scholarly journals Fire officer leadership strategies for cost management

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 495-507
Author(s):  
Leo R. Sedlmeyer ◽  
Rocky J. Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Cost Management ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Fire Department ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Leadership Strategies ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Fire Stations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore leadership strategies of fire officers used by fire office leaders to manage costs associated with hazardous operations. Design/methodology/approach The methodology employed in this study was a qualitative method using a case study design. The participants in this research study comprised 13 randomly selected fire officers from fire stations within a major metropolitan area located in the USA who had five or more years hazardous operations experience. In addition to interviews, workplace practices, policies and procedures related to hazardous operations and cost management were analyzed. Limitations of this study include both the sample size, and the geographic area, which impacts the ability to generalize the results of the study. Findings Four central themes emerged from the study, namely, servant leadership, partnership, accountability and creative staffing, which are crucial strategies to manage costs associated with hazardous operations. The findings of this study further indicate fire officers must distinguish between the most appropriate action for any given situation to achieve the fire department goals and objectives. Practical implications Managing cost effective hazardous operations through sound leadership strategies reduced injuries and saved lives, which results in cost savings in fire departmental budgets, labor costs and health care costs, which can further support the redirection of funds to critical areas of fire operations. Originality/value The value of identifying leadership strategies related to hazardous operations cost management may reduce injuries, save lives and ensure adequate budget allocations for fire departments. Social implications include innovative leadership strategies, which may enable fire officers to promote positive social change through saving lives of fire fighters and the citizens they serve.

Regional tourism at the farmers’ market: consumers’ preferences for local food products

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Garner ◽  
Cesar Ayala
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Area ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Food ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Regional Brand ◽  
Consumer Habits ◽  
Food Identity ◽  
Number Of Customers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine farmers’ market consumer behavior through a regional food and culinary tourism lens to see the ways these festive and atmospheric markets can be used to develop a regional brand or identity surrounding food production. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on a survey of 270 participants in a farmers’ market in the USA. A combination of descriptive and statistical analyses was used to analyze consumer habits and spending. Findings The findings in this study suggest that while most of the customers live in a town where the market is located, a significant number of customers come from other locations, with some traveling significant distances, to participate in this market, particularly for the Saturday market. Many of the customers come to purchase organic and local foods. Research limitations/implications This work is limited, in that it is a case study at one farmers’ market in the USA, and the work is exploratory in nature. Practical implications This work has implications for market managers seeking to increase their consumer base. Markets that want to increase their reach would do well to promote their events to a wider geographic area. The results presented here showed that consumers are willing to drive upward of 40 miles to attend a high-quality market. Originality/value This work expands our conceptualization of farmers’ markets by suggesting that these markets have the potential to form the backbone of a region is food identity through the creation of a food destination.

A 12-pulse rectifier with passive harmonic reduction based on UIPT in more electric aircrafts

Circuit World ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohollah Abdollahi
Keyword(s):  
Power Factor ◽  
Harmonic Distortion ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Input Current ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Harmonic Reduction ◽  
Simulation Results

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a T autotransformer based 12-pulse rectifier with passive harmonic reduction in more electric aircraft applications. The T autotransformer uses only two main windings which result in volume, space, size, weight and cost savings. Also, the proposed unconventional inter-phase transformer (UIPT) with a lower kVA rating (about 2.6% of the load power) compared to the conventional inter-phase transformer results in a more harmonic reduction. Design/methodology/approach To increase rating and reduce the cost and complexity of a multi-pulse rectifier, it is well known that the pulse number must be increased. In some practical cases, a 12-pulse rectifier (12PR) is suggested as a good solution considering its simple structure and low weight. But the 12PR cannot technically meet the standards of harmonic distortion requirements for some industrial applications, and therefore, they must be used with output filters. In this paper, a 12PR is suggested, which consists of a T autotransformer 12PR and a passive harmonic reduction (PHR) based on the UIPT at direct current (DC) link. Findings To show the advantage of this new combination over other solutions, simulation results are used, and then, a prototype is implemented to evaluate and verify the simulation results. The simulation and experimental test results show that the input current total harmonic distortion (THD) of the suggested 12PR with a PHR based on UIPT is less than 5%, which meets the IEEE 519 requirements. Also, it is shown that in comparison with other solutions, it is cost effective, and at the same time, its power factor is near unity, and its rating is 29.92% of the load rating. Therefore, it is obvious that the proposed rectifier is a practical solution for more electric aircrafts. Originality/value The contributions of this paper are summarized as follows. The suggested design uses a retrofit T autotransformer, which meets all technical constraints, and in comparison, with other options, has less rating, weight, volume and cost. In the suggested rectifier, a PHR based on UIPT at its dc link of 12PR is used, which has good technical capabilities and lower ratings. In the PHR based on UIPT, an IPT is used, which has an additional secondary winding and four diodes. This solution leads to a reduction in input current THD and conduction losses of diodes. In full load conditions, the input line current THD and power factor are 4% and 0.99, respectively. The THD is less than 5%, which satisfies IEEE-519 and DO-160G requirements.

