Search results
1 – 6 of 6ELAG, the European Library Automation Group, brings together once a year people involved in library automation in the leading European libraries and information centres. On…
Abstract
ELAG, the European Library Automation Group, brings together once a year people involved in library automation in the leading European libraries and information centres. On average 60 delegates from more than 15 countries participate.
The Intermarc Software Subgroup held its 8th meeting at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy from 14–16 March, 1984. This group was originally formed in 1979 as a…
Abstract
The Intermarc Software Subgroup held its 8th meeting at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy from 14–16 March, 1984. This group was originally formed in 1979 as a subgroup of the plenary Intermarc group and is the only surviving aspect of Intermarc. In fact, the Software Group is an active, dynamic group of people who exchange information and experience in the field of library automation. Because of the now remote connection with Intermarc, the name of the group has been changed as of the Fiesole meeting, and is now the European Library Automation Group (ELAG).
Provides a summary of the main topics of the European Library Automation Group (ELAG) conference in Trondheim, Norway, June 2004. Notes that the title of the conference was…
Abstract
Provides a summary of the main topics of the European Library Automation Group (ELAG) conference in Trondheim, Norway, June 2004. Notes that the title of the conference was "Interoperability: New Challenges and Solutions", but it was clear that both for organizers and participants many of the current challenges of interoperability lie in library portals. States that many of the papers presented dealt with some aspect of portal design or implementation, and others touched on issues that were clearly relevant to portal applications. Several other papers focused on different aspects of information processing in the host country
Details
Keywords
Graham R. Lee, Maria C. Fitzgibbon and Paula O'Shea
After implementing an internal quality control (IQC) programme, the purpose of this paper is to maintain the requisite analytical performance for clinical laboratory staff…
Abstract
Purpose
After implementing an internal quality control (IQC) programme, the purpose of this paper is to maintain the requisite analytical performance for clinical laboratory staff, thereby safeguarding patient test results for their intended medical purpose.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors address how quality can be maintained and if lost, how it can be regained. The methodology is based on the experience working in clinical laboratory diagnostics and is in accord with both international accreditation requirements and laboratory best practice guidelines.
Findings
Monitoring test performance usually involves both prospective and retrospective IQC data analysis. The authors present a number of different approaches together with software tools currently available and emerging, that permit performance monitoring at the level of the individual analyser, across analysers and laboratories (networks). The authors make recommendations on the appropriate response to IQC rule warnings, failures and metrics that indicate analytical control loss, that either precludes further analysis, or signifies deteriorating performance and eventual unsuitability. The authors provide guidance on systematic troubleshooting, to identify undesirable performance and consider risk assessment preventive measures and continuous quality improvement initiatives; e.g., material acceptance procedures, as tools to help regain and maintain analytical control and minimise potential for patient harm.
Practical implications
The authors provide a template for use by laboratory scientific personnel that ensures the optimal monitoring of analytical test performance and response when it changes undesirably.
Originality/value
The proposed template has been designed to meet the International Organisation for Standardisation for medical laboratories ISO15189:2012 requirements and therefore includes the use of External Quality Assessment and patient results data, as an adjunct to IQC data.
Details
Keywords
Graham R. Lee, Maria C. Fitzgibbon and Paula O'Shea
Internal quality control (IQC) represents an essential risk management tool within the total testing pathway (TTP) that contributes to the overall objective of assuring the…
Abstract
Purpose
Internal quality control (IQC) represents an essential risk management tool within the total testing pathway (TTP) that contributes to the overall objective of assuring the quality of results produced in medical laboratories. Controlling analytical phase quality alone requires significant expertise and input by scientifically trained staff. This effort has escalated exponentially following the publication of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)15189:2012 requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. The reported inconsistency and diversity to IQC approaches in diagnostic laboratories is definitive evidence that international guidance in IQC programme design and implementation is long overdue. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Herein, the authors define, describe and critically examine the essential elements four stages of an IQC programme and suggest a template to inform both design and ease of implementation. For practical application, the authors have stratified the proposed methodology into four stages: staff education and training; IQC material; IQC targets; and IQC procedure, and provide recommendations that meet ISO15189:2012 requirements.
Findings
These recommendations are informed by the published literature together with the collective experience working in clinical biochemistry and diagnostic endocrinology laboratories. The authors note that the laboratory staff’s effort on IQC is a continuous process, driven by changes within each IQC stage, in response to risk analysis, maximising economic value or through professional leadership and central to IQC programme implementation and delivery.
Practical implications
The authors offer a template that laboratories can use to inform the design and implementation of their IQC programme.
Originality/value
The proposed IQC programme is user friendly, flexible and pragmatic with the potential to harmonise practice. The authors have provided a template to potentially harmonise IQC practice nationally. Given the central and critical role that IQC practice plays in ensuring the quality of patient results’ importance, the authors contend that the time has come for international consensus and statutory regulation regarding the minimally acceptable criteria for its implementation, monitoring and review.
Details
Keywords
Truc Thi-Minh Huynh, Chau Ngoc Dang, Long Le-Hoai, Anh-Duc Pham and Truong Duy Nguyen
This study aims to develop a strategic framework for the success of coastal urban projects in Vietnam, which is one of the Asia Pacific countries significantly affected by climate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a strategic framework for the success of coastal urban projects in Vietnam, which is one of the Asia Pacific countries significantly affected by climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was used to collect data from practitioners in Vietnam. Principal component analysis (PCA) technique was used to identify critical success factors (CSFs) of coastal urban projects. A strategy map for the success of coastal urban projects was also proposed using the balanced scorecard (BSC) method.
Findings
This study identified 41 project success factors that could contribute to project success, and thence, extracted 11 CSFs for coastal urban projects using the PCA technique. In addition, 11 key performance indicators (KPIs) for coastal urban projects were listed and their linking with project success factors and CSFs was explored. Furthermore, a strategy map for the success of coastal urban projects was proposed using the BSC method. The strategy map included five perspectives: learning and growth, internal processes, social and environmental performance, financial performance, and stakeholders' satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study identified 11 CSFs for coastal urban projects and proposed a strategy map for the success of coastal urban projects.
Details