The purpose of this paper is to carry out queuing analysis to analyse patient load in outpatient and inpatient services to facilitate more realistic resource planning.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to carry out queuing analysis to analyse patient load in outpatient and inpatient services to facilitate more realistic resource planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an analytical approach based on real life data (e.g. not a priori or an academic one where data are mingled to fit a theoretical stance) in accordance with the service level prescribed by the hospital administration. A service level is usually specified in terms of admissible range of queuing characteristics, such as mean patient waiting time, reduction of inordinate delays, incidences of minimum delays, average queue length, etc. which the management of a health organisation may decide to aim and control.
Findings
Queuing analysis reported in this case study provides a basis for estimating medical staff size and number of beds, which are two very important resources for outpatient and inpatient services in a large hospital, and all other hospital resources in one way or another depend on them.
Research limitations/implications
The study challenges and aims to replace thumb‐rule approaches, which can be very conveniently carried out with efficient computer aids available at present for any hospital. Queuing analysis provides valuable insights into a hospital system, though it may not be the best approach as several underlying assumptions may not always hold true. In hospitals, for example, there can be several interacting queues, many of which could be cyclic with interaction among them. Accordingly, treatment of each queue individually, independent of others may not be a valid assumption.
Practical implications
Medical staff (doctors) and beds are very basic hospital resources, which largely depend on the hospital load in terms of arrival rates of patients in outpatient and inpatient services. When hospitals are adequately staffed and equipped in terms of beds and other key resources, it is unlikely that patients will turn away to other hospitals for treatment and there will be all round satisfaction with the hospital performance.
Originality/value
The authors do not claim the findings to be novel or unique but rather more well‐documented and comprehensive in coverage than available in existing literature. The practice‐based themes such as this well‐documented case study may evoke global interest as a multiplier effect for using such methodologies for resource planning in hospitals.
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Irameet Kaur, Charu Shri and K.M. Mital
The technological advances worldwide are posing challenges for the teaching fraternity. However, certain competencies can enable the teachers to enhance their performance by…
Abstract
Purpose
The technological advances worldwide are posing challenges for the teaching fraternity. However, certain competencies can enable the teachers to enhance their performance by managing self and adopting flexible teaching and learning tools. The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyse and model such competencies with special reference to emotional intelligence and social media competencies (SMCs). A competency framework is developed and a subsequent performance ranking system is derived in this study.
Design/methodology/approach
The statistical approach of multiple regression using partial least square based strucutural equation modelling is used for model development by estimating the impact of various competencies on performance. The technique of analytical network process is applied to derive a performance management system for ranking employees.
Findings
The paper estimates the relative impact of various competencies on superior performance of teachers, thus enabling to develop a competency model. A performance management and ranking system has also been developed.
Practical implications
A working practical model for performance management and ranking of teachers is developed on the basis of different criteria having different weightage. The ranking model can enable to develop suitable strategies for making effective recruitment and appraisal decisions.
Originality/value
The performance management model integrates emotional intelligence competencies, SMCs along with knowledge, skills and attitude, to develop fair and weightage-based performance ranking system.
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Sara Jebbor, Abdellatif El Afia and Raddouane Chiheb
This paper aims to propose an approach by human and material resources combination to reduce hospitals crowding. Hospitals crowding is becoming a serious problem. Many research…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an approach by human and material resources combination to reduce hospitals crowding. Hospitals crowding is becoming a serious problem. Many research works present several methods and approaches to deal with this problem. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge – after a deep reading of literature – in all the proposed approaches, human and material resources are studied separately while they must be combined (to a given number of material resources an optimal number of human resources must be assigned and vice versa) to reflect reality and provide better results.
Design/methodology/approach
Hospital inpatient unit is chosen as framework. This unit crowding reduction is carried out by its capacity increasing. Indeed, inpatient unit modeling is performed to find the adequate combinations of human and material resources numbers insuring this unit stability and providing optimal service rates. At first, inpatient unit is modeled using queuing networks and considering only two resources (beds and nurses). Then, the obtained service rate formula is improved by including other resources and parameters using Baskett, Chandy, Muntz and Palecios (BCMP) queuing networks. This work is applied to “Princess Lalla Meryem” hospital inpatient unit.
