Academic literature on the topic 'Expert Group to Review the Methodology for Measurement of Poverty'

The Government of India has been taking various steps towards identification of the poor (and vulnerable through the Socio Economic Caste Census) and measurement of poverty with the help of various Expert Groups right from the Task Force that was set up in 1962 to the Task Force on Poverty Elimination of the NITI Aayog. There have been many researchers as well who have been suggesting the ways in which the poor and vulnerable can be identified and poverty can be measured besides the suggestions given by the Expert Groups. However, it may be considered as a ‘national shame’ if we are unable to identify the needy even after 75 years of independence. Through the review of around 100 books, research papers and articles, an attempt has been to understand the strengths and shortcomings of suggested ways to identify the poor and vulnerable and suggest a comprehensive methodology to identify the needy. Unless we are able to identify the poor and vulnerable sections of society correctly, planning and implementing poverty alleviation programmes for “ending poverty in all its forms everywhere”1 would be a futile exercise!

Abstract Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a useful biomarker of bacterial infection and its use is associated to reduced duration of antibiotic therapy in the setting of intensive care medicine. To address the need of practical guidance for the use of PCT in various clinical settings, a group of experts was invited to participate at a consensus process with the aims of defining the rationale for appropriate use of PCT and for improving the management of critically ill patients with sepsis. Methods: A group of 14 experts from anesthesiology and critical care, infectious diseases, internal medicine, pulmonology, clinical microbiology, laboratory medicine, clinical pharmacology and methodology provided expert opinion through a modified Delphi process, after a comprehensive literature review. Results: The appropriateness of use of PCT in terms of diagnosis, prognosis and antimicrobial stewardship was assessed for different scenarios or settings such us management of infection in the emergency department, regular wards, surgical wards or in the intensive care unit. Similarly, appropriateness and timing of PCT measurement were evaluated. All the process consisted in three Delphi rounds. Conclusions: PCT use is appropriate in algorithms for antibiotic de-escalation and discontinuation. In this case, reproducible, high sensitive assays should be used. However, initiation or escalation of antibiotic therapy in specific scenarios, including acute respiratory infections, should not be based solely on PCT serum levels. Clinical and radiological findings, evaluation of severity of illness and of patient’s characteristics should be taken into proper account in order to correctly interpret PCT results.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore green supply chain management (GSCM) performance measures and to develop a framework for evaluating the impact of GSCM implementation on organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach This research develops a performance measurement framework by integrating GSCM enabler with GSCM performance measures criteria. These criteria are selected from literature review and expert opinion. This study proposes a fuzzy balanced scorecard – fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution-based methodology to evaluate the overall organizational performance. The empirical case study of an Indian automobile organization is conducted. Further, the proposed framework is tested with three Indian Automobile organizations and their results are compared with the case organization. Findings The integrated methodology offers an effective way to measure and benchmark the impact of the proposed GSCM performance measurement framework. The empirical results show that the output of the proposed model is consistent. Thus, the study contributes to the advancement of knowledge toward GSCM and its management for sustainability. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the automotive sector; hence the outcomes may not be comprehensively applicable across different sectors. The results cannot be applied to other sectors with other product and process specificities. Practical implications It helps the practitioners to measure and improve the effectiveness of GSCM implementation. Originality/value This study is the generalized performance measurement framework and can be used to measure the performance for any type of organizations to benchmark one organization with the other or the group of organizations.

Object The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to identify the best methodology for radiographic assessment of cervical subaxial fusion. Methods The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to cervical fusion. Abstracts were reviewed and studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Results Pseudarthrosis is best assessed through the absence of motion detected between the spinous processes on dynamic radiographs (Class II). The measurement of interspinous distance on dynamic radiographs of ≥ 2 mm is a more reliable indicator for pseudarthrosis than angular motion of 2° based on Cobb angle measurements (Class II). Similarly, it is also understood that the pseudarthrosis rate will increase as the threshold for allowable motion on dynamic radiographs decreases. The combination of interspinous distance measurements and identification of bone trabeculation is unreliable when performed by the treating surgeon (Class II). Identification of bone trabeculation on static radiographs should be considered a less reliable indicator of cervical arthrodesis than dynamic films (Class III). Conclusions Consideration should be given to dynamic radiographs and interspinous distance when assessing for pseudarthrosis.

