Journal articles on the topic 'Total quality management Australia'
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Samson, Danny. "Total Quality Management in Australia: Manufacturing and Services." Engineering Management Journal 5, no. 1 (March 1993): 11–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10429247.1993.11414711.
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Coelho, Carla, Mohammad Mojtahedi, Kamyar Kabirifar, and Maziar Yazdani. "Influence of Organisational Culture on Total Quality Management Implementation in the Australian Construction Industry." Buildings 12, no. 4 (April 16, 2022): 496. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040496.
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This study explores the relationship between organisational culture and total quality management (TQM) implementation in Australia, with the purpose of identifying the particular culture that dominants the Australian construction industry, and distinguishing which cultures determine the successful implementation of TQM. Although the application of the competing values framework (CVF) for evaluating organisational culture (OC) in the construction industry has been studied by some scholars, research into OC and its impact on TQM procedures in connection to the CVF in project-based industries such as construction has received less attention. Thus, this research intends to determine the relationship between OC and TQM regarding the CVF in the Australian construction industry. The research methodology used the validated organisational culture assessment instrument (OCAI) CVF to frame OC, and TQM practices identified from the literature review. An online questionnaire was distributed through Qualtrics, whereby 42 valid responses representing various construction organisations in Australia were analysed through IBM SPSS Statistics 26 through endorsing k-means cluster analysis, and analysis of variance. The findings support that Australian construction organisations are dominated by the market and external focused cultures according to the CVF of organisational classification. Furthermore, the findings acknowledge that organisations that are dominated by hierarchical cultural characterises could provide an unfavourable environment for the successful implementation of TQM. Whilst an organisation that obtains a mix of cultures, specifically with the adhocracy and market cultures dominating could provide a favourable environment for the successful implementation of TQM.
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Knouse, Stephen B. "Customers' Satisfaction in Australian Total Quality Management." Perceptual and Motor Skills 80, no. 1 (February 1995): 330. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/pms.1995.80.1.330.
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Samson, Danny. "Progress in total quality management: evidence from Australasia." International Journal of Quality Science 2, no. 4 (December 1997): 214–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13598539710192593.
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Ashe, Brian, K. J. McAneney, and A. J. Pitman. "Total cost of fire in Australia." Journal of Risk Research 12, no. 2 (March 2009): 121–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13669870802648528.
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Cruickshank, Mary. "A study of quality management practices in nursing in universities in Australia." Australian Health Review 26, no. 1 (2003): 194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah030194.
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In Australia,the traditional Quality Assurance approach used in the hospital setting has played an important role in nursing practice.During the past decade, nurses have begun making a paradigm shift from Quality Assurance to Total Quality Management but scant attention has been paid to quality management practices in nursing in the higher education sector. This paper reports on a quantitative study examining the perceptions of nurse academics to the applicability of TQM to nursing in universities. The findings identified how TQM could be applied to suit the nursing culture in the higher education sector.
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Turner, Ruth, and Ross Hartley. "Status of total quality management in Australian public health organisations." Australian Health Review 21, no. 1 (1998): 77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah980077.
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Research suggests that there is some confusion among quality improvement managersabout the differences between quality management and traditional quality assurance.This lack of understanding would appear to be the same among rural and urbanhealth staff, although there is a higher percentage of staff engaged in multidisciplinaryactivities in the rural health services. Education of staff and commitment from topmanagement would seem to be the factors inhibiting the health industry fromincorporating quality management into their cultures.
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Rahman, Shams-Ur. "Total quality management practices and business outcome: Evidence from small and medium enterprises in Western Australia." Total Quality Management 12, no. 2 (March 2001): 201–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09544120120011424.
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Cooper, Michael. "The use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in libraries and information services in Australia and overseas." Australian Library Journal 45, no. 2 (January 1996): 92–101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049670.1996.10755748.
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Lee, Jeongyoon, and Inseon Park. "Comparative Analysis of Disaster and Safety Datasets, Data Quality, and Services in Korean and Australian Public Data Portals." Fire Science and Engineering 36, no. 1 (February 28, 2022): 81–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.7731/kifse.910c81fa.
