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1 – 10 of 76Boppana V. Chowdary and Damian George
The current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) are followed in the pharmaceutical sector to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled to the appropriate…
Abstract
Purpose
The current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) are followed in the pharmaceutical sector to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled to the appropriate quality standards as required by the marketing agencies. The purpose of this paper is to share improvement experiences due to implementation of lean principles combined with cGMP in a pharmaceutical company.
Design/methodology/approach
To conduct the study, an intensive review of literature has been conducted. For analysis of the problems existing in the selected production line, the 5‐whys methodology was followed. The current state value stream map (VSM) has been developed after making several company visits and necessary computations. For improvement of the system, various lean strategies have been proposed and the future state VSM developed.
Findings
The methodology assisted this company in reducing lead times, cycle times and WIP inventory in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the storage area was reduced by 38 per cent and production staff was reduced by 50 per cent.
Practical implications
The prime purpose of a lean strategy is to eliminate wastes and to search for continuous improvement in processes. The proposed lean strategies indicated scope for improvement in production efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing operations.
Originality/value
The guiding principle of cGMP is that quality is built into a product, and not just tested into a finished product. This paper makes several contributions to the pharmaceutical manufacturing company. The proposed lean strategies are considered to be highly valuable for implementation in similar manufacturing industries.
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To examine how partner firms, involved in provisioning m‐business applications and services, manage inter‐firm conflict and cooperation.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine how partner firms, involved in provisioning m‐business applications and services, manage inter‐firm conflict and cooperation.
Design/methodology/approach
Synthesises network analysis and game theory to propose a conceptual model in which to examine the affect of relationship conflict and cooperation on a partnership's business processes. The model is used to examine how Japan's NTT DoCoMo successfully managed its global network of partnerships.
Findings
Provides initial support for conceptual linkages between interaction and partner management and the business processes in m‐business partnerships. Suggests that the unit of analysis for studying partnerships should extend beyond the dyadic relationship to a network. The paper also finds support for the use of social control mechanisms as a means in which to safeguard a focal relationship.
Research limitations/implications
Characterised by high levels of uncertainty, task complexity and partner diversity, m‐business is an ideal environment in which to study partnerships. Continuing research efforts in this field will serve to bring managerial focus to understanding the broader concept of how m‐business macro‐markets operate.
Originality/value
The theoretical underpinnings of this paper provide a contemporary lens in which to examine the relationship between conflict, cooperation and process development and for developing a new stream of empirical research in the field of partnerships.
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This paper aims to present a methodology for combining lean manufacturing with current good manufacturing processes (cGMP) in a pharmaceutical company.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a methodology for combining lean manufacturing with current good manufacturing processes (cGMP) in a pharmaceutical company.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
Do you believe that cutting back costs leads to inferior product quality? This paper demonstrates that both aims can be achieved by taking lean manufacturing techniques and adding cGMP to build quality into the product as it is produced. The authors demonstrate this by modeling the production line for packaging products in a Trinidadian pharmaceuticals factory. An extensive literature review shows which techniques would be suitable, and how cGMP can be linked to lean manufacturing. The real‐life case study shows how the current‐state value stream map (VSM) can be changed radically into the future‐state VSM in remodeling the cellular production line. So quality can be built into the product while shrinking the space used, the number of staff employed on the production line and the production time. It can be applied in practice throughout the factory and in similar industries.
Practical implications
Pharmaceutical products can be packaged and dispatched much faster, using smaller premises and fewer staff, with a combination of lean manufacturing and cGMP.
Social implications
High productivity levels will result from low‐cost quality production in a developing country, raising the return on capital and thus increasing social well‐being.
Originality/value
This review introduces a combination of lean manufacturing and cGMP that has not hitherto been applied to pharmaceutical production.
