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Purpose: The aim of the article is to present theoretical concepts aimed at perceiving employees as stakeholders of the organization, presenting the way this issue is treated in the content of the EFQM Model and illustrating with examples of activities carried out by organizations using this management tool. Design/methodology/approach: The following research methods were used: a review of literature, both Polish and English, analysis of the content of the EFQM Model, examination of documentation submitted for evaluation by three organizations applying for the EFQM distinction based on the most demanding and comprehensive assessment scheme, and observation of processes related to employees in the three mentioned organizations. Findings: Stakeholder theory still applies in today's world, and in the context of organizational needs, treating employees as key stakeholders is of fundamental importance. The EFQM Model is a management tool that precisely describes how to structure relationships with employees in the perspective of criteria, guidelines and the RADAR diagnostic tool. Research limitations/implications: The limitation to generalizing the conclusions formulated in this article is the scope of the literature review and the fact that only three organizations were analyzed. Based on available sources, it was possible to present examples of actions, but it is not possible to draw conclusions about the effectiveness and efficiency of individual types of employee-oriented initiatives. Practical implications: The presented examples of approaches aimed at employees as stakeholders in outstanding organizations may serve as an inspiration to develop this type of activities in any organization. The EFQM model is a tool that promotes the treatment of employees as key stakeholders and additionally provides solutions for both the implementation and evaluation of such activities. Social implications: The well-being of employees in the organization translates into their positive functioning in society. In this context, the application of the presented solutions also has significance beyond the boundaries of the organization. Originality/value: A new element is the presentation of a set of organizational solutions focused on employees in outstanding organizations using the EFQM Model. The article is addressed to human resources managers and top managers who want to improve the level of relations with employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering Management / Gongcheng Guanli Xuebao is the property of Journal of Engineering Management Editorial Office 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.)

Air transport is the only way to reach Lithuania from abroad in the short and medium term. Despite a well-developed road network in the country, connections to other European capitals are long and inconvenient. 2014 July. Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports were merged into one state-owned company, Lithuanian Airports (LTOU). Since then, the efficiency and overall profitability of LTOU operations have increased significantly. However, maintaining the airport’s current infrastructure is costly and needs upgrading and further investment. The company has repeatedly asked itself whether it can get more benefits by building one new Lithuanian airport or focusing on developing the existing three airports net. Stakeholders’ views and recommendations should be heard to make timely and appropriate decisions without a new airport’s technical and financial feasibility. An in-depth interview and secondary data analysis were selected for the empirical study. Thirteen employees of SE Lithuanian Airports and three of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania participated in the research. The following was used to analyse secondary data: SE Lithuanian Airport strategic plan, the material of strategic sessions, and a survey of the country’s population on the need for a new airport. The study found that stakeholders positively assess the long-term development projects of SE Lithuanian Airports, fully understanding the importance of airports and their contribution to the welfare of the state. Stakeholders can significantly impact results, so airport managers must consider whether they effectively involve stakeholders and, if not, how they can improve or encourage stakeholder involvement.

Aim: To describe the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders to understand the use of telehealth in community mental health centers (CMHCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima and Callao, Peru. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in four CMHCs in Lima and Callao, Peru. Forty-nine individual semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2021 and March 2022, considering CMHCs' users and their relatives, health and administrative workers, directors, as well as local and national policymakers. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Regarding the transition from in-person care to telehealth, CMHCs' directors and workers identified some of the regulations issued by the Government during the pandemic, such as the continuity of care through telehealth, especially for pregnant women and for people with comorbidities related to COVID-19. Regarding benefits, workers and users indicated that it allowed better communication, such as constant follow-ups. Directors and workers recognized that Google Drive facilitated access to user information, since they did not have an electronic medical record. Additionally, workers said they used social media to share educational information on mental health, and explained that some new users began their treatment this way. Regarding difficulties, participants reported a lack of devices and poor internet connection in CMHCs. Users mentioned that scheduling an appointment was difficult because the phone lines were usually saturated, and they could not find available appointments. Conclusion: Although the pandemic forced an immediate and disruptive change towards telehealth, CMHCs were able to adapt most of their services. This study reports the adaptations made by CMHCs to move from in-person to remote care, identifying the benefits and challenges faced, information that can be used for the nationwide implementation of telehealth in CMHCs. We recommend ensuring technological equipment and internet connection and adapt the telehealth system to make it responsive to the routine practices of CMHCs.

