Faten Rafeh, Hussein Mroueh, Karim Hitti and Sebastien Burlon
The presence of underground quarries in North France in close proximity to urbanized areas, imposes serious problems in terms of security of both people and constructions at one…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of underground quarries in North France in close proximity to urbanized areas, imposes serious problems in terms of security of both people and constructions at one hand, and induces a strong constraint against planning and urban development on the other hand. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical tool for the preliminary estimation of the stability of underground quarries.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a numerical stability study of quarries, excavated in chalk of North France with or without joints, by the method of rooms and pillars, is presented. This integrates the data provided from site: mechanical properties of the chalk and geometric characteristics of the quarries (width of the pillar W, height of the pillar H and span between pillars L), as well as the orientation of the joints (α). Numerical parametric analysis is conducted using FLAC 3D. Factors of safety are computed from the numerical models. Then, a second-order regression technique is applied on these numerically obtained factors, to correlate new formulae.
Findings
As a result, user-friendly formulae for the calculation of factors of safety Fs (ex) are extrapolated. Besides, abacuses to determine the minimum permissible effective width of safe pillars are proposed.
Originality/value
By this, it becomes possible, knowing only few parameters about geometry and properties, to give a fast estimation of the stability state of any quarry in the region.
Details
Keywords
Ali Kanso, Abdul Karim Sinno and William Adams
This study provides practical guidelines for public relations campaigns targeted at Arab and American audiences. The authors examine various cultural frameworks for…
Abstract
This study provides practical guidelines for public relations campaigns targeted at Arab and American audiences. The authors examine various cultural frameworks for conceptualizing differences and similarities in the Arab and American cultures. They conclude that both cultures suffer considerably from biases and stereotypes.
Anna Tiso, Maria Crema and Chiara Verbano
The paper aims at enriching the knowledge of the application of lean management (LM) in emergency department (ED), structuring the methodology for implementing LM projects and…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims at enriching the knowledge of the application of lean management (LM) in emergency department (ED), structuring the methodology for implementing LM projects and summarizing the relevant dimensions of LM adoption in ED.
Design/methodology/approach
In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature review has been performed, extracting a database of 34 papers. To answer the research purpose, a descriptive and content analyses have been carried out.
Findings
The descriptive analysis demonstrates that the dealt topic is worldwide emerging and multidisciplinary as it arouses interest by medical and engineering communities. Despite the heterogeneity in the adopted methodology, a framework can be grasped from the literature review. It points out the phases and activities, the tools and techniques and the enablers to be considered for guiding the developing of LM project in ED.
Originality/value
This paper provides a comprehensive overview on how to adopt LM in ED, contributing to fill in the gap emerged in the literature. From a practical perspective, this paper provides healthcare managers with a synthesis of the best managerial practices and guidelines in developing a LM project in ED.
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Lúcia Sortica de Bittencourt, Istefani Carísio de Paula, André Teixeira Pontes and Aline Cafruni Gularte
This study aims to enhance storage and distribution operations at a pharmaceutical supply center (PSC) in primary health care (PH) using lean health care (LH) tools. Supply…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance storage and distribution operations at a pharmaceutical supply center (PSC) in primary health care (PH) using lean health care (LH) tools. Supply centers for health products, medications and supplies have unique characteristics compared to centers for other goods due to complex processes, specific services, diverse stakeholders and multiple interactions. The authors adapt LH tools to address these complexities and meet industry-specific needs.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation unit is a PSC in a large southern Brazilian city, and the processes analyzed are the storage and distribution of medications. The authors performed action research from June 2019 to February 2020. Data collection and problem diagnosis involved the development of a value stream mapping.
Findings
The authors adapted the overall equipment effectiveness calculation, efficiency analysis, and loss classification for PSC operations. Eighteen core issues were found: waiting, movement, transport, stock, inadequate processing, defects and human potential losses. The authors proposed waste reduction tools and practices. Inadequate storage conditions may compromise medicine quality, efficacy and safety. This can result from lacking physical structures or noncompliance with procedures. Next, the authors recommend simulating scenarios for validation before implementation.
Practical implications
The study explored ways to enhance layout and medicine distribution at the PSC, focusing on reducing loss and cost impact.
Originality/value
Originality lies in LH application in a PSC of PH, often applied in secondary or tertiary health levels like hospitals. The novelty necessitated adaptations of tools for future PSC applications.
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Tatyana Karla Oliveira Régis, Luciano Costa Santos and Cláudia Fabiana Gohr
Although there are general methodologies for lean implementation in manufacturing companies, a specific methodology for the implementation of lean healthcare in hospitals has not…
Abstract
Purpose
Although there are general methodologies for lean implementation in manufacturing companies, a specific methodology for the implementation of lean healthcare in hospitals has not been addressed by the literature. Addressing this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practice-driven methodology for implementing lean in hospital operations.
Design/methodology/approach
Three case studies were conducted to collect evidence on the lean implementation process in Brazilian hospitals. From empirical evidence and literature, the implementation methodology was proposed and submitted to critical assessment by experts from the field.
Findings
The process of lean implementation was very similar in all cases, triggered by strategic planning and operationalized by continuous improvement projects. On the other hand, in all cases, the lean implementation teams had to deal with employees’ resistance. These findings were valuable inputs to the development of the implementation methodology. After refinement, it was proposed a feasible, useful and user-friendly methodology.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed methodology was raised from the practice through case study research. However, the proposed methodology was not fully applied, and the associated performance measures were not elaborated in this paper. Therefore, more case studies and applications will be necessary to generalize the findings.
Practical implications
The methodology provides practical guidelines that support lean implementation in hospital operations. Although it demands adaptations for each specific hospital setting, this initial step may encourage hospital managers to start the lean journey.
Originality/value
This study addressed the gap in the literature regarding the lack of methodologies for implementing lean healthcare in hospital operations. The methodology synthesizes the knowledge, principles and tools of lean thinking that can be applied in hospital operations.