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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of low yields in the packinghouses of green ornamentals and cut flowers due to the high rate of crops waste. Waste may be caused by pests, diseases and extreme weather or environmental conditions that are not under the farmer’s control. Other causes may relate to work processes as follows: irrigation, spraying, harvesting, handling, transportation, sorting, bundling and packaging.

The farm under study is a private owned business managed by the owner’s family members with growing area of 22 ha and eight daily workers. The farm produces about 2.5m units (flower stems) per year. The farm represents a typical flower farm in Israel. A costing model and decision rules were developed to identify the critical waste rate that will consider being economic to ship to the market. The model takes into account the production process, the production yield, the operational costs and sales price and calculates the breakeven point. A simulation model was developed to verify the relationships between waste rate to the total process time per stem and flow time.

Results show that the critical waste rate for Ruscus, Antirrhinum, Aralia and Aspidistra crops is 16, 74, 22 and 39 percent, respectively. The total process time per harvested stem decreases as the waste rate increases.

A working model was developed to determine the waste threshold rate and support the farmer in day-to-day economic decisions regarding shipment to the market and effective management of his workers.

More awareness of the variations in robot types and technology is necessary. The impact on human operators appears to vary significantly between the different types of robot, and there is a large variation in the Motivating Potential Scores of operators, with those of articulated intelligent robot operators being the highest.

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive training program for volunteers for the elderly in Israel, which has been operated under the National Insurance Institute of the State of Israel.

The paper considers the need and values of training elderly volunteers to support the elderly in the community. The methodology of training is presented, starting with the first program of a new volunteer and continue with an advanced consultant course. The methodology of maintaining and continuous improvement of the training programs are also discussed.

Each year, about 500 volunteers participate in a 64 hours (four weekly hours for 16 weeks) new volunteer course, and about 50 volunteers participate in the consultant course. In addition, all active volunteers (about 4,000) participate in regular training groups, every alternate week for two hours.

The paper introduces a unique training methodology and training programs for elderly volunteers to support the elderly in the community. A continuous improvement methodology is discussed to ensure training effectiveness.

The aim of this paper is to present the process for approving and certifying a neonatal intensive care unit to ISO 9001 standards.

The process started with the department head's decision to improve services quality before deciding to achieve ISO 9001 certification. Department processes were mapped and quality management mechanisms were developed. Process control and performance measurements were defined and implemented to monitor the daily work. A service satisfaction review was conducted to get feedback from families.

In total, 28 processes and related work instructions were defined. Process yields showed service improvements. Family satisfaction improved.

The paper is based on preparing only one neonatal intensive care unit to the ISO 9001 standard.

The case study should act as an incentive for hospital managers aiming to improve service quality based on the ISO 9001 standard.

ISO 9001 is becoming a recommended tool to improve clinical service quality.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need of a methodological training framework for project management office personnel.

Working closely with hi tech corporations whose main line of business is based on projects, the paper presents an integrative training approach supported by managerial commitment to improve training effectiveness.

The paper concentrates on qualifying the project management office personnel to facilitate the project's aims and objectives. The paper concludes with a high level prescription for developing a project management training methodology.

The paper highlights the need to establish a well‐defined way for upgrading the project management office personnel performances.

The article will deepen the understanding of the need for project management training.

To review the voluntary operations of Counseling Services for the Elderly, which has operated since 1972 under the National Insurance Institute of the State of Israel.

The paper considers the elderly population and its characteristics and the gradual development of the volunteering counseling services. The characteristics of the volunteers and their motivation in this work are also discussed. The training that volunteers undergo is constantly being updated and upgraded, and details are provided that cover home visits, consultations and special projects.

Currently, Counseling Services for the Elderly operates 4,278 volunteers in 21 branches across the country, supporting thousands of the elderly on a relatively low budget of less than $3 million for 2003.

The paper presents a unique voluntary service that is fully integrated into national welfare for the elderly. The service meets the objectives of assistance to the elderly while helping to maintain and develop the quality of life of the volunteer.