Three-stage publishing to support evidence-based management practice

This article proposes a 4-step model for scientific dissemination that aims to promote evidence-based professional practice in Operations Management or Human Resource Management as well as research with a more transparent and reproducible process. These 4 steps include:1 social network announcements,2 dissemination to scientific journals, 3 dissemination to social networks, and 4 scientific dissemination to professional journals. Central to the 4-step model is a three-stage publication process within the second step, which adds an additional stage to the two previously proposed (Marin-Garcia, 2015). These three publication stages begin with a protocol paper, are followed by a data paper, and finish with a traditional article. Each stage promotes research with merit which is citable and recognizable as such before the scientific evaluation bodies. As two of these stages are largely unknown within the fields of Business and Management, I define the details of a protocol paper and a data paper including their contents. In addition, I provide examples of both papers as well as the other steps of the science dissemination model. This model can be adopted by researchers as a means of achieving greater impact and transfer of research results. This work intends to help researchers to understand, to evaluate, and to make better decisions about how their research reaches society at large outside of academia.In this way, WPOM aligns with the recommendations of several leading journals in the field of business management on the need to promote transparent, accessible, and replicable science (Beugelsdijk et al., 2020). WPOM goes one step further in compliance with this direction by having relevant journals that not only accept, but also actively encourage the publication of protocol papers and data papers. WPOM strives to pioneer in this field of Business and Management.This article also explores the potential prevalence of protocol papers and data papers within the set of all articles published in journals indexed in Clarivate Web of Science and Scopus.With this editorial, WPOM is committed to promoting this model by accepting for review any of the three types of scientific contributions including protocol papers, data papers, and traditional papers.

Identifying and Prioritizing the Effective Criteria in Selecting Lean Six Sigma Improvement Projects in the Healthcare Sector

The main objective of this study was to identify and prioritize effective criteria in selecting Lean Six Sigma improvement projects in the healthcare and treatment sector in Iran. The present study was an applied research in terms of objective and a descriptive and analytical one according to the research methodology and data collection approach. The research statistical population included experts and managers with experience in the field of implementing the lean six sigma methodology in the field of healthcare and treatment in Iran. We used interviews and questionnaire tools to collect the data. The effective criteria were identified through reviewing previous research, which were then prioritized based on the experts’ opinions using the BWM method. According to the results, out of the six main dimensions and 20 criteria identified, the customer development dimension with a weight of 0.387 and the customer satisfaction criterion with a weight of 0.066 were determined as the most effective dimension and the most effective criterion, respectively. Accordingly, the directors of medical centers and organizations affiliated with the healthcare sector are recommended to pay special attention to these defined criteria of the customer development dimension to effectively implement the lean six sigma methodology and managing an effective customer relationship.

Does organizational justice enhance job performance through high-performance human resource practices?

This study aims to analyze the influence of organizational justice (OJ) on job performance (JP) intention via the mediating influence of high-performance human resource practices (HPHRPs) in a developing context. Equity theory and expectancy theory are widely employed in many disciplines but seldom applied to JP among Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) employees. The respondents in this study were 377 employees working in PTCL. Partial least square (PLS), specifically ̣ structural equation modeling was used for the data analysis. The study found a significant direct and indirect influence of distributive justice (DJ) on JP through the partial mediating role of selective staffing (SS) and extensive training (ET). Procedural justice (PJ) also, directly and indirectly, influenced JP through the partial mediating role of the incentive reward (IR). While interactional Justice (IJ), result-oriented appraisal (ROA), employment security (ES) had an insignificant influence on JP. OJ has to be synergized with HPHRPs to enhance JP. The results of this study would also augment the body of knowledge of JP in developed and under-developing countries. OJ has to be synergized with HPHRPs to enhance JP. The results of this study would also argue the body of knowledge of JP in developed and under-developing countries.

