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Vinberg S, Danielsson P. Managers of micro-sized enterprises and Covid-19: impact on business operations, work-life balance and well-being. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1959700. [PMID: 34378496 PMCID: PMC8366643 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1959700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify how managers of micro-sized enterprises experience the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their business operations, work-life balance and well-being. Further, the study aims to make comparisons between managers of micro-sized businesses and managers of small-sized businesses. This mixed-method study is based on qualitative interviews with ten managers of micro-sized enterprises and a questionnaire answered by 95 managers of micro-sized and small-sized enterprises in regions in the north of Sweden. Managers of micro-sized enterprises reported significantly worse scores for mental well-being, job satisfaction and life satisfaction in comparison with managers of small-sized enterprises. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: Changed leadership role, Impact on private life and Impact on well-being. In the interviews, the managers of micro-sized enterprises reported that the pandemic had increased their workload and forced them to mobilise strategies for enterprise survival. This study indicates that managers of micro-sized enterprises had changed their leadership role and increased their workload and number of work tasks, including supporting the employees, developing strategies for business survival and applying for governmental support. However, the managers demonstrated creativity in finding new solutions for their enterprises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stig Vinberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Peter Danielsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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2
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Dyduch W, Chudziński P, Cyfert S, Zastempowski M. Dynamic capabilities, value creation and value capture: Evidence from SMEs under Covid-19 lockdown in Poland. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252423. [PMID: 34129597 PMCID: PMC8205126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic capabilities, resulting from activities that allow conscious and skillful modification of a firm's strategic potential, are seen as one of the key drivers of a firm's value creation, competitive advantage and above-average performance in changing environments. However, little is known about how dynamic capabilities can shape business survival and performance during crises. The research objective of this paper is twofold. First, through a literature review, we seek to identify which first-order dynamic capabilities-managerial decisions under uncertainty-are vital for rapid response to a crisis. Second, we present the results of research carried out among 151 small and medium-sized companies in Poland immediately after the beginning of the economic lockdown (April 2020). The survey that we developed identifies which dynamic capabilities were essential for businesses to survive during this unexpected black swan event. We also present dependence and regression analyses showing the links between the identified dynamic capabilities and value creation, understood as retaining employees and production levels, as well as value capture, understood as maintaining cash flow and current revenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Dyduch
- College of Management, University of Economics in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Szymon Cyfert
- Institute of Management, Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Zastempowski
- Department of Enterprise Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
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3
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Affiliation(s)
- Stig Vinberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sweden
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4
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Mhando F, Dovel K, Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Rwehumbiza D, Thompson N, Nwaozuru U, Rehani A, Iwelunmor J, Nelson LE, Conserve DF. Microfinance and Peer Health Leadership Intervention Implementation for Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment of Perceived Economic and Health Outcomes. Am J Mens Health 2020; 14:1557988320936892. [PMID: 32627650 PMCID: PMC7492860 DOI: 10.1177/1557988320936892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Men in sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience health disparities that are exacerbated by low employment. This study qualitatively assessed men's perceptions of the economic and health-care-seeking effects of participation in an integrated microfinance and peer health leadership intervention on violence and HIV risk reduction in Tanzania. Three focus group discussions with 27 men, aged 20 to 44 years, examined the perceived effects on income generation, employability, mental health, and uptake of HIV and related health services. All discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding methods. Men reported that the benefits of the intervention included increased employability and income-earning activities due to greater access to entrepreneurial training, low-interest microfinancing, and male-oriented group supports to start or strengthen their businesses. Increased wages through business or other forms of employment were also attributed to men's lower anxiety and distress as financial providers for their families. However, men indicated that apart from the uptake of free HIV testing services, there was limited change in overall health-care-seeking behavior given the high clinic fees and lost time to earn income when attending routine health visits. Men recommended that future microfinance and health promotion interventions provide larger loan amounts, less frequent repayment intervals, and access to health and social insurance. Microfinance and peer health leadership interventions may help to address economic and health disparities in poor, urban men. Efforts are needed to assist lower income men in accessing financial tools as well as fee-based preventive and health-care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Mhando