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Damian Felladam Tangonyire and George Agana Akuriba
Farmers all over the country have been exposed to various adaptation strategies to climate change. The adaptation options however focus too closely on technical skills and…
Abstract
Purpose
Farmers all over the country have been exposed to various adaptation strategies to climate change. The adaptation options however focus too closely on technical skills and technologies and fail to address critical social factors such as culture, beliefs and values that influence the adoption and effective implementation of new adaptation technologies, skills and capacity. This paper aims to assess the socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ specific adaptive strategies to climate change in Pwalugu and Balungu communities in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region of Ghana. This study used purposive sampling technique to select the study communities, whereas simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 100 respondents from the selected communities. Questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used in collecting data from respondents. This study used detailed statistical test to analyze the data, and the results are presented in the form of figures and tables. This study highlights the legal and institutional context which must be adopted for effective response to climate change impacts in rural communities in Northern Ghana. It also recommends that government and relevant stakeholders should collaborate with financial institutions to ensure that funds are readily available to farmers to enable them to effectively adapt to climate change as well as provide training/workshop programs to farmers to enhance their capacity in planning and implementing effective strategies to climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used the integrated methodological approach where quantitative methods were combined with appropriate qualitative methods. According to Sandelowski (2000), this method ensures reliability (the extents to which results are consistent over time) and validity (the means of which measurements are accurate) of the research. A combination of participatory methods, including key informant interviews, household questionnaire surveys and focus-group discussions were used, allowing local people the opportunity to participate by sharing their experiences and knowledge to outline possible solutions to the problem at hand. Multiple methods (Yeasmin and Rahman, 2012) are good at reducing the inadequacies of a single method. Cross-sectional study was used in designing the research. Variables were measured or determined at the same period in a given population. This method allowed the assessment of practices, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of a population in relation to a particular event or phenomenon (Olsen and George, 2014).
Findings
The findings of this study revealed farming as the major occupation in the two communities with males being dominant. Diverse livelihood activities such as fishing, animal/poultry rearing, firewood/charcoal production, hunting and driving were other activities respondents engaged to earn a living. In terms of institutional arrangements, avoidance of bush burning and tree felling were the norms influencing decision-making in the two communities. Fear of being punished, animals feeding on some of the grasses, trees inducing rainfall as well as benefits respondents get from trees were the reasons these norms were adhered to in the study area. Access to land, gender dynamics and finance were identified as the socioeconomic factors in the study area. High demands by landowners, last minute change of mind by landowners, limited fertile lands, lack of money to acquire lands, behavior of tenants, number of acres required and lands far from water bodies were the challenges associated with acquiring land in the communities. Access to finance influenced respondents’ ability to acquire fertile lands, lands closer to water bodies and any number of acres of their choice. Gender however impeded women adaptation strategies to climate change. Women were not allowed to own land and other property in the form of animals simply because they are seen as migrants and they do not know the history of the land.
Originality/value
This is a master’s thesis project. This paper shows the socioeconomic factors, which are influencing farmers’ specific adaptation to climate change in the Talensi district of Ghana.
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Simisola Akintoye, George Ogoh, Zoi Krokida, Juliana Nnadi and Damian Eke
Digital contact tracing technologies are critical to the fight against COVID-19 in many countries including the UK. However, a number of ethical, legal and socio-economic concerns…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital contact tracing technologies are critical to the fight against COVID-19 in many countries including the UK. However, a number of ethical, legal and socio-economic concerns that can affect uptake of the app have been raised. The purpose of this research is to explore the perceptions of the UK digital contact tracing app in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community in Leicester and how this can affect its deployment and implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected through virtual focus groups in Leicester, UK. A total of 28 participants were recruited for the study. All participants are members of the BAME community, and data was thematically analysed with NVivo 11.
Findings
A majority of the participants were unwilling to download and use the app owing to legal and ethical concerns. A minority were willing to use the app based on the need to protect public health. There was a general understanding that lack of uptake will negatively affect the fight against COVID-19 in BAME communities and an acknowledgement of the need for the government to rebuild trust through transparency and development of regulatory safeguards to enhance privacy and prevent misuse.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research makes original contributions being the first robust study conducted to explore perceptions of marginalised communities, particularly BAME which may be adversely impacted by the deployment of the app. By exploring community-based perceptions, this study further contributes to the emerging citizens’ perceptions on digital contact tracing which is crucial to the effectiveness and the development of an efficient, community-specific response to public attitudes towards the app. The findings can also help the development of responsible innovation approaches that balances the competing interests of digital health interventions with the needs and expectations of the BAME community in the UK.
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Paul Pounder and Damian Eisenghower Greaves
The purpose of this paper is to explore effective leadership based on information collected from leaders in the healthcare delivery system within the Caribbean. It assesses…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore effective leadership based on information collected from leaders in the healthcare delivery system within the Caribbean. It assesses leadership challenges and the ability to perform based on balancing limited resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used grounded theories as the basis for data gathering and formulating a strategy for thematic analysis. The researchers analyzed the data through identifying, synthesizing and evaluating codes. The sample comprised 20 senior officials from 7 ministries of health, 7 permanent secretaries and 6 chief medical officers across the 12 island states in the Caribbean region.
