No abstract

On each project, intense study is used to determine root cause analysis; and in the end, a metric known as "sigma level" can be assigned to signify the level of quality. Six Sigma has a "critical to quality" dimension that keeps the quality effort focused on improving only those things that really matter to the customer.

Examines Six Sigma as a strategy for improving service which tries to reduce defects and therefore improve a firm’s marketing position. Looks at how this as been applied in business and then examines its place in healthcare. Concludes that the few healthcare institutions that have implemented Six Sigma have done so in the interest of business and not so much in the area of patient care, where it is proposed that it will improve things dramatically.

One of the most common and widespread bloom-forming cyanobacteria associated with toxin production is Microcystis aeruginosa (Kutzing) Lemmerman. While normally associated with fresh water environments, this toxigenic species has been observed at bloom concentrations in a number of major estuaries worldwide. This study examined the effect of salinity on growth and toxin production by M. aeruginosa strain PCC 7806 under controlled laboratory conditions. Salt concentrations above 12.6 ppt resulted in total cessation of growth. Toxin production was similarly affected, with cultures grown in salt concentrations of 4.6 ppt and above yielding less toxin than the control after 20 days of culture. Toxin concentrations after 20 days of culture were 40% of the control at 4.6 ppt. The relative proportion of extracellular to intracellular toxin increased over time in cultures with salt concentrations greater than 4.6 ppt. Extracellular toxins persisted in the media long after the cessation of growth. The results suggest that the influence of M. aeruginosa and/or its toxins can extend well out into estuarine environments under the influence of significant freshwater inputs

PurposeDespite the extensive adoption of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology across many industry supply chains, the extent of adoption in healthcare is far behind the earlier expectation. The purpose of this study is to better understand the current RFID adoption in healthcare by looking beyond the existing body of work using both the task-technology fit (TTF) framework and network externalities theories.Design/methodology/approachA survey is employed in this study, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique is used to test the hypotheses of the proposed model.FindingsThe findings are twofold. First, both TTF and network externalities exert a positive impact on the RFID adoption in the healthcare sector; and second, no synergistic effect can be found between these two for further increasing the adoption. This is different from what the extant research found on other technology adoptions across various supply chains.Originality/valueThis paper provides contributions to both researchers and practitioners. For researchers, this study enriches the body of knowledge of RFID adoption by being the first to apply the network externalities and TTF theories to predict the adoption of RFID in healthcare. For healthcare practitioners, to make the RFID adoption easier and more effective, any initial applications of RFID tools should be centered on those for which there is a more natural application. Further, for those who propose an RFID adoption should start with a product that has a sizable adoption community; this may help persuade senior management to make the adoption decision.