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Article
Publication date: 31 December 2020

Risha Fayyaz, Fasih Ali Ahmed, Adeel Abid, Afshan Akhtar, Rabail Jarwar, Anila Jasmine, Sameer Ahmad Khan, Shahira Shahid, Iraj Khan, Aneeq Muhammad Yousuf and Imtiaz Jehan

This study aims to assess the quality of care among adult oncology patients in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi by using an international standard of quality of care and to…

354

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the quality of care among adult oncology patients in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi by using an international standard of quality of care and to identify domains where improvement is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional study carried out at two tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan, belonging to private and public sector, respectively, between February and April 2018. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a modified questionnaire having five-point Likert scale questions regarding satisfaction of patients with doctors, nursing staff, information provided and the hospital standards. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis, and the results were expressed using mean, frequencies, percentages and p-values.

Findings

The authors approached 415 patients, out of which 389 patients agreed to participate in the study. For both hospitals, the lowest mean scores were for sections pertaining to satisfaction with psychosocial support and information provided. The mean satisfaction score of patients from the private hospital were found to be significantly higher as compared to patients from the public hospital for all domains of patient care (p-value < 0.01 using t-test for two independent samples). The data showed an increasing trend of “satisfied” responses as the household income increased.

Research limitations/implications

A comparative study should be conducted with the aim of pinpointing the differences in areas in which there is a significant difference in positive satisfaction levels between private and public sectors. Similar research could also be expanded adding other variables that affect quality of care such as doctor's approach to their patients, time given during each consultation and patient's understanding of doctor's knowledge. Further studies can be done to bridge the gaps between what a doctor views as standard care and what the patient knows will help them receive a more holistic approach to care.

Practical implications

Assessing the quality of care helps determine gaps in care and allocating health resources accordingly. In clinical practice, emphasis needs to be given on increased duration and improved quality of patient counselling to improve the low satisfaction levels of patients regarding the psychosocial support. Addressing patients' concerns should be made part of clinical teaching from an undergraduate level. As far as patient access to doctors of the specific speciality is concerned, hospital managements should adopt systems to ensure continuum of care and come up with mechanisms to bridge the discrepancy between a patient's needs and doctor availability.

Social implications

After being identified as a major deficiency, training doctors in the sensitivities of the population and demographics, especially with respect to socio-economic statuses, can aid in enhancing patient satisfaction to the treatment. Implementation of patient-centred care leads to greater satisfaction with care, which, in turn, increases a patient's self efficacy in managing important aspects of their care and improves health care-related quality of life.

Originality/value

Cancer patients have long-term exposure to the hospital environment. A patient's satisfaction with the quality of care is an important determinant in patient compliance to the treatment protocol and required hospital visits. There is a dearth of research on the outpatient quality of care in the oncology departments in Karachi. This study provides an overview of the quality of care available to cancer patients in Karachi both in public and private sectors. The results of our study identify the gaps in the quality of care being provided to the patients in a developing country like Pakistan, which can be used to improve the quality of care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1996

Iraj Toutounchian

Banks perform, in general, two functions; one is to collect deposits and the other is to issue loans. In the traditional banking system depositor would be guaranteed a…

285

Abstract

Banks perform, in general, two functions; one is to collect deposits and the other is to issue loans. In the traditional banking system depositor would be guaranteed a predetermined return on the nominal value of the deposit by the bank; furthermore, in most cases the deposits, themselves, are insured (FDIC is an example). Loan users in return pay a predetermined return on the amount of fund used; besides, the user has to provide a safe collateral in order to guarantee the principal and the interest. Hence it can be safely said that these banks play a passive role in the economy in the sense that their operations are quite inflexible in the face of any economic fluctuations. As the result it has rightly been said that in these banks “…since the nominal value of deposits is guaranteed … shocks that can lead to banking crisis can cause divergence between real assets and real liabilities and it is not clear how this equilibrium would be corrected and how long the process of adjustment would take.” This is the real essence of fund intermediary function of a traditional (capitalistic) bank.

Details

Humanomics, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

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Publication date: 6 March 2025

Akansha Mer and Amarpreet Singh Virdi

Purpose: The surge in utilising big data, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly strengthened financial systems, enhancing their robustness…

Abstract

Purpose: The surge in utilising big data, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly strengthened financial systems, enhancing their robustness, safety, and fairness. AI in finance is profoundly reshaping our lives. This study investigates AI’s role in personal and corporate finance.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine studies on the application of AI in personal and corporate finance.

Findings: The financial services sector is undergoing an AI-led transformation, leveraging technologies such as deep learning, collaborative filtering, support vector machines, automation, robotic assistance, and AI-based predictive modelling. In personal finance, AI delivers personalised insights, automates procedures, detects fraud, and enhances financial literacy. It empowers individuals to manage their finances more effectively by tracking expenditures, aiding in budget management, and setting and monitoring financial goals. In corporate finance, AI aids in detecting and analysing credit risks, improving loan underwriting, and minimising financial risk. It also helps reduce financial crimes and enhances the financial performance of accounting firms. AI’s role in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management significantly benefits entrepreneurs, business executives, investors, and bankers involved in starting and growing organisations.

