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This paper studies the universal point scheme with multiple retailers and a platform that implements the points within a channel. First, we analysed the equilibriums of the channel under the decentralised control and the mode of lateral cost-sharing among retailers. We found that retailers are willing to set the lowest point conversion ratios under the lateral cost-sharing mode compared with the decentralised and centralised control modes. The optimal conversion ratio of a retailer under the decentralised control is greater than the one under the centralised control when the cost spillover and double marginalisation are not significant. Next, we extended the model by considering the participation of new retailer. In this dynamic channel, the impact of the cost spillover phenomenon on the channel members' preferences is discussed. Third, we showed that the wholesale price contract for point management used in the real world has a limitation in terms of profit split. Following this, we proposed a buyback contract and showed the optimal contract parameters under which the channel's profit could be maximised and arbitrarily split. The managerial insights we obtained shed light on how to design a universal point scheme and select channel members to achieve an all-win scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are contractual schemes that have relative success in Latin America due to their configuration, where the spirit of the contract lies in an appropriate distribution of risks. This is both the most important and fundamental aspect of this contractual scheme but also the most complex, as it is the main cause of contract modifications (addenda) in countries across the region. In this context, different concessionary contractual frameworks for PPPs on the national road network of Peru were evaluated, revealing common failure indicators that lead to contract modifications within the first six years of the concession. This study offers the development of a management model that includes the good practices of contractual management of NEC4 Option F and the application of BIM information management processes, optimizing the management of infrastructure through emerging technologies of information management supported by agile contractual schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite long-standing criticisms of the paradigm, New Public Management (NPM) retains a strong influence over organizations in public administration. Social Impact Bonds (SIB) are an outcomes-oriented investment entity which has emerged from NPM with grand promises of social change. Building on a longitudinal case study of a health-based SIB, this paper identifies how key actors move away from NPM by resisting such management principles and shift toward Public Value Management (PVM). The paper finds that this is possible when the public interest and performance objectives are designed with a public value orientation whilst other NPM principles shift over time through resistance and negotiation. The paper provides insight into how key actors re-organize to embed public value in a financing and public service delivery structure that is often regarded as flawed and inefficient. The paper offers several contributions to public value literature, including the role of the state, as well as the emerging literature on SIBs and outcomes-based contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of compensation incentive suggests that matching management positions with appropriate compensation is conducive to improving the efficiency of corporate production and operations. However, within the backdrop of China's institutional framework, the pay restriction policy for executives of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has led to a phenomenon known as pay-position upside down, which goes against the compensation incentive theory. This paper explores how this phenomenon affects financial investment from the standpoint of the profit-seeking incentive of pursuing political promotions and the rational economic man's motivation to flee accountability for performance evaluations. Our difference-in-differences estimations show that the CEO pay-position upside down has a positive effect on financial investment. Mechanistic analyses show that this link is strengthened by SOEs undergoing mixed reform, SOEs in the provinces inspected by the Central Inspection Team, and SOEs in situations where CEOs are younger and hold shorter tenures. Additionally, the central SOEs' inclination to pursue political promotions and handle performance reviews results in increased investment in financial assets. The findings of this study offer a new perspective on how to use compensation contracts for management incentives effectively and provide valuable insights into the rational arrangement of compensation and positions within state-owned enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mining Magazine is the property of China Mining Magazine Co., Ltd. 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.)

