scholarly journals Focus Groups: How Feedback from Employees Can Impact the Decision-Making Process

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Jordan ◽  
Martina Haines
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Student Employees ◽  
Employee Focus

The idea for the use of focus groups as a management tool was derived from a planned assessment with student employees. The success of the student employee focus groups led the researchers to expand the use of these groups with the library staff. In the evaluation of the results, the researchers discovered that the feedback from both focus groups could be shared with administration, potentially resulting in the management team making the suggested changes in the work environment. This article addresses the process of using focus groups as assessment tools and potential change agents for managerial decision-making.

scholarly journals Pet owners’ and veterinarians’ perceptions of information exchange and clinical decision-making in companion animal practice

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0245632
Author(s):  
Natasha Janke ◽  
Jason B. Coe ◽  
Theresa M. Bernardo ◽  
Cate E. Dewey ◽  
Elizabeth A. Stone
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Exchange Process ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Pet Owner

One of the most complex aspects of the veterinarian-client-patient interaction is the clinical decision-making process. Research suggests that the approach to communication used by veterinarians can impact veterinary clients’ involvement in the decision-making process and their ultimate satisfaction. Using different approaches to the decision-making process may affect how information is exchanged and consequently how decisions are made. The objective of this study was to determine pet owners’ expectations with respect to information exchange and decision-making during veterinarian-client-patient interactions and to compare veterinarians’ perceptions of those expectations and the challenges they face in meeting them. Five pet owner focus groups (27 owners) and three veterinarian focus groups (24 veterinarians) were conducted with standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probes. Thematic analysis of the transcribed data was conducted to identify trends and patterns that emerged during the focus groups. Three pet owner-based themes were identified: 1) understanding the client; 2) providing information suitable for the client; and 3) decision-making. In addition, three barriers for veterinarians affecting information exchange and decision-making were identified: 1) time constraints; 2) involvement of multiple clients; and 3) language barriers. Results suggest that pet owners expect to be supported by their veterinarian to make informed decisions by understanding the client’s current knowledge, tailoring information and educating clients about their options. Breakdowns in the information exchange process can impact pet owners’ perceptions of veterinarians’ motivations. Pet owners’ emphasis on partnership suggests that a collaborative approach between veterinarians and clients may improve client satisfaction.

O-185 Evaluation of the decision-making process of girls with Turner syndrome and their parents considering ovarian tissue cryopreservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Van der Coelen ◽  
M Schleedoorn ◽  
S Nadesapillai ◽  
R Peek ◽  
D Braat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Turner Syndrome ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Literature Research ◽  
Tissue Cryopreservation

Abstract Study question What are the experiences with the decision-making process of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) considering ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), their parents and healthcare providers? Summary answer Offering a new option to preserve fertility in TS caused unrealistic hope leading to challenges for healthcare providers to fulfil the ideal of informed consent. What is known already Due to premature ovarian insufficiency, girls with TS have only a small chance of genetic offspring. OTC might increase these odds. Healthcare providers and scientist are still cautious in offering OTC to girls with TS because of the many uncertainties regarding OTC in this patient group. Hence, OTC is now offered to girls with TS between 2 and 18 years old in a research setting: the TurnerFertility study. Study design, size, duration A retrospective qualitative study consisting of a survey and focus groups. Within a year after counselling, families (n = 132) received a survey with 30 questions regarding their experiences with the decision-making process and also an invitation for a focus group. The focus groups were conducted between January and October 2019 and lasted 51-84 minutes. The topic lists were based on literature research and survey results. Results were analysed following a thematic analysis approach. Participants/materials, setting, methods This is a sub-study of the prospective intervention study within an academical medical centre. Focus groups were composed through purposive sampling. Focus group 1 (FG1) consisted of five gynaecologists involved in counselling, FG2 with seven paediatricians who referred girls for counselling, FG3 with nine parents of girls with TS between 2 and 12 years old and FG4 with three parents of girls with TS between 13 and 17 years old. Main results and the role of chance 90% of survey respondents appreciated counselling regarding fertility options and considered it an enrichment of existing healthcare. The individual consultation was rated as most contributing by 66% of the survey respondents, followed by the information meeting (37%) and decision aid (3%). The focus groups revealed that many had not discussed options for future parenthood with a healthcare provider before. Girls with TS and their parents indicated that the option of OTC raised hope for future genetic offspring, and at once made them feel like they had no choice but to take this chance. The small chance of success did not influence the decision for families who opted for OTC. Some parents who had to decide for their young daughter accepted OTC to give their daughter the option to decide herself whether to make use of the cryopreserved tissue later in life. Gynaecologists found it challenging to truly make families grasp a realistic perspective of OTC in TS and the associated mental and physical risks. Gynaecologists and paediatricians struggled with conflicting moral principles of non-maleficence against respect for autonomy: healthcare providers recognized the scientific relevance for the TS population, while it felt inconsistent with the disproportionate burden for some individual patients. Limitations, reasons for caution Because there was no validated survey for this topic in TS, we developed a survey based on literature research and experiences of a dedicated TS team. Among the survey responders and focus group participants a greater proportion decided for OTC compared to the overall counselled group (75% vs 60%). Wider implications of the findings This study gives insight in the issues to consider when implementing new technologies regarding fertility, in which parents have to decide for their child, where it is expected that anticipated decision regret plays a major role, or where healthcare providers experience conflicting duties as scientist and physician. Trial registration number not applicable