- Department of Geography,
University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
(UCLA), Los Angeles, USA
| | - Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Applied Health
Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN,
USA
- Department of International
Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | | | - Noah Thompson
- Department of Health Promotion,
Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC,
USA
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- Department of Behavioral Science
and Health Education, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Department of Behavioral Science
and Health Education, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Donaldson Fadael Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion,
Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC,
USA
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5
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Onken J, Miklos AC, Dorsey TF, Aragon R, Calcagno AM. Using database linkages to measure innovation, commercialization, and survival of small businesses. Eval Program Plann 2019; 77:101710. [PMID: 31518846 PMCID: PMC6815254 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the results of an outcomes evaluation of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Since the programs' inception, assessments of the SBIR/STTR programs at several federal agencies have utilized surveys of former grantees as the primary source of data. Response rates have typically been low, making non-response bias a potential threat to the validity of some of these studies' results. Meanwhile, the availability of large publicly-available datasets continues to grow and methods of text mining and linking databases continue to improve. By linking NIGMS grant funding records, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office data, and business intelligence databases, we explored innovation, commercialization and survival for recipients of NIGMS SBIR/STTR funding. In doing so, we were able to more completely assess several key outcomes of the NIGMS SBIR/STTR program. Our evaluation demonstrated that the NIGMS program performed above baseline expectations along all dimensions, and comparably to other federal agency SBIR/STTR grant programs. In addition, we show that the use of extant data increasingly is a viable, less expensive, and more reliable approach to gathering data for evaluation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Onken
- Research Enterprise Analytics, LLC, 21 Hardwicke Place, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew C Miklos
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA
| | - Travis F Dorsey
- Medical Science & Computing, LLC, 11300 Rockville Pike #1100, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Richard Aragon
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA
| | - Anna Maria Calcagno
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA.
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Abstract
We characterized the potential benefits and risks of participating in a microenterprise program targeting low-income women living with HIV (WLWH) in Alabama; and described potential mechanisms through which microenterprise programs could influence sexual risk behaviors and engagement in HIV care. Fourteen stakeholders and 46 WLWH (89% African American) participated in the qualitative study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (stakeholders) and focus group discussions (WLWH). NVivo qualitative software was used for the management and analysis of the data. The data revealed four main mechanisms through which microenterprise programs could potentially improve health outcomes: (1) social support and encouragement from other women, (2) improvement in self-esteem, (3) creating structure in the women's lives, and (4) financial strengthening. Potential risks included unwanted disclosure of HV status, stigma and loss of insurance benefits. Microenterprise programs have the potential to be acceptable and may contribute to improved health and social outcomes among low-income WLWH in Alabama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melonie Walcott
- Department of Public Health, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Dr., Oneonta, NY, 13820, USA.
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- School of Nursing, Public Health and Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1210, USA
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Amy Nunn
- Brown University and the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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Garcés-Ayerbe C, Rivera-Torres P, Suárez-Perales I, Leyva-de la Hiz DI. Is It Possible to Change from a Linear to a Circular Economy? An Overview of Opportunities and Barriers for European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Companies. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16050851. [PMID: 30857193 PMCID: PMC6427659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Circular Economy is a paradigm shift attempting to replace the end-of-life concept with reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering materials and to slow down, close and narrow material and power loops. This concept is much discussed in the academic literature, but limited progress has been accomplished so far regarding its empirical analysis. The objective of this work is to study circular economy practices and analyze in depth the circular economy behavior in European firms. We find that firms’ circular economy behavior is a gradual process where measures are implemented gradually, starting with activities involving control measures and ending with putting preventive practices in place. We discovered also that the most proactive companies in implementing circular economy measures generally come across certain common barriers such as administrative processes, regulations and a lack of human resources to perform these practices, while firms that have not implemented circular economy measures view financing, investment and cost–benefit barriers as the most significant. Significant efforts need to be undertaken by firms to accomplished circular economy. Also circular economy regulation should be improved to make it easier for companies to implement strategies that will make them more sustainable.
