scholarly journals Managing hundreds of improvement teams

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1722 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Rashad Massoud ◽  
Leighann E. Kimble ◽  
Victor Boguslavsky ◽  
Maina Boucar ◽  
Jorge Hermida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussions ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Second Nature ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Culture Strategy ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sizable Number

Recognizing the notable scale of USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project activities and sizable number of improvement teams, which in some cases is close to 1,000 improvement teams managed in one country at a point in time, we sought to answer the questions: How do we manage hundreds of improvement teams in one country alone? How do we manage more than 4,000 improvement teams globally? The leaders of our improvement programs manage such efforts as though they are second-nature, without pointing to the specific skills and strategies needed to manage thousands of teams. This paper was developed to capture the lessons, considerations, and insights shared in discussions with leaders on the USAID ASSIST Project, including country Chiefs of Party and Regional Directors. More specifically, this paper seeks to describe what is involved in scaling up and managing large numbers of improvement teams. Through focus group discussions and individual interviews, participants discussed the key skills, strategies, and lessons needed to successfully manage large numbers of teams on the USAID ASSIST Project. We concluded that the six key components in managing large numbers of teams are 1) leadership; 2) management structures and capacities; 3) clear and open communication; 4) shared learning, collaboration, and support; 5) ownership, engagement, and empowerment; and 6) partnerships. We further analyzed these six components as being interrelated to one another based on the relationship between culture, strategy, and technique in implementing quality improvement activities.

scholarly journals Adolescent Smoking in Secondary Schools that Have Implemented Smoke-Free Policies: In-Depth Exploration of Shared Smoking Patterns

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Schreuders ◽  
Loekie Klompmaker ◽  
Bas van den Putte ◽  
Anton Kunst
Keyword(s):  
Contextual Information ◽  
Adolescent Smoking ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Tobacco Policies ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Social Meanings ◽  
Smoking Patterns

Large numbers of adolescents smoke during school hours, despite the implementation of smoke-free school policies (SFSPs). Studies about SFSPs predominantly analyse smoking as individual behaviour, yet there is increasing recognition that smoking should be understood as social behaviour. We explored shared smoking patterns specifying where, when, and with whom, and social meanings about why groups of adolescents smoke in two Dutch schools that have implemented SFSPs. Surveys among adolescents were held to obtain contextual information about the schools. Four focus group discussions and fourteen individual interviews were held with adolescents to identify shared smoking patterns in each school. Two shared patterns were identified at a school where 17% of students smoked daily: Dependent smoking and Rebellious smoking. Both built on pro-smoking norms and underscored the benefits of smoking. Three shared patterns were identified at a school where 3% of students smoked daily: Social bonding smoking, Low-profile smoking and Smoking-friendly event smoking. These built on anti-smoking norms and helped smokers cope with negative social judgements related to smoking. We conclude that adolescent smoking during school hours is embedded in diverse shared smoking patterns. Future studies should develop more understanding about how to deal with adolescents’ shared smoking patterns that decrease the effectiveness of tobacco policies.

scholarly journals Utilization of plant species in mangrove swamp: ruminant herders’ perception of treats and strategies for mangrove sustainable restoration in Benin (west-Africa)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bidossessi Syntiche Chiméi Mérimée Ahouangan ◽  
Ivan Bossima Koura ◽  
Clément Sèwadé ◽  
Mreille Allagbe Toyi ◽  
Paolo Armel Dodji Lesse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Mangrove Species ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Coastal Belt ◽  
Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides ◽  
Sustainable Conservation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract In Benin, mangroves are an important resource for the coastal populations who use them for firewood, salt preparation but also for feeding ruminants in the surrounding meadows. However, the pressure exerted by exploitation on fodder in the mangroves has not been quantified. This study aims to understand the relationship between mangroves and ruminants in the coastal zone of Benin. Ethno-botanical data were collected from ninety (90) ruminant breeders in fifteen (15) villages close to mangroves along the coastal belt, using individual interviews and group discussions combined with a tourist guide and a semi-structured questionnaire. The herders provided, among other things, mangrove species used as food and for ruminant health. Cross-tabulations, with calculation of chi-square statistics, were used as well as means and standard deviation values of continuous variables calculated and compared between mangrove trends observed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Rhizophora racemosa , Avicennia africana , Paspalum vaginatum , Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Blutaparon vermiculare were the species mentioned. Local communities are aware of the need to restore and ensure the sustainable conservation of mangrove ecosystems. The main restoration and conservation measures indicated by the pastoralists are the planting of mangroves, rational logging through the control of logging, no fires after logging. These measures vary according to ethnicity and depend significantly (p < 0.001) on the type of mangrove. However, these modes of exploitation of mangroves by livestock breeders have no effect on their dynamics. However, the involvement of farmers is dispensable for the conservation of mangroves.