The hybrid annuity model (HAM) is an innovative procurement mode that combines elements from build–operate–transfer and engineering procurement and construction approaches. Because of its novelty, there is a limited understanding of the challenges being faced by the contractors. Therefore, this study identified the challenges that contractors face while working on HAM projects. Variables and their measures were identified from the literature, and a survey instrument was developed. The survey was administered to contractors and professionals working with contractors, and 400 responses were received. The resulting data set was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (SCFA) approaches. The SCFA results based on the effect sizes (ES) of variables showed that operational factors (ES=0.81) and contract administration factors (ES=0.78) were critical challenges faced by the contractors. Financial factors (ES=0.71) and external factors (ES=0.58) ware moderately critical challenges. The study fills the gap in body of knowledge about the challenges that contractors face in HAM projects, and provides guidelines to practitioners for managing these challenges. The findings of the study also demonstrate the importance of HAM, indicating that it is a crucial model for public–private partnership projects for infrastructure sector of developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges facing the US national park system, particularly in terms of funding and maintenance. The author highlights the lack of resources and the resulting impact on staffing levels, visitor services, and facilities maintenance. The article also addresses recent changes in the allocation of preventive maintenance funding, which may further exacerbate the disparities between larger and smaller parks. The author emphasizes the need for increased funding and prioritization to ensure the unity and care of the national park system. Additionally, the article mentions a potential threat to the system posed by the repeal of the Antiquities Act and the broader assault on democratic institutions. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Following the devastating February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, tens of thousands of moderately damaged buildings were retrofitted and slightly damaged buildings were repaired. Since the retrofit and repair process is carried out by the inexperienced apartment managers on tender and contract management, they may be ineffective against unbalanced offers which may be submitted by experienced contractors. Moreover, contractors can have scope change requests accepted by the job owners and contract price can increase tremendously by abusing the high level of anxiety and fear in the people of the region after the earthquake. In this study, revised price practices that can prevent contractors from gaining excessive profits due to possible quantity increases based on unbalanced bids in retrofit constructions are proposed and the results are evaluated. The effectiveness of the revised unit price formula in the annexes of the public procurement law on the unbalanced bid and its application after a 0% to 20% work increase were examined. Furthermore, in order to achieve faster price decreases, the revised unit price formula has been modified by the power of the rate of increment. The application of the modified revised price formula is examined from 0% to 20% quantity increase. It is aimed to make the quantity increase of the work items unattractive by reducing the profit of the contractor who submitted an unbalanced bid. However, it is also aimed to protect contractors who submit balanced bids and prevent a rapidly falling unit prices which may cause heavy loss. According to the findings obtained in the case study, implementation of the modified revised unit price formula after the 10% work increase prevents the excessive profits of the contractor who prepares an unbalanced bid, while allowing a reasonable profit for the contractor who submits a balanced bid. In this study, it is aimed to ensure that the retrofit works are carried out fairly and safely by proposing a fair revised price application that is easy to implement and respects the rights of the parties. In this way, the job increase will not be attractive to contractors who submit unbalanced bids, and since job increases will not occur except for the necessary cases. Consequently, retrofit constructions will be carried out in a way that will not excessively affect the financial health of homeowners whose financial situation is weakened after the earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governance mechanisms along the agri-food supply chains are increasingly important in a scenario of ecological transition. Under the conceptual and analytical lens of the Transaction Cost Economics, we explored farmers' preferences towards a variety of clauses usually adopted in production contracts. To this purpose, a discrete choice experiment among 190 durum wheat producers in Italy was conducted. Results from a latent class model showed that producers were mainly interested in fixed prices formula and to join shared rules of production but revealed little or no interest for compelling sustainable cultivation techniques and the provision of technical assistance. However, these preferences are heterogeneous across farmers and vary depending on their level of education and previous use of contractual arrangements, with relevant implications for contract design and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How should complex infrastructure projects be managed? A survey of practitioners in public–private partnership (PPP) projects and 35 interviews with these practitioners