Practical Implications: In personal finance, AI enhances financial planning, automates transactions, improves credit scoring, and strengthens fraud detection. In corporate finance, AI facilitates advanced risk management, precise financial forecasting, cost reduction through automation, and optimised investment strategies.

Details

Financial Landscape Transformation: Technological Disruptions
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-751-8

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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Iraj Radad, Hassan Behzadi and Somayeh Zadehrahim

The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran.

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Abstract

Purpose

The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 375 saffron farmers (295 ordinary and 80 elite saffron farmers) selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a kind of researcher-made questionnaire.

Findings

The results showed saffron onion, pesticides, cultivators and farmland worker were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-seeking behaviour of both groups. The most important sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience, neighbouring saffron farmers, contact with informants and other family members. The main criteria which affected the behaviour of the two groups on the use of information sources were provided information in local language, native people, clear and intelligible information and low cost. Farmers were also confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers and insufficient number of technical experts. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information-seeking behaviour of elite and ordinary saffron farmers and their performance.

Originality/value

Saffron is one of the most important agricultural export products in Iran, and this paper is the first research in this subject. The results can help develop information-seeking behaviour of farmers.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

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Article
Publication date: 10 May 2019

Fatemeh Shaker, Arash Shahin and Saeed Jahanyan

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative approach for improving failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative approach for improving failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review on FMEA has been performed. Then, an integrative approach has been proposed based on literature review. The proposed approach is an integration of FMEA and quality function deployment (QFD). The proposed approach includes a two-phase QFD. In the first phase, failure modes are prioritized based on failure effects and in the second phase, failure causes are prioritized based on failure modes. The proposed approach has been examined in a case example at the blast furnace operation of a steel-manufacturing company.

Findings

Results of the case example indicated that stove shell crack in hot blast blower, pump failure in cooling water supply pump and bleeder valves failed to operate are the first three important failure modes. In addition, fire and explosion are the most important failure effects. Also, improper maintenance, over pressure and excess temperature are the most important failure causes. Findings also indicated that the proposed approach with the consideration of interrelationships among failure effects, failure mode and failure causes can influence and adjust risk priority number (RPN) in FMEA.

Research limitations/implications

As manufacturing departments are mostly dealing with failure effects and modes of machinery and maintenance departments are mostly dealing with causes of failures, the proposed model can support better coordination and integration between the two departments. Such support seems to be more important in firms with continuous production lines wherein line interruption influences response to customers more seriously. A wide range of future study opportunities indicates the attractiveness and contribution of the subject to the knowledge of FMEA.

Originality/value

Although the literature indicates that in most of studies the outcomes of QFD were entered into FMEA and in some studies the RPN of FMEA was entered into QFD as importance rating, the proposed approach is a true type of the so-called “integration of FMEA and QFD” because the three main elements of FMEA formed the structure of QFD. In other words, the proposed approach can be considered as an innovation in the FMEA structure, not as a data provider prior to it or a data receiver after it.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Yi Wu, Tianxue Long, Jing Huang, Yiyun Zhang, Qi Zhang, Jiaxin Zhang and Mingzi Li

This study aims to synthesize the existing serious games designed to promote mental health in adolescents with chronic illnesses.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize the existing serious games designed to promote mental health in adolescents with chronic illnesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a review following the guidelines of Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Searches were conducted in databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature, PsycINFO, China national knowledge infrastructure Wanfang, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals and SinoMed from inception to February 12, 2023.

Findings

A total of 14 studies (describing 14 serious games) for improving the mental health of adolescents with chronic diseases were included. Of all the included games, 12 were not described as adopting any theoretical framework or model. The main diseases applicable to serious games are cancer, type 1 diabetes and autism spectrum disorder. For interventional studies, more than half of the study types were feasibility or pilot trials. Furthermore, the dosage of serious games also differs in each experiment. For the game elements, most game elements were in the category “reward and punishment features” (n = 50) and last was “social features” (n = 4).

Originality/value

Adolescence is a critical period in a person’s physical and mental development throughout life. Diagnosed with chronic diseases during this period will cause great trauma to the adolescents and their families. Serious game interventions have been developed and applied to promote the psychological health field of healthy adolescents. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to scope review the serious game of promoting mental health in the population of adolescents with chronically ill. At the same time, the current study also extracted and qualitatively analyzed the elements of the serious game.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

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Article
Publication date: 30 December 2024

Ravita Kharb, Charu Shri, Neha Saini and Dinesh Kumar

Green and digital transitions (twin transition) help in achieving climate neutrality, cutting down the pollution level and reviving biodiversity. Organizations can mitigate their…

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Abstract

Purpose

Green and digital transitions (twin transition) help in achieving climate neutrality, cutting down the pollution level and reviving biodiversity. Organizations can mitigate their ecological footprint, improve their digital portfolio and fulfil their ethical responsibilities by fostering a sustainable global community and adhering to a well-defined plan. In such backdrop, this study aims to propose strategies by identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the twin transition and to categorize and evaluate the internal and external factors for achieving environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive review of the literature, 27 factors have been identified and analyzed using the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threat matrix (SWOT). Threats, opportunities, weakness, strength matrix analysis approach is used to limit risk, overcome weaknesses and take advantage of opportunities. Effective strategies are designed and implemented using strategic planning action and evaluation matrix (SPACE) and quantitative strategic planning (QSPM) approach.