Findings
The findings are broken down into two main areas: first of these is the competency areas and the second part is the personal characteristics. The first part highlighted the Leader's ability to lead others or projects. The second part assessed the leaders' personality traits and distinguishing qualities that are embodied in the individual leaders.
Research limitations/implications
The study is exploratory; given that this is the first time that such research has been done within the healthcare sector of the Caribbean region. Because of the chosen research approach, interviewees' comments within the paper may be biased based on their specific situation and exposure.
Practical implications
The study highlights that there is a need for more training in leadership and other management competencies to assist in the decision-making process within the healthcare section of the public sector.
Social implications
The study highlights that there is a need for better understanding of the inter-connectivity of the public service culture, global health governance and healthcare delivery. This paper provides a basis to help academics and practitioners think through leadership styles and strategies; plus, identify suitable best practices to lead more effectively in a social care field.
Originality/value
The study assesses the effectiveness of the leadership styles in the healthcare sector within the context of the Caribbean and it contributes by adapting and extending the literature on leadership in the study. Further, the paper contributes to the discourse on the demands on leadership for developing countries.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore and assess barriers and opportunities for evidence-based management (EBMgt) and decision-making in healthcare systems of the small island…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and assess barriers and opportunities for evidence-based management (EBMgt) and decision-making in healthcare systems of the small island developing states (SIDSs) of English-speaking Caribbean.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized grounded theory to collect and analyze data on experiences and perceptions of 20 senior managers/leaders from seven Ministries of health in the region. It used semi-structured, in-depth interviews comprising open-ended questions. Data analysis comprised open, focused and theoretical coding.
Findings
EBMgt and decision-making is not a prominent approach taken by top officials of health systems because of internal and external barriers to its use. Indeed the absence of a culture of decision-making based on evidence pervades the public services of Caribbean island states. Notwithstanding, there are opportunities for meaningful application of this management/leadership strategy.
Originality/value
To the author’s knowledge, this is the first assessment of the application of EBMgt to health systems of SIDSs of the Caribbean. This paper is concerned with the approach to decision-making in health systems across island states and lends support to the use of evidence in decision-making and policy development. It provides useful direction for policy makers, and senior managers/leaders of these systems.
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Damian Hodgson and Svetlana Cicmil
The purpose of this paper is to review the formation and evolution of the “Making Projects Critical” movement in project management research.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the formation and evolution of the “Making Projects Critical” movement in project management research.
Design/methodology/approach
Retrospective and discursive paper.
Findings
Reflections on tensions and challenges faced by the MPC movement.
Originality/value
The paper establishes the historical trajectory of this movement and clarifies the tensions and challenges faced by MPC.
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David Veres, Heather Clark and Damian Golbourne
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of events to the Niagara region's tourism product.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of events to the Niagara region's tourism product.
Design/methodology/approach
Using contributing perspectives from the industry and academia, this paper provides an overview of festivals and meeting/convention events in the region.
Findings
Drawing from specific examples from the region, reasons for event successes are discussed. A diagram is used to illustrate how event products should be developed in order to help Niagara region tourism and economic growth.
Originality/value
Current and future challenges for the region are presented and suggestions for overcoming barriers are provided.
Omar Durrah, Kamaal Allil, Moaz Gharib and Souzan Hannawi
This empirical study aims to explore the impact of two facets of organizational pride (namely, emotional and attitudinal) on employee creativity in petrochemical companies in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical study aims to explore the impact of two facets of organizational pride (namely, emotional and attitudinal) on employee creativity in petrochemical companies in the Sultanate of Oman.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a simple random sample technique, data were collected using a questionnaire from 278 respondents working in five major petrochemical organizations operating in Oman. Data were examined using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings revealed that attitudinal organizational pride is the only dimension of organizational pride that has a direct significant positive effect on creativity, while emotional pride does not affect creativity.
Research limitations/implications
The current study is considered among the pioneering studies in its contextual field. However, despite its importance, it has several limitations. First, this study is limited to the petrochemical sector. Second, the study is limited to two variables: organizational pride and creativity. Last, this study examined creativity as one variable.
Practical implications
Attitudinal organizational pride directly affects employee creativity. Petrochemical managers should consider and enhance attitudinal organizational pride.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature investigating the attitudinal and emotional aspects as facets of organizational pride in relation to employee creativity, and it is the first to do so in the context of the Sultanate of Oman.
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