provided a detailed picture of the management of these projects. The survey research revealed that strict contract management (monitoring performance criteria and sticking to the contract) did not show a significant relationship to either the performance of, or innovation in, these projects. Network management (for example connecting involved parties and exploring new solutions), however, was significant—especially in terms of performance. In the interviews, practitioners highlighted that the complexity of these projects meant that a collaborative relationship between the public and private parties was essential to overcome unforeseen problems. It is therefore advisable to make process agreements at the start of contracts that provide for unexpected issues. The authors conclude that the contract is certainly important but will not generate good performance without active network management and making process rules about how parties can collaborate. ABSTRACT Based on economic and governance theories, this article uses survey and interview data to examine the relationship between contract management and network management on the one hand and collaboration, innovation and performance on the other. A positive relationship was found between network management and collaboration and performance. Contract management demonstrated no significant relationship with either collaboration or performance. Additionally, while there was a positive association between network management and innovation, it was not statistically significant. Qualitative data emphasized the complexity of projects and limitations of contracts as a possible explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

In order to solve the problems of security and efficiency in Chinese teaching and management, this paper uses the intelligent technology of block chain to achieve this goal. First of all, this project intends to use block chain technology for distributed storage to solve the problems of data tampering and embezzlement in the traditional system. Secondly, through the design of intelligent contract to standardize the management of system operation, enhance the real-time and fairness of the interactive process. In addition, the distributed authentication technology is adopted to ensure the integrity of the user's identity and the clarity of the information. Finally, the safety evaluation 8.68 and the efficiency evaluation 8.65 are given, which proves that the proposed method is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Document management is necessary for any organization in the public or private sector. This process includes creating, storing, organizing, identifying, manipulating, editing, and using an organization's documents to serve its objectives. The research aims to present and explain an integrated management system that uses the Alfresco platform for contracting electronic and mobile phone services in an organization. The article is based on a case study and contains the architecture of the management model for implementing the changes determined by the new integrated document management system. The estimated results confirm the multiple advantages and efficiency of changes in document management that integrate the Alfresco platform. The study is a good practice that can be extended to activities other than that exemplified in the study underlying the paper. The study ends with a short presentation of the key benefits that prove an increased level of efficiency and effectiveness generated by the Alfresco platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Health Organizations (SHOs) are private entities that receive resources from governments for the management of public healthcare services. With the history of market interest in public health and the high volume of resources transferred to SHOs, one must question if the market logic continues to be inserted in this management model. The understanding of the dynamics of providing healthcare services to the population in the different contracts may help to understand how possible changes in the contracted services may have an influence. This is a descriptive-exploratory study using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Documental research was conducted through the collection of data from management contracts and amendments. The State of São Paulo was chosen because of its economic representativeness and for being the pioneer state in the implementation of SUS services managed by SHO. Medical specialties were included in 184 renegotiations (6.14%) and excluded in 187 (6.24%), whereas non-medical services were included in 26 renegotiations (2.97%) and excluded in 144 (16.44%). Regarding examinations, 101 renegotiations (18.07%) had their goals increased and 60 (10.73%) reduced, while 6 renegotiations (1.07%) included exams and 12 (2.14%) excluded them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how critical realism can be mobilised as a meta-theory, or philosophical under-labourer, for research on space accounting and how this may further inquiries into the known as well as the unknown implications of space exploration and commercialisation. Design/methodology/approach: This is a conceptual paper that applies critical realism to the field of space accounting using cost management in space contracts as an illustrative example. Findings: Adopting a naturalised version of critical realism that recognises the complex interplay between natural and social realities, the author nuances the distinction between intransitive and transitive objects of knowledge and advances a framework that may be used as a starting point for a transfactual mode of reasoning. The author then applies this mode of reasoning to the topic