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The objective of this study is to design improved plans for disaster and safety management through comparative analysis of datasets comprising details regarding the disaster and safety sector that are available in Korean and Australian public data portals and thereby examine the associated portal strategies and national operating systems To this end, based on previous studies and national public data portal evaluation standards, public data portal comparison standards were established. Furthermore, quantitative configuration analysis, data mining analysis, data quality analysis, and various service analyses were conducted. Consequently, it was found that compared to the Australian public data portal, the number and proportion of public data openings for disaster and safety management are significantly smaller in the Korean public data portal. The number of prevention datasets available in both countries accounts for the highest proportion in disaster and safety management. In addition, “supply management and resource support” accounts for the majority of Korean disaster response collaborations, whereas in the case of Australia, “comprehensive situation management” has a high proportion. In terms of data quality, Australian datasets include 69.54% of the total insoluble data, which implies inefficient data quality management. However, there are merely few Korean insoluble datasets. Through comparative analysis of the national operating systems, it was found that detailed guidelines for public data are available in Australia. However, the Korean public data portal is operated in accordance with the comprehensive Framework Act on Intelligence Informatization. Hence, a promotion strategy operation policy has to devise for the Korean public data portal to expand the usage of public data in the disaster and safety sector, along with quantitative growth policies that will increase the number and proportion of public data in the disaster and safety sector.
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Lee, Jeongyoon, and Inseon Park. "Comparative Analysis of Disaster and Safety Datasets, Data Quality, and Services in Korean and Australian Public Data Portals." Fire Science and Engineering 36, no. 1 (February 28, 2022): 81–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.7731/kifse.910c81fa1.
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The objective of this study is to design improved plans for disaster and safety management through comparative analysis of datasets comprising details regarding the disaster and safety sector that are available in Korean and Australian public data portals and thereby examine the associated portal strategies and national operating systems To this end, based on previous studies and national public data portal evaluation standards, public data portal comparison standards were established. Furthermore, quantitative configuration analysis, data mining analysis, data quality analysis, and various service analyses were conducted. Consequently, it was found that compared to the Australian public data portal, the number and proportion of public data openings for disaster and safety management are significantly smaller in the Korean public data portal. The number of prevention datasets available in both countries accounts for the highest proportion in disaster and safety management. In addition, “supply management and resource support” accounts for the majority of Korean disaster response collaborations, whereas in the case of Australia, “comprehensive situation management” has a high proportion. In terms of data quality, Australian datasets include 69.54% of the total insoluble data, which implies inefficient data quality management. However, there are merely few Korean insoluble datasets. Through comparative analysis of the national operating systems, it was found that detailed guidelines for public data are available in Australia. However, the Korean public data portal is operated in accordance with the comprehensive Framework Act on Intelligence Informatization. Hence, a promotion strategy operation policy has to devise for the Korean public data portal to expand the usage of public data in the disaster and safety sector, along with quantitative growth policies that will increase the number and proportion of public data in the disaster and safety sector.
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Clay-Williams, Robyn, Natalie Taylor, Teresa Winata, Hsuen P. Ting, Gaston Arnolda, and Jeffrey Braithwaite. "Organization quality systems and department-level strategies: refinement of the Deepening our Understanding in Quality in Australia (DUQuA) organization and department-level scales." International Journal for Quality in Health Care 32, Supplement_1 (January 2020): 22–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzz096.
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Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to develop and refine indices to measure organization and care pathway-level quality management systems in Australian hospitals. Design A questionnaire survey and audit tools were derived from instruments validated as part of the Deepening Our Understanding of Quality improvement in Europe (DUQuE) study, adapted for Australian hospitals through expert opinion. Statistical processes were used to explore the factor structure, reliability and non-redundancy and descriptive statistics of the scales. Setting Thirty-two large Australian public hospitals. Participants Audit of quality management processes at organization-level and care pathway processes at department level for three patient conditions (acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hip fracture and stroke) and senior quality manager, at each of the 32 participating hospitals. Main Outcome Measure(s) The degree of quality management evident at organization and care pathway levels. Results Analysis yielded seven quality systems and strategies scales. The three hospital-level measures were: the Quality Management Systems Index (QMSI), the Quality Management Compliance Index (QMCI) and the Clinical Quality Implementation Index (CQII). The four department-level measures were: Specialised Expertise and Responsibility (SER), Evidence-Based Organisation of Pathways (EBOP), Patient Safety Strategies (PSS) and Clinical Review (CR). For QMCI, and for seven out of eight subscales in QMSI, adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s $\alpha$ >0.8) was achieved. For CQII, lack of variation and ceiling effects in the data resulted in very low internal consistency scores, but items were retained for theoretical reasons. Internal consistency was high for CR (Cronbach’s $\alpha$ 0.74–0.88 across the three conditions), and this was supported by all item-total correlations exceeding the desired threshold. For EBOP, Cronbach’s $\alpha$ was acceptable for hip fracture (0.80) and stroke (0.76), but only moderate for AMI (0.52). PSS and SER scales were retained for theoretical reasons, although internal consistencies were only moderate (SER) to poor (PSS). Conclusions The Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA) organization and department scales can be used by Australian hospital managers to assess and measure improvement in quality management at organization and department levels within their hospitals and are readily modifiable for other health systems depending on their needs.