Background Empowerment of patients is often an explicit goal of various information and communications technology (ICT) (electronic, digital) interventions where the patients themselves use ICT tools via the internet. Although several models of empowerment exist, a comprehensive and pragmatic framework is lacking for the development of such interventions. Objective This study proposes a framework for digital interventions aiming to empower patients that includes a methodology that links objectives, strategies, and evaluation. Methods This study is based on a literature review and iterated expert discussions including a focus group to formulate the proposed model. Our model is based on a review of various models of empowerment and models of technology intervention. Results Our framework includes the core characteristics of the empowerment concept (control, psychological coping, self-efficacy, understanding, legitimacy, and support) as well as a set of empowerment consequences: expressed patient perceptions, behavior, clinical outcomes, and health systems effects. The framework for designing interventions includes strategies to achieve empowerment goals using different ICT services. Finally, the intervention model can be used to define project evaluations where the aim is to demonstrate empowerment. The study also included example indicators and associated measurement instruments. Conclusions This framework, which includes definitions, can be useful for the design and evaluation of digital interventions targeting patient empowerment and assist in the development of methods to measure results in this dimension. Further evaluation in the form of interventional studies will be needed to assess the generalizability of the model.

Purpose This paper aims to present the process of construction and content validity of flood disaster preparedness action (FDPA) items to measure flood preparedness characteristics and activities among the small and medium enterprises (SME). Design/methodology/approach The content validity process involved the act of conceptualization, development and validation. In short, it was implemented to develop the FDPA items that were used to measure flood preparedness at the SME level. The steps began with literature review (adopt and adapt) and judgment of expert panel on the item development process. The list of 54 items was developed. A panel of eight experts rated its content validation during a focus group discussion. Findings In total, 52 items were acceptable to be passed on to the next stage of data collection. The items content validity (I-CVI) measurement of the items was within an acceptable range of more than 0.75, except for two items: Q38 and Q39. The scale content validity (S-CVI) value gave an excellent score of 0.95. Several items with low I-CVI score values for relevancy and clarity were subject to modification. Practical implications Content validity ensured accurate interpretations of results. To support the construct validity of an instrument, documenting findings from content validity was essential. Originality/value This paper demonstrated the initial phase of scale development on FDPA items. This newly developed item allows the integration of several flood disaster preparedness activities construct by review and judgment process by the panel of experts in the field.

Abstract Objective The measurement of patients’ experience is an important performance indicator of health care service quality. A reliable and validated instrument to elicit patients’ experience is an important step. This study aimed to develop a generic instrument to elicit patients’ experience in specialist outpatient clinic provision with a rigorous and systematic methodology. Design The instrument framework was developed according to findings of a literature review, patient focus group discussions, individual patient in-depth interviews and expert discussion. The framework was tested for psychometric performance with a cross-sectional telephone survey in terms of practicality, validity, reliability and responsiveness. Setting 26 Public specialist outpatient clinics in Hong Kong were selected. Participants Cantonese speaking patients aged 18 or above. Intervention(s): None. Main outcome measure(s): A validated generic patient experience questionnaire measuring Specialist Outpatient Service (SOPEQ). Results A proportional sample total of 513 patients from 26 specialist outpatient clinics were recruited, response rate of 56%. The findings indicated that the instrument is practicable and concise. A structure of nine dimensions with 47 items structure was confirmed based on exploratory factor analysis and content validity. These items showed satisfactory internal reliability consistency (α = 0.793) and test–retest reliability ranged from 0.618 to 0.829. Conclusions The SOPEQ was established with satisfactory psychometric properties. A valid and reliable measure to evaluate patients’ experience is an important step in providing valuable input from patients’ perspective for policy makers to improve patient-centred services. It also serves as a platform to engage patients and thereby, in improving health care quality and enhancing health outcomes.