The Santa Clara community "El Gigante" presents problems in access to first-rate services and other needs of the population. At the request of the key actors of the town, a group from the degree in Architecture of the Universidad Central "Marta Abreu" de Las Villas undertook a project for the urban regeneration of the town. Different research methods and techniques were applied, addressing the community as a complex, dynamic and multidimensional object. The participatory diagnosis carried out detected the absence of public spaces, the poor construction conditions of health and education facilities, the deficient organization of communal services, and the exodus of young people to other areas. The participatory urban regeneration project proposed for said community is aimed at improving the living conditions of the inhabitants through the comprehensive and coordinated intervention of different social, economic, environmental and cultural actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1983 Orphan Drug Act in the United States (US) changed the landscape for development of therapeutics for rare or orphan diseases, which collectively affect approximately 300 million people worldwide, half of whom are children. The act has undoubtedly accelerated drug development for orphan diseases, with over 6,400 orphan drug applications submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1983 to 2023, including 350 drugs approved for over 420 indications. Drug development in this population is a global and collaborative endeavor. This position paper of the International Society for Central Nervous System Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) describes some potential best practices for the involvement of key stakeholder feedback in the drug development process. Stakeholders include advocacy groups, patients and caregivers with lived experience, public and private research institutions (including academia and pharmaceutical companies), treating clinicians, and funders (including the government and independent foundations). The authors articulate the challenges of drug development in orphan diseases and propose methods to address them. Challenges range from the poor understanding of disease history to development of endpoints, targets, and clinical trials designs, to finding solutions to competing research priorities by involved parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air transport is the only way to reach Lithuania from abroad in the short and medium term. Despite a well-developed road network in the country, connections to other European capitals are long and inconvenient. 2014 July. Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports were merged into one state-owned company, Lithuanian Airports (LTOU). Since then, the efficiency and overall profitability of LTOU operations have increased significantly. However, maintaining the airport’s current infrastructure is costly and needs upgrading and further investment. The company has repeatedly asked itself whether it can get more benefits by building one new Lithuanian airport or focusing on developing the existing three airports net. Stakeholders’ views and recommendations should be heard to make timely and appropriate decisions without a new airport’s technical and financial feasibility. An in-depth interview and secondary data analysis were selected for the empirical study. Thirteen employees of SE Lithuanian Airports and three of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania participated in the research. The following was used to analyse secondary data: SE Lithuanian Airport strategic plan, the material of strategic sessions, and a survey of the country’s population on the need for a new airport. The study found that stakeholders positively assess the long-term development projects of SE Lithuanian Airports, fully understanding the importance of airports and their contribution to the welfare of the state. Stakeholders can significantly impact results, so airport managers must consider whether they effectively involve stakeholders and, if not, how they can improve or encourage stakeholder involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a policy innovation for public goods delivery, public-private partnership (PPP) faces great risks in developing countries, and many projects have been terminated before the contract expiry date. This study explores how key stakeholders of the government that is responsible for PPP development, including the upper-tier government, the public, and business partner, can exert political influences through institutional ways over the fate of PPP projects. It argues that political pressures from the upper-tier government and the public, together with political relationship between the government and its business partner, determine whether the government would terminate its PPPs ahead of schedule. Empirically, this study investigates toll road PPP experiences in China. A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of 57 toll projects suggests the complexity of causal effect of political factors. In total, the factors of political pressures and political relationship form three pathways to PPP early termination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While human trafficking in its different forms has received growing recognition, currently there is an absence of research providing empirical evidence on the potential impact of COVID-19. COVID-19 and its related challenges provide a lens through which the vulnerability and complexities inherent in human trafficking can be further ascertained and analysed. This article explores challenges encountered by key stakeholders primarily operating in the field of countering human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation across Europe. These challenges are categorised as increased vulnerability to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation; the impact on services and support; and limitations on professional duties. A qualitative method involving sixty-five semi-structured interviews was employed to capture the on-the-ground experiences of a diverse cohort of stakeholders active during the pandemic.

While human trafficking in its different forms has received growing recognition, currently there is an absence of research providing empirical evidence on the potential impact of COVID-19. COVID-19 and its related challenges provide a lens through which the vulnerability and complexities inherent in human trafficking can be further ascertained and analysed. This article explores challenges encountered by key stakeholders primarily operating in the field of countering human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation across Europe. These challenges are categorised as increased vulnerability to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation; the impact on services and support; and limitations on professional duties. A qualitative method involving sixty-five semi-structured interviews was employed to capture the on-the-ground experiences of a diverse cohort of stakeholders active during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sources of Conflicts between Key Stakeholders in a Public Construction Project: A Case Study of Construction of Research & Academic Facilities (CRAF) Project. Several studies have been carried on conflicts involving key stakeholders of construction projects in the literature. However, a detailed discussion on conflicts between key stakeholders of public construction projects in the higher education sector of Pakistan is absent from the literature. Therefore, current research has aimed to address this gap by conducting a case study on the Construction of Research & Academic Facilities (CRAF) project. The CRAF project is being implemented by the Government of Pakistan in a Higher Education Institution located in the federal capital Islamabad. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key stakeholders who were directly involved during the execution phase of the CRAF project. Results of this research are based on the collected data from the key stakeholders. The main findings suggest that the task-focused issues such as defective design, excessive quantity variations, and excessive change orders, etc. are causing conflicts between the key stakeholders of the project. Such conflicts in turn cause schedule delay and cost overruns in the execution of CRAF Project. The study also gathered recommendations from the key stakeholders of the project i.e., project directors, client, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, etc. for avoiding such conflicts in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based tourism is a type of tourism that is primarily concerned with the direct enjoyment of relatively undisturbed natural phenomena. Today, it is among the types of tourism which are characterised by significant growth rates at the global level. It has considerable growth potential and its development can concurrently ensure tourist satisfaction with the nature experience, profit for tourism providers, funds for environmental protection and an improvement in living standards in local communities. Nevertheless, it is also important to be aware of the potential negative implications of nature-based tourism development and to continuously manage all aspects of sustainability. This paper aims to determine the main study aspects of nature-based tourism, the most common methodological approaches and the most important characteristics of its contemporary development. For this purpose, an analysis of recent empirical research on nature-based tourism was conducted, and a total of 41 original scientific papers were included in the analysis. The four study aspects derived from this analysis contribute to determining the general characteristics of nature-based tourism's contemporary development, the prerequisite factors for this development, and the effects it has on a given area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental planning is considered an important process to positively encourage the inclusion of nature-based solutions (NbS) in urban areas. The success of their implementation relies on the collaboration between the involved stakeholders in the environmental planning process. The aim of this study is to identify the key stakeholders within the environmental planning processes that could be considered in NbS promotion, as well as to understand their actual position in a conceptual collaboration network. Therefore, a sample of seven Local Environmental Action Plans (LEAPs) from Romania was selected to identify the relevant stakeholders for addressing environmental challenges through the promotion of NbS. We use social network analysis (SNA) to understand the barriers and opportunities of the collaborative planning process by identifying (i) 42 distinct stakeholders classified, based on the diffusion of innovation theory, according to their interests and reasons in promoting or hindering an innovation, and (ii) 12 categories of environmental challenges. Our findings illustrate a relatively low centrality and influence of stakeholders as innovators, change agents, and transformers. Furthermore, those who have greater influence in the collaboration network and therefore those who could emphasize the use of NbS into environmental planning based on the actions from LEAPs come from the following categories of stakeholders: controllers, mainstreamers, and laggards. The environmental challenges are addressed mainly by institutional stakeholders, to the detriment of community ones. Our study highlights the necessity for collaboration to support efficient NbS integration into environmental planning processes. • Stakeholders types and their impact on nature-based solutions (NbS) related actions were studied. • Institutional actors, mainly municipal authorities and environmental agencies, are mostly concerned with NbS related actions • Citizen's role is weaker in co-developing NbS related actions. • Stakeholders with an innovative character have a poor influence in NbS planning and implementation • The controllers, mainstreamers, and laggards have a high influence in NbS planning and implementation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Purpose: In today's highly competitive environments, organizations' efforts tomeet the expectations and satisfy their key stakeholders, including employees, have a significantimpact on their survival and improving their competitiveness and productivity. In order to gain acomprehensive understanding of the actions that banks can take in this field, the presentresearch has reviewed and classified the results of studies related to the actions that banks havetaken in line with their corporate social responsibility regarding employees, and the results andachievements resulting from it.Methodology: This is a qualitative applied research and it has been used in meta-compositemethod. The information sources of this stage included articles published in internationalscientific databases, which were selected based on the criteria for entering the meta-synthesisprocess.Findings: That practices that banks have taken in line with their corporate social responsibilityin relation to employees can be separated into six main categories: considerations related torecruitment and promotion, salaries and rewards, benefits and welfare services, training andcontinuous development, creating Favorable work environment and work relations. The resultsof these practices are also classified into two categories of attitudinal and performance-basedresults.Conclusion: Banks' efforts to meeting the expectations of employees as one of the mostimportant stakeholders within the organization will strengthen positive occupational andorganizational attitudes in employees so that they have more effort and motivation to improveoccupational and organizational performance. The findings of this research can be used as aguide for actions that can be taken in this field.

Aim and Introduction: Review the performance of strategic and development plans of the Iran insurance industry over the past years, shows that in preparing of these plans, their main stakeholders have not been taken into account. In addition, in evaluating the components of the strategic plan, one of the key components of the mission is the key stakeholders. Also, in some programs, tasks have been considered by the stakeholders and upstream documents for the insurance industry, which may not be executive in some aspects or there is a need to consider specific strategies for their implementation and, at the same time, to realize the views of other stakeholders. So, it is necessary to pay more attention to the main stakeholders of the programs in the insurance industry, especially the stakeholders who are not in the field of strategic plans control, and also to use the participation of all stakeholders in reviewing the macro plans of the insurance industry. The purpose of this study is to identify, categorize and prioritize insurance industry stakeholders and examine their needs and expectations. Finally, interactive strategies will be proposed using the stakeholder interaction management model.Methodology: In the first stage, an online questionnaire was used to categorize the stakeholders, which was visited by 468 people and finally 125 answers were received. The target community is insurance industry experts and activists. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyze the variables of the stakeholder questionnaire and the ranking of identified stakeholders. Power-interest and effective-affected models have been used to map the stakeholders of the insurance industry. To extract stakeholder expectations, library studies, web search and sending letters to stakeholders outside the industry, and interviews and descriptive structured questionnaires to stakeholders within the industry and deep analysis has been used. The total number of respondents from industry stakeholders in different roles to the questionnaires in this section was 341 who answered the questions of this research descriptively via the Internet.Findings: Central Insurance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, legal policyholders, claims assessors, insurance startups (InsurTechs), insurers' syndicates and brokers are key players in the insurance industry. The greatest influence in the insurance industry is for Central Insurance, insurance companies, the judiciary and insurance agencies; agencies, insurance companies, real policyholders and brokers are most affected; the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, the agencies and the judiciary are the most powerful; and insurance companies, central insurance and agencies have the most benefit. Also, the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders of the industry are extracted separately. There are some commonalities and differences in stakeholder views that can be extracted and considered.Discussion and Conclusion: The key stakeholders have abundant sources of power to influence the organization and therefore, in the final strategies set in the insurance industry should be in the center of attention and strategies to meet their needs and expectations should be considered and included in all cases development and related decisions. Based on the reviews and analysis, there are great potential markets for product development and new insurance services, but perhaps greater cooperation is needed in the industry to meet them and there is a need for investment and upstream support. Quantitative and qualitative analysis and prioritization of the total strengths and weaknesses and opportunities and threats identified from the perspective of strategic stakeholders can be used to extract strategies and programs to interact with them.Methodology: In the first stage, an online questionnaire was used to categorize the stakeholders, which was visited by 468 people and finally 125 answers were received. The target community is insurance industry experts and activists. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyze the variables of the stakeholder questionnaire and the ranking of identified stakeholders. Power-interest and effective-affected models have been used to map the stakeholders of the insurance industry. To extract stakeholder expectations, library studies, web search and sending letters to stakeholders outside the industry, and interviews and descriptive structured questionnaires to stakeholders within the industry and deep analysis has been used. The total number of respondents from industry stakeholders in different roles to the questionnaires in this section was 341 who answered the questions of this research descriptively via the Internet.Findings: Central Insurance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, legal policyholders, claims assessors, insurance startups (InsurTechs), insurers' syndicates and brokers are key players in the insurance industry. The greatest influence in the insurance industry is for Central Insurance, insurance companies, the judiciary and insurance agencies; agencies, insurance companies, real policyholders and brokers are most affected; the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, the agencies and the judiciary are the most powerful; and insurance companies, central insurance and agencies have the most benefit. Also, the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders of the industry are extracted separately. There are some commonalities and differences in stakeholder views that can be extracted and considered.Discussion and Conclusion: The key stakeholders have abundant sources of power to influence the organization and therefore, in the final strategies set in the insurance industry should be in the center of attention and strategies to meet their needs and expectations should be considered and included in all cases development and related decisions. Based on the reviews and analysis, there are great potential markets for product development and new insurance services, but perhaps greater cooperation is needed in the industry to meet them and there is a need for investment and upstream support. Quantitative and qualitative analysis and prioritization of the total strengths and weaknesses and opportunities and threats identified from the perspective of strategic stakeholders can be used to extract strategies and programs to interact with them.

Aims: One of the obstacles facing the regeneration of urban spaces is the failure of regeneration projects to resolve the conflicts of the stakeholders, which leads to delays their exploitation for several years. The purpose of this research was to identify the existing conflicts between the stakeholders of "30-Tir Street" and to analyzing about how these conflicts are understood and valued among the stakeholders. Methodology: This survey research was conducted with a qualitative-quantitative approach in 2022 in 5 groups of stakeholders and those related to the space of "30-Tir Street" in Tehran. 20 people from the studied population were selected in the qualitative part by purposive sampling and 190 people were selected in the quantitative part by available sampling. Data analysis was implemented using open and axial coding method and mean comparison test and one-way Anova. Findings: 64 conflicts between 5 groups of main stakeholders were identified, 41 of which were conflicts of interests and the rest were behavioral, cognitive and normative conflicts. The pattern of stakeholders' encounter with each other in 30-Tir Street" was a bipolar type in which the mayor and stallholders were on one side and residents, shopkeepers, pedestrians and other stakeholders were on the other side. A significant difference was observed between the perceived conflicts between the stakeholder groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: "30-Tir Street" project is a kind of gentrification of the public space for the function of urban tourism and is not concerned with preserving the originality and cultural identity of this urban texture. In this program, only the interests of tourists and citizens whose purpose is to have fun and spend their free time have been taken into account and the original identity of Street has been ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising upstream strategy to reduce the environmental loads of pharmaceutical emerging contaminants (PECs) through source control, ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) is concerned with the set of activities to identify, evaluate, understand, and prevent against diverse PEC-related problems, and has been accepted as a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder system. This cross-sectional observational survey aimed to assess the attitudes and opinions about EPV from multi-disciplinary perspectives among Chinese academic professors from four main EPV-related disciplines including pharmacy, management, clinical medicine, and environmental and ecological science based on a self-developed questionnaire. Forty-two usable survey instruments were acquired. Results showed that the responding Chinese academic researchers from different disciplines expressed consistently positive attitudes and strong intentions for EPV, in spite of several disparities existing among disciplinary groups showing that pharmacy and medical researchers felt more certain of the environmental adverse effects of PECs, and researchers in pharmacy and environmental and ecological science were more interested in EPV. A multi-disciplinary consensus was achieved in regard to the types of key stakeholders in EPV practices including the pharmaceutical manufacturers, the public, the drug safety authority, hospitals, and the environmental protection agency. The main roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder identity in EPV practices were summarized based on the expert opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders to understand the use of telehealth in community mental health centers (CMHCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima and Callao, Peru., Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in four CMHCs in Lima and Callao, Peru. Forty-nine individual semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2021 and March 2022, considering CMHCs' users and their relatives, health and administrative workers, directors, as well as local and national policymakers. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis., Results: Regarding the transition from in-person care to telehealth, CMHCs' directors and workers identified some of the regulations issued by the Government during the pandemic, such as the continuity of care through telehealth, especially for pregnant women and for people with comorbidities related to COVID-19. Regarding benefits, workers and users indicated that it allowed better communication, such as constant follow-ups. Directors and workers recognized that Google Drive facilitated access to user information, since they did not have an electronic medical record. Additionally, workers said they used social media to share educational information on mental health, and explained that some new users began their treatment this way. Regarding difficulties, participants reported a lack of devices and poor internet connection in CMHCs. Users mentioned that scheduling an appointment was difficult because the phone lines were usually saturated, and they could not find available appointments., Conclusion: Although the pandemic forced an immediate and disruptive change towards telehealth, CMHCs were able to adapt most of their services. This study reports the adaptations made by CMHCs to move from in-person to remote care, identifying the benefits and challenges faced, information that can be used for the nationwide implementation of telehealth in CMHCs. We recommend ensuring technological equipment and internet connection and adapt the telehealth system to make it responsive to the routine practices of CMHCs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

In her 2020 Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society (AFHVS) presidential address, Molly Anderson outlined three ways to push beyond boundaries imposed on us and by us to work towards addressing global food system and societal problems. In this response essay, I draw on my experiences and my perspectives as a pre-tenure rural sociologist who is not from around here to highlight how I attempt to push beyond boundaries in my own work and to discuss challenges associated with the feasibility of some of Molly's call. I also build on Molly's call for boundary work including a broadening of international collaborations through increased engagement in cross-national comparative research, pivoting from interacting with global social movements to interacting with key stakeholders, and deepening of anti-discrimination work through the use of an intersectionality lens. Arguing that Molly's call for action is bold but needed, I close my essay with a set of questions that I hope can contribute to larger discussions on how we can help one another push beyond boundaries to work towards more fair and sustainable food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an agreed upon set of outcomes known as a "core outcome set" (COS) for noninfectious uveitis of the posterior segment (NIU-PS) clinical trials. Mixed-methods study design comprising a systematic review and qualitative study followed by a 2-round Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting. Key stakeholders including patients diagnosed with NIU-PS, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals involved in decision-making for patients with NIU-PS, including ophthalmologists, nurse practitioners, and policymakers/commissioners. A long list of outcomes was developed based on the results of (1) a systematic review of clinical trials of NIU-PS and (2) a qualitative study of key stakeholders including focus groups and interviews. The long list was used to generate a 2-round Delphi exercise of stakeholders rating the importance of outcomes on a 9-point Likert scale. The proportion of respondents rating each item was calculated, leading to recommendations of "include," "exclude," or "for discussion" that were taken to a face-to-face consensus meeting of key stakeholders at which they agreed on the final COS. Items recommended for inclusion in the COS for NIU-PS. A total of 57 outcomes grouped in 11 outcome domains were presented for evaluation in the Delphi exercise, resulting in 9 outcomes directly qualifying for inclusion and 15 outcomes being carried forward to the consensus meeting, of which 7 of 15 were agreed on for inclusion. The final COS contained 16 outcomes organized into 4 outcome domains comprising visual function, health-related quality of life, treatment side effects, and disease control. This study builds on international work across the clinical trials community and our qualitative research to construct the world's first COS for NIU-PS. The COS provides a list of outcomes that represent the priorities of key stakeholders and provides a minimum set of outcomes for use in all future NIU-PS clinical trials. Adoption of this COS can improve the value of future uveitis clinical trials and reduce noninformative research. Some of the outcomes identified do not yet have internationally agreed upon methods for measurement and should be the subject of future international consensus development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to heart failure (HF) self-care behaviours has been found to be effective for alleviating illness symptoms, increasing quality of life and reducing hospital re-admissions and mortality. However, many patients fail to implement on-going self-care into their daily lives. It is therefore crucial to improve the behaviour of HF patients to increase self-care adherence. The aim of this study is to identify relevant factors to successfully implement a complex, theory-based HF self-care intervention into routine practice.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews to obtain key stakeholders' opinions on previously developed behaviour change techniques for enhancing HF patients' self-care behaviours, in order to optimise implementation of these techniques in an intervention. The interview topic guide was developed based on the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), a tool that takes into account the feasibility of implementation and the acceptability to stakeholders. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and supported by MAXQDA 2020, a software for qualitative research.Results: Interview participants included 18 key stakeholders consisting of three crucial groups: clinical experts (n = 7), patients (n = 3) and high calibre policy makers/potential funders (n = 8). The interviews revealed numerous factors to consider for successful implementation of an intervention into routine practice. The findings are presented according to two major categories: (1) themes within the NPT framework and (2) themes beyond the NPT framework. Themes within the NPT component 'Coherence' include three sub-themes: 'understandability', 'value beyond existing interventions' and 'perceived benefits'. The NPT component 'Cognitive participation' revealed two sub-themes: 'time resources' and 'financial sustainability'. Finally, the NPT component 'Collective action' uncovered three sub-themes: 'need for training', 'compatibility with existing practice' and 'influence on roles'. A further two themes were identified beyond the NPT framework, namely: 'structural challenges' and (2) 'role of carers'.Conclusions: Factors identified previously by NPT were validated, but stakeholders further identified relevant aspects beyond NPT. Based on these findings, we suggest the existing NPT framework could be expanded to include a fifth component: questions considering specific environmental factors (contextual considerations). Sensitising researchers to these issues at an early stage when designing an intervention can facilitate its later success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dimensión Empresarial is the property of Universidad Autonoma del Caribe, Departamento del Atlantico 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 Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering is the property of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering Editorial Office 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 author reflects on the value of partnership approaches to ensure that the Broken Clocks, or gaps that become background to those immersed in the work within each organization, are identified for improvement. Incorporating partners who encounter the physical space with varying perspectives can bring the Broken Clocks back to life once again.