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Smith, Andrew, Eddie Oczkowski, Charles Noble, and Robert Macklin. "New management practices and enterprise training in Australia." International Journal of Manpower 24, no. 1 (February 1, 2003): 31–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01437720310464954.
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The widespread implementation of new management practices (NMPs) in industrialised countries has had a significant impact on employee training. Examines five NMPs: the learning organisation; total quality management; lean production/high performance work organisations; teamworking; and business process re‐engineering. Focuses on the relationship between organisational change and training at the enterprise level. The research identified important findings in six key areas: small business; the use of the vocational education and training system; the importance of the individual; the nature of training; the importance of behavioural skills; and organisational change. The study confirmed that workplace change is a major driver of improved training provision in enterprises. It showed unambiguously that most NMPs are associated with higher levels of training. The integration of training with business strategy was found to be the most important factor in driving training across a wide range of training activities and appears to lead to an across the board boost to enterprise training in all its forms.
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Rahman, Shams‐ur, and Amrik S. Sohal. "A review and classification of total quality management research in Australia and an agenda for future research." International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 19, no. 1 (February 2002): 46–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02656710210413444.
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Jaafari, Ali. "Human Factors in the Australian Construction Industry: Towards Total Quality Management." Australian Journal of Management 21, no. 2 (December 1996): 159–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/031289629602100204.
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Arthington, A. H., G. J. Miller, and P. M. Outridge. "Water Quality, Phosphorus Budgets and Management of Dune Lakes Used for Recreation in Queensland (Australia)." Water Science and Technology 21, no. 2 (February 1, 1989): 111–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1989.0036.
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The water quality and trophic status of two Queensland dune lakes are compared in the context of assessing the impacts of recreational use and other human activities. Lake Freshwater, Cooloola, has a mean total phosphorus concentration of 12.1 ± 3.3 µg l−1 and is approaching mesotrophic status, whereas Blue Lagoon, Moreton Island, is oligotrophic. Natural loadings of total phosphorus, ranging from 0.2 to 0.35 g m−2 yr−1, are consistent with the progression of Lake Freshwater from oligotrophic to mesotrophic status. The phosphorus loadings predicted by Vollenweider's (1976) one-compartment model, for two values of mean lake depth, also indicate that Lake Freshwater is tending towards eutrophic conditions. The management implications of phosphorus loadings and budgets are discussed.
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Bai, M., S. Muir, D. Rowell, J. Hill, D. Chen, T. Naylor, F. Phillips, T. Denmead, D. Griffiths, and R. Edis. "Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from a beef feedlot system in south-east Australia during summer conditions." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2009 (April 2009): 20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200028593.
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Feedlot management systems for beef cattle are becoming a more common practice in Australia reflecting opportunities to ensure quality of product whilst maintaining cost efficiencies within production. However, feedlot systems have been identified as point sources of greenhouse gases emissions (GGE: methane, nitrous oxide and the indirect greenhouse gas ammonia). It has been estimated that feedlot systems contribute 3.5% of total direct methane emissions (Alford et al. 2006), and 30% of total emissions from livestock wastes. Furthermore, approximately 1% of total N2O emissions from agriculture are attributed to livestock. This paper reports methane, N2O and NH3 emissions from an Australian feedlot system managed under summer climatic conditions. It compares actual measured emissions with estimated from three recognised models used by national governments to estimate total GGE per annum from livestock agriculture.
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Abal, EG, and WC Dennison. "Seagrass depth range and water quality in southern Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 47, no. 6 (1996): 763. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9960763.
