Search

Drawing on the data collected via a European funded project with eleven higher education partners, the article proposes a five-stage working model which can be adopted in and adapted to different institutional contexts so as to shift perceptions, strengthen engagement and channel commitment with a view to developing the desired quality culture. The project explored ways in which quality in higher education was viewed and practised by three main stakeholder groups: students, academics and quality managers, referred to as three 'quality circles'. It adopted a reflective approach to issues of quality based on grassroots discussion and cooperation between key, but in some cases disengaged, stakeholders in the quality process. The project designed, tried and tested a series of activities which demonstrated lasting impact. The analysis of the project data revealed a patterning, which, if organised sequentially, carries the potential to crystalise into an action model which may be replicated by individual higher education institutions in support of advancing towards the quality culture they might be striving for. This article highlights the building blocks of the model and explains practices which can underpin their successful implementation.

One of the dilemmas faced by today's faculty is assuring quality in online courses. As one solution to that dilemma, Quality Matters (QM), a program of MarylandOnline, built a rubric of design standards informed by existing research literature and best practices. The rubric was implemented within a faculty-centred, peer review process in which colleagues share their expertise to facilitate course design improvements and to achieve an established level of quality in online course design. This article will describe the basic tenets and processes of QM as an inter-institutional quality assurance program for online learning.

Introduction: Community health centers known in Indonesia as Primary Health Care (PHC) serve as the primary care facilities in the country. It is the main engine for the success of providing care at the first line for the community. Accreditation is among efforts to enforce a comprehensive management function in primary care. The achievement of accreditation reflects the management cycle of the PHC; however, a number of these facilities are still struggling with achieving maximum accreditation standards. Limited attention and research support that identify PHC management function called for further investigation. Therefore, this study initiated to investigate and evaluate the primary care management cycle and its functionality through the lens of qualitative research. Method: We conducted 15 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion (FGD) which was attended by eight participants. The setting was in five PHC in Banda Aceh, the capital city of Aceh province, Indonesia. The involved participants were individuals who had a direct role in the accreditation process. The data was analyzed by using thematic analysis techniques. Result: There were three main themes and several subthemes derived from the analysis: (1) Work plan: integrative plan development, slow execution; (2) Leaders' roles: Role's awareness, work commitment. The results of this study evaluated the implementation of quality management in PHC. To some extent, there were potential obstacles for PHC hindering them from achieving optimal accreditation. Conclusion: These could create pathways for policy development or as a reference for related authorities/policymakers in developing a framework plan to assist the PHC in the implementation of the management cycle leading to plenary national acknowledgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The need for quality-promoting measures in self-help work arises from the importance of self-help within the health care system and an associated demand for professionalisation. In a pilot study, members of different self-help groups worked with the “Quality Circle in Health Care” method, QuiG® for short, and their learning effects were tracked and described. Research questions: What and how is learned in a QuiG®? Can the QuiG® methodology be transferred to the work in self-help groups and thus positively contribute to coping with illness and life? Methods: We chose a qualitative study design. After completing the quality circle, we conducted guided interviews with each participant. The interviews were evaluated using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring. Results: The quality circle work shows its effects both in the self-help work and in the everyday life of the participants. It becomes clear that the learning effects are not dependent on the respective clinical picture of the QuiG® participant and are not limited to the disease that had led to participation in the self-help group. Discussion: The interview and the guide were very well suited for this research project. As influencing factors, for example, a language barrier, comprehension problems, the age difference between the interviewee and interviewer, and the life history background of the interviewees could be identified. The evaluation method impresses by its strength – rule-guidedness; weaknesses are the early reduction of the complexity of the object of analysis during the evaluation and the missing guidance for the study of the developed code system. As leading learning processes of the participants, learning from the model, experiential learning and reflective learning, could be worked out as core processes. Regarding the transferability of the QuiG® method to the work in self-help groups, it becomes clear that it is fundamentally feasible and meaningful. Still, structural and content-related conditions should be elaborated and adapted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acceptance sampling is a useful tool for determining whether submitted lots should be accepted or rejected. With the current increase in outsourcing production processes and the high-quality levels required, it is very desirable to have an efficient and economic sampling scheme. This