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate user preferences for the information systems in order to achieve user satisfaction by using conjoint analysis. Design/methodology/approach – Conjoint analysis is applied for the measurement of user preferences on information systems by seven properties and three levels for each property. To apply the approach, two surveys were designed: the first survey investigates the main properties affecting the end-users' satisfaction for using the current information systems based upon literature review and expert interview in Phase I. The second survey weighed the preferences by the virtual profiles of the information systems, which represent the ideal systems. Findings – The results show that speed-related properties are critical to achieve the end-user satisfaction. The next important property group is related to the access control and system integration between various business modules. From the measurements, the best system file should be constructed with the highly weighed levels of the key attributes. Research limitations/implications – The virtual profiles are complex for respondents to understand the attributes and the compounds of the virtual products. Moreover, the respondents were overwhelmed by the number of virtual profiles. The attributes were required to enable communication between researchers and respondents. Practical implications – Information system designers can achieve user satisfaction by combining the highest utility levels of all attributes. Nonetheless, the trade-offs between attributes and their levels should be considered in order to apply the results to the business, depending on the system environments and business practices, by updating the importance of the determinants regularly. Originality/value – This study applied the conjoint analysis to information management systems in order to design and maintain user satisfaction for the targeted company. This paper will provide alternative ways for the system engineers and developers of the case company by considering the critical attributes, which will affect both user performance and satisfaction.

Research background: Importance of intangible resources for country’s economic growth is widely recognized. However, empirical evidence of this influence is hard to show due to measurement limitations of intangible resources. Majority of empirical studies concentrates on the analysis of a specific type of intangible resource’s influence on economic growth. National intellectual capital concept provides background for an integrated assessment of the country's intangible resources. This new approach enables the estimation of intangible resources’ influence to economic growth in a more complex way. Purpose of the article: a) To examine various scientific approaches of the national intellectual capital and its impact on the economic growth; b) to offer a measurement model of the national intellectual capital influence on economic growth; c) to evaluate the specific European Union countries’ intellectual capital’s effect on their economic growth. Methods: Econometric analysis; refined factor value computation method using the stand-ardized regression coefficients; the SAW method; expert evaluation, cluster analysis; corre-lation and regression analyses. Findings & Value added: A review of the economic growth theories showed that structural components of intellectual capital (human capital, structural capital, social capital, relational capital) in economic growth theories are analyzed as key determinants of economic growth. Our proposed research methodology consists time lag between variables and this let us evaluate casual relation. Empirical analysis of 25 European Union countries’ intellectual capital’s effect on their economic growth rate revealed that national intellectual capital and the countries’ level of economic development have statistically significant impact on economic growth rate. The analysis of intellectual capital components’ influence on economic growth rate of 25 European Union countries showed that only human capital and the level of economic development have statistically significant influence. A more comprehensive human capital’s influence on economic growth analysis revealed that 63.1 percent of the long-term economic growth rate in 25 European Union countries can be explained by differences in their economic development level and differences in educational achievement factor values. Moreover, analysis of national intellectual capital effect on economic growth in separate clusters allowed to identify influence differences in each group of countries.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a scale for measuring a customer’s perception of customer relationship management (CRM) initiatives of a bank. Based upon resource-based view, CRM technology capability has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct comprising of technology, people and business resource (process). This study aims to develop a comprehensive scale for performance measurement of CRM technology capability, customer orientation and co-creation from the customer perspective.Design/methodology/approachA systematic scale development process was adopted consisting of three phases, a qualitative inquiry which included item generation through literature review, expert opinion and focus group study, scale purification and refinement using item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, and scale validation using confirmatory factor analysis. The study sample consisted of 324 respondents, with a usable response rate of 68 percent.FindingsThe findings of the empirical study resulted in a 42-item scale that measures CRM technology capability (technology, people and process), customer orientation, co-creation and relationship quality and outcome (RQO) (satisfaction, trust, commitment and loyalty). The predictive validity assessment model suggested that CRM technology capability has a higher impact on RQO. The empirical findings also suggest that technology is found to be the most important factor compared to people and process for CRM technology capability. The findings are aligned with literature review and expert opinion that the evolving collaborative-technologies-enabled CRM technology capability has changed the customer relationship paradigm.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on a scale specific to the banking sector to avoid conjoint factors, whereas a more generalized scale would have wider applicability across industries. The current study sought to broaden the coverage by including a large number of banks who have implemented CRM.Practical implicationsThis reliable and valid scale can help practitioners in measuring the effectiveness of their CRM implementation from the customer’s perspective, and provide insights that will help them in bridging the gap between their intended objective and actual implementation. They can also use this study to measure pre- and post-CRM implementation to see the effectiveness. This study also provides relevance of customer orientation and offers insight about co-creation which has taken the center stage because of the emergence of collaborative technologies.Social implicationsThis will help in measuring perception of the customer which is an important stakeholder in the engagement. This can help organizations in proactively taking care of customer’s rights and measuring the level of satisfaction proactively, which has become a regulatory requirement in many economies.Originality/valueThis study is possibly one of the first to develop a psychometrically valid scale to measure the customer’s perception of CRM using direct measures. The findings provide insight into the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of CRM practices in the banking sector. This study demonstrates that CRM technology capability, customer orientation and co-creation play a very critical role.