Managerial Decision-Making Process in the Modern Business Conditions in the EU

2020 ◽  
pp. 324-348
Author(s):  
Boban Melovic ◽  
Slavica Mitrovic Veljkovic ◽  
Dragana Cirovic ◽  
Ivana Djakovic Radojicic
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Business Decisions ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Modern Business ◽  
The Eu

This chapter analyzes the differences of decision-making process in the EU member countries, caused by differences in main dimensions of national culture of each of them. The influence of different cultural dimensions on decision-making process is explained. Thanks to the application of qualitative research method and deductive approach, there are conclusions about specificities of decision-making process, in particular EU countries. Using the inductive approach, content analysis method and method of synthesis, the EU countries were grouped regarding to the decision-making styles that are the most appropriate in each of them, based on the characteristics of the cultural framework that exist within them. Obtained results may help managers to better understand their decision-maker role in different cultural environment and it would enable them to apply the appropriate decision-making style, which would increase the quality of business decisions that are being made.

Sustainability Appraisement of Industrial Robots by GRA for Real Automation Environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 53-68
Author(s):  
Atul Kumar Sahu ◽  
Harendra Kumar Narang ◽  
Mridul Singh Rajput ◽  
Nitin Kumar Sahu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Set Theory ◽  
Industrial Robot ◽  
Industrial Robots ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Relational Approach ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Sets Theory ◽  
Grey Relational

A knowledge-based tool for executing the managerial decision-making process is presented in this work. The work evaluated the significant robot i.e. industrial machines for sustainably handling the real time manufacturing environment. The presented tool integrates the grey sets theory with grey relational approach (GRA) to support the decision-making process for opting most significant industrial robot. The performance mapping of industrial robots by GRA under grey set theory is presented for defining a sustainable real automation environment. The work offers the essence of both grey set theory and grey relational approach under a sole ring. The work implicates grey sets theory to capture the uncertainties associated with the evaluation of robot measures and implicated GRA to recognize the most valuable robot alternative. The proposed tool is developed by categorizing the list of qualitative and quantitative characteristics; which links the robot evaluation properties. The work attempts to draft a knowledgeable tool for effectively executing manufacturing activities by the robots.

