scholarly journals Designing a Model for Managing the Food Service Department in Iranian Hospitals

Author(s):  
Esa Fathi ◽  
Amir Ashkan Nasiripour ◽  
Nader Khalesi ◽  
Reaz Ziyari

Background: Optimal management of food services in hospitals plays an important role in their performance, accelerating the patients’ recovery and increasing the level of patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to design a model for food service management in Iranian hospitals. Methots: This descriptive correlational study was carried out using structural equation modeling. Simple random sampling was performed and the study participants were selected among  hospital managers, nutrition experts, and environmental health experts in a hospital management conference in Tehran in September 2018. The measurement tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed construct validity and corroborated reliability through Cronbach's alpha. For data analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed via SPSS 21 and AMOS 22 software. Results: Based on the obtained model, 5 main factors affecting the management of food service sector were identified, including: health and safety factors, satisfaction factors, food waste factors, monitoring and control factors, and mechanism factors. Among these, health and mechanism factors with coefficients of 0.874 and 0.612 had the highest and the lowest effect in the management of food services in Iranian hospitals, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained model, various factors are effective in food management that should be considered in hospital planning. Based on this, the food health and safety dimensions are of particular importance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-29

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of perceived servant leadership on the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of followers. Design/methodology/approach Data was gathered from the responses of 205 employees working in service- sector organizations in Kuwait as part of a larger questionnaire survey on employee satisfaction and leadership. Servant leadership was then measured using Liden’s (2008) 28 item servant leader instrument and analyzed using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings The results suggest that the seven factor model proposed by Linden (2008) is shown to be valid in this study with good reliability. In addition a second-order factor analysis showed strong positive correlations were found between servant leadership and both intrinsic (0.69) and extrinsic (0.08) job satisfaction. Practical implications Promoting altruistic approaches to leadership which increases extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction will have a positive effect on the organizational goals. Leaders should be made aware of this so they can put interventions in place to improve overall performance. Originality/value This paper is of value as research examining the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction has been limited so it adds to the body of knowledge with particular relevance to the nature of this relationship in the service sector in the Middle East.


Author(s):  
Sabiha Mumtaz ◽  
Sanjai K. Parahoo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of individual differences particularly self-efficacy (SE) and growth need strength (GNS) as antecedents of employee innovation performance (IP). Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 354 employees in the United Arab Emirates service sector, the study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the model for IP. The predictors of IP were SE (conceptualized as a three-factor construct including initiative, effort and persistence) and GNS. Findings SE-effort, SE-persistence and GNS had a significant direct effect on IP with SE-effort displaying strongest relationship, followed by SE-persistence and lastly GNS, while SE-initiative did not have a significant direct effect on IP. Originality/value The present study contributes to scant literature pertaining to the relationship of GNS with IP. It is the first study to examine both SE and GNS together in the same model for their impact on IP.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezat Samadipour ◽  
Fatemeh Ghardashi

Abstract Background Risk perception in this COVID19 situation is important and its measurement tool can be useful in terms of the making of social health policy. This study aimed to develop and psychometrics properties of a new scale, for assessing general perception of Covid-19 risk (GPCOVID-19R) in Iran.Methods A methodological study with a structural equation model approach was used to develop and psychometrics the GPCOVID-19 R questionnaire. First, qualitative method, an operational definition of risk perception of COVID-19 was presented by 10 experts. The item generation and scale development were performed through literature review, a qualitative approach, and interviews with an expert panel. Then, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated by means of cross-sectional studies. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and scale correlation were performed using Amos software version 23.Results 304 users of social groups in Tehran province participated in completing the online questionnaire. The results of psychometric properties of the questionnaire indicate the desired validity and reliability. The exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors, containing 20 items. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a model with appropriate fitness for the data.Conclusion The results of the study suggest that GPCOVID-19R is a reliable and valid tool for measuring Iranians' general perception of Covid-19 risk.


2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viren Swami ◽  
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic ◽  
Khairul Mastor ◽  
Fatin Hazwani Siran ◽  
Mohammad Mohsein Mohammad Said ◽  
...  

The present study examined conceptual issues surrounding celebrity worship in a Malay-speaking population. In total, 512 Malay and 269 Chinese participants from Malaysia indicated who their favorite celebrity was and completed the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) as well as a range of demographic items. Results showed that the majority of Malay and Chinese participants selected pop stars and movie stars as their favourite celebrities, mirroring findings in Western settings. In addition, exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution of the CAS that was consistent with previous studies conducted in the West. Structural equation modeling further revealed that participant’s age was negatively associated with celebrity worship and that self-rated attractiveness was positively associated with celebrity worship. Overall, the present results suggest that celebrity worship in Malaysia may be driven by market and media forces, and future research may well be guided by use of the CAS.