Findings
Results are patients’ average number reduction by an average (in each block) of three patients, patients’ average waiting time reduction by an average of 9.98 h and non-admitted patients (to inpatient wards) access percentage of 39.26 per cent on average.
Originality/value
Previous works focus their studies on either human resources or material resources. Only a few works study both resources types, but separately. The context of those studies does not meet the real hospital context (where human resources are combined with material resources). Therefore, the provided results are not very reliable. In this paper, an approach by human and material resources combination is proposed to increase inpatient unit care capacity. Indeed, this approach consists of developing inpatient unit service rate formula in terms of human and material resources numbers.
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Zuby Hasan, Sanjay Dhir and Swati Dhir
The purpose of this paper is to examine the elements of asymmetric motives, i.e., initial cross-border joint venture (CBJV) conditions and relative partner characteristics in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the elements of asymmetric motives, i.e., initial cross-border joint venture (CBJV) conditions and relative partner characteristics in emerging nations. The two main objectives of the present research are to identify the elements affecting asymmetric motives in Indian bilateral CBJV and to construct modified total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) for the identified elements of asymmetric motives.
Design/methodology/approach
For the current study, the qualitative technique named total interpretive structural modelling was used. The TISM (Sushil, 2012) is a novel extension of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) where ISM helps to understand the “what” and “how” of research (Warfield, 1974) and TISM answers the third question, i.e., “why” in the form of TISM; further checks for the correctness of TISM are given in Sushil (2016). TISM provides a hierarchical model of the elements selected for study and the interpretation of each element by iterative process and also a digraph that systematically depicts the relationship among various elements. TISM is an innovative modelling technique used by researchers in varied fields (Srivastava and Sushil, 2013; Wasuja et al., 2012; Nasim, 2011; Prasad and Suri, 2011). Steps involved in TISM are shown in Figure 1. It uses reachability matrix and partitioning of elements similar to ISM. Also, along with traditional TISM, the modified TISM process was also used where both paired comparisons and transitivity checks were done simultaneously which helped in minimising the redundant comparisons being made in the original process. Furthermore, for identifying the elements of study, SDC Platinum database was used, which was taken from research papers of major journals namely British Journal of Management, Administrative Science Quarterly, Strategic Management Journal, Management Science, Academy of Management Journal and Organization Science (Schilling, 2009). The database included all joint ventures that were formed in India, having India as one of the partner firms during fiscal year April 2000 and March 2010. From these, 361 CBJVs and 76 domestic joint ventures were identified. Although 54 CBJVs were excluded from these, a total number of 307 CBJVs were studied in the current research. Among these 307 CBJVs, 201 were from super-advanced nations (G7), 40 CBJVs from developing nations and 66 CBJVs from other developed nations. As 65 per cent of the CBJVs came from G7 nations (France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Germany, USA and UK), in the current study, we tried to examine Indian CBJVs with G7 partners only for a period of ten years as mentioned above.
Findings
The results of the study indicate that asymmetric motives are directly affected by critical activity alignment and interdependency. Thus, we can conclude that critical activity alignment of partners in CBJV is an antecedent of CBJV motive and thereby minimises the number of asymmetric motives. Bottom level variables such as culture difference and relative capital structure are considered as strong drivers of asymmetric motives. Diversification, resource heterogeneity and inter-partner conflict are middle level elements. Effect of these elements on asymmetric motives can only be improved and enhanced when improvement in bottom level variables is found. It has been believed that as the relative capital structure among firm increases, CBJVs’ asymmetric motives also increase, the reason being that as the difference in capital structure occurs, gradual change in bargaining power will also occur.
Originality/value
TISM used in the present study provides valuable insights into the interrelationship between identified elements through a systematic framework. The methodology of TISM used has its implications for researchers, academicians as well for practitioners. Further study also examines driver-dependent relationship among elements of interest, i.e., relative partner characteristics and initial CBJV conditions by using MICMAC analysis, which can be viewed as a significant step in research related to bilateral CBJV.