Employment rates for autistic individuals are poor, even compared to those from other disability groups. Internationally, there remains limited understanding of the factors influencing employment across the stages of preparing for, gaining, and maintaining employment. This is the third in a series of studies conducted as part of an International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) policy brief intended to improve employment outcomes for autistic individuals. A multi‐informant international survey with five key stakeholder groups, including autistic individuals, their families, employers, service providers, and researchers, was undertaken in Australia, Sweden, and the United States to understand the facilitators and barriers to employment for autistic adults. A total of 687 individuals participated, including autistic individuals (n = 246), family members (n = 233), employers (n = 35), clinicians/service providers (n = 123), and researchers (n = 50). Perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to employment differed significantly across both key stakeholder groups and countries, however, ensuring a good job match and focusing on strengths were identified by all groups as important for success. Key barriers to employment included stigma, a lack of understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and communication difficulties. Results suggest that a holistic approach to employment for autistic individuals is required, aimed at facilitating communication between key stakeholders, addressing attitudes and understanding of ASD in the workplace, using strength‐based approaches and providing early work experience. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1195‐1214. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary Autistic individuals experience significant difficulty getting and keeping a job. This article presents a survey study involving autistic individuals, their families, employers, service providers and researchers in Australia, Sweden, and the United States to understand their perspectives on the factors that support or act as barriers to employment. While perspectives varied across key stakeholders, strategies such as using a holistic approach, targeting workplace attitudes and understanding, focusing on strengths, and providing early work experience are important for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ultimate goal of developing an accident and emergency (A&E) department HIV testing program in Belize City, Belize, we sought input from key stakeholders on program components and potential facilitators and barriers to HIV testing in emergency care. We conducted semistructured interviews among 4 key stakeholder groups at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) in Belize City: (1) 20 A&E patients, (2) 5 A&E physicians, (3) 5 A&E nurses, and (4) 5 KHMHA administrators. We performed a qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts and isolated important themes. Major themes included: (1) Patient selection: patients preferred to test all A&E patients. All other stakeholder groups preferred testing specific patient groups. (2) Training: Specific training should be completed for staff. (3) Confidentiality: integral for testing. (4) Facilitators and barriers: facilitators included respectful relationships, privacy, resources, coordination, and education. Barriers included stigmatization, patient willingness, inadequate resources, privacy, and testing biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the history and background of performance improvement (PI) processes and describes the creation of the foundational document for a PI project: the project charter. It is important for PI teams to create a complete charter before the project begins to give structure to the project. Teams involved in PI should use the charter as a roadmap for project completion because it helps to keep the team focused on issues within the scope of the project. This article reviews the steps to begin creating the charter and provides examples of the various sections that should be included. By reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of this part of the PI process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uveitis, a group of disorders characterised by intraocular inflammation, causes 10-15% of total blindness in the developed world. The most sight-threatening uveitis affects the posterior segment of the eye (posterior-segment involving uveitis (PSIU)). Numerous different outcomes have been used in clinical trials evaluating alternative treatments for uveitis, limiting inter-trial comparison and aggregation of data. We aim to develop a core outcome set (COS) that would provide a standardised set of outcomes to be measured and reported in all effectiveness trials for PSIU.Methods: A three-phase design will be used informed by recommendations from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative. Phase 1: a comprehensive list of outcomes will be identified through both a systematic review of effectiveness trials of PSIU and qualitative research with stakeholders. The qualitative study will comprise focus groups with patients and their carers in parallel with one-to-one telephone interviews with health professionals and policy-makers. In the focus groups, patients will be grouped according to whether or not their uveitis is complicated by the sight-threatening condition uveitic macular oedema (UMO) since it is hypothesised that the presence of UMO may significantly impact on patient experience of PSIU. Phase 2: Delphi methodology will be used to reduce the range of potential outcomes for the core set. Up to three Delphi rounds will be used through an online survey. Participants will be asked to rate the importance of each outcome on a 9-point Likert scale where 9 is most important. Phase 3: a consensus meeting will be held with key stakeholders to discuss the Delphi results and ratify the final outcomes to be included in the COS.Discussion: The development of an agreed COS for PSIU would help ensure that outcomes which matter to key stakeholders are captured and reported in a consistent way. A COS for PSIU would allow greater comparison and aggregation of data across trials for the better evaluation of established and emerging therapies through evidence synthesis and meta-analysis to inform clinical guidelines and health policy.Trial Registration: COMET. http://comet-initiative.org/studies/details/640 . August 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Key stakeholders' involvement is crucial to the sustainability of quality point-of-care (POC) diagnostics services in low-and-middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholder perceptions on the implementation of POC diagnostics in rural primary healthcare (PHC) clinics in South Africa. Method: We conducted a qualitative study encompassing in-depth interviews with multiple key stakeholders of POC diagnostic services for rural and resource-limited PHC clinics. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to thematic content analysis. Thematic content analysis was conducted using themes guided by theWorld Health Organisation (WHO) quality-ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User friendly, Rapid and to enable treatment at first visit and Robust, Equipment free and Delivered to those who need it) criteria for POC diagnostic services in resource-limited settings. Results: 11 key stakeholders participated in the study. All stakeholders perceived the main advantage of POC diagnostics as enabling access to healthcare for rural patients. Stakeholders perceived the current POC diagnostic services to have an ability to meet patients' needs, but recommended further improvement of the following areas: research on cost-effectiveness; improved quality management systems; development of affordable POC diagnostic and clinic-based monitoring and evaluation. Conclusions: Key stakeholders of POC diagnostics in rural PHC clinics in South Africa highlighted the need to assess affordability and ensure quality assurance of current services before adopting new POC diagnostics and scaling up current POC diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of forestry practices on biodiversity vary according to silvicultural treatments, water system management and the natural habitat that is replaced. Commercial plantations can be designed and managed to preserve wild species and to maintain ecosystem functions. However, interdisciplinary work and consensus among key stakeholders are required to achieve the desired conservation objectives. The Lower Delta of the Paraná River (Buenos Aires) contains the largest area in Argentina dedicated to commercial plantations of poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.), transforming the natural habitats and modifying the species that inhabited them. In the last 25 years, extensive research by universities and by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) has documented these local impacts, and triggered demands for changes in production practices, to make production and conservation more compatible. In this context, an agreement on sustainable forest management was signed in 2009 between INTA and the Argentine Forest Association, through which scientists, forest producers, and managers jointly developed a protocol entitled "Biodiversity conservation strategies in salicaceae plantations in the Lower Delta of the Paraná River." This document reflects the demands of different sectors and provides guidelines for achieving the sustainability of forestry production in this region. Several of these guidelines have already been implemented with encouraging results. The consensus among principal stakeholders has been key to this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different groups of stakeholders might impact differently on Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs). • Application of AHP and game model for determining strategies to the key stakeholder. • The probability of illegal activities could be decreased by right strategies. Marine nature reserves (MNRs) play an important role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, which are valuable for marine resource protection in China. Many stakeholders are involved in MNRs. The interactions between MNR managers and other stakeholders affect the effectiveness of MNR management. This work divided MNR stakeholders into three categories and applied the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify the key stakeholders. The game model was set up to analyze the strategies of MNR staff and stakeholders. The situation of key stakeholders and management was studied in two MNRs in Guangdong Province through field research and questionnaires. The results showed that fishermen were the main stakeholders in the two cases. The strategies adopted by MNR staff to improve the efficiency of law enforcement and decrease the probability of illegal activities of fishermen are to increase penalties, improve the arrest rate of illegal activities, and reduce the cost of law enforcement per patrol. We suggested that the fishermen's negative impacts could be minimized by establishing a market management system to reduce illegal earnings, a record-keeping system to share additional benefits only with the fishermen who comply with the law, and an association mechanism in the coastal province to control illegal fishing across provincial boundaries. Identifying key stakeholders and analyzing their relationships could be helpful to find out the best strategy for different MNRs. Building a community of shared interests among various stakeholders could be a promising way to resolve conflicts and improve management effectiveness in MNRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the theoretical framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and to provide a number of conceptual considerations which can be considered in the design of measures for corporate social performance (CSP). Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a theoretical framework of CSR and provides conceptual considerations to improve the measurement of CSP. The example of Spanish savings banks is used to illustrate the complexity of the concept of CSR, which includes different dimensions and relationships. Findings – CSP evaluation can be affected by the illusion of CSR, which may result in invalid conclusions on the relationship with financial performance. This risk mainly affects those studies whose CSP measure is based on charity or philanthropic activities, as most of the time they are disconnected from core business. These activities enjoy great visibility and, in some cases, such as Spanish savings banks, they become a thick veil that can be used to hide serious deficiencies in other key aspects of CSP. Research limitations/implications – This study has implications for the literature on the conceptual and theoretical framework of CSR and the research on the link between CSP and financial performance. This paper highlights the importance of seeking comprehensive measures that cannot be misleading because of the relationships between the components of CSR. Originality/value – The paper provides a novel conceptual framework for CSR, which connects the conceptual debate around “Strategic CSR” with the theoretical framework designed by Carroll’s (1991) Pyramid of CSR and emphasizes the importance of a meticulous examination of the CSP construct before studying its relationship with financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When planning interventions, water and land resource managers increasingly need to take the opinions of stakeholders into account. In the present study, stakeholders' concerns in a multifunctional water system are assessed, with a focus on the debate about the sustainability of irrigation projects in stressed and competing water contexts. The selected case study pertains to the Segarra-Garrigues irrigation canal (Spain), the promotion of which has generated social debate and mobilization, as well as pronouncements from European authorities for ensuring its environmental sustainability. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed by means of a new codification system for identifying the affinities and conflicts arising from existing water demands. Results show that sustainability concepts are more present in civil society than in public administration and private services or the rural community. However, social sustainability and environmental sustainability are a priority for most stakeholders, while the economic perspective of sustainable development has been conditioned by the first two. These results can be used by relevant authorities as a first step in customizing their interventions, as they provide a clear initial idea of what stakeholder priorities are in the framework of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 passed into law in July 2013 and legislated for generic substitution in Ireland. The aim of the study was to ascertain the knowledge and perceptions of stakeholders i.e. patients, pharmacists and prescribers, of generic medicines and to generic substitution with the passing of legislation. Methods: Three stakeholder specific questionnaires were developed to assess knowledge of and perceptions to generic medicines and generic substitution. Purposive samples of patients, prescribers and pharmacists were analysed. Descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses were undertaken. Results and discussion: A total of 762 healthcare professionals and 353 patients were recruited. The study highlighted that over 84 % of patients were familiar with generic medicines and are supportive of the concept of generic substitution. Approximately 74 % of prescribers and 84 % of pharmacists were supportive of generic substitution in most cases. The main areas of concern highlighted by the healthcare professionals that might impact on the successful implementation of the policy, were the issue of bioequivalence with generic medicines, the computer software systems used at present in general practitioner (GP) surgeries and the availability of branded generics. The findings from this study identify a high baseline rate of acceptance to generic medicines and generic substitution among patients, prescribers and pharmacists in the Irish setting. The concerns of the main stakeholders provide a valuable insight into the potential difficulties that may arise in its implementation, and the need for on-going reassurance and proactive dissemination of the impact of the generic substitution policy. Conclusion: The existing positive attitude to generic medicines and generic substitution among key stakeholders in Ireland to generic substitution, combined with appropriate support and collaboration should result in the desired increase in rates of prescribing, dispensing and use of generic medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Key stakeholders’ involvement is crucial to the sustainability of quality point-of-care (POC) diagnostics services in low-and-middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholder perceptions on the implementation of POC diagnostics in rural primary healthcare (PHC) clinics in South Africa. Method: We conducted a qualitative study encompassing in-depth interviews with multiple key stakeholders of POC diagnostic services for rural and resource-limited PHC clinics. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to thematic content analysis. Thematic content analysis was conducted using themes guided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) quality-ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User friendly, Rapid and to enable treatment at first visit and Robust, Equipment free and Delivered to those who need it) criteria for POC diagnostic services in resource-limited settings. Results: 11 key stakeholders participated in the study. All stakeholders perceived the main advantage of POC diagnostics as enabling access to healthcare for rural patients. Stakeholders perceived the current POC diagnostic services to have an ability to meet patients’ needs, but recommended further improvement of the following areas: research on cost-effectiveness; improved quality management systems; development of affordable POC diagnostic and clinic-based monitoring and evaluation. Conclusions: Key stakeholders of POC diagnostics in rural PHC clinics in South Africa highlighted the need to assess affordability and ensure quality assurance of current services before adopting new POC diagnostics and scaling up current POC diagnostics.

Green residential buildings (GRBs) are of instructive significance to the sustainable transformation of the construction industry. Yet, it is far from the case that the development of GRBs in China has been sustained toward a long-term autonomy-oriented goal from reliance on the government's efforts, which remains an area requiring more scholarly attention. Considering the strategic choices of key stakeholders that dominate the GRB market, this study innovatively introduced industry associations and idle penalty to establish a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, developer, and homebuyer to investigate the evolution process of the dynamic system. Then, equilibrium points and evolutionary stable strategies were analyzed. Finally, collaborative players' decision-making behavior and their sensitivity to critical factors in each stage were illustrated through numerical simulations. The results indicate the leading role of the government in the incubation stage, while such leadership effects are gradually replaced by market-led mechanisms as the GRB industry matures. In addition, appropriate subsidies and penalties can benefit the GRB development when dynamically fitting respective stages and high cost obstructs the government's initiative for the GRB market. Accordingly, a series of promotion mechanisms are proposed to afford theoretical guidance and managerial implications to prompt the long-term development of GRBs more effectively. • Autonomy-oriented transformation of the GRB industry is essential to sustaining its long-term development. • A tripartite evolutionary game model was established to analyze three stakeholders' strategies in the dynamic system. • Industry associations were innovatively introduced to explore the role of social supervision in the GRB market. • The idle penalty mechanism was introduced to examine its regulatory effects on opportunistic behavior of the developer. • A series of promotion mechanisms of the GRB industry were proposed in relation to different evolutionary processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]