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Correlations between water quality parameters and seagrass depth penetration were developed for use as a biological indicator of integrated light availability and long-term trends in water quality. A year-long water quality monitoring programme in Moreton Bay was coupled with a series of seagrass depth transects. A strong gradient between the western (landward) and eastern (seaward) portions of Moreton Bay was observed in both water quality and seagrass depth range. Higher concentrations of chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, dissolved and total nutrients, and light attenuation coefficients in the water column and correspondingly shallower depth limits of the seagrass Zostera capricorni were observed in the western portions of the bay. Relatively high correlation coefficient values (r2 > 0.8) were observed between light attenuation coefficient, total suspended solids, chlorophyll a, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and Zostera capricorni depth range. Low correlation coefficient values (r2 < 0.8) between seagrass depth range and dissolved inorganic nutrients were observed. Seagrasses had disappeared over a five-year period near the mouth of the Logan River, a turbid river with increased land use in its watershed. At a site 9 km from the river mouth, a significant decrease in seagrass depth range corresponded to higher light attenuation, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids and total nitrogen content relative to a site 21 km from the river mouth. Seagrass depth penetration thus appears to be a sensitive bio-indicator of some water quality parameters, with application for water quality management.
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Love, Peter E. D., David J. Edwards, and Amrik Sohal. "Total quality management in Australian contracting organisations: pre‐conditions for successful implementation." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 11, no. 3 (June 2004): 189–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980410535796.
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Amirthanathan, Gnanathikkam Emmanuel, Mohammed Abdul Bari, Fitsum Markos Woldemeskel, Narendra Kumar Tuteja, and Paul Martinus Feikema. "Regional significance of historical trends and step changes in Australian streamflow." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 27, no. 1 (January 11, 2023): 229–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-229-2023.
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Abstract. The Hydrologic Reference Stations is a network of 467 high-quality streamflow gauging stations across Australia that is developed and maintained by the Bureau of Meteorology as part of an ongoing responsibility under the Water Act 2007. The main objectives of the service are to observe and detect climate-driven changes in observed streamflow and to provide a quality-controlled dataset for research. We investigate trends and step changes in streamflow across Australia in data from all 467 streamflow gauging stations. Data from 30 to 69 years in duration ending in February 2019 were examined. We analysed data in terms of water-year totals and for the four seasons. The commencement of the water year varies across the country – mainly from February–March in the south to September–October in the north. We summarized our findings for each of the 12 drainage divisions defined by Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric (Geofabric) and for continental Australia as a whole. We used statistical tests to detect and analyse linear and step changes in seasonal and annual streamflow. Monotonic trends were detected using modified Mann–Kendall (MK) tests, including a variance correction approach (MK3), a block bootstrap approach (MK3bs) and a long-term persistence approach (MK4). A nonparametric Pettitt test was used for step-change detection and identification. The regional significance of these changes at the drainage division scale was analysed and synthesized using a Walker test. The Murray–Darling Basin, home to Australia's largest river system, showed statistically significant decreasing trends for the region with respect to the annual total and all four seasons. Drainage divisions in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania showed significant annual and seasonal decreasing trends. Similar results were found in south-western Western Australia, South Australia and north-eastern Queensland. There was no significant spatial pattern observed in central nor mid-west Western Australia, with one possible explanation for this being the sparse density of streamflow stations and/or the length of the datasets available. Only the Tanami–Timor Sea Coast drainage division in northern Australia showed increasing trends and step changes in annual and seasonal streamflow that were regionally significant. Most of the step changes occurred during 1970–1999. In the south-eastern part of Australia, the majority of the step changes occurred in the 1990s, before the onset of the “Millennium Drought”. Long-term monotonic trends in observed streamflow and its regional significance are consistent with observed changes in climate experienced across Australia. The findings of this study will assist water managers with long-term infrastructure planning and management of water resources under climate variability and change across Australia.
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Austen, Dick. "Foreword to 'Producing and Processing Quality Beef from Australian Cattle Herds'." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, no. 7 (2001): I. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/eav41n7_fo.
