/library/oar/handle/123456789/49258 2025-11-04T13:07:30Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/49539 Title: A study of human error elements in decision making and their implications for quality and safety within aviation ground handling Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation was to identify human errors during the decision-making process and their implications for quality and safety within aviation ground handling. The research sought to analyse how such errors can leave an impact on both quality and safety. The findings demonstrate that both quality and safety factors were affected when analysed from the perspective of several experienced personnel within the airline and aviation ground handling company. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, wherein the researcher conducted face-to-face in-depth interviews, which were assisted by an interview guide. Furthermore, open-ended questions were asked to the interviewees. Results show that quality and safety factors are affected immediately by any human errors. However, risk rating is to be conducted in order to analyse and determine the severity and likelihood of such errors. Both personnel and the management play an important role in order to mitigate the negative implications for quality and safety. The main conclusion which was drawn from this research was that human errors can never be eliminated; however, mitigation measures may be effective thereby reducing such errors. Furthermore, this dissertation offers five recommendations which the author believes should be given importance in order to minimise human errors, eventually reducing negative occurrences in relation to quality and safety within aviation ground handling. The author recommends that a company should have an effective departmental and/or organisational structure, strong communication throughout the organisation, skilled operational staff, compelling training programmes and conducts on-site inspections of operational functions. Description: M.A.MANGT. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/49528 Title: Attitudes, perceived impacts and motivational factors for European member state collaboration for pricing and reimbursement of medicines : a review of the evidence Abstract: Initiatives for European Member State collaboration in the area of pricing and reimbursement of medicines started in recent years. In view of the perceived benefits from collaboration and the challenges being experienced with current initiatives, it was necessary to study the attitudes, perceived impacts and the motivational factors concerned. The researcher is a practitioner in this area. The methodology for evidence–based management set by Barends and Rousseau (2018), was found to be systematic, enabled balance of the evidence, filled gaps and addressed biases. Voluntary co-operation was generally favoured for all activities of pricing and reimbursement except for relative effectiveness assessment (REA), where Member State authorities had divergent attitudes while industry adamantly favoured mandatory cooperation. While Member State authorities prioritised impacts related to sustainability of healthcare systems and access to medicines, industry supported economic impacts. Member States’ motivation for collaboration was highly dependent on purpose, political will, implementation climate and cultural factors. The findings of the study were applied to the two decisions already taken. The Proposal for a Regulation on HTA was based on evidence which did not reflect the evidence obtained from this study. The vote at Council is still to be taken. Hopefully Member States realise the risks from this legislation. Regional collaborations are encountering difficulties and need to take bold steps such as transparency of prices and forcing industry participation in joint negotiation. The evidence can be used for future decisions on collaboration. This case study can inform the use of evidence-based management methodology for health policy and regulation. Description: M.A.MANGT. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/49525 Title: The relationship between stress and decision making : a rapid evidence assessment Abstract: Decision making is a continuous core function of every human being. It is an indispensable process that enables individuals to lead their lives. Life situations are such that frequently people need to make decisions under stress that is either already present or is created by the decision situation itself. The general perception is that stress impairs decision making and leads to suboptimal or bad decision outcomes. The implications for practice are discussed with regard to everyday workplace decision making situations emphasising the need for organisations to differentiate between distress and eustress in order to exploit potential benefits whilst mitigating negative effects. The purpose of this study is to summarise what is known in scientific literature about the relationship between stress and decision making. The review takes the form of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) that involves the systematic search, identification, appraisal and evaluation of relevant studies that have examined decision making under stress in humans. The included studies were identified through four databases namely ABI / INFORM Global, Business Source Elite, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, and PsycINFO. This REA demonstrates that scientific literature strongly supports the notion that there is a bidirectional relationship between stress and decision making. Such relationship is affected by various mediators and moderators that include endocrine and neural pathways, physiological and emotional factors, and gender influence. Importantly, the review also shows that the effect of stress on decision making may be positive or negative, depending on prevailing circumstances including the specific task at hand and the individual’s perception of it, as being either a threat or a challenge. The results of the review are discussed with respect to the need for future research to continue addressing existing gaps in the literature via empirical studies in laboratory settings. Additionally, the importance of examining naturalistic decision making settings is highlighted enabling the possibility of cross-comparison of results from both areas of research. Description: M.A.MANGT. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/49506 Title: A systematic review of how family-friendly measures affect the employees’ performance in higher education institutions Abstract: This research aims to establish whether family-friendly measures implemented by higher education institutions affect the academic and administrative staff by evaluating any possible repercussions on their performance. To achieve this primary objective, a systematic review of the literature between academic and administrative staff within higher education institutions was conducted. The systematic review I carried out reviewed both qualitative and quantitative studies. A summary of the results of 49 articles was formulated in a table which gives an indication of the analysis. Several studies indicated that working from home could have a negative impact on the employees as it may lead to work-family conflicts. Findings show that when employees have a good work-life balance this leads to higher job performance and a reduction in turnover and absenteeism. However, this study highlights that family-friendly measures have both positive and negative implications on the employees’ performance. In addition, it was discovered that there are positive family-friendly measures which are still not being implemented by the institutions. As a conclusion to this study, a number of recommendations were formulated. One recommendation is that these positive measures consideration should be given to the stressful nature of the current times. It is also important that any family-friendly measures implemented by the institution are communicated well to their employees so as to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts of interest. Finally, such measures should be discussed with the employees to make sure every employee can benefit equally. Description: M.A.MANGT. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z