paper develops a variables repetitive group sampling (RGS) plan that accounts for the process yield (meeting the manufacturing specifications) and the quality loss (variation from the target). The plan parameters are determined by solving a nonlinear optimisation problem. This implies that the plan parameters minimise the average sample number required for inspection and fulfil the classical two-point conditions on the operating characteristic (OC) curve. Besides, this paper investigates the efficiency of the proposed plan and compares it with the existing variables single sampling plan. Tables of the plan parameters for the proposed variables RGS plan are provided and an application example is presented for illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a total quality management (TQM) approach and the EFQM Model framework, this contribution aims to study the influence of TQM social factors on organisational results, by considering the TQM technical factors as a mediating variable in this relationship. Moreover, the effect of size and type of business on the implementation of TQM and results is analysed, as well as determining which TQM practices have a more important effect on the operational results. The research questions and hypotheses proposed in this research model are tested on a sample of 116 Spanish firms. The results support the reliability, validity and the high-predictive power of the EFQM Excellence Model as a framework for the implementation of TQM. Moreover, our findings indicate that TQM social factors provide a cornerstone for the success of the quality system. Similarly, TQM technical factors partially mediate the relationship between TQM social factors and results. It was also found that TQM social factors and processes management are the main predictors of operational performance. Finally, significant differences were found in TQM implementation, and in the key results of companies, based on their size; however, these differences are not significant based on the sector activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of the Choosing Wisely (CW) campaign is debated as recommendations alone may not modify physician behavior.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether behavioral interventions with physician assessment and feedback during quality circles (QCs) could reduce low-value services.Design and Participants: Pre-post quality improvement intervention with a parallel comparison group involving outpatients followed in a Swiss-managed care network, including 700 general physicians (GPs) and 150,000 adult patients.Interventions: Interventions included performance feedback about low-value activities and comparison with peers during QCs. We assessed individual physician behavior and healthcare use from laboratory and insurance claims files between August 1, 2016, and October 31, 2018.Main Measures: Main outcomes were the change in prescription of three low-value services 6 months before and 6 months after each intervention: measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prescription rates of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins.Key Results: Among primary care practices, a QC intervention with physician feedback and peer comparison resulted in lower rates of PPI prescription (pre-post mean prescriptions per GP 25.5 ± 23.7 vs 22.9 ± 21.4, p value<0.01; coefficient of variation (Cov) 93.0% vs 91.0%, p=0.49), PSA measurement (6.5 ± 8.7 vs 5.3 ± 6.9 tests per GP, p<0.01; Cov 133.5% vs 130.7%, p=0.84), as well as statins (6.1 ± 6.8 vs 5.6 ± 5.4 prescriptions per GP, p<0.01; Cov 111.5% vs 96.4%, p=0.21). Changes in prescription of low-value services among GPs who did not attend QCs were not statistically significant over this time period.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a modest but statistically significant effect of QCs with educative feedback in reducing low-value services in outpatients with low impact on coefficient of variation. Limiting overuse in medicine is very challenging and dedicated discussion and real-time review of actionable data may help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality assurance includes all the factors involved in preventing quality problems within systematic and planned activities, which means the existence of a good quality managerial system in the field of human resources. The paper presents types of organizational structures that involve all personnel of a company in the assurance and continuous improvement of quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to describe antibacterial use in long-term care facilities and to investigate the determinants of use. This study is a quality improvement study conducted from January 2011 to December 2016. Long-term care facilities in the canton of Vaud, Western Switzerland, were investigated. Twenty-three long-term care facilities were included in this study. The intervention included the publication of local guidelines on empirical antibacterial therapy and the implementation of physician-pharmacist-nurse quality circles. The main outcome was antibacterial use, expressed as defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 beds per day. Statistical analyses were performed through a 1-level mixed model for repeated measurements. Antibacterial use decreased from 45.6 to 35.5 DDD per 1000 beds per day (−22%, P <.01) over the 6-year study period, which was mostly explained by reduced fluoroquinolone use (−59%, P <.001). A decrease in range of use among LTCFs was observed during the study period, and 27% of antibacterial use was related to the WATCH group (antibiotics with higher toxicity concerns and/or resistance potential) according to the AWaRe categorization of the WHO, decreasing from 17.3 DDD per 1000 beds per day to 9.5 (−45%) over the study period. The use of antibacterials from the RESERVE group ("last-resort" treatment options) was very low. A reduction in facility-level antibacterial use and in variability across LTCFs was observed over the study period. The dissemination of empirical antibacterial prescription