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Markets for Australian beef throughout the 20th century have been moulded by world wars, economic depressions, droughts, transport technology, cattle breeding, trade barriers, global competition, livestock disease eradication, human health risks, food safety, Australian Government policy, consumerism and beef quality. Major ‘shocks’ to beef marketing include the development of successful shipments of chilled carcases to Britain in the 1930s, the widespread trade disruption caused by World War II, expansion (early 1950s) and then a reduction in beef exports to Britain (1956), the introduction and then proliferation of Bos indicus derived cattle in northern Australia (1960s), licensing and upgrading of Australian abattoirs to export to USA and the consequential brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication campaign leading to record export tonnages of Australian processing beef to USA (1960–70). In 1980, increased beef trade to Japan began, leading in the late 1980s to expansion of high-quality grain finished products into that market. By 1993, beef exports to Japan (280.5 kt) exceeded those to USA (274.4 kt), signalling the significant shift in beef exports to Asia. Commencing in about 1986, the USA recognised the value of beef exports to Asian markets pioneered by Australia. Australia’s share of the Japanese and South Korean markets has been under intense competition since that time. Another major influence on Australia’s beef market in the early 1990s was growth in live cattle exports to Asian markets in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Live exports accounted for 152000 heads in 1992 and 858000 heads in 1996. Improved management systems (e.g. fences) and consequent regulation of cattle supply even in the wet season, a by-product of the brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication campaign, were indirect drivers of the growth in live exports. Throughout the period 1940–2000, domestic consumption of beef and veal declined from 68 to 33.3 kg/head.year, reflecting competition from other foods, perceptions of health risks, price of beef, periodic food safety scares, vegetarianism, changes in lifestyle and eating habits and lack of consistency of eating quality of beef. Despite this decline, the domestic Australian beef market still consumes a significant component (37%) of total Australian beef production. In 1984–85, the reform of the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation set in train a major directional change (‘New Direction’) of the beef sector in response to beef market trends. Under Dick Austen’s leadership, the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation changed the industry’s culture from being ‘production-driven’ to being ‘consumer-driven’. Market research began in Australia, Japan and Korea to establish consumer preferences and attitudes to price, beef appearance and eating quality. Definite consumer requirements were identified under headings of consistency and reliability. The AusMeat carcass descriptors were introduced and a decade later traits like tenderness, meat colour, fat colour, meat texture, taste, smell, and muscle size were addressed. These historical ‘shocks’ that shaped the Australian beef markets have all been accompanied by modification to production systems, breeding programs, herd structure, processing procedures, advertising and promotion, meat retailing and end-use. The increasing importance of the food service sector and the ‘Asian merge’ influence on beef cuts usage in restaurant meals and take-away products are the most recognisable changes in the Australian food landscape. The Cooperative Research Centre¿s research portfolio was built around the changing forces influencing beef markets in the early 1990s. Australia needed to better understand the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting beef quality. One example was the poor success rate of cattle being grain-fed for the Japanese premium markets. Another was the relative contribution of pre- and post-slaughter factors to ultimate eating quality of beef. The Meat Standards Australia scheme was launched in 1997 to address this problem in more detail. The Cooperative Research Centre contributed significantly to this initiative. In the year 2001, Australia, with only 2.5% of world cattle numbers retains the position of world number one beef trader. We trade to 110 countries worldwide. The Australian beef sector is worth A$6 billion annually. The diversity of Australian environments, cattle genotypes and production systems provides us with the ability to meet diverse specifications for beef products. A new set of market forces is now emerging. Strict accreditation rules apply to Australian producers seeking access to the lucrative European Union market. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies like bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie are a continuing food safety concern in Europe. This and the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Britain early in 2001 have potentially significant indirect effects on markets for Australian beef. And the sleeping giant, foot and mouth disease-free status of Latin American countries Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina continues to emerge as a major threat to Australian beef markets in Canada and Taiwan. As in the past, science and technology will play a significant role in Australia¿s response to these market forces.
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Lobo, Stanislaus Roque, Premaratne Samaranayake, and Tritos Laosirihongthong. "Quality management capabilities of manufacturing industries in the Western Sydney region." International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 35, no. 6 (June 4, 2018): 1232–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-03-2017-0046.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to, using a quality management assessment framework (QMAF), provide a comparative analysis of quality management capabilities of organisations categorised by size and groups, based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) code. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire-based survey was used for data collection. Statistical data analysis, including descriptive statistics, multivariate and univariate analysis of variance and Hsu’s multiple comparisons with/to the best post-hoc test results, was carried out to identify significant differences and similarities in total quality management capabilities between organisations based on the QMAF model. Findings Significant differences in quality management capabilities were identified between large organisations and SMEs while no significant differences were found to exist between medium- and small-size organisations. Most of the QMAF-based capabilities do not seem to show significant differences between the four groups of ANZSIC code of firms, except for partnering focus and business outcomes. Research limitations/implications The research was limited by the number of returned responses of survey questionnaire from manufacturing organisations in the Greater Western Sydney region. This research provides practitioners with practical guidelines for improving quality management capabilities and can become the basis for comparative analysis in other regions of Australia, and globally. In addition, the research findings can be used by government and quality associations to develop appropriate strategies and policies for supporting the development of quality enhancing programmes in SMEs. Originality/value The comparative analysis of quality management capabilities by organisational size and industry type advances the previous work on optimum pathways of achieving business outcomes using the QMAF model. In addition, the research has mapped out differences in quality management capabilities, based on a combined scope of size and industry type, especially in the Greater Western Sydney region where a large number of SMEs are located.