of cost management in the space sector and illustrates how it may enhance our insights into what causes cost overruns in space contracts. Research limitations/implications: By adopting a naturalised version of critical realism, the author establishes a philosophical framework that can support the broadly based, inter-disciplinary research agenda that has been envisaged for research on space accounting and possibly inform policy development. Originality/value: This paper is the first to apply a critical realist perspective to space accounting and lays a philosophical foundation for future research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Anbar University for Law & Political Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Purpose: Graduate architect plays an important role in contract implementation management when handling building construction projects. Graduate architects had been authorized to manage the projects in construction industry due to limited architects in the country. The capability of graduate architect when manage project is critical in reducing performance barriers encountered. The aim of this paper is to identify critical factors that affect graduate architect's performance during project implementation. Design/methodology/approach: An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of graduate architects in contract implementation management. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on contract implementation management on housing projects in Malaysia and observation of the actual on-going projects. Findings: The five most crucial factors affected graduate architects' performance related to lack of training in project documentation, failed to obtain professional and peer support in quality and assessment, isolate in role during project coordination, lack of education support in design process and unaware of legal aspects which delayed response to contractor. Research limitations/implications: This research focuses only on seven housing projects and semi-structured interviews with twenty graduate architects who in charge of those projects. As such, the resulting factors that affect graduate architect's performance are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia. Practical implications: This research examined the factors affecting graduate architect's performance which is a timely study, as the increasing number of population and developments will provide ample opportunities for them to perform. Originality/value: The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate graduate architects to devise proactive risk mitigation measures to reduce impact of these factors and improve project delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we seek to break new ground by empirically investigating the relationship between cooperating entities, local government institutions and transaction costs and its effect on cost efficiency for water services through consortia in Brazilian local government. Drawing on an institutional and transaction cost framework, our results show that the institutional arrangements employed in water service provision have had a significant effect on cost efficiency, measured by total expenditure per user, between 2011 to 2019. Through a Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), we found that cost efficiency increases slowly for those units performing under bureaucracies and faster under public enterprises. In all instances, dedicated asset specificities and contract management complexity explained differences in water service provision cost efficiency. These findings have theoretical significance as well as significant public policy implications for intermunicipal cooperative agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters affect hundreds of millions of people every year and the response of governments is crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected. Despite the importance of contracting in response to disasters, research on this topic is conspicuous by its absence. This paper begins to address this gap by investigating the choice of procurement contract type by US federal agencies during disaster management operations. The research relies on 47,560 contracts issued by the US federal government in response to 14 major disasters between 2005 and 2016. We build on agency theory to investigate the choice of the contract type made by federal agencies at the different stages of a relief operation. This research provides empirical evidence of the key factors underpinning the choice of contract in the context of disaster management, namely the amount of spend per contract and the type of acquisition (product or service), and reveals the moderating role of the stage of the relief operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of construction 5.0 marks a shift toward a human-centric approach to digitization within the construction industry. Along with diverse digital innovations related to this shift, blockchain technology offers vast opportunities for the construction industry, including streamlining project management processes, enhancing transparency in payment processes, and improving contract administration. This paper systematically reviews 109 articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to examine the applications of blockchain in construction, identifying twenty-three topics across eight thematic areas. These areas were further mapped using VOSviewer Online version 1.2.3 to identify interrelationships among the themes and highlight their broad impact. Key features like immutability, security, transparency, and traceability show promise in contract administration, supply chain logistics, facilities management, and