How to improve students’ experience in blending learning? Evidence from the perceptions of students in a Postgraduate Master’s Degree

This paper examines the perceptions of a group of students of a Postgraduate Master’s Degree in Cosmetics Industry at the Universitat de València, delivered with a blended learning modality, in relation to their experience in face-to-face learning and differentiating between those with or without a previous background in a remote online learning environment, with the added purpose of identifying strategies to enhance that experience, while offering further evidence for scholars, educators and institutions in this field. To this end, a survey with open questions devised ad hoc leaning on our literature review was submitted to a group of 114 students of the Master’s Degree in the period 2017-2020. Students were enquired about the pros and cons of their blended learning experience in relation to the traditional face-to-face learning, and which modality they would choose next time if both were offered, only considering the achievement, experience and satisfaction, regardless of the price. 77 students of our initial sample participated in the questionnaire, 38 of them without previous experience in blended or distance learning. The results show a certain predilection for face-to-face learning, especially in the group of newbies in blended or distance learning. They highlight how they miss a closer interaction with their peers and professors and the difficulties to assimilate certain content, while appraising the flexibility, autonomy, and the self-pace of the blended learning modality. Correspondingly, students with experience in remote online education settings generally show a better predisposal and find fewer disadvantages in blended learning. This suggests that the factor of experience and adaptation to new tools and methods improves student perception and confidence and shapes their preferences, with a foreseeable growing acceptance of blended learning in the future. Finally, the outcome allows us to define a series of strategies to improve the achievement, experience, and satisfaction of students in this learning context.

A data generator for covid-19 patients’ care requirements inside hospitals

<p class="Abstract">This paper presents the generation of a plausible data set related to the needs of COVID-19 patients with severe or critical symptoms. Possible illness’ stages were proposed within the context of medical knowledge as of January 2021. The parameters chosen in this data set were customized to fit the population data of the Valencia region (Spain) with approximately 2.5 million inhabitants. They were based on the evolution of the pandemic between September 2020 and March 2021, a period that included two complete waves of the pandemic.</p><p class="Abstract">Contrary to expectation and despite the European and national transparency laws (BOE-A2013-12887, 2013; European Parliament and Council of the European Union, 2019), the actual COVID-19 pandemic-related data, at least in Spain, took considerable time to be updated and made available (usually a week or more). Moreover, some relevant data necessary to develop and validate hospital bed management models were not publicly accessible. This was either because these data were not collected, because public agencies failed to make them public (despite having them indexed in their databases), the data were processed within indicators and not shown as raw data, or they simply published the data in a format that was difficult to process (e.g., PDF image documents versus CSV tables). Despite the potential of hospital information systems, there were still data that were not adequately captured within these systems.</p><p class="Abstract">Moreover, the data collected in a hospital depends on the strategies and practices specific to that hospital or health system. This limits the generalization of "real" data, and it encourages working with "realistic" or plausible data that are clean of interactions with local variables or decisions (Gunal, 2012; Marin-Garcia et al., 2020). Besides, one can parameterize the model and define the data structure that would be necessary to run the model without delaying till the real data become available. Conversely, plausible data sets can be generated from publicly available information and, later, when real data become available, the accuracy of the model can be evaluated (Garcia-Sabater and Maheut, 2021).</p><p class="Abstract">This work opens lines of future research, both theoretical and practical. From a theoretical point of view, it would be interesting to develop machine learning tools that, by analyzing specific data samples in real hospitals, can identify the parameters necessary for the automatic prototyping of generators adapted to each hospital. Regarding the lines of research applied, it is evident that the formalism proposed for the generation of sound patients is not limited to patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The generation of heterogeneous patients can represent the needs of a specific population and serve as a basis for studying complex health service delivery systems.</p><p class="Abstract"> </p><p class="Abstract"> </p>

Análisis de la política de motivación desde una perspectiva de género

The main objective of this paper is to present a method to analyze the motivational policy based on a gender perspective. To do this, we carry out the study of the motivating factors with the greatest presence in the company and the individual analysis of each one of them. We continue with their assessment based on the importance they have for each worker in their job position, using an adequacy coefficient as a measurement tool, comparing this assessment with the ideal of the company. We continue to show different results depending on the level of assessment of the motivational factors and comparing the answers according to the age, gender, etc., of the employees. From the analysis we observe that there are differences in the selection of factors and in the valuation of some of the choosen factors according to the gender of the employees.We conclude by presenting the implications that these results have for business management, highlighting the applicability of the method to any organization by using ad hoc designs.