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Bishal Dey Sarkar and Laxmi Gupta
Several challenges and issues are involved in successfully managing and improving the port logistics system (PLS) performance. Ports still face issues, including insufficient…
Abstract
Purpose
Several challenges and issues are involved in successfully managing and improving the port logistics system (PLS) performance. Ports still face issues, including insufficient cargo handling equipment or equipment sharing during loading and unloading, which requires manual container inspection and delays clearance. This research aims to enhance the port logistics performance at one of India's cargo-handling ports. This paper seeks to identify various situations, actors, processes, learnings, actions and performance metrics particular to India's major container handling port.
Design/methodology/approach
The study objectives are accomplished using the Situation-Actor-Process–Learning-Action-Performance (SAP-LAP) framework, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP). The FAHP prioritises or ranks actions in a fuzzy environment. The ranking obtained by the FAHP method is assessed using the IRP approach.
Findings
This study examined action criteria and sub-attributes that define a PLS's effective implementation regarding handling containers in India. The results illustrate that strategic action must be prioritized first, followed by infrastructural and operational development, Technology upgradation and new methods and Training and Development initiatives.
Practical implications
This research provides a logical framework for evaluating the importance of various actions throughout the decision-making process. It would assist managers and practitioners in interpreting the impact of critical actions on performance and improving the operation of PLS by constructing resilient and adaptable solutions.
Originality/value
The study integrates methodologies like the IRP, SAP-LAP and FAHP. It focuses on various actions for an effective port logistics implementation system. The findings of this study allow decision-makers to understand interpretative reasoning by performing pairwise comparisons among the factors.
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Komal Aqeel Safdar, Ali Emrouznejad and Prasanta Kumar Dey
The aim of this research study is to develop a queue assessment model to evaluate the inflow of walk-in outpatients in a busy public hospital of an emerging economy, in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research study is to develop a queue assessment model to evaluate the inflow of walk-in outpatients in a busy public hospital of an emerging economy, in the absence of appointment systems, and construct a dynamic framework dedicated towards the practical implementation of the proposed model, for continuous monitoring of the queue system.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study utilizes data envelopment analysis (DEA) to develop a combined queuing–DEA model as applied to evaluate the wait times of patients, within different stages of the outpatients' department at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of seven weeks (23rd April to 28th May 2014). The number of doctors/personnel and consultation time were considered as outputs, where consultation time was the non-discretionary output. The two inputs were wait time and length of queue. Additionally, VBA programming in Excel has been utilized to develop the dynamic framework for continuous queue monitoring.
Findings
The inadequate availability of personnel was observed as the critical issue for long wait times, along with overcrowding and variable arrival pattern of walk-in patients. The DEA model displayed the “required” number of personnel, corresponding to different wait times, indicating queue build-up.
Originality/value
The current study develops a queue evaluation model for a busy outpatients' department in a public hospital, where “all” patients are walk-in and no appointment systems. This model provides vital information in the form of “required” number of personnel which allows the administrators to control the queue pre-emptively minimizing wait times, with optimal yet dynamic staff allocation. Additionally, the dynamic framework specifically targets practical implementation in resource-poor public hospitals of emerging economies for continuous queue monitoring.
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The transition from centralized thermal power plants to distributed renewable energy sources complicates the balance between power supply and load demand in electrical networks…
Abstract
Purpose
The transition from centralized thermal power plants to distributed renewable energy sources complicates the balance between power supply and load demand in electrical networks. Energy storage systems (ESS) offer a viable solution to this challenge. This research aims to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of ESS in the Indian smart grid.
Design/methodology/approach
To analyze the factors affecting ESS deployment in the grid, the SAP-LAP framework (situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance) integrated with e-IRP (efficient-interpretive ranking process) was used. The variables of SAP-LAP elements were selected from expert opinion and a literature review. Here, e-IRP was utilized to prioritize elements of SAP-LAP (actors in terms of processes and actions in terms of performance).
Findings
This analysis prioritized five stakeholders in the Indian power industry for energy storage implementation: government agencies/policymakers, ESS technology developers/manufacturers, private players, research and development/academic institutions, and contractors. Furthermore, the study prioritized the necessary actions that these stakeholders must take.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s findings help identify actors and manage different actions in implementing grid energy storage integration. Ranking these variables would help develop a strategic roadmap for ESS deployment and decisions about adopting new concepts.
Originality/value
It is one of the first attempts to analyze factors influencing ESS implementation in the power grid. Here, qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used to identify and prioritize various aspects of ESS implementation. As a result, the stakeholder can grasp the concept much more quickly.