2021 ◽  
pp. 001316442110089
Author(s):  
Yuanshu Fu ◽  
Zhonglin Wen ◽  
Yang Wang

Composite reliability, or coefficient omega, can be estimated using structural equation modeling. Composite reliability is usually estimated under the basic independent clusters model of confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA). However, due to the existence of cross-loadings, the model fit of the exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) is often found to be substantially better than that of ICM-CFA. The present study first illustrated the method used to estimate composite reliability under ESEM and then compared the difference between ESEM and ICM-CFA in terms of composite reliability estimation under various indicators per factor, target factor loadings, cross-loadings, and sample sizes. The results showed no apparent difference in using ESEM or ICM-CFA for estimating composite reliability, and the rotation type did not affect the composite reliability estimates generated by ESEM. An empirical example was given as further proof of the results of the simulation studies. Based on the present study, we suggest that if the model fit of ESEM (regardless of the utilized rotation criteria) is acceptable but that of ICM-CFA is not, the composite reliability estimates based on the above two models should be similar. If the target factor loadings are relatively small, researchers should increase the number of indicators per factor or increase the sample size.


SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110223
Author(s):  
Nabia Luqman Siddiquei ◽  
Ruhi Khalid

The present study aimed to develop an indigenous measure of learning styles for e-learners in Pakistan and to establish its psychometric properties. The objectives of the study were attained via three studies. First, the items for the development of the Learning Style Scale for e-Learners (e-LSS) were generated empirically based on a 5-point Likert-type scale. In Study I, the internal consistency and dimensionality of the measure were determined by sampling 360 e-learners aged from 20 to 40 years through a convenient sampling technique, whereas other demographic characteristics were kept in close consideration. For this purpose, exploratory factor analysis was utilized. In Study II of scale development, the factor structure that emerged in Study I was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. In Study III, the convergent and divergent validities of the newly constructed scale were established by correlating scores with preestablished scale scores that assess the similar construct (i.e., LSS) and with scores on the discriminant construct (i.e., Solving Problems Survey). The sample for this study consisted of 80 e-learners aged from 20 to 40 years. A total of 29 items were confirmed in the final scale with 8 distinctive factors (namely, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, global, analytical, individual, collaborative, and technological type) with sound psychometric properties. To conclude, the newly constructed scale was a significant addition to assess learning styles particularly of e-learners in the context of Pakistan.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Παναγιώτης Ιωακειμίδης

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αποσκοπεί στο να καταγράψει την ικανοποίηση των επισκεπτών από τις παρεχόμενες υπηρεσίες στα θεματικά μουσεία της Ελλάδας, την πρόθεση συμπεριφοράς των επισκεπτών και κατά πόσο τεχνικές του τουριστικού μάρκετινγκ λαμβάνουν χώρα στα θεματικά μουσεία. Έγινε μία προσπάθεια να καταγραφούν οι απόψεις των ανθρώπων των θεματικών μουσείων και η αντίληψή τους σχετικά με το τουριστικό μάρκετινγκ, οι αντιλήψεις των επισκεπτών σχετικά με την εμπειρία που βιώνουν σε ένα θεματικό μουσείο, ο βαθμός ικανοποίησης τους, η υφιστάμενη κατάσταση που επικρατεί στα θεματικά μουσεία της χώρας και οι ενδεχόμενες αλλαγές που μπορούν να προκύψουν με απώτερο σκοπό την αύξηση της επισκεψιμότητας. Ένα αξιοσημείωτο της παρούσας έρευνας, είναι ένας σημαντικός αριθμός προσωπικών συνεντεύξεων με κατοίκους περιμετρικά των μουσείων που ερευνήθηκαν και η προσπάθεια καταγραφής των απόψεων και αντιλήψεων τους για τα μουσεία αυτά.Διενεργήθηκε επίσης μία ποσοτική έρευνα σε επισκέπτες θεματικών μουσείων της χώρας μας αλλά και στο ανθρώπινο δυναμικό που εργάζεται σε πολιτιστικούς οργανισμούς, καθώς και εκπαιδευτικούς. Διακρίνοντας τα μουσεία σε δημόσια και ιδιωτικά, σημαντική ήταν η καταγραφή απόψεων ότι στα περισσότερα δημόσια θεματικά μουσεία τα οποία λειτουργούν κάτω από την επίβλεψη του δημόσιου φορέα, δεν υπάρχουν συχνά δυνατότητες για καινοτομία και πρωτοτυπία. Τα πορίσματα της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι αρκετά σημαντικά λόγω της έλλειψης προηγούμενης έρευνας επάνω στα θεματικά μουσεία της Ελλάδας, από την οπτική του μάρκετινγκ και την αναγκαιότητα αυτού. Η πλειονότητα των ανθρώπων των θεματικών μουσείων με τους οποίους ήρθα σε επαφή, εντοπίζουν την ανάγκη για τεχνικές τουριστικού μάρκετινγκ στα μουσεία καθώς όλοι αντιλαμβάνονται ότι οι επισκέπτες αναζητούν ποιοτικότερες ψυχαγωγικές επιλογές, έχουν περισσότερες απαιτήσεις επισκεπτόμενοι ένα θεματικό μουσείο και ευελπιστούν σε μία βιωματική και διαδραστική εμπειρία που θα τους μείνει αξέχαστη. Σε αυτό το εγχείρημα, συνεργός είναι τα ποικίλα οπτικοακουστικά μέσα των νέων τεχνολογιών που ενισχύουν το βιωματικό χαρακτήρα της επίσκεψης και ερευνώνται στη διατριβή. Η παρούσα διατριβή αποτελεί μία πρώτη προσπάθεια χαρτογράφησης των τεχνικών τουριστικού μάρκετινγκ που χρησιμοποιούν τα θεματικά μουσεία της χώρας , τις σημαντικές ιδιαιτερότητες του τουρισμού που έχουν άμεση επίδραση στην επισκεψιμότητα των θεματικών μουσείων και τέλος προτάσσει ενέργειες και τεχνικές μάρκετινγκ για να δημιουργηθεί ένας ενάρετος κύκλος πολιτισμού - ψυχαγωγίας - οικονομίας. Για την επεξεργασία των δεδομένων της ποσοτικής έρευνας χρησιμοποιήθηκε το στατιστικό εργαλείο SPSS, αναλύθηκαν τα ευρήματα της Διερευνητικής Ανάλυσης Παραγόντων (Exploratory Factor Analysis) και των τεστ αξιοπιστίας με τον δείκτη Cronbach’s Alpha, εφαρμόζοντας και την μέθοδο Μοντελοποίησης Δομικών Εξισώσεων (Structural Equation Modeling, SEM) για τον έλεγχο των ερευνητικών υποθέσεων. Οι ερευνητικές υποθέσεις δημιουργήθηκαν έπειτα από ενδελεχή έρευνα μοντέλων που εφαρμόστηκαν σε προηγμένες μουσειολογικά χώρες, όπως η Ισπανία, η Ιταλία, η Ολλανδία κ.α. και μπορούν να ληφθούν σοβαρά υπόψιν στο κοινωνικό-οικονομικό περιβάλλον της Ελλάδας. Απώτερος στόχος του ερευνητικού μοντέλου είναι εάν ο επισκέπτης θα οδηγηθεί σε μελλοντική επίσκεψη (revisit ) ή θα αποτελέσει ο ίδιος κινητή διαφήμιση word-of-mouth του μουσείου που επισκέφθηκε.Η έρευνα αποτελεί οδηγό για μελλοντικές έρευνες που θα πλαισιώσουν ή θα συμπεριλάβουν τα θεματικά μουσεία για νέες μελέτες, όπως για παράδειγμα πολιτιστικές διαδρομές και είναι ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο που έρχεται να καλύψει το ερευνητικό κενό που υπάρχει γύρω από το είδος των μουσείων αυτών.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Corsaro ◽  
Isabella Maggioni

Purpose This study aims to offer a conceptualization of sales transformation, a phenomenon that is redefining the role of salespeople and the nature of Business-to-Business (B2B) relationships while disrupting the selling logics across a variety of industries. Design/methodology/approach Through a two-stage approach, the authors propose and test a conceptual model of sales transformation. The authors conducted 20 interviews and two focus groups with sales directors and managers. The authors then surveyed directors, executives and managers in the sales area (n = 190) and tested a reflective–formative hierarchical model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings Sales transformation is a multidimensional construct that includes four higher-order dimensions, namely, people, digitalization, integration and acceleration, and 16 sub-dimensions. These dimensions simultaneously contribute to the sales transformation phenomenon that is conceptualized as a systemic process. This study also offers a measurement tool to assess the degree of sales transformation and enhance the value generated through sales. Originality/value Although many companies are facing challenges stemming from the process of sales transformation, most studies have only focused on micro-aspects of this transformation. This study provides a holistic view of sales transformation aimed at understanding the complexity of this phenomenon by adopting a macro-level perspective on the different dimensions that contribute to its occurrence and development.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lithopoulos ◽  
Peter A. Dacin ◽  
Tanya R. Berry ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Norm O’Reilly ◽  
...  

Purpose The brand equity pyramid is a theory that explains how people develop loyalty and an attachment to a brand. The purpose of this study is to test whether the predictions made by the theory hold when applied to the brand of ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes active living. A secondary objective was to test whether this theory predicted intentions to be more physically active. Design/methodology/approach A research agency conducted a cross-sectional, online brand health survey on behalf of ParticipACTION. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis established the factor structure. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings A nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 1,191) completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a hypothesized five-factor brand equity framework (i.e. brand identity, brand meaning, brand responses, brand resonance and intentions). A series of structural equation models also provided support for the hypothesized relationships between the variables. Practical implications Though preliminary, the results provide a guide for understanding the branding process in the activity-promotion context. The constructs identified as being influential in this process can be targeted by activity-promotion organizations to improve brand strength. A strong organizational brand could augment activity-promotion interventions. A strong brand may also help the organization better compete against other brands promoting messages that are antithetical to their own. Originality/value This is the first study to test the brand equity pyramid using an activity-promotion brand. Results demonstrate that the brand equity pyramid may be useful in this context.


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