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McLellan DL, Williams JA, Katz JN, Pronk NP, Wagner GR, Cabán-Martinez AJ, Nelson CC, Sorensen G. Key Organizational Characteristics for Integrated Approaches to Protect and Promote Worker Health in Smaller Enterprises. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:289-294. [PMID: 28267100 PMCID: PMC7372726 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between worksite organizational characteristics (size, industrial sector, leadership commitment, and organizational supports) and integrated approaches to protecting and promoting worker health implemented in smaller enterprises. METHODS We analyzed web-based survey data of Human Resource Managers at 114 smaller enterprises (<750 employees) to identify organizational factors associated with levels of integrated approaches among their worksites. RESULTS The companies' mean integration score was 13.6 (SD = 9.6) of a possible 44. In multivariate analyses, having a safety committee (P = 0.035) and top leadership support for health promotion (HP) (P = 0.004) were positively associated with higher integration scores. CONCLUSIONS Smaller enterprises in one U.S. region have relatively low levels of implementing integrated safety and promotion approaches. Having a safety committee and leadership support for HP may be important contributors to implementing integrated approaches in smaller enterprises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. McLellan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
| | - Jessica A. Williams
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass
- University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Nicolaas P. Pronk
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
- HealthPartners, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn
| | - Gregory R. Wagner
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH/CDC), Washington, DC
| | - Alberto J. Cabán-Martinez
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Medical School, Miami, Fla
| | | | - Glorian Sorensen
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
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Rakićević Z, Omerbegović-Bijelović J, Lečić-Cvetković D. A model for effective planning of SME support services. Eval Program Plann 2016; 54:30-40. [PMID: 26479837 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a model for effective planning of support services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The idea is to scrutinize and measure the suitability of support services in order to give recommendations for the improvement of a support planning process. We examined the applied support services and matched them with the problems and needs of SMEs, based on the survey conducted in 2013 on a sample of 336 SMEs in Serbia. We defined and analysed the five research questions that refer to support services, their consistency with the SMEs' problems and needs, and the relation between the given support and SMEs' success. The survey results have shown a statistically significant connection between them. Based on this result, we proposed an eight-phase model as a method for the improvement of support service planning for SMEs. This model helps SMEs to plan better their requirements in terms of support; government and administration bodies at all levels and organizations that provide support services to understand better SMEs' problems and needs for support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Rakićević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organisational Sciences, Jove Ilića 154, Serbia.
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10
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Parker DL, Yamin SC, Brosseau LM, Xi M, Gordon R, Most IG, Stanley R. National Machine Guarding Program: Part 2. Safety management in small metal fabrication enterprises. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:1184-93. [PMID: 26345591 PMCID: PMC5014194 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Small manufacturing businesses often lack important safety programs. Many reasons have been set forth on why this has remained a persistent problem. Methods The National Machine Guarding Program (NMGP) was a nationwide intervention conducted in partnership with two workers' compensation insurers. Insurance safety consultants collected baseline data in 221 business using a 33‐question safety management audit. Audits were completed during an interview with the business owner or manager. Results Most measures of safety management improved with an increasing number of employees. This trend was particularly strong for lockout/tagout. However, size was only significant for businesses without a safety committee. Establishments with a safety committee scored higher (55% vs. 36%) on the safety management audit compared with those lacking a committee (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Critical safety management programs were frequently absent. A safety committee appears to be a more important factor than business size in accounting for differences in outcome measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1184–1193, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Parker
- Park Nicollet Institute, Health Research Center, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
| | - Samuel C Yamin
- Park Nicollet Institute, Health Research Center, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
| | - Lisa M Brosseau
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Min Xi
- Park Nicollet Institute, Health Research Center, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
| | - Robert Gordon
- Park Nicollet Institute, Health Research Center, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
| | - Ivan G Most
- School of Public Health, University of New England, Portland, Minnesota
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11
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Parker DL, Yamin SC, Brosseau LM, Xi M, Gordon R, Most IG, Stanley R. National Machine Guarding Program: Part 1. Machine safeguarding practices in small metal fabrication businesses. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:1174-83. [PMID: 26332060 PMCID: PMC5016767 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal fabrication workers experience high rates of traumatic occupational injuries. Machine operators in particular face high risks, often stemming from the absence or improper use of machine safeguarding or the failure to implement lockout procedures. METHODS The National Machine Guarding Program (NMGP) was a translational research initiative implemented in conjunction with two workers' compensation insures. Insurance safety consultants trained in machine guarding used standardized checklists to conduct a baseline inspection of machine-related hazards in 221 business. RESULTS Safeguards at the point of operation were missing or inadequate on 33% of machines. Safeguards for other mechanical hazards were missing on 28% of machines. Older machines were both widely used and less likely than newer machines to be properly guarded. Lockout/tagout procedures were posted at only 9% of machine workstations. CONCLUSIONS The NMGP demonstrates a need for improvement in many aspects of machine safety and lockout in small metal fabrication businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Parker
- Park Nicollet InstituteHealth Research CenterSt. Louis ParkMinnesota
| | - Samuel C. Yamin
- Park Nicollet InstituteHealth Research CenterSt. Louis ParkMinnesota
| | - Lisa M. Brosseau
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at ChicagoSchool of Public HealthChicagoIllinois
| | - Min Xi
- Park Nicollet InstituteHealth Research CenterSt. Louis ParkMinnesota
| | - Robert Gordon
- Park Nicollet InstituteHealth Research CenterSt. Louis ParkMinnesota
| | - Ivan G. Most
- University of New EnglandSchool of Public HealthPortlandMaine
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12
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Marsac J. [Development of Human Health Discoveries. 10 years results of Young Innovative Company incubation]. Bull Acad Natl Med 2014; 198:905-916. [PMID: 26753415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Medicine is evolving every day in its operating procedures and the services offered to patients, emphasizing personalized medicine, safety and medical benefits. The individual patient is more than ever the hub of healthcare organization. Medical innovation is thus a public health priority. However it requires an accurate assessment of medical utility and risk-benefit ratios, and in-depth analysis of economic and organizational impacts. Ten years of experience in the Paris Biotech Santé company incubator has identified key actions for effective support of research projects and the success of innovative companies. Strong expertise is needed to prepare development plans, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and obtain research funding. During its first decade, this incubator has created 87 innovative companies employing 1500 people, raised more than 90 million euros of funding, and reached a cumulative company value of 1200 million euros. Key factors of success have been identified, but an analysis of the causes of failure shows that operational adjustments are mandatory, particularly a strong commitment from medical experts, in order to promote access to new and useful products for patients while at the same time assessing their social impact.