Teaching experiences based on action research: a guide to publishing in scientific journals

<p class="Abstract">The aim of this paper is to justify action research as an adequate research model (sufficiently simple and efficient) to analyse and disseminate teaching innovation experiences in university contexts undertaken by lecturers-researchers whose main area of knowledge is business management or other social sciences where action research is a well-known methodology. We will justify that the teaching experiences of implementing good teaching/learning practices are perfectly suited to the characteristics of action research. A checklist of the research report content for publishing in scientific journals will be proposed. Consequently, the article will be useful to higher education academics and professionals.</p><p> </p>

Impact of Green Initiatives on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: The Case of Manufacturing Firm in Central Luzon

<p class="Abstract">This study was conducted to propose the Green Economic Development Plan for Manufacturing S.M.E.s based on financial performance and operations thru Green Initiatives. The descriptive survey method used to gather data to determine the green initiative's implementation of small and medium (S.M.E.s) manufacturing enterprises. Green initiatives use as a basis for crafting a green economic development plan. Document analysis was also employed to obtain data from any available printed materials and records provided by the respondents. Such methods of gathering information used to validate data gathered from local and foreign-related literature. The observation also employed to survey the assets owned and validate any green initiatives practiced, including their implementation. The study's findings show that among the green initiatives implemented by SMMEs, which resulted in the reduction of total costs and expenses, were the proper disposal and segregation of waste materials, water management by recycling wastewater and using water-efficient equipment, natural resources, and raw materials management. SMMEs should encourage active participation and support of suppliers and customers in achieving G.E.D.'s objectives by developing incentive schemes. <span lang="EN-US">Furthermore, SMMEs should continue to benchmark with G.E.D. Practitioners are operating locally and abroad to adopt best greening strategies and regularly network with concerned government agencies for continuous updating on G.E.D. Initiatives that may benefit the firm. Further research may be conducted on green initiatives implemented by small and medium enterprises in other industry sectors.</span></p>

Design and Development of a Genetic Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Inference Systems for Personnel Assignment Problem

<p class="Abstract">In today’s competitive markets, the role of human resources as a sustainable competitive advantage is undeniable. Reliable hiring decisions for personnel assignation contribute greatly to a firms’ success. The Personnel Assignment Problem (PAP) relies on assigning the right people to the right positions. The solution to the PAP provided in this paper includes the introducing and testing of an algorithm based on a combination of a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The evaluation of candidates is based on subjective knowledge and is influenced by uncertainty. A FIS is applied to model experts’ qualitative knowledge and reasoning. Also, a GA is applied for assigning assessed candidates to job vacancies based on their competency and the significance of each position. The proposed algorithm is applied in an Iranian company in the chocolate industry. Thirty-five candidates were evaluated and assigned to three different positions. The results were assessed by ten staff managers and the algorithm results proved to be satisfactory in discovering desirable solutions. Also, two GA selection techniques (tournament selection and proportional roulette wheel selection) were used and compared. Results show that tournament selection has better performance than proportional roulette wheel selection.</p>

Protocol: Triple Diamond method for problem solving and design thinking. Rubric validation

<p class="Abstract">There is a set of tools that we can use to improve the results of each of the phases that continuous improvement projects must go through (8D, PDCA, DMAIC, Double diamond, etc.). These methods use divergent techniques, which help generate multiple alternatives, and convergent techniques that help analyze and filter the generated options. However, the tools used in all those frameworks are often very similar. Our goal, in this research, is to develop a comprehensive model that allows it to be used both for problem-solving and for taking advantage of opportunities. This protocol defines the main terms related to our research, makes a framework proposal, proposes a rubric that identifies observable milestones at each stage of the model and proposes the action plan to validate this rubric and the model in a given context. The action plan will be implemented in a future research.</p>