STRATEGIC PLANNING OF FUTURE PRODUCTS WITH PRODUCT SCENARIOS

2010 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 237-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
VOLKER GRIENITZ ◽  
VOLKER BLUME
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Evolutionary Algorithms ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Managerial Decision Making ◽  
Manufacturing Resources ◽  
Technology Strategies ◽  
Innovation Processes

Manufacturing based corporations often find themselves confronted with complexities of increased pressures to innovate in order to ensure their comparative market positions. In order to react to various exogenous changes corporations need to develop strategies that match their manufacturing resources as well as products with the markets requirements. Product scenarios represent a holistic approach for managing innovation processes and technologies efficiently. The analysis through evolutionary algorithms for compatibility between and amongst the product structure segments provides the necessary information about their suitability. The resulting scenarios, roadmaps and regular monitoring processes are prerequisite for the managerial decision making process and the implementation of product and technology strategies.

scholarly journals The application of a selection of decision-making techniques by employees in a transport work environment in conjunction with their perceived decision-making success and practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theuns F.J. Oosthuizen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Optimum Selection ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Transport Management ◽  
Selection Of

A lack of optimum selection and application of decision-making techniques, in conjunction with suitable decision-making practice and perception of employees in a transport work environment demands attention to improve overall performance. Although multiple decision-making techniques exist, five prevalent techniques were considered in this article, namely the Kepner-Tregoe, Delphi, stepladder, nominal group and brainstorming techniques. A descriptive research design was followed, using an empirical survey which was conducted among 210 workers employed in a transport work environment and studying in the field of transport management. The purpose was to establish to what extent the five decision-making techniques are used in their work environment and furthermore how the decision-making practice of using gut-feel and/or a step-by-step decision-making process and their perception of their decision-making success relate. The research confirmed that the use of decision-making techniques is correlated to perceived decision-making success. Furthermore, the Kepner-Tregoe, stepladder, Delphi and brainstorming techniques are associated with a step-by-step decision-making process. No significant association was confirmed between the use of gut-feel and decision-making techniques. Brainstorming was found to be the technique most frequently used by transport employees; however, it has limitations as a comprehensive decision-making technique. Employees working in a transport work environment need training in order to select and use the four comprehensive decision-making techniques.

scholarly journals Sustainable Sanitation Management Tool for Decision Making in Isolated Areas in Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Magalhães Filho ◽  
Adriane de Queiroz ◽  
Beatriz Machado ◽  
Paula Paulo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
System Management ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Sustainable Operation ◽  
Technical Solutions

There is a worldwide range of technical sanitation guidelines focusing on small or traditional and isolated communities for ecological alternatives at the household level. However, a computational tool (software) that has a database and connects these guidelines in a single reference for resource-oriented sanitation concept decision making is still lacking. In this regard, an easy-to-use tool was developed using a participatory approach for the decision-making process from a choice of technical solutions to a type of system management. The results obtained from a pilot study indicate that the proposed tool in this paper will help with the decision-making process to aid in not only choosing sustainable sanitation solutions, but also sustainable operation and maintenance options for the systems. When presenting and discussing the tool with research groups and technicians, the potential for participatory application was noticed. The proposed tool can be used in the elaboration of municipal sanitation plans, assisting local technicians and environmental licensing agencies, designers and engineering students, among others. The software can be applied with other management tools, such as 5W2H and Canvas business model.

A Proposed Methodology for the Technoeconomic Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Retrofits: A Bulk Carrier Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (02) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Angelos Tsereklas-Zafeirakis ◽  
Konstantin Aravossis ◽  
George Gougoulidis ◽  
Yanna Pavlopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Multicriteria Analysis ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Bulk Carrier ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Technoeconomic Evaluation

In light of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) directives on climate change and the continuous effort of shipping companies to reduce operating costs, this article proposes a methodology for the technoeconomic evaluation of energy efficiency retrofits. The aim of this article is to provide a management tool able to support the decision-making process of investing in energy efficiency methods. The introductory part briefly discusses the environmental problem caused by the gaseous pollutants as well as the regulatory framework that is going to seriously affect the bunker pricing in the near future. In the main part, a series of energy efficiency retrofits, suggested by IMO in the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan Annex, are presented with a view to applying them on a bulk carrier. The analysis focuses on the evaluation of these retrofits as potential investments from an owner's strategic point of view. The assessment takes into account major uncertainties of the data used through Monte Carlo simulations and conducts multicriteria analysis to include also nonfinancial criteria in the decision-making process.

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