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Andreas Traberg, Peter Jacobsen and Nadia Monique Duthiers
The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for health care performance evaluation that enables decision makers to identify areas indicative of corrective actions. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for health care performance evaluation that enables decision makers to identify areas indicative of corrective actions. The framework should provide information on strategic pro-/regress in an operational context that justifies the need for organizational adjustments.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts qualitative methods for constructing the framework, subsequently implementing the framework in a Danish magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. Workshops and interviews form the basis of the qualitative construction phase, and two internal and five external databases are used for a quantitative data collection.
Findings
By aggregating performance outcomes, collective measures of performance are achieved. This enables easy and intuitive identification of areas not strategically aligned. In general, the framework has proven helpful in an MRI unit, where operational decision makers have been struggling with extensive amounts of performance information.
Research limitations/implications
The implementation of the framework in a single case in a public and highly political environment restricts the generalizing potential. The authors acknowledge that there may be more suitable approaches in organizations with different settings.
Practical implications
The strength of the framework lies in the identification of performance problems prior to decision making. The quality of decisions is directly related to the individual decision maker. The only function of the framework is to support these decisions.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates a more refined and transparent use of performance reporting by combining strategic weight assignment and performance aggregation in hierarchies. In this way, the framework accentuates performance as a function of strategic progress or regress, thus assisting decision makers in exerting operational effort in pursuit of strategic alignment.
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Sadia Anwar and Ummi Naiemah Saraih
Establishing an effective educational system is directly tied to academic leadership, a multifaceted concept that differs from one environment to another. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Establishing an effective educational system is directly tied to academic leadership, a multifaceted concept that differs from one environment to another. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of digital leadership (DL) aspects in the enhancement of technical knowledge sharing (KS) and dealing with emotional intelligence (EI) among the teaching faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Following a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, convenient sampling is employed for data collection via a self-administered questionnaire from 320 faculty members of private HEIs in Pakistan.
Findings
Structural equation model (SEM) is used for path analysis. The results reveal a positive and significant effect of DL, aspects like visionary leadership (VL), digital citizenship (DC), systematic improvement (SI), on knowledge sharing (KS), and emotional intelligence (EI).
Practical implications
This study has highlighted the significance of DL in private HEIs. The findings of the study imply that institutional heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) can successfully manage the knowledge assets that they have and those of their staff members, ensure the successful adoption of technology and foster product and process innovation that improves organizational performance and integrates successful strategies into the educational system by demonstrating DL aspects. The research also analyzes institutional heads' present leadership strategies to enhance response to technological change and innovations, which are considered fundamental pillars of organizational success. Ultimately, this will extend the literature on adopting DL techniques towards digital transformation in the education system.
Originality/value
This study empirically confirms the role of DL aspects such as VL, DC, and SI towards KS and EI. Most of the research demonstrates the direct impact of DL on EI, whereas the aspects of DL are not directly related to KS and EI. Studies have also shown how DL enhances its role in incorporating leadership in organizations, industries, and education, mainly in Western countries. This research addresses the gap in understanding the direct effects of DL aspects on KS and EI in non-Western countries, particularly within the education sector.
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Nakul Parameswar, Zuby Hasan, Charu Shri and Neha Saini
The study explores the barriers to ESG adoption and develops a hierarchical relationship between identified barriers to determine the driving and dependence power.
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the barriers to ESG adoption and develops a hierarchical relationship between identified barriers to determine the driving and dependence power.
Design/methodology/approach
Through literature and unstructured interviews nine barriers affecting the adoption of ESG reporting were identified and examined using the modified Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (m-TISM) approach. Further, MICMAC analysis is used to analyse the driver-dependence power amongst the barriers.
Findings
In this analysis, the variable lying at the lowest level of hierarchy are considered to be the critical factor and lack of clarity around regulatory and reporting standards is found to be very critical for ESG adoption. To address impediments to ESG adoption, the government should make ESG disclosure mandatory and clearly explain the rules, regulations and advantages associated with ESG implementation.
Originality/value
The current study is very few among examining the barriers to ESG adoption and steppingstone towards the mandatory implementation of ESG disclosures in current scenario.