guidelines and the implementation of physician-pharmacist-nurse quality circles in all LTCFs of the canton of Vaud likely contributed to this reduction. Antibacterials from the WATCH group still represented 27% of the total use, providing targets for future antibiotic stewardship activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and describe the core characteristics and the spread of quality circles in primary healthcare in European countries. Design: An online survey was conducted among European Society for Quality and Safety in Family Practice (EQuiP) delegates. To allow comparison with earlier results, a similar survey as in a study from 2000 was used. Setting: Primary Health Care in European countries. Subjects: General practitioners, delegated experts of the European Society for Quality and Safety in Family Practice (EQuiP). Main outcome measures: (1) Attendance in quality circles (2) their objectives (3) methods of quality improvement quality circles use (4) facilitator's role and training (5) role of institutions (6) supporting material and data sources quality circles use. Results: 76% of the delegates responded, representing 24 of 25 countries. In 13 countries, more than 10% of general practitioners participated in quality circles, compared with eight countries in 2000. The focus of quality circles moved from continuous medical education to quality improvement. Currently, quality circles groups use case-based discussions, educational materials and local opinion leaders in addition to audit and feedback. Some national institutions provide training for facilitators and data support for quality circle groups. Conclusion: The use of quality circles has increased in European countries with a shift in focus from continuous medical education to quality improvement. Well-trained facilitators are important, as is the use of varying didactic methods and quality improvement tools. Qualitative inquiry is necessary to examine why QCs thrive or fail in different countries and systems. Countries with already established quality circle movements increased their participation rate and extended their range of quality circle activities The focus of quality circles has moved from CME/CPD to quality improvement Well-trained facilitators are important, as is the use of varying didactic methods and quality improvement tools Institutions should provide supporting material and training for facilitators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the effect of quality control circle (QCC) activity on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in type 2 diabetic patients. Design Pre-test Post-test study. Setting Outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Eastern China. Subjects A total of 110 insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients. Interventions Quality control circle. Main outcome measures Quality of self-monitoring of blood glucose and blood glucose control in patients. Results At the end of QCC activity, the proportion of patients performingregular SMBG and the frequency of SMBG were significantly increased. The incidence of using expired test strips, incorrect timing of blood glucose monitoring, improper operation and non-calibration of meters were all significantly decreased. Consequently, the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin,one-week fasting blood glucose, and one-month incidence of hypoglycemia were significantly decreased in these patients. Conclusion The QCC activity plays an active and beneficial role in improving SMBG and blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. This activity should be promoted in future clinical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on improvement in quality control, demonstrating how managers can benefit from looking past improvements of internal processes and better serve customers. Little attention is actually paid to customers in the quality control process. Typical quality programs seek to improving business processes, making customer benefits that arise from these activities incidental. Improvement teams, quality circles and quality councils are all designed to examine and improve on internal processes of the organization. The author looks at the link between quality improvements and market share, including the attraction of new customers and the retention of existing ones.

California, where many Japanese firms operate in the retail service sector, provides a laboratory to examine the extent to which the high levels of personal service that are routinely achieved in Japan have been exported to the United States. The eight Japanese firms examined in this study have not implemented the Japanese approach to service in the U.S. because they believe that the nature of the workforce and environment make its implementation infeasible and because they do not believe it to be cost effective. Rather, the Japanese compete very much like U.S. firms with respect to personal service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that some organizations implemented the ISO 9001 standard more than 25 years ago, while others did it a while ago, some quality management systems (QMS) are older than others. This fact led authors to question whether there are differences between long and recently implemented quality management systems. Is there a pattern that QMS follows in its aging that could be considered as a life cycle of QMS? From October 2013 to June 2014, authors have conducted a survey in 186 certified companies using structured questionnaire in order to learn whether there was a significant difference between long and recently implemented QMSs. Collected data were processed using the ANOVA test with a confidence interval of 95%, i.e., α=0. 05. Results show that there is a difference between quality management systems in the mature stage and those recently implemented. However, research pointed out two facts. First,34.41% of all surveyed companies apply QMS partially and have virtual QMS that has no purpose of improving business performances but only the purpose of maintaining the company’s certificate. Second, in companies that apply QMS fully, the frequency of all processes (which are elements of QMS) decreases in the first seven years of implementation, while after that period it begins to increase. Also, the paper describes indicators for determining companies which partially apply QMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the comment section of patient satisfaction surveys, Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, IN went through a thoughtful process to arrive at an experience that patients said they wanted. Two Lean Six Sigma tools were used--the Voice of the Customer (VoC) and the Affinity Diagram. Even when using these tools, a facility will not be able to accomplish everything the patient may want. Guidelines were set and rules were established for the Process Improvement Team in order to lessen frustration, increase focus, and ultimately be successful. The project's success is driven by the team members carrying its message back to their areas. It's about ensuring that everyone is striving to improve the patients' experience by listening to what they say is being done right and what they say can be done better. And then acting on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives In Austria, the participation of general practitioners (GPs) in so-called 'quality circles for pharmacotherapy' (QCPs) was taken as a special approach to increase the use of generics and possibly, to improve the quality and efficiency of prescribing patterns in primary care. This study aimes at exploring GPs' perception of QCPs whether they think that taking part has helped to change their prescribing habits, their opinions on generics in general and the issues that arise for them in attempting to promote their use. Methods Qualitative analysis was used to evaluate QCP protocols for their potential to evoke discussion in the group and for their relevance to our study questions. Results Of the 821 self-employed GPs in Vienna under contract with the Vienna District Health Insurance Fund 445 took part at least once in the study period. Seven main topics, which provide insight into various aspects of patient care in primary care, were identified: QCPs work, generic drug prescription, problems related to the sale of generics, patient counselling and education, therapy adherence, coordination of care, competence and medical education. From all prescribed drugs for which generics were available in the fourth quarter of the year 2003 GPs prescribed 33.91% generics, in the fourth quarter of 2004 43.97%, in the fourth quarter of 2005 46.31%, and in the fourth quarter of 2006 49.88%. Conclusions Peer review groups can be an important method of quality improvement in GPs' prescribing behaviour in favour of generics. QCPs also facilitate the exchange between GPs on problems encountered and provide feedback to policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a large-scale analysis of a nationwide disease management program in Germany for patients with diabetes mellitus. The German program differs markedly from "classic" disease management in the United States. Although it combines important hallmarks of vendor-based disease management and the Chronic Care Model, the German program is based in primary care practices and carried out by physicians, and it draws on their personal relationships with patients to promote adherence to treatment goals and self-management. After four years of follow-up, overall mortality for patients and drug and hospital costs were all significantly lower for patients who participated in the program compared to other insured patients with similar health profiles who were not in the program. These results suggest that the German disease management program is a successful strategy for improving chronic illness care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to examine the inter-relationships of TQM practices in ISO 9000 certified organisations in Greek organisations. The sample comprised Greek companies that have been implementing a quality management system in accordance with the ISO 9001:2000 standard. The reliability and validity of the quality management practices was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, while their relationships were examined through structural equation modelling. The study revealed that practices such as process quality management and employee involvement are mainly influenced by practices such as quality management and customer focus and secondarily by quality improvement tools and techniques. The participation of companies from all sectors in the research does not offer the possibility to include some special characteristics of each individual sector in the shaping of the management framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally design quality and conformance quality are considered separately in the literature. In this paper we integrate these two quality dimensions into stylised quality decision models for synthesising design quality cost, conformance quality cost and product revenue components. We show that under both decision scenarios (either customer can or cannot perceive the actual quality deviations at purchasing time), optimal design quality, conformance quality and price decisions are positively interrelated. Our research offers both theoretical and practical contributions towards total quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we seek to answer a fundamental question: Why is quality improving continuously? Quality improvement is a goal that firms always pursue. Previous research on quality improvement centred mostly on total quality management (TQM), which emphasises a customer-oriented activity that relies on continuous devotion to quality improvement throughout a whole company. Yet, the mechanism of quality improvement is not well understood. This article draws on an integrated perspective of institutional theory and the resource-based view of the firm, highlighting the importance of resource exploitation based on an institution. We further argue that a hereditary institution can facilitate