sustainability. However, the study also describes the challenges of adopting blockchain in construction, emphasizing the need for enhanced stakeholder education, improved regulatory frameworks, and the creation of industry-specific blockchain platforms to support its acceptance in the construction industry. Emphasizing emerging blockchain applications and the adoption challenges equips researchers and practitioners with the knowledge of these applications and their significance to construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Time and cost play an important role in project completion for both developing and developed countries. This study aims to identify the critical factors that influence the time and cost of commercial projects in Malaysia. A detailed questionnaire survey was conducted with industry professionals, and the results were analyzed based on the survey responses. The average index method was used to determine critical factors based on responses from professionals. The critical factors that affect time are poor contract management, client fund shortages, late drawing submissions, land acquisition problems, and inadequate surveying before construction. The critical factors identified for cost are delayed client payments, shortage of skilled workers, design changes, errors in the construction process, and changes in top management. This study raises awareness by identifying critical factors to minimize their impact so that construction can be completed on time and according to the defined budget, and maximize the benefits of future projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean methodologies have enabled numerous businesses to enhance their processes, reduce inventory levels, and improve ergonomics. Additionally, lean has allowed organizations to adapt their technologies and keep pace with necessary advancements. However, despite the numerous benefits it offers and the implementation of lean thinking and procurement in the oil and gas industry, companies have frequently encountered challenges related to the timely delivery of materials and services. This research aimed to understand how the oil and gas industry implements lean procurement practices, investigate the relationship between lean procurement and supply chain performance, and identify the challenges faced by the industry in implementing lean procurement. The study employed a case study approach, focusing on the oil and gas industry's command centre as the target population. Through stratified random sampling, a sample of 37 leaders from the oil and gas industry was selected, representing 20% of the target population. Secondary data sources included the industry's annual reports and financial summaries, while primary data was collected through questionnaires. The quantitative data gathered for this research was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics components included percentages, standard deviation, frequency, and mean. Data presentation was facilitated through tables, charts, and diagrams. A narrative framework was utilized to present the results of the content analysis conducted on the qualitative data. Additionally, regression analysis was employed to further understand the relationship between lean procurement and supply chain performance. The study results demonstrated the existence of a positive and significant correlation between lean procurement and supply chain performance. Furthermore, the study indicated that the oil and gas industry utilized lean procurement strategies such as electronic procurement, 5S, comprehensive quality management, continuous improvement, supplier-firm collaboration, the pull system, and employee involvement and empowerment. The study's findings suggest that the oil and gas industry should foster relationships with service providers staffed by knowledgeable personnel capable of efficiently implementing lean procurement practices. By doing so, the industry can effectively address the challenges associated with timely material delivery and optimize its supply chain performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at benefit distribution of guaranteed water saving management contract (WSMC) projects, principal-agent theory is used to propose benefit distribution scheme. Firstly, principal-agent models are established in two cases: (1) the water user and WSCO are risk-neutral; (2) the water user is risk-neutral, while WSCO is risk-averse. Then the models are solved by the backward induction method under symmetric information and asymmetric information. The models' results are analyzed and the results show that (1) WSCO's benefit distribution proportion is negatively correlated with effort cost coefficient, risk aversion degree and project uncertainty; (2) the water user's expected utility is positively correlated with project investment scale and WSCO's water saving capacity; (3) WSCO's risk aversion will reduce the water user's expected utility; (4) incentives are only required when WSCO's effort is unobservable. Finally, numerical examples are used to show the above results' rationality and suggestions are given for the water user and WSCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an energy system with n consumers who are linked by a Demand Side Management (DSM) contract, i.e. they agreed to diminish, at random times, their aggregated power consumption by a predefined volume during a predefined duration. Their failure to deliver the service is penalised via the difference between the sum of the n power consumptions and the contracted target. We are led to analyse a non-zero sum stochastic game with n players, where the interaction takes place through a cost which involves a delay induced by the duration