Dynamics of country image: evidence from Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1675-1697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana-Nicoleta Lascu ◽  
Zafar U. Ahmed ◽  
Irfan Ahmed ◽  
Tan Hui Min
Keyword(s):  
Free Market ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Welfare System ◽  
Country Image ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Market System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Research ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Free Market System

Purpose Previous research has posited country image to operate at two levels: the country’s macro image, based on general politico-economic descriptors of the country, and the country’s micro image, based on perceptions of products from the country. The purpose of this paper is to further explore this premise in a practical study, using a psychometric assessment of macro and micro country images by ascertaining the nature of differences in macro and micro images of leading exporters, the USA and China, for consumers in Malaysia, a top import destination of US and Chinese goods; the images of Malaysian goods were similarly assessed. Design/methodology/approach The study used a systematic sample, with questionnaires distributed to adult respondents using a street intercept. Interviewers asked every other passer-by to fill out a questionnaire, and stood in close proximity to address any questions from respondents. The study hypothesized that there is a significant difference between country macro and micro image, respectively for the USA, China and Malaysia, and that there is significant relationship between country macro image and country micro image in each country, respectively, USA, China and Malaysia. Findings The study found support for the reliability of existing country micro and macro image measures, and further refined them for increased validity. The study compared between the countries and found significant differences on both macro and micro dimensions of country image. The US scored highest on technological research, high quality products, standards of living, labor costs, welfare system, industrialization, civilian government, development, literacy, free-market system and democracy, followed by China on technological research, industrialization, development and free-market system, with Malaysia scoring higher on product quality, labor costs, welfare system, civilian government is civilian/non-military, literacy, free-market system and democracy. Research limitations/implications A broader study of countries that share geopolitical and cultural similarities might offer additional insights into country macro and micro image. Practical implications The study cautions marketers to assess the acceptance of their products in the context of their country’s macro and micro image perceptions in target markets, and steer those perceptions in a manner that would be beneficial to their marketing efforts. Originality/value The conceptualization of the macro and micro aspects of country image has been one of the less studied dimensions of country image. This study is the first to address these dimensions from an emerging-market perspective, suggesting that, at the macro level, country perceptions regarding technology, economy, and politics contribute to an overall impression of the country, which would then influence the desirability of its products originating there. For the micro country image, products from countries perceived as innovative, excelling in product design, and producing prestigious products, are likely to be perceived as desirable.

Cyient: enabling innovation through idea tree initiative

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Nidheesh Joseph ◽  
Upam Pushpak Makhecha
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
Business Unit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Digital Format

Learning outcomes The case would help students to learn the concept of high involvement innovation activity and how to apply it in large service organizations to increase innovation involvement. The case will help the students to reflect on the significance of organizing structure and culture of an organization for enabling innovation and innovation process models. The case would further help the students to develop the skill to plan and implement simple, innovative innovation process models which will increase the ideation capabilities of the organization. The students will also be able to understand the role of informal learning in innovation and how to facilitate it. Case overview/synopsis Cyient – a global services firm – had always focused on innovation as a key strategic capability winning various annual client awards for over a decade. However, in 2012, Cyient missed the innovation awards which led to the introduction of Idea Tree initiative in Aerospace & Defense (AED) business unit of Cyient. Cyient was able to co-create patents and offer cost savings to its clients through the Idea Tree initiative. This cost-effective and unique initiative resulted in re-organizing the structure (from formal to a quasi-formal), culture (open to new ideas, mistakes and failures) and process (stage-gate) inside Cyient AED business unit. However, Idea Tree also suffers from challenges such as lack of a digital format, lack of corporate presence across Cyient and its highly informal nature. In this context, the CEO wants to review the Idea Tree initiative to decide on its future in Cyient. Complexity academic level The case is suitable for teaching multiple facets of innovation for MBA and Executive MBA classes in core Strategy, Managing Organizations and Entrepreneurship and for elective courses such as Innovation Management, Organizing for Innovation or HRM for Innovation. The case is suitable for both fresher and experienced participants. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Faculty research productivity under alternative appointment types: tenure vs non-tenure track