scholarly journals Daily Singing in a School Severely Affected by Earthquakes

Teachers Work ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphne Rickson ◽  
Robert Legg ◽  
Dianna Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Subsequent Cycle ◽  
Learner Perception ◽  
The Relationship

The school where this research took place, was created from the merger of two primary schools in the aftermath of the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Since that time staff and learners have been engaged in daily singing, specifically to promote the wellbeing of staff and learners. We engaged in action research to examine the ways the singing has been facilitated and sustained, and explored teacher and learner perception of the relationship between singing and wellbeing.  During one of our cycles of learning it became clear that many of the teachers thought of the daily singing for wellbeing as a distinctly different activity to a music education task. In the subsequent cycle of learning we examined this idea further via focus group discussions and individual interviews, and engagement with relevant literature. We found there is considerable diversity in terms of the understandings and values that underpin music education programmes, and the approach taken as a result. However when singing is employed specifically to enhance wellbeing in schools, the focus needs to be on being together and having fun, rather than on learning to sing.

Nomadic Migration and Rural Violence in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-95
Author(s):  
Nsemba Edward Lenshie ◽  
Patience Kondu Jacob
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Migration Pattern ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Security Governance ◽  
North East ◽  
Descriptive Approach ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Depth Interviews

The relationship between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has in recent years become hot-tempered motivated by competitive control of land resources, particularly in central and north-east Nigeria. In Taraba State, the ongoing nomadic migration pattern from the Sahel in quest of pastures has led to violent confrontation between Fulani herdsmen and farming indigenous natives. Using a descriptive approach consisting of documented evidence, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the analysis revealed that conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous native farmers have culminated in population displacement and destruction of life and property in numerous rural enclaves in Taraba State. Despite the consequences of the conflicts, the Taraba State government was unable to act proactively because of the centralization of command over Nigerian security agencies. Accordingly, the study suggests decentralization of security agencies in Nigeria, especially the police, as the way forward for effective security governance in Nigeria.

CHALLENGES TO BUILDING AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIPS: LESSONS FROM BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusha Raniga ◽  
Barbara Simpson ◽  
Ntokozo Mthembu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Qualitative Phase

In contemporary South Africa, partnerships between service providers in government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and community based organisations have been identified as a means to strengthen communities and the sustainability of social services. However, the unequal power relations that exists between and within these organisations often leads to fragmentation, duplication, and lack of coordination of social services. Using Fowler’s (1998) conceptualisation of authentic partnerships, this qualitative phase of a larger study explored the challenges of building authentic partnerships in Bhambayi, a predominantly informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Individual interviews and a focus group held with nine service providers revealed that intraorganisational challenges, cross-boundary and inter-organisational relations as well as political influences were obstacles to the development of authentic partnerships. The article suggests that open communication, clarity of roles and mutual trust between service providers is vital.

Rancangan Sistem Pengukuran Kinerja Berbasis Human Resource Scorecard Pada Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-71
Author(s):  
Nurhaeda Abbas ◽  
Anggraini Sukmawati ◽  
Muhammad Syamsun
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Strategic Objectives ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
The Relationship

Today the performance measurement of Muhammadiyah Luwuk uUniversity’s performance has not formulated yet based on University’s vision and mission. It will affect the strategic steps needed and performance improvement efforts in the future.  Human resource scorecard is the right system to be applied in Muhammadiyah Luwuk University. The purpose of this study is to designed a performance measurement system at Muhammadiyah Luwuk University using the Human Resource Scorecard with four perspectives: stakeholder, academic management and kemuhammadiyaan, operational and innovation, as well as and learning. Data was analyzed by analytical hierarchy process method. This research was conducted by distributing questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interview with stakeholders at Muhammadiyah Luwuk University. The results showed that there were 14 strategic objectives and 33 key performance indicators to be achieved by the priority objectives, which are: empowerment and development of faculty, increased administrative process quality, improved sound budget performance and, improvement of the relationship with stakeholders.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Relationship between Cyniclomyces guttulatus and Rabbit Diarrhoea