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Raftesath D, Fitzgerald M. How healthy is your relationship with your business partners? Aust Vet J 2014; 92:N16. [PMID: 24712074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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14
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Shah N. Leap of faith. Minn Med 2014; 97:34-35. [PMID: 24645371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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15
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Evans EK. Health care reform's impact on your organization. Part 2. Del Med J 2013; 85:377-378. [PMID: 24654359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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16
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Cansino JM, Lopez-Melendo J, Pablo-Romero MDP, Sánchez-Braza A. An economic evaluation of public programs for internationalization: the case of the Diagnostic Program in Spain. Eval Program Plann 2013; 41:38-46. [PMID: 23920021 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the Diagnostic Program in Spain which is a publicly funded program to promote internationalization of companies located in Andalusia (south of Spain). The methodology used is the propensity score-matching. The treatment group consists of companies which participated in the Program until 2008. The control group has companies which planned to participate in the Program but had not done so up to that date. The response variable measures the ratio of export to total sales for each company. Four covariates have been taken into account: activity, location, sales and number of employees. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the companies that participated in the Program improved their ratio of exports to total sales by about 10 percentage points.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Cansino
- Department of Economic Analysis and Political Economy, Facultad de CC, Economicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Sevilla, Ramon y Cajal, 1, 41018 Sevilla, Spain.
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17
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Is it the right time for you to buy another practice? Med Econ 2013; 90:34-6. [PMID: 25509652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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18
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Zuzek C. Doctorpreneurs. Tex Med 2013; 109:47-50. [PMID: 24002828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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Parker DL, Bejan A, Brosseau LM. A qualitative evaluation of owner and worker health and safety beliefs in small auto collision repair shops. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:474-82. [PMID: 22392733 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 223,000 people are employed in approximately 34,500 auto collision repair businesses. In general, employees and owners in these establishments lack knowledge of health and safety practices and do not have the technical expertise to make their place of work safer. METHODS Three employee and three owner focus groups were conducted. The goal of these focus groups was to characterize health and safety beliefs of owners and employees and to determine the best methods for motivating safety improvements in collision repair shops. RESULTS A total of 11 owners and 19 workers participated in these focus groups. Employees and owners were aware of a wide range of hazards. Both groups noted difficulty in staying informed. Employers were hesitant to set and enforce safety and health rules. Employees perceive owners to be unwilling to dedicate the resources to make the workplace safer and provide personal protective equipment. Both groups felt insurance reimbursement practices placed undue pressure on employees. CONCLUSIONS Focus groups provide important insights into intervention development in very small enterprises in general and auto collision shops in specific. Employers were conflicted about allowing employees a certain level of independence while also maintaining a safe workplace. From the employee perspective, owners frequently fail to provide adequate personal protective equipment and make improvements needed to ensure safe work. The unique managerial needs of very small enterprises must be accounted for if health and safety programs are to be implemented in these establishments.