A comercialização de produtos florestais não madeireiros (PFNMs) popularizou-se como atividade promotora do desenvolvimento socioeconômico de comunidades florestais com baixo impacto ambiental. Há evidências, contudo, de que a exploração possa produzir efeitos ecológicos e socioeconômicos negativos, sugerindo que é necessário monitorar tais iniciativas. A comercialização frequentemente ocorre em áreas remotas e em contextos de pobreza, como é o caso de muitas daquelas da Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, é necessário que o monitoramento restrinja-se a avaliar os efeitos evidenciados como mais comuns em estudos anteriores. Este estudo revisa e sintetiza as evidências científicas dos efeitos da exploração de PFNMs sobre parâmetros ecológicos e socioeconômicos e, a partir daí, indica aqueles mais relevantes ao monitoramento. O estudo também levanta até que ponto o monitoramento é implementado no contexto da Amazônia brasileira e avalia quais os parâmetros importantes e viáveis de monitoramento neste caso específico. Para isso, foram realizadas revisões sistemáticas da literatura e a consulta a profissionais da área através do método Delphi. Os resultados indicam que efeitos ecológicos negativos são frequentes, principalmente quando se coletam folhas ou cascas. Alterações em órgãos ou processos fisiológicos e a taxa de sobrevivência dos espécimes explorados são parâmetros que devem ser monitorados, em particular quando se coletam frutos e partes vegetativas. Para todos os tipos de PFNMs, o tamanho e a estrutura populacional são parâmetros prioritários ao monitoramento. A riqueza de espécies da comunidade explorada merece atenção, principalmente quando se coletam frutos. Para os aspectos socioeconômicos, efeitos positivos foram mais frequentes que negativos. A contribuição da renda monetária obtida com o comércio na renda total, a regularidade de ingresso desta renda e o papel dos PFNMs como recursos de salvaguarda são parâmetros do capital financeiro prioritários ao monitoramento. Para o capital social, o empoderamento feminino, a coesão de grupo e o acesso aos benefícios gerados pela comercialização devem ser monitorados. Na Amazônia brasileira são poucas as iniciativas de implementação do monitoramento da comercialização de PFNMs. Embora este seja considerado importante, existem dificuldades que derivam principalmente da falta de apoio institucional, políticas de incentivo e de recursos financeiros. Os profissionais participantes do Delphi consideram que os parâmetros ecológicos mais importantes a monitorar neste contexto são o tamanho e a estrutura populacional do recurso explorado, o aumento da taxa de mortalidade, a quantidade total de recurso extraída e a técnica de coleta utilizada. Para os parâmetros econômicos, aspectos do mercado, como o preço pago ao coletor, a demanda e a qualidade do produto, bem como a renda monetária obtida pelos indivíduos são os parâmetros considerados mais importantes. Por fim, para os aspectos sociais, os efeitos na cultura, na qualidade de vida e na organização interna da comunidade foram priorizados. Os profissionais indicam que é viável estabelecer o monitoramento dos parâmetros levantados.
Amazon, non-timber forest products, ecological effects, socioeconomic effects, monitoring.