/library/oar/handle/123456789/113952 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:43:59 GMT 2025-12-29T09:43:59Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/119426 Title: A pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating nurses’ professional judgement of emergency cases Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study was to explore an area where recurrent critical decisions in healthcare are taken, capture decision outcomes and analyse the variance which is produced as a result of judgemental error. Design/method – The study took a non-practitioner’s (outsider) standpoint and utilised an experimental, blinded, randomized controlled trial using Simulation-Based Research (SBR) methods, with a control group and two experimental groups, to address the hypotheses and purpose of the study. A tailor-made web-application was developed specifically for participants to self-report and rate their mood, score triage judgements on fictitious emergency cases, provide a justification, and share details about their personality traits. Sessions were conducted at the hospital administration building and University campus, and participants were not allowed to interact with the academic personnel on the setup and configuration. Findings – Despite being inconclusive, results unveiled variances in judgements from the selected sample in a simulated environment. Under time pressure and distractions, participants performed better (a possible explanation being the inverted U theory). Participants shared the common personality traits of conscientiousness, agreeableness and extraversion. Neuroticism was one of the reported lower scores among all groups which could possibly indicate that the participants are well-trained to perform the task or that their personality traits fit the bill. Research limitations – The sample of participants was not representative of the whole population. Navigating a pandemic and post-pandemic environment led to underestimating the amount of time required to complete the project, hence the setting up of research sessions appointments was challenging, causing participant attrition. Future studies should consider re-testing the research software to improve temporal stability and response bias, and find alternative sources to share cross-border information related to hospital admissions or triage-related statistics. Practical implications – The risks of cognitive biases in emergency medicine and diagnostic error are significant; measures to mitigate these risks need to be put in place and may include improved staff training and education, implementation of cognitive aids and decision support tools, simulation-based research and the creation of a culture of safety and openness that promotes learning from errors. Originality/value – The term ‘noise’ in behavioural studies and academia (the unwanted variability in judgements) is being considered as much of a concern in professional decision-making as bias. The study itself is a demonstration of a real-life application of a noise audit and presents an opportunity to industry to further expand on such an approach at dealing with the analysis of variance. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/119426 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115440 Title: The effects of artificial intelligence on organisations and its influence on the hybrid structure Abstract: The use of Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionise organisational structures and work processes. This dissertation investigates the effects of AI on organisations and its influence on the hybrid work structure, which combines remote and on-site working. The data collection method used within this study was a qualitative data approach through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders from two large, hybrid structured organisations within Malta. The data was then analysed using a thematic approach to identify the similarities and contrasts between these two organisations. This study concludes that AI technologies integrated within organizations leads to several significant effects. Firstly, AI enhances operational efficiency by automating routine tasks, freeing up employees' time for more strategic and creative work. Secondly, AI assists decision makers to make more informed decisions through data-driven decision-making by analysing vast amounts of information and providing accurate insights and KPIs. However, alongside the benefits discovered within this study, concerns about data privacy, job displacement, and ethical implications were also unveiled. Furthermore, the research highlights how AI influences the hybrid work structure through communication tools and collaboration platforms which enable seamless and instant knowledge sharing among virtual teams allowing them to collaborate irresectable of their geographical location. Additionally, AI analytics and employee monitoring systems allow organisations to assess employee productivity and well-being in the hybrid work environment. Overall, this thesis contributes to the existing literature on the effects of AI on organizations and sheds light on the evolving hybrid work structure. The findings provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to implement AI technologies to enhance their productivity, collaboration, and decision-making while adapting to the changing dynamics of the hybrid work environment. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/115440 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115439 Title: The study of how emerging technologies have influenced online and offline shoppers in Malta Abstract: Emerging technologies refer to the development of new technologies or the continuing development of current technologies. These technologies develop new opportunities for businesses and help to minimise and solve real-world problems in countless industries. Emerging technologies are the most innovative technologies to date. They cause rapid changes in businesses which make use of them. They allow us to communicate and collaborate in new ways, they help us to solve complex problems, and they open up new opportunities for business and industry. They also have the potential to improve our quality of life and make the world a better place. They also help us to stay ahead of the competition, enabling us to create new products, services, and solutions that give us a competitive edge. New technologies can also lead to discoveries and breakthroughs, which can open up new possibilities and opportunities. Furthermore, emerging technologies and innovations can help to reduce waste, pollution, and environmental impacts, thereby ensuring the sustainability of our planet. The retail, hospitality, manufacturing and transportation industries, all having online and brick-and-mortar establishments, were certainly some of the most affected industries by emerging technologies. In the retail industry, new and emerging technologies have not only allowed businesses to better understand their customers but also to provide them with more individualised experiences. These disruptive technologies are regularly being introduced in Malta and in fact, one can see that a lot of retail outlets located in Malta have started implementing these emerging technologies, improving local businesses and increasing local shopper satisfaction in the process. Our study aims to provide a qualitative view on the topic where various participants will take part in a questionnaire which will revolve around how their online and offline shopping has improved/changed/worsened with the introduction of certain emerging technologies. Various new technologies and even improvements from old technologies will be evaluated and studied. Then, Maltese shoppers will be asked a range of very carefully thought-out questions to understand how their shopping experiences have been affected with a primary focus on the industries mentioned above. We will also include quantitative questions which will have a range of possible answers (from highly satisfied to highly dissatisfied) to paint a clearer picture of the extent of the advantages that are provided by emerging technologies and how prominent the effect they have on the shopping habits of Maltese Citizens is. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/115439 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115438 Title: The possible role blockchain has during the COVID-19 pandemic Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has presented the globe with ground-breaking issues and challenges to public health, the economy, and the global digital infrastructure. Emerging technologies like blockchain have proven to be essential to overcome these challenges set by the pandemic. The technologies had accelerated their growth over the course of the pandemic with companies and researchers investing their time and resources to overcome the set challenges. The Study aims to understand and compare people’s understandings of blockchain and investigate how blockchain could be used to contribute to the pandemic. The researcher also seeks to investigate what current technological applications are being used to combat the pandemic. Upon discovering the applications, the researcher seeks to investigate how blockchain technology can advance these applications. Furthermore, the findings suggest that there are a few barriers that were investigated. The discussion also proved that blockchain technology has tremendous potential in building applications used to counter the effects of the Covid- 19 pandemic. Moreover, Blockchain technology is an emerging technology that companies will implement into their business processes due to its benefits. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) Bus.& IT(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/115438 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z