Findings

The study found that aggressive strategies considering economic strength and global opportunities must be used to accomplish green growth objectives. Out of three strategies, the focus on green technological innovation by taking advantage of financial mechanisms at the international level is highly recommended to achieve environmental sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Through promoting green and digital transformation, the current study provides insightful policy recommendations for economic development. It may help to improve operational efficacy and to obtain a competitive edge by successfully limiting their adverse environmental effects in the global market through the implementation of twin transition. The process of developing a strategy aids stakeholders, including society, workers and other parties, in giving environmental sustainability a top priority while making financial decisions.

Social implications

Strategy development helps society, employees and all the other stakeholders to prioritize their green and digital transition decisions for environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

The current study identifies the factors formulating strategies using SWOT, TOWS, SPACE and QSPM matrix analysis for achieving environmental sustainability in the pervasive twin transition.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

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Article
Publication date: 18 September 2009

S. Jayavel and Shaligram Tiwari

The purpose of this paper is to develop an indigenous three‐dimensional computational code and apply it to compare flow and heat transfer characteristics for inline and staggered…

1193

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an indigenous three‐dimensional computational code and apply it to compare flow and heat transfer characteristics for inline and staggered arrangement of circular tubes in a tube bundle.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite‐volume based computational code is developed to solve the momentum and energy equations for flow through a three‐dimensional rectangular channel and past built‐in tube bundles having inline and staggered arrangement. The approach is based on SIMPLE algorithm. The basic conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy are solved over a body‐fitting grid on the physical domain to obtain the flow and temperature fields.

Findings

Heat transfer and pressure drop are compared for inline and staggered tube arrangements in a tube bundle over range of Reynolds numbers 300 ≤ Re ≤ 800. Results are validated suitably against those available in literature.

Research implications

Tube‐fin heat exchangers with continuous fins on a tube array are commonly used in air‐conditioning industry and in air‐cooled condensers of power plants. The flow structure within the finned tube bank is complex due to the presence of a circular tube, which causes flow acceleration over the fin surface and flow separation on the back side of the tube resulting in low velocity wake region. The present study provides a better understanding of flow behavior and heat transfer for inline and staggered arrangement of tube bundles in tube‐fin heat exchangers at different Reynolds numbers.

Originality/value

A numerical code based on finite volume method has been developed and used for computations to predict heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics for flow past inline and staggered arrangement of circular tubes. Predictions are made from the computed results about suitability of staggered/inline tube arrangements in a given range of Reynolds number.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 19 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 August 2019

Pierre Rostan and Alexandra Rostan

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the years the European Muslim population will be majority among 30 European countries.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the years the European Muslim population will be majority among 30 European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology/approach is to forecast the population of 30 European countries with wavelet analysis combined with the Burg model which fits a pth order autoregressive model to the input signal by minimizing (least squares) the forward and backward prediction errors while constraining the autoregressive parameters to satisfy the Levinson–Durbin recursion, then relies on an infinite impulse response prediction error filter. Three scenarios are considered: the zero-migration scenario where the authors assume that the Muslim population has a higher fertility (one child more per woman, on average) than other Europeans, mirroring a global pattern; a 2017 migration scenario: to the Muslim population obtained in the zero-migration scenario, the authors add a continuous flow of migrants every year based on year 2017; the mid-point migration scenario is obtained by averaging the data of the two previous scenarios.

Findings

Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years.

Originality/value

The growing Muslim population will change the face of Europe socially, politically and economically. This paper will provide a better insight and understanding of Muslim population dynamics to European governments, policymakers, as well as social and economic planners.

Details

PSU Research Review, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-1747

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Monica Singhania and Piyush Mehta

Excessive working capital or paucity of the same can impair the profits and health of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of working capital…

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Abstract

Purpose

Excessive working capital or paucity of the same can impair the profits and health of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of working capital management (WCM) on the profitability of firms for a sample comprising of non-financial companies in countries of South East Asia, South Asia and East Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical modeling has been used to estimate the impact of WCM on profitability with the help of financial data of the companies listed in major indices of the target countries (India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan). The mathematical model presented in the paper has been tested using two-step-generalized method of moments.

Findings

The study reveals a non-linear relationship between profitability of a firm and WCM for 11 economies of the Asia Pacific region.

Research limitations/implications

The results are subject to the differences in the market dynamics of different economies (countries). Moreover, the limitations of the specific statistical method used to verify the model apply to the model too.

Practical implications

The research can be used as a tool by the firms (global as well as local) to ameliorate their performance by understanding the effects of WCM on profitability in different global markets and adjusting their working capital accordingly.

Originality/value

The research on the impact of WCM on profitability of the firms of South East Asia, South Asia and East Asia is a new effort and tries to make the importance of WCM more luciferous.

Details

South Asian Journal of Business Studies, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-628X

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