trust development, which in turn results in an advantageous endogenous resource, i.e., self-reinforcing human capital, supporting continuous quality improvement. To examine this argument, we draw on a case study of Largan Precision, the world's largest aspherical optical plastic lens supplier, to illustrate its successful mechanism of quality improvement. Finally, conclusion and implications for theory and practice are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality problem still exists and total quality management (TQM) and international standards for quality management (International Standardization Organization ISO 9000:1994 and ISO 9001:2000) are not effective enough to resolve this problem. The main reason for the deficiency of TQM and ISO tools is lack of a reliable and objective technical basis. Because of the vagueness of the term 'quality', the existing situation is even more complicated. Importantly, the vagueness of the term 'quality' is the same as the vagueness of the terms 'democracy', 'freedom', 'illness', etc. Therefore we have been forced to speak about quasi-objective and quasi-formal arguments and activity. This article intends to begin work in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) is an approach to management embracing both social and technical dimensions aimed at achieving excellent results, which needs to be put into practice through a specific framework. Nowadays, quality award models, such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model, are used as a guide to TQM implementation by a large number of organizations. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of empirical research confirming whether these models clearly reflect the main premises of TQM. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extent to which the EFQM Excellence Model captures the main assumptions involved in the TQM concept, that is, the distinction between technical and social TQM issues, the holistic interpretation of TQM in the firm, and the causal linkage between TQM procedures and organizational performance. Based on responses collected from managers of 446 Spanish companies by means of a structured questionnaire, we find that: (a) social and technical dimensions are embedded in the model; (b) both dimensions are intercorrelated; (c) they jointly enhance results. These findings support the EFQM Excellence Model as an operational framework for TQM, and also reinforce the results obtained in previous studies for the MBNQA, suggesting that quality award models really are TQM frameworks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper demonstrates a new approach for analyzing evaluation data to determine a team's (sometimes called circle) improvement ability and the characteristics of evaluators by using the data from the national Quality Control Circle (QCC) presentations in Taiwan. Most evaluations of the QCC presentation use the itemized rating method or the duplex-pole evaluation method. The former has the negative effects of canceling out the higher and lower while the latter cannot distinguish the ability type of a team. This study takes the average of the highest rating "A" as an index for superiority. Based on these indices and the K-mean method, similar ability groups and evaluator groups are generated, respectively. According to a team's improvement ability level, which is determined by the similar group to which it belongs, a proper regenerated input can be applied to sustain continuous improvement activity. In addition, knowing the characteristics of evaluators, proper solutions can be applied to improve the evaluation credibility. This paper also shows that some of the evaluation data can provide valuable information through further study, thus increasing "evaluation use". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of professional networks in translating a fashionable management discourse in a peripheral setting, analyzing the total quality management (TQM) discourse in Turkey from 1991 to 2002. The findings suggest that when a well-coordinated expansionist strategy of the local professional network interacted with the ambiguous character of the incoming TQM discourse and the turbulent macro conditions of the Turkish environment, the result was a radical translation of the original TQM ideas. At the end of the period, TQM was significantly deprived of its original connotation as a managerial tool for the betterment of work practices and became an all-encompassing philosophy about good governance of social relations. Careful selection of external partners as well as effective management of its own internal governance structures were identified as key factors in accounting for the success of the local professional network in translating the TQM discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the need for businesses to establish and implement quality management systems. It states that business enterprises have various management systems, including financial, quality and environmental. It also mentions that ISO 9001 forwards a process approach to develop, implement and enhance an organization's effectiveness. The environmental management systems (EMS) are based on ISO 14001 which is a document paired with ISO 9001. Among the elements of EMS are environmental policy, management reviews, the planning of environmental aspects and objectives, and legal issues and other requirements.

The article offers information on how to establish a new benchmark for a new quality system. It states that no method existed to create a new quality system by systematically applying quality concepts and tools to problem solving. It mentions that many quality methods, systems, and tools existed today and that it can be difficult for any organization to select the quality system that will meet its particular demands. Relative to this, consultants can recommend specific products, but there is no specific path firmly grounded in research literature or organizational best practices for non-specialists to employ in aiding organizations in their decision making processes.

Abstract: Quality management in immunohistochemistry involves having quality control and quality assurance programs in place in the laboratory. This review aims to highlight the essential elements of both. These programs begin with having a dedicated and well-informed pathologist medical director and qualified and well-trained technologists who work together on a daily basis. Their aim is to maintain immunohistochemical test slides of high quality and proper interpretation of those results by the pathology staff. Key components of quality control include optimising pre-test variables (such as fixation and proper grossing and sectioning of tissue, among others) and test variables (such as epitope retrieval technique, antibody titration and validation, detection systems and proper tissue controls). Quality assurance measures include knowledge of patterns of reactivity and proper panel selection, ongoing education of pathologists and technical staff, daily review of slides, robust internal and external consultation practices, and participation in external quality assessment programs. Instituting and following these measures will allow the laboratory to maintain the highest standards in the practice of diagnostic immunohistochemistry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To celebrate the 70th birthday and achievements of Professor Gopal Kanji, the author revisits the state of TQM at the time Gopal founded the Total Quality Management & Business Excellence journal in 1990. The author provides a commentary on the quality movement of this period, and shares findings from his doctoral research project into TQM, which was undertaken from 1988 to 1992. To the author's knowledge, this was the first doctorate in the UK that was solely focused on TQM. It therefore provides a unique glimpse into the period when interest in TQM was probably at its greatest and models and frameworks of TQM were first emerging. The doctorate was entitled 'The development of a framework to assist in the implementation of TQM'. This paper describes the views of quality practitioners on TQM at that time and shows the most commonly used quality improvement activities (65 tools and techniques) that had been implemented by TQM companies. The methodology encompassed structured interviews at 21 TQM companies. The research contributed to the understanding of TQM by presenting the quality activities of which it can be composed, as well as the areas of the organisation the quality activities primarily address. The research is still of value today, and can assist organisations in determining which quality activities to use to improve performance in specific areas of operation. The research presented here has previously been peer reviewed and published. However, this is the first time these important research findings have been presented in an academic journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose to design and test an information-processing model to participate in appraising the quality and the consistency of the coding, for billing, of Standardized Discharge Summaries (SDSs). We designed a model using both symbolic knowledge extracted from the NLM’s UMLS and statistical knowledge. The aim is to retrieve from the ICD-10 terms recorded in a SDS the Principal Diagnosis (PD) at the time of coding. In 90% of cases the PD was retrieved 1st or 2nd in SDS including three ICD-10 codes or more. This model could contribute as part of an automated quality control process in a hospital information system by checking consistency in coded SDSs and improve the income of the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study that evaluated the performance of a new mammographic film, the XMA (Retina), in comparison with HT (Agfa). Both films' characteristics were determined by sensitometry while their performance in terms of image quality and speed was evaluated in combination with four different intensifying screens using a quality control (QC) phantom to obtain images with the optical density (OD) covering a wide range. The study results demonstrate that at present the selection of an optimum screen-film combination seems rather a mission impossible. The study also concludes that the XMA was found to present slightly lower performance than HT in terms of image quality.

According to some authors (Flynn et al., 1994; Baldwin & Johnson, 1996), the implementation of a Total Quality Management (TQM) system could foster the innovation process in companies due to TQM elements such as continual improvement or customer focus. However, there is also literature where TQM is seen as a management system that can hinder the innovation process, limiting it to just incremental innovation or reducing it to the present customers' desires (Prajogo & Sohal, 2001). The objective of the present paper is to clarify the relationship between TQM and organizational innovation. A model of the relationship was developed and tested using a sample of 451 Spanish companies. Information was collected from personal interviews with general managers of companies in the selected population, following a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was applied. Clear evidence that TQM promotes innovation within companies is provided. There is also evidence that companies that apply TQM and companies that develop organizational innovation get more benefits than companies than do not. The managerial implications are that companies that operate in sectors where continuous innovation is a necessity should not only see TQM as a good way of improving quality but also as a way to facilitate the innovation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In support of the implementation of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD), the European Commission (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC) organized a laboratory and sampling intercomparison study for the chemical monitoring of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and nonylphenol and octylphenol (NP/OP), priority substances of the WFD, in river water. EU Member State laboratories were invited to analyze a standard solution with unknown concentration levels and a river-water extract, as well as a real water sample from the River Po (Italy). For the standard solution and the river-water extract, good agreement was achieved for five laboratories. Triple-quadrupole liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS2) and gas chromatography with MS (GC-MS) with or without derivatization proved to be comparable methods for the analysis of NP and OP. Fluorescence detection can also be used to analyze NP and OP, but it is less specific. The results of the River Po water sample showed that some laboratories have problems in analyzing NP at concentration levels below 100 ng/L due to contamination of laboratory blanks. Plastics materials should not be used during extraction and sample preparation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study focuses on cause-related marketing to evaluate the practiced performance by balance scorecard, because this measure method not only evaluates performance toward the financial perspective but also integrates three other perspectives: customer, internal, and learning and growth. Balance scorecard matches the concept of total quality management of continuous improvement. It is a useful tool to evaluate an enterprise's total operation performance. This paper outlines the measure criteria toward each performance perspective of a balance scorecard in cause-related marketing. A causal model for linking performance measures that achieve the strategic objectives of cause-related marketing is presented. A methodology is proposed to identify critical factors, and for the set-up and implementation of a performance measurement system. An integrated approach to the measurement of an enterprise's performance is outlined, which, if adopted, should result in optimal management actions, and improved total quality effect for the business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BCR-723 is the only environmental certified reference material for platinum-group elements (PGEs) Pt, Pd and Rh. It has been an integral component of quality control/quality assurance procedures in environmental laboratories measuring PGEs, since 2001. Here, we present an extensive quantitative review of the published PGEs measured in BCR-723, since its introduction. A statistical examination of concentrations, measurement precision and accuracy for 25 studies is presented. Measurement typically starts with an aqua regia digestion, followed by some form of pre-concentration or separation procedure, and quantitation by ICP-MS. Use of a sample mass below the recommended value of 100mg has been shown to produce biased results for acid-based digestions or with laser ablation. Platinum is the most precisely and accurately measured PGE in BCR-723, followed by Rh, and finally by Pd. Literature precision data for all autocatalyst PGEs did not differ significantly (α =0.05) from those obtained by the original laboratories used to certify BCR-723. Measurement accuracies for the literature tabulated PGE data did not differ significantly from zero, indicating an overall lack of directional bias. These results should be encouraging to the analytical community, but further advancements, especially for Pd quantification are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose ? The objectives of this study were to investigate the degree to which quality initiatives, including quality standards, have been adopted in Irish organisations and to provide comparisons with survey results of surveys in 1995/1996. Design/methodology/approach ? A national survey was conducted in 2002 of Irish employers in manufacturing/services within the private and public sectors. The questionnaire was sent to 2,487 organisations ? 932 questionnaires were returned representing a 34 per cent response rate from the private sector organisations and 47 per cent in the public sector. Findings ? The survey illustrates the continuing importance of, and reliance upon, standards. Among organisations that had been awarded ISO 9000 certification, 93 per cent believed that it had improved their reputation and 90 per cent that it resulted in better products or services. Nearly two-thirds of respondent organisations had adopted a total quality approach compared with less than one-third in 1995/1996. The results demonstrate that total quality organisations did not differ significantly from non-TQ organisations in relation to having been awarded ISO 9000. However, there were statistically significant differences between TQ and non-TQM organisations in relation to: a commitment to quality, quality structures, measures to evaluate effectiveness in relation to customers, employees and suppliers, team working, quality assurance systems, use of quality tools and techniques and investment in training. Originality/value ? This study shows that interest and adoption of quality improvement in Irish organisations is growing rapidly, particularly since the mid-1990s that has marked a distinct period of economic growth in the Irish economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS) is a general purpose experiment, which will start its operation at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in 2007. The ATLAS detector is designed to study the products of proton–proton collisions at c.m.s. energies of up to 14TeV. Three Greek Universities have taken the responsibility to construct 112 BIS-MDT (Barrel Inner Small) chambers using 29000 drift tubes of 170cm length and 3cm diameter that have been quality tested before assembly. This work describes the Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA_QC) procedures for the drift tubes, followed at the High Energy Physics Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens, while emphasis is given on the obtained results for the above mentioned number of tubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The production of gas gaps, the core components of the Forward RPCs in the CMS experiment, has reached a mature stage of the production stream. A total of 360 gas gaps, equivalent to 120 RPCs, has been manufactured, tested for quality control, and delivered to CERN in Switzerland and to Pakistan, where the complete Forward RPCs are being assembled. In this paper, the layout of the gas gaps, the production procedures, facilities, and the selection process of the qualified gas gaps are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify some psychological and social variables that could enhance employees' adoption of total quality management (TQM) in an organization that chooses to implement the management philosophy. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using 418 middle management staff randomly drawn from some TQM and non-TQM courier organizations in Nigeria. Respondents received standardized scales measuring perception of their leaders' leadership styles, organizational reward system, and self-report of personality attributes (psychological variables), along with items measuring gender, age, job tenure and level of education (social variables). They also responded to questionnaire items measuring the extent to which they practise TQM. Findings – The paper finds that correlation analysis shows that a higher level of maintenance leadership style, along with a lower level of performance leadership style, low levels of extraversion and neuroticism, a higher level of education and shorter job tenure all enhance subordinates' practice of TQM. Results of t-tests show that employees in TQM organizations were significantly higher on perceived maintenance and performance leadership styles and reward, but significantly lower on extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism than their non-TQM counterparts. Research limitations/implications – All measures were based on self-reports of respondents and data were from service organizations only, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications – Implementers of TQM in organizations in Nigeria should endeavor to put in place appropriate leadership styles, and should consider personality attributes, level of education and duration of working in any non-TQM organization among other personnel issues for selection and retention in a TQM-practising organization. Originality/value – TQM is a management technique being adopted in Nigeria with some difficulties. The present study brings to focus psychological and social variables that could ease its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan's readymade garments' industry is a key player in Pakistan's industry in general, and its textile industrial output and exports in particular. In a liberalizing international trade regime, quality will be a critical success factor in the international competitiveness of Pakistan's readymade garments. Research in quality management in Pakistan's readymade garments' industry was undertaken. To gain further information, a postal self-completion questionnaire was mailed to 101 members of the Pakistan Readymade Garments' and Exporters' Association (PRGMEA). The response rate was 32%. It was found that while this industrial segment was in various stages of development, it needs to graduate fast to advanced quality management concepts of Kaizen and total quality management in order to maintain its competitive advantage in an environment that will soon be liberalized fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To describe an LSTA-funded project that digitized 88,000 black and white aerial photographs and 2,500 photomosaic indexes created for Florida by the US Department of Agriculture between 1938 and 1971. Technical specifications of digital capture, specialized programming, and project value are reviewed. Design/methodology/approach - The 9 × 9 inch aerial tiles were captured on flatbed scanners; the larger photomosaic indexes were captured using a large format camera. Three software tools were designed for the project the first tracked each tile through the entire in-house processing including receipt, assignment, scan completion, QC processing, FTPing to server, and archiving of images. The second automated image collection, from disparate scanning stations, performed basic image manipulation for quality control, and stored collected data in a database. The third tool performed routine image corrections, prepared and deployed web format images, and packed archival image formats preparatory to burning CDs. The tile layer of the GIS interface was created by georectifying the composite photomosaic indexes for each Florida county and linking tiles to appropriate points. Findings - Because aerial photographs are inherently spatial, the development team agreed that a GIS interface was the appropriate vehicle for web presentation. While this environment presents no difficulties for more sophisticated users, GIS functionality is not intuitive. A less complex interface is a top priority for future project refinements. Originality/value - The value of this project is documented in terms of site use and solicited user responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study is written for analytical laboratories, in order to give support to the implementation of the concept of measurement uncertainty for routine measurements. The aim is to provide a practical, understandable and common way of performing measurement uncertainty calculations, based mainly on pre-existing quality control and validation data. Practical examples taken directly from environmental laboratory monitoring are presented and explained. However, the approach is very general and should be applicable to most testing laboratories in the chemical field. Following the protocol of evaluation illustrated in the case study, it is possible to ensure that most relevant uncertainty components associated with the method are covered. Contributions associated with sampling, homogenisation, sub-sampling, and so on, are, however, excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on TQM widely accepts that the success of TQM is guaranteed when responsiveness for quality is extended throughout all the levels in the organization. For this reason, social aspects are given greater consideration during the implementation of a TQM strategy. Numerous authors in the field of TQM have recommended human resource practices that theoretically best shape a quality culture. A high-commitment strategy represents the system that draws from these suggestions. As far as this approach guarantees employee commitment towards quality goals, it can be expected that the influence of TQM on organizational results will be greater when its implementation is supported by a high-commitment strategy. In a sample of 222 Spanish service firms, we found a significant interaction effect between TQM and a high-commitment strategy on financial results. That is, a high-commitment strategy acts as a moderator variable between TQM and organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of biogenic amines was studied in broiler chicken cuts stored in modified atmosphere (MA) packages. Also, the applicability of biogenic amines for the quality control of MA-packaged broiler chicken cuts was evaluated in various constant and variable temperature schemes. It was found that temperature dependent changes took place in the concentrations of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine. The changes in the concentrations of these amines were in accordance with the microbiological quality of broiler chicken cuts. On the basis of the results it was concluded that tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine could serve as quality indicating tools for MA-stored poultry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]