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 880
Author(s):  
Tuanyuan Shi ◽  
Xinlei Yan ◽  
Hongchao Sun ◽  
Yuan Fu ◽  
Lili Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Zealand White Rabbit ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Cyniclomyces guttulatus is usually recognised as an inhabitant of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in rabbits. However, large numbers of C. guttulatus are often detected in the faeces of diarrhoeic rabbits. The relationship of C. guttulatus with rabbit diarrhoea needs to be clearly identified. In this study, a C. guttulatus Zhejiang strain was isolated from a New Zealand White rabbit with severe diarrhoea and then inoculated into SPF New Zealand white rabbits alone or co-inoculated with Eimeriaintestinalis, another kind of pathogen in rabbits. Our results showed that the optimal culture medium pH and temperature for this yeast were pH 4.5 and 40–42 °C, respectively. The sequence lengths of the 18S and 26S ribosomal DNA fragments were 1559 bp and 632 bp, respectively, and showed 99.8% homology with the 18S ribosomal sequence of the NRRL Y-17561 isolate from dogs and 100% homology with the 26S ribosomal sequence of DPA-CGR1 and CGDPA-GP1 isolates from rabbits and guinea pigs, respectively. In animal experiments, the C. guttulatus Zhejiang strain was not pathogenic to healthy rabbits, even when 1 × 108 vegetative cells were used per rabbit. Surprisingly, rabbits inoculated with yeast showed a slightly better body weight gain and higher food intake. However, SPF rabbits co-inoculated with C. guttulatus and E. intestinalis developed more severe coccidiosis than rabbits inoculated with C. guttulatus or E. intestinalis alone. In addition, we surveyed the prevalence of C. guttulatus in rabbits and found that the positive rate was 83% in Zhejiang Province. In summary, the results indicated that C. guttulatus alone is not pathogenic to healthy rabbits, although might be an opportunistic pathogen when the digestive tract is damaged by other pathogens, such as coccidia.

Disability and Social Exclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Individual Interviews

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

The Effect of Climate Change on the Health of Aged People in Ibadan, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O. J. Kehinde ◽  
A. T. Adeboyejo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Component Scores ◽  
Ibadan Nigeria

Susceptibility to ill health among aged people had been linked with climate change impacts in rapidly urbanising cities. Therefore, this study evaluates to the vulnerability of aged people to the health impacts of climate change in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data on clinically diagnosed climate related diseases (CRDs) (2000 – 2014) among aged people (>50 years) and temperature and rainfall parameters (1970 – 2007) in Ibadan were obtained and projected to year 2050. Also, the relationship between the climatic parameters and incidence of the five most prevalent CRDs were analysed using multiple regression. The increasing trend of mean maximum temperature (r = 0.47) and rainfall (r = 0.15) is associated with incidences of hypertension (34.4%), respiratory diseases (21.2%) and diarrhoea (14.3%) among aged people (> 60 years), mostly male folk (67.2%). The linear composite of disease communalities extracted 84.0% variance of the data set with the following component scores: skin disease (0.98), hypertension (0.96), respiratory disease (0.92), diarrhoea (0.89) and malaria (0.45). Further, CRDs (R2 = 27%, p = 0.012) in Ibadan among aged people could be significantly attributed to influences of climatic parameters. The study suggests building aged peoples’ resilience to emanating impacts through health and nutritional improvement programs, and re-introduction of neighbourhood parks and gardens.

Incidental specialised vocabulary acquisition: a case of incidental medical terms acquisition from students’ perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Abdullah Ghobain ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Medical Terms ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Technical Terms

This study observes a particular group of students learning medical terms (MT) implicitly through studying medical subjects. That is, based on the policy followed in the context of the study, students shall not receive any deliberate terms instruction. This paper investigates their experiences and attitudes towards acquiring MT in such a situation. Students’ acquisition and proficiency, hypothesizing a positive relationship between the two constructs, are self-assessed through pre- and post-test surveys. The surveys included 114 and 95 students in each phase, respectively. Prior to the surveys, focus group discussions were conducted, according to which the questionnaire was developed. A statistical correlational Pearson test was done to examine the relationship between students’ proficiency and incidental terms acquisition. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between the two constructs tested. The study also tested the effect of time on increasing acquisition through conducting a paired independent t-test between the two sets of data. The results found that a more extended period was significant to incidental acquisition. Overall, through comparing the means, modes, and medians in the two phases (pre- and post-test), the findings reveal an increase in the students’ terms acquisition volume. However, students seem not to favour the approach and still advocate explicit instruction for technical terms.

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