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 1348-1357
Author(s):  
Marcus T. Allen ◽  
Carol A. Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Research Productivity ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Tenure Track ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The increasing use of non-tenure employment contracting as a cost savings and/or management flexibility increasing mechanism in colleges and universities raises concerns about the impact of this strategy on other aspects of the higher education system. The purpose of this paper is to document reduced research productivity at a university that uses rolling contracts in comparison to research productivity at another university in the same state university system in the USA that uses tenure track contracting. Design/methodology/approach Negative binomial regression analysis allows investigation of the primary variable of interest (appointment type) while controlling for other factors that may also affect research productivity. Findings The findings suggest that non-tenure track employment contracting may have other long-term implications for institutions of higher education that warrant consideration. Originality/value No prior study has investigated the topic of comparative research productivity in business schools using this methodology or data source.

Why telehealth does not always save money for the health system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Centaine L. Snoswell ◽  
Monica L. Taylor ◽  
Liam J. Caffery
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frequency Of Contact ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Implementation Costs

PurposeThis study aims to determine elements of telehealth that have the potential to increase costs for the health system in the short to medium term.Design/methodology/approachA search of PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases was performed in May 2018 using broad terms for telehealth and economics. Articles were included if they identified and explained reasons for an increase in cost for telehealth services. Studies were categorised by economic analysis type for data extraction and descriptive synthesis.FindingsFourteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies identified that increased health system costs were due to implementation costs (e.g. for equipment, software or staff training), increased use of other healthcare services (e.g. pharmaceutical services) and ongoing service costs (including staff salaries) resulting from telehealth being additive to traditional service (e.g. increased frequency of contact).Originality/valueTelehealth is often assumed to be a cost-effective method of delivering healthcare, even to the point where direct cost savings are expected by decision makers as a result of implementation. However, this investigation suggests it does not routinely reduce costs for the health system and can actually increase costs at both implementation and ongoing service delivery stages. Health services considering implementing telehealth should be motivated by benefits other than cost reduction such as improved accessibility, greater patient centricity and societal cost–benefit.

Nudging waste diversion at Western State Colorado University: application of behavioral insights

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 608-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly McCoy ◽  
Justin J. Oliver ◽  
D. Scott Borden ◽  
Scott I. Cohn
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Choice Architecture ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Studio Arts ◽  
Waste Removal ◽  
Waste Diversion

Purpose This paper aims to test a nudge, or intervention, designed through behavioral insights at a university campus to discover cost-effective means for increasing recycling participation and methods for estimating waste removal cost savings. Design/methodology/approach A series of studies were conducted demonstrating the effectiveness of behaviorally based recycling interventions. Study locations included an academic building, a performing arts/studio arts building, a sports complex and a campus library. All locations already had robust and visible recycling programs in operation. Following an observation period, modifications were made to the locations of waste and recycling containers. Waste auditing procedures were used to quantify existing waste diversion rates, and changes to those rates following changes in choice architecture. Findings Waste diversion rates improved and significant reductions in the proportion of recyclable materials in the trash were observed at all four study locations. Results indicate that the nudge of changing choice architecture can enhance recycling programs that are already recognized as successful. This paper also explains methods for estimating waste removal, which are important as it enables calculations of cost savings from such interventions. Finally, targeting plastic bottles to increase return on investment is recommended. Practical implications Other colleges and universities can apply these methods to improve existing recycling programs and realize cost savings. Originality value This is the first study to investigate the use of a nudge on waste management issues on a university campus. An easy-to-replicate method, which allows measuring realized cost savings, is explained.

scholarly journals Universal opt-out screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) within correctional facilities is an effective intervention to improve public health

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 192-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan D. Morris ◽  
Brandon Brown ◽  
Scott A. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Testing Policies ◽  
Hcv Testing