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Kuruppu, Upeka, and Ataur Rahman. "Trends in water quality data in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River System, Australia." Journal of Water and Climate Change 6, no. 4 (May 7, 2015): 816–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2015.120.
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The Hawkesbury–Nepean River System (HNRS) is one of the most important inland river systems in Australia, which supplies over 90% of Sydney's potable water. In this paper, 25 water quality parameters from nine sampling stations in the HNRS covering a period of 12 years are used to examine the trends in the water quality data in the HNRS. It has been found that there is an overall increasing trend of turbidity, chlorophyll-a, alkalinity, total iron, total aluminium, total manganese and reactive silicate, indicating an overall water quality deterioration in the HNRS during the last decade. The parameters such as phosphorus, suspended solids and ammonical nitrogen do not show any marked change over the period of study. Although an improvement in water quality can be seen at some stations downstream of the undisturbed parts of the catchment, there is a clear trend of increased chemical and physical water quality deterioration at many locations in the HNRS. Better land use planning is recommended to achieve an overall improvement in the water quality of the HNRS in future.
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Chan, Justin CY, Aashray K. Gupta, Wendy J. Babidge, Michael G. Worthington, and Guy J. Maddern. "Technical factors affecting cardiac surgical mortality in Australia." Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals 27, no. 6 (June 10, 2019): 443–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0218492319854888.
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Aim Examination of potentially avoidable issues in surgical deaths can provide a basis for quality improvement. Perioperative technical factors in cardiac surgery may lead or contribute to patient mortality. Using data from a well-established and comprehensive national surgical mortality audit, we aimed to identify and describe clinical management issues leading to mortality in Australian cardiac surgical patients. Methods Retrospective analysis of a cardiac surgical dataset from the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (February 2009 to December 2015) was undertaken. Clinical management issues related to technical factors were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Technical clinical management issues were categorized based on the most common themes, followed by qualitative analysis of each theme. Results We identified 256 patients with least one technical management issues (total 270). Injury to structures was the most common theme ( n = 115, 44.9%), followed by unaddressed surgical pathology ( n = 39, 15.2%) and inadequate myocardial protection ( n = 34, 13.2%). More specifically, the most common structural injury involved the right ventricle, with the aorta and femoral vessels also commonly injured. The most common unaddressed surgical pathology was incomplete coronary revascularization, followed by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve during mitral repair. Graft failure occurred during coronary artery bypass graft surgery, with a poor target vessel being a common issue. Conclusion Technical factors in cardiac surgery resulting in potentially avoidable mortality constitute an important subset of deaths. These findings can inform various stakeholders to improve the quality and safety of surgical care.
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Callaghan, M. J., N. W. Tomkins, I. Benu, and A. J. Parker. "How feasible is it to replace urea with nitrates to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from extensively managed beef cattle?" Animal Production Science 54, no. 9 (2014): 1300. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an14270.
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Reducing methane emissions from cattle in Australia will be dependent upon finding a strategy that can be readily adopted by its northern beef industry. The majority of the herd are located in this region and they graze low-quality tropical (C4) pastures, resulting in high methane output. There are few mitigation options that can be readily applied to extensively grazed cattle. The addition of nitrate to the diet of cattle has been shown to reduce methane production and may be an applicable strategy in northern Australia. Nitrogen is often the primary limiting nutrient in low-quality tropical pastures and it is common practice by industry to supplement with urea. Supplying an equivalent dose of nitrogen using nitrate as an alternative to urea has been demonstrated in cattle without adverse impacts upon animal productivity or health. These findings may not be directly applicable to grazing cattle in northern Australian because the diets and feeding management are not representative of the region. Nitrite toxicity can result from feeding nitrates to livestock and there is evidence that the composition of the total diet and feeding pattern influences the risk of toxicity. If nitrate supplementation in grazing beef cattle in northern Australia can be demonstrated to reduce methane and be applied safely, adoption rates will still depend on carbon market pricing. Current modelling suggests that the cost of supplementing beef cows with nitrate in northern Australia would be at least double the cost of urea supplementation.