included in the DSM contract. When n → ∞ , we obtain a Mean-Field Game (MFG) with random jump time penalty and interaction on the control. We prove a stochastic maximum principle in this context, which allows to compare the MFG solution to the optimal strategy of a central planner. In a linear quadratic setting we obtain a semi-explicit solution through a system of decoupled forward-backward stochastic differential equations with jumps, involving a Riccati Backward SDE with jumps. We show that it provides an approximate Nash equilibrium for the original n-player game for n large. Finally, we propose a numerical algorithm to compute the MFG equilibrium and present several numerical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navigating the Complex Web of Incentives in Asset Management: A Study on Investor, Partner, and Manager Dynamics In a recent study titled "Dynamic Contracting in Asset Management Under the Investor-Partner-Manager Relationship," the researchers delve into the intricate world of incentives in asset management. The focus is on the complex interplay of actions and relationships among three key players: an investor, an investment company partner, and a fund manager. This study uniquely explores the challenges of incentive contracts in an environment where the actions of these individuals are not fully observable to each other. It introduces a hierarchical contracting framework to understand the dynamics under the hidden actions. For instance, the research reveals how the optimal action of the manager is influenced by the cost of the partner's actions and extends the analysis to scenarios involving multiple managers. This work sheds light on the often hidden intricacies of asset management, providing valuable perspectives for the different players' collaborative efforts for optimal outcomes in this industry. We study incentive contracts in asset management business under dynamic actions and relationships between an investor, a partner of an investment company, and a fund manager of the company. Both the manager and the partner exert costly effort to manage the investments. The investor cannot perfectly observe the partner's and manager's actions, and similarly, the partner cannot perfectly observe the manager's actions. Thus, we consider a hierarchical contracting framework under hidden efforts, where the investor contracts with the partner and the partner contracts with the manager. We show how the actions of the participants and the costs of their actions interact. For instance, the optimal effort of the manager falls in the effort cost of the partner. We extend the model to a case with an investor, a partner, and multiple managers. In this case, each manager's effort rises in the effectiveness of the managers' cooperation and falls in the other managers' effort cost. Funding: J. Keppo acknowledges funding support from the Singapore Ministry of Education [Grant R-252-000-A08-112] and from the National Research Foundation (Singapore) and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (Singapore) Industry Alignment Fund–Industry Collaboration Projects [Grant I2001E0059]. N. Touzi acknowledges funding from the Chaire Finance and Sustainable development, Risk Foundation, Louis Bachelier Institute. R. Zuo acknowledges funding support from Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project [2023A03J0163 and 2024A04J4546] and the Guangzhou-HKUST(GZ) joint funding program [2024A03J0630]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2021.0031. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLN UP2D Makassar regulates the 20 kV electrical distribution network in South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi. PLN UP2D Makassar holds a management contract, which is SCADA integration. Based on the Network Database Book, in 2023, there were 128 keypoints (LBS and reclosers) that were not yet integrated with SCADA or not online with the Master SCADA. The current issue identified in making decisions on SCADA integration at keypoints in PLN UP2D Makassar is using the criteria of Keypoint Ratio Value per PLN UP3. The weakness of this method is that SCADA integration at keypoints does not consider its benefits and impacts: the improvement of SAIDI and ENS. This study aims to create guidelines for decision-making on SCADA integration at keypoints. This research involves 5 experts in PLN UP2D Makassar. A total of 6 criteria were established and processed using the Fuzzy AHP TOPSIS methods to rank the 128 keypoints that will be integrated with SCADA. The Fuzzy AHP TOPSIS calculation results have been validated with a consistency ratio of -0.008 (consistent) and sensitivity analysis (10% increase/decrease in criteria weight). This means that the 6 criteria can be used to rank alternative keypoints that will be integrated with SCADA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the distinctions between managing customer projects in supplier organizations (SOs) and internal projects in owner organizations (OOs). It emphasizes the need for clearer differentiation between these types of projects and calls for more attention to be given to project management in SOs in the literature. The article highlights key differences, including the profit vs. cost center nature of the projects, the focus on external customers in SOs, and the requirement for project managers in SOs to possess a wide range of business-related knowledge. It argues that the significant number and scale of SO projects warrant greater representation in project management literature. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revista Româna de Dreptul Muncii is the property of Wolters Kluwer Romania 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.)

Sharing electronic medical record (EMR) is essential to dig out the value of medical data. Current data-sharing schemes usually rely on trusted third-party institutions. Patients lack control and tracking capabilities for sensitive individual medical data, and access control strategies lack personalization and autonomy, resulting in patients' reluctance to share EMR. Given the above problems, this paper proposes a blockchain-based patient-centered medical account chain to address the issues of existing EMR sharing schemes. The account chain establishes a personal smart contract account for the patient to allow patients to control and track sensitive medical data. This smart contract consists of two components: identity management and data management. Using the identity management contract, the patient can authorize and revoke access to their data. Data management contracts only allow authorized doctors to access and update the EMR. We use a hybrid encryption system, combining symmetric and asymmetric methods, to secure EMR, which often includes large files like medical images. This approach effectively tackles data privacy and security challenges, while improving encryption and decryption efficiency. The encrypted EMR is stored in the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) cluster. Within the smart contract account, only the hash value from IPFS and the symmetric key encrypted with the patient's public key are retained. This approach minimizes storage costs on the blockchain while ensuring data coherence and integrity. During the sharing process, the proxy re-encryption algorithm reduces computational overhead on the patient's side while mitigating the risks associated with frequent exposure of the patient's private key. Through experiments and theoretical analysis on the Ethereum platform, the efficiency and superiority of the medical account chain in terms of functions, storage and computing costs are verified, and it is more suitable for modern medical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing smart contracts in an Agile software development based on blockchain technology enables project managers to offer rules for software processes to meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders. On the one hand, smart contracts' faster cycle time, lower fraud, and lower fees and charges have ensured that the business logic satisfies the stakeholder's criteria. Agile approaches, on the other hand, are development processes that use incremental and iterative engineering methodologies to drive the system life cycle. Such methodologies are typically well-suited for incorporating and adapting management ideas early in the development life cycle. To reconcile both viewpoints, this work provides an organization modeling for constructing smart contracts on the blockchain utilizing organizational modeling techniques that allow all processes as well as the smart contracts management discipline in supply chain finance system development to be illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the role of procurement knowledge and practices in securing a competitive advantage for firms cannot be over‐emphasised, the literature lacks empirical evidence in this regard. Accordingly, this study examines the effects of procurement knowledge and practices on firm performance as well as how procurement practices mediate the nexus between procurement knowledge and firm performance. Partial least squares structural equation modelling results based on survey data of 150 procurement and supply chain professionals suggest that procurement planning, supplier partnership, contract management and compliance increase firm performance. Also, a positive relationship was established between procurement knowledge and all procurement practices investigated. Furthermore, apart from procurement planning, the remaining procurement practices fully mediated the effect of procurement knowledge on firm performance. Findings provide relevant implications for theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Copyright of Journal Public Administration & Social Management / Administração Pública e Gestão Social is the property of Administracao Publica e Gestao Social 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.)

Copyright of Gestion et Management Public is the property of Association Internationale de Recherche en Management Public (AIRMAP) 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.)

When demands exceed capacities, suppliers allocate available supply to customers based on customer importance and advance demand information. The accuracy of advance demand information interacts with the length of customer order lead times and influences overall customer service levels. In this paper, we analyse industrial contract portfolios with customer-specific terms in order to derive insights for contract portfolio management and the design of demand fulfilment processes. For this purpose, we develop a framework for analysis of contract portfolios capturing the dynamics of industrial planning processes. The framework is applied to portfolios from the semiconductor sector. Our numerical analysis shows that, in order to improve service levels, demand fulfilment processes and contract portfolio management must especially take into account the length of order lead times and the accuracy of advance demand information. Even though suppliers often prefer long order lead times, our analysis shows that demand fulfilment performance is not primarily determined by the absolute length of the order lead times but by the presence of a negative correlation with the accuracy of advance demand information in the entire contract portfolio. Consequently, these factors require increased attention in the management of contract portfolios and in the negotiation of individual contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the deadline compliance according to § 111 SGB X and the determination of the party liable for reimbursement. It is stated that ongoing investigations by the service provider do not interrupt the one-year exclusion period according to § 111 SGB X. It also addresses the requirements of a public-law management without a contract and a public-law claim for reimbursement. The court's decision states that the plaintiff's appeal was not successful because the one-year exclusion period was not observed. The claim for reimbursement must be directed to the party liable for reimbursement. The decision of the Higher Social Court of North Rhine-Westphalia concerns the question of whether the Medical Service (MD) was allowed to convert its examination from an on-site procedure to a written procedure outside the six-week deadline. The court decided that this was permissible and that the hospital was obliged to submit further evidence within the framework of the examination procedure. It was also determined that the hospital had sued for the wrong claim and had no entitlement to payment of the remaining treatment costs. [Extracted from the article]