Purpose Worldwide efforts to identify individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) focus almost exclusively on community healthcare systems, thereby failing to reach high-risk populations and those with poor access to primary care. In the USA, community-based HCV testing policies and guidelines overlook correctional facilities, where HCV rates are believed to be as high as 40 percent. This is a missed opportunity: more than ten million Americans move through correctional facilities each year. Herein, the purpose of this paper is to examine HCV testing practices in the US correctional system, California and describe how universal opt-out HCV testing could expand early HCV detection, improve public health in correctional facilities and communities, and prove cost-effective over time. Design/methodology/approach A commentary on the value of standardizing screening programs across facilities by mandating all facilities (universal) to implement opt-out testing policies for all prisoners upon entry to the correctional facilities. Findings Current variability in facility-level testing programs results in inconsistent testing levels across correctional facilities, and therefore makes estimating the actual number of HCV-infected adults in the USA difficult. The authors argue that universal opt-out testing policies ensure earlier diagnosis of HCV among a population most affected by the disease and is more cost-effective than selective testing policies. Originality/value The commentary explores the current limitations of selective testing policies in correctional systems and provides recommendations and implications for public health and correctional organizations.

Occasionally open, always an experience: limiting store hours

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Jean Miller ◽  
Ruoh-Nan Yan ◽  
Sage Calamari
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Retail Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Home Furnishings ◽  
Women's Apparel ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Home Furnishing

Purpose – The study aims to understand the new retail phenomenon of limited store hours. Specifically, the study explores the viability of the retail operation and how the owners of those businesses strategically compensate for fewer hours of operation (e.g. four days a month). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, multiple-case study was conducted via interviews with six female owners of women's apparel/accessory or home furnishings shops, both independent and franchised operations. The duration of interviews ranged from 45 to 90 minutes. Transcripts were analysed using constant comparative methods. Findings – Ten major themes emerged from the interview data. Data supported the three propositions involving connections between lower pricing strategy and limited store hours, consumers' shopping flexibility and limited store hours, and relationship marketing practices and limited store hours. Research limitations/implications – Findings are drawn primarily from data provided by female owners of stores selling apparel/accessory or home furnishing products in one region of the USA. Future research is encouraged to examine a variety of retail product categories, level of open store hours and locations, and customers' perspectives about this type of businesses. Practical implications – Retail operations with limited hours were deemed cost effective and thus provide entrepreneurial opportunities that allow balance between work and home life. Originality/value – Scant research has investigated the phenomenon of businesses that are open limited store hours, though much has been written from the traditional business model in which the retail operation is open nearly around the clock. This exploratory study reveals the feasibility and personal benefits of operating a limited hour shop.

Cost-effectiveness of Hepatitis A vaccination in a developed and developing country

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1175-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Ghildayal
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Universal Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Developing Regions ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

Purpose Hepatitis A is a prevalent disease that is largely preventable by vaccine usage. The vaccine for this illness is highly underused in most regions. In an attempt to find the strategies that are most beneficial in regard to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost in current environments, the purpose of this paper is to conduct cost-effectiveness analyses to investigate vaccination strategies in a more economically developed country (MEDC), generally known as a “developed” area: the USA, and a less economically developed country (LEDC), generally known as a “developing” area: the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Design/methodology/approach This study used a dynamic transmission model for comparative effectiveness analyses. The model ran two different scenarios. The two regions studied have different policies and strategies for Hepatitis A vaccination currently, and also used different strategies in 2009. In the USA, a universal vaccination policy was modeled, along with a scenario in which it was removed. In Rio de Janeiro, a no vaccination policy was modeled, along with a scenario in which a universal vaccination policy was effected. Findings The comparison of resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio values to accepted threshold values showed universal vaccination to be cost-effective in both the USA and Rio de Janeiro as compared to no vaccination. When episode and vaccination costs and vaccination efficacy were varied, this still remained true. Universal vaccination was found to result in lower incidence of Hepatitis A in both the USA and Rio de Janeiro. Over the twenty-year time horizon, universal vaccination is projected to prevent 506,945 cases of symptomatic Hepatitis A in the USA and 42,318 cases of Hepatitis A in Rio de Janeiro. Other benefits include a projected increase in cumulative QALYs through the use of universal vaccination. Originality/value This analysis showed universal vaccination to be cost-effective as compared to no vaccination, and portions of the study’s approach had not previously been applied in tandem to investigate Hepatitis A interventions. The results may help foster higher compliance rates for Hepatitis A vaccination and even greater per-person economic benefits of universal vaccination, particularly in the USA. The purpose of this study is also to encourage elevated levels of surveillance on age of infection in developing regions and consistent reevaluation utilizing dynamic transmission models in both the USA and Brazil, as well as other rapidly developing regions, in order to prevent future epidemics and costs associated with the disease.

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