providing services, based on the measurement of the performance of Federal University Hospitals (HUFs) of Brazil…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contextualize the process of public hospital providing services, based on the measurement of the performance of Federal University Hospitals (HUFs) of Brazil, using the technique of multivariate statistics of principal component analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This research presented a descriptive and quantitative character, as well as exploratory purpose and followed the inductive logic, being empirically structured in two stages, that is, the application of principal component analysis (PCA) in four healthcare performance dimensions; subsequently, the full reapplication of principal component analysis in the most highly correlated variables, in module, with the first three main components (PC1, PC2 and PC3).

Findings

From the principal component analysis, considering mainly the component I, with twice the explanatory power of the second (PC2) and third components (PC3), it was possible to evidence the efficient or inefficient behavior of the HUFs evaluated, through the production of medical residency, by specialty area. Finally, it was observed the formation of two groups composed of seven and eight hospitals, that is, Groups II and IV, which shows that these groups reflect similarities, with respect to the scores and importance of the variables for both hospitals’ groups.

Research limitations/implications

Among the main limitations, it was observed incomplete data for some HUFs, which made it impossible to search for information to explain and better contextualize certain aspects. More specifically, a limited number of hospitals with complete information was dealt with for 60% of SIMEC/REHUF performance indicators.

Practical implications

The use of PCA multivariate technique was of great contribution to the contextualization of the performance and productivity of homogeneous and autonomous units, represented by the hospitals. It was possible to generate a high quantity of information, to contribute with assumptions to complement the decision-making processes in these organizations.

Social implications

Development of public policies, with emphasis on hospitals linked to teaching centers represented by university hospitals. The projection of improvements in the reach of the efficiency of the services of assistance to the public health, from the qualified formation of professionals, both to academy, as to clinical practice.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper for the scenarios, Brazilian public health sector and academic area involved the application of a consolidated performance analysis technique, that is, PCA, obtaining a rich work in relation to the extensive exploitation of techniques to support decision-making processes. In addition, the sequence and the way in which the content, formed by object of study and techniques, has been organized, generating a particular scenario for the measurement of performance in hospital organizations.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze the quality of transitional care for patients with COVID-19 at discharge from Brazilian university hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in five Brazilian university hospitals between April and December 2021. The sample consisted of 527 participants. Data collection consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15), a care transition assessment instrument, which was translated and validated in Portuguese.

Findings

Most participants were patients (n = 369; 70.0%), with primary school completion (n = 218; 43.4%), multiracial (n = 218; 43.5%) and with an income of up to two minimum wages (n = 182; 42.8%). Dimension 1 – management preparation – obtained the highest score (71.2 points, SD = 16.5), while Dimension 4 – care plan – obtained the lowest score (62.2 points, SD = 23.4). Among the participating hospitals, there was a difference in the overall mean with results ranging from 67.0 to 72.9 points.

Originality/value

A satisfactory quality of care transition was found, considering the context of a pandemic. The main weaknesses in the care transitions were related to the care planning after hospital discharge.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Alice Sarantopoulos, Gabriela Spagnol, Maria Rosa Colombrini, Leticia Minatogawa, Vinicius Minatogawa, Renata Cristina Gasparino and Li Li Min

This paper aims to evaluate the measurement properties of the Employee Perception to Assess the Lean Implementation Tool (EPLIT) in the Brazilian hospital context.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the measurement properties of the Employee Perception to Assess the Lean Implementation Tool (EPLIT) in the Brazilian hospital context.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Brazilian hospitals, adhering to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha were used for construct validity and reliability.

Findings

The adapted tool comprises 27 items across five domains, explaining 63.3% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.86, indicating satisfactory reliability.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include convenience sampling and exclusive use of EFA for validation. Future studies may employ Confirmatory Factor Analysis for further validation.

Practical implications

The tool aids healthcare managers in Brazil to systematically evaluate Lean implementation, contributing to process optimization and quality improvement.

Social implications

Effective Lean implementation using the validated tool could lead to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Originality/value

This is the first study to adapt and validate EPLIT for the Brazilian healthcare sector, offering a robust tool for managers and researchers.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Abstract

Details

Geo Spaces of Communication Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-606-3

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