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Welikala And, Dilrukshi, and Amrik S. Sohal. "Total Quality Management and employees' involvement: A case study of an Australian organisation." Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 19, no. 6 (June 2008): 627–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14783360802024440.
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Jeffreys, J. T. "The Trend toward Total Quality Managment in Australian Coal Mining." Energy Exploration & Exploitation 13, no. 4 (August 1995): 331–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/014459879501300405.
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The paper examines the trends and techniques now being adopted by the Australian coal mining industry to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the face of an increasingly difficult international and domestic coal market. Quality Assurance certification to internationally accepted standards has been gained by some operators whilst many more companies are implementing varied forms of Total Quality Control concepts. These concepts now so well established in traditional manufacturing industries, have not previously been associated with the vagaries of the coal industry but are now being pursued by many in an effort to gain or retain a competitive edge. The paper also explains some of the actual processes being undertaken by the mining companies and outlines some of the systems being developed and utilised to undertake preliminary analysis and evaluation of existing and proposed management systems prior to implementing TQC systems.
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Mishriky, John, Ieva Stupans, and Vincent Chan. "An Investigation of the Practices of Australian Adults Experiencing Pain and Their Views of Australian Community Pharmacy Pain Management Services." Pharmacy 8, no. 4 (October 13, 2020): 187. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy8040187.
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Pain is a common and debilitating condition requiring appropriate assessment and management. The consequences of inadequate treatment of pain is well known; however, research investigating pain management practices and the benefits Australian community pharmacies offer in pain management are more limited. This study investigated the knowledge and practices of Australian adults experiencing pain, and their views of community pharmacy pain management services. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Participants were recruited from ten community pharmacies across metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. A total of 120 participants completed the questionnaire. Most reported that their pain interfered with their quality/functionality-of-life. Paracetamol was the pharmacological preference irrespective of pain severity experienced. Approximately 30% did not believe that visiting a community pharmacy is helpful in pain management, but many reported their pain management knowledge could be improved, yet more than 60% disagreed when asked whether they would rather visit a supermarket than their pharmacy to purchase analgesics. More than half believed that community pharmacies can and should offer more pain management services. This suggests that enhancing the involvement of community pharmacists can help bridge gaps in pain management knowledge, which may provide greater positive outcomes for patients experiencing pain symptoms.
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Fukuda, Yusuke, Peter Whitehead, and Guy Boggs. "Corrigendum to: Broad-scale environmental influences on the abundance of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Australia." Wildlife Research 35, no. 2 (2008): 170. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr06110_co.
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Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) populations have recovered strongly across northern Australia over the 30 years since the species was protected from hunting. However, monitoring studies show large geographical variations in abundance across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. The Northern Territory has considerably higher densities, raising questions about constraints on recovery in the other states. We examined broad-scale environmental influences on population abundance by modelling the species.environment relationships across northern Australia. The hypothesis-based models showed strong support for the linkage to (1) the ratio of total area of favourable wetland vegetation types (Melaleuca, grass and sedge to total catchment area, (2) a measure of rainfall seasonality, namely the ratio of total precipitation in the coldest quarter to total precipitation in the warmest quarter of a year, and (3) the mean temperature in the coldest quarter of a year. On the other hand, we were unable to show any clear negative association with landscape modification, as indicated by the extent of high-impact land uses or human population density in catchments. We conclude that geographical variations in crocodile density are mostly attributable to differences in habitat quality rather than the management regimes adopted in the respective jurisdictions.
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Shams, Aditi. "Non-Executive Chairman, Audit Quality and Earnings Management." International Journal of Business and Management 15, no. 3 (February 15, 2020): 50. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v15n3p50.
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The purpose of this paper is twofold, first, it examines the association of non-executive chairman and the quality of financial earnings and second, it examines the role of audit quality and non-executive chairman in earnings quality. This paper uses the modified jones model and the performance adjusted modified Jones model considering two cash flow methods of total accrual and perