scholarly journals Reverse logistics policy – differences between conservative and innovative reverse logistics management

Author(s):  
Alena Klapalová

One of the of the key barriers that hampers effective and efficient management of reverse flows detected within a number of empirical surveys and case studies focused on reverse logistics and/or return management is business (organisational) policy, specifically lack of policy, deficiency in existing policy or inferior policy. Despite this fact, there is a gap in literature which would show some evidence from practice that innovative reverse logistics policy both can pay off and is associated with certain aspects of reverse logistics management. Such proof can have several implications. It can support the call for better understanding and more research of the linkages of reverse logistics with other corporate functions, promote the acceptation of strategic character of reverse logistics and stress the role of RL policy within the rest of overall corporate management.The aim of this paper is to contribute and to enrich the existing body of knowledge concerning the above-mentioned gap through presentation of survey results that was realized in 2012 among managers of 244 Czech firms. The results demonstrate the statistically significant association between the innovativeness of RL policy and profitability of firms, quality of RL planning, perception of RL importance, level of RL knowledge and perception of product innovation importance for firms’ competitiveness and frequency of product innovation. They also reveal statistically significant differences between firms with conservative and innovative RL policy and the perceived existence of some barriers to manage RL.

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Scita ◽  
Carmen Sorrentino ◽  
Andrea Boggio ◽  
David Hemenway ◽  
Andrea Ballabeni

Basic scientific research generates knowledge that has intrinsic value which is independent of future applications. Basic research may also lead to practical benefits, such as a new drug or diagnostic method.  Building on our previous study of basic biomedical and biological researchers at Harvard, we present findings from a new survey of similar scientists from three countries.  This survey asked about the scientists’ motivations, goals and perspectives along with their attitudes concerning  policies designed to increase both the practical (i.e. public health) benefits of basic research as well as their own personal satisfaction. Close to 900 basic investigators responded to the survey; results corroborate the main findings from the previous survey of Harvard scientists.  In addition, we find that most bioscientists disfavor present policies that require a discussion of the public health potential of their proposals in grants but generally favor softer policies aimed at increasing the quality of work and the potential practical benefits of basic research. In particular, bioscientists are generally supportive of those policies entailing the organization of more meetings between scientists and the general public, the organization of more academic discussion about the role of scientists in the society, and the implementation of a “basic bibliography” for each new approved drug.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Caliari ◽  
Marco Valente ◽  
Ricardo Machado Ruiz

Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between heterogeneity of demand regarding choice procedures and product innovation. We propose an evolutionary model showing how consumers with imperfect information chose and select differentiated goods. The model shows the role of information and choice procedures and its relation with the innovative process. The price plays an important role, but the quality of information, error tolerance and criteria for preference ordering are important determinants of the performance of firms in an industry with product innovation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 71-71
Author(s):  
Jack Toshimine Seki ◽  
Matthew Hughsam ◽  
Monika Krzyzanowska ◽  
Aaron Lo ◽  
Pamela Ng ◽  
...  

71 Background: Medication reconciliation (MR) in outpatient clinics has been under-evaluated. We postulated that cancer patients would benefit from MR done by a pharmacist as these patients have many care providers, many medications, and are at high risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Hence, we conducted a quality initiative evaluating the role of a pharmacist in the ambulatory clinics. Methods: One pharmacist prospectively rotated amongst four oncology clinics four days a week from June 3 to September 18, 2008. The pharmacist performed MR, and as a consultant developed therapeutic plans related to drug therapeutic problems (DTPs) including adverse reactions and DDIs. Patient medication lists were retrospectively analyzed using Micromedex and DDIs were categorized by frequency, severity and evidence level. A monthly survey (Likert scale) evaluating pharmacist contributions to each clinic team was completed by physicians and nurses. Results: A total of 158 patients were seen in 227 patient visits. The pharmacist identified 141 DTPs in 60 patients across 74 visits. The most frequently observed were no drug for a medical problem (51.1%), dose too low (12.8%), wrong drug (9.9%), and adverse drug reactions (9.2%). In response, 174 therapeutic plans were made. The most frequently recommended actions were drug added (40.8%), dose changed (13.2%), drug discontinued (9.2%), and interval/duration changed (7.5%). A total of 414 DDIs were identified in 110 patients, across 149 patient visits. On average, 2.62 DDIs were reported per patient, and 1.82 DDIs per visit. By severity, 139 (33.6%) major, 258 (62.3%) moderate, 16 (3.9%) minor and 1 (0.2%) contraindicated DDIs were documented. By level of evidence, 46 (11.1%) DDIs were excellent, and 236 (57%) were good. Survey results showed that doctors and nurses agreed/strongly agreed that pharmacist presence was valuable. The most useful contributions identified were consultation regarding DDIs, adverse drug effects, and medication efficacy decisions. Conclusions: DDI rates are high and most are moderate or major in severity. There is a clear benefit from the integration of a pharmacist to the clinics with an improvement in patient safety and quality of care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norul Hafizah Yusoff ◽  
Mohd Ramzi Mohd Hussain ◽  
Izawati Tukiman

The aim of this paper is to review and analyse the importance of the framework for urban farming activities to be implemented within cities environment. This paper also describes the role of the community to achieve the environmental, economic and social sustainability for the enhancement of the urban environment and healthy lifestyles through community participation in food supplies,nutrition, and spaces utilization. The paper evaluates the benefits and potential of urban farming activities within limited urban spaces and how it improves the quality of life. It also reviews on how urban farming is beneficial to the society due to food shortage crisis which is inadequate for the whole population. It is necessary to apply and practice in our daily lives for the consumption of food security, human safety, and health. Therefore, the role of community is very crucial in the implementation of urban farming activities within urbanized areas as the demand for green development increases. Based on this theoretical framework, it is hoped that the paper will be a useful addition to the body of knowledge in promoting a stronger community interdependence to create the sustainable urban environment.


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