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Kalogredis VJ. Nine practice sale pitfalls to avoid. Fam Pract Manag 2012; 19:22-25. [PMID: 22612213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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21
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Mooney H. Product development. And the winner is... Health Serv J 2012; 122:26-27. [PMID: 22741365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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22
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Tikhonova GI, Churanova AN, Gorchakova TI. [Occupational risk according to occupational traumatism parameters in Russia]. Med Tr Prom Ekol 2012:9-14. [PMID: 22702129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The article covers analysis of occupational traumatism in Russia over 2009 in concern with economic activity types, with small enterprises accent. Based on method adapted to national information sources and assessing statistics reliability in countries with imperfect accounting, the authors demonstrated that with various hypotheses occupational accidents risk in Russian Federation is considerably higher than the registered one.
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de Merich D, Forte G. [Informatics support for risk assessment and identification of preventive measures in small and micro-enterprises: occupational hazard datasheets]. Med Lav 2011; 102:387-403. [PMID: 22022758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk assessment is the fundamental process of an enterprise's prevention system and is the principal mandatory provision contained in the Health and Safety Law (Legislative Decree 81/2008) amended by Legislative Decree 106/2009. In order to properly comply with this obligation also in small-sized enterprises, the appropriate regulatory bodies should provide the enterprises with standardized tools and methods for identifying, assessing and managing risks. OBJECTIVES To assist in particular small and micro-enterprises (SMEs) with risk assessment, by providing a flexible tool that can also be standardized in the form of a datasheet, that can be updated with more detailed information on the various work contexts in Italy. METHODS Official efforts to provide Italian SMEs with information may initially make use of the findings of research conducted by ISPESL over the past 20 years, thanks in part to cooperation with other institutions (Regions, INAIL-National Insurance Institute for Occupational Accidents and Diseases), which have led to the creation of an information system on prevention consisting of numerous databases, both statistical and documental ("National System of Surveillance on fatal and serious accidents", "National System of Surveillance on work-related diseases", "Sector hazard profiles" database, "Solutions and Best Practices" database, "Technical Guidelines" database, "Training packages for prevention professionals in enterprises" database). With regard to evaluation criteria applicable within the enterprise, the possibility of combining traditional and uniform areas of assessment (by sector or by risk factor) with assessments by job/occupation has become possible thanks to the cooperation agreement made in 2009 by ISPESL, the ILO (International Labour Organisation) of Geneva and IIOSH (Israel Institute for Occupational Health and Hygiene) regarding the creation of an international Database (HDODB) based on risk datasheets per occupation. The project sets out to assist in particular small and micro-enterprises with risk assessment, providing a flexible and standardized tool in the form of a datasheet, that can be updated with more detailed information on the various work contexts in Italy. RESULTS The model proposed by ISPESL selected the ILO's "Hazard Datasheet on Occupation" as an initial information tool to steer efforts to assess and manage hazards in small and micro-enterprises. In addition to being an internationally validated tool, the occupation datasheet has a very simple structure that is very effective in communicating and updating information in relation to the local context. CONCLUSIONS According to the logic based on the providing support to enterprises by means of a collaborative network among institutions, local supervisory services and social partners, standardised hazard assessment procedures should be, irrespective of any legal obligations, the preferred tools of an "updatable information system" capable of providing support for the need to improve the process of assessing and managing hazards in enterprises.
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Affiliation(s)
- D de Merich
- INAIL - Dip. Processi Organizzativi ex ISPESL, Roma.
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Gittelsohn J, Suratkar S, Song HJ, Sacher S, Rajan R, Rasooly IR, Bednarek E, Sharma S, Anliker JA. Process evaluation of Baltimore Healthy Stores: a pilot health intervention program with supermarkets and corner stores in Baltimore City. Health Promot Pract 2010; 11:723-32. [PMID: 19144859 PMCID: PMC3042858 DOI: 10.1177/1524839908329118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Reduced access to affordable healthy foods is linked to higher rates of chronic diseases in low-income urban settings. The authors conduct a feasibility study of an environmental intervention (Baltimore Healthy Stores) in seven corner stores owned by Korean Americans and two supermarkets in low-income East Baltimore. The goal is to increase the availability of healthy food options and to promote them at the point of purchase. The process evaluation is conducted largely by external evaluators. Participating stores stock promoted foods, and print materials are displayed with moderate to high fidelity. Interactive consumer taste tests are implemented with high reach and dose. Materials developed specifically for Korean American corner store owners are implemented with moderate to high fidelity and dose. Results indicate that small food store-based intervention programs are feasible to implement and are a viable means of increasing healthy food availability and a good location for point-of-purchase promotions in low-income urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gittelsohn
- Center for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Flanagan P. How the right business structure can save you a fortune. Aust Vet J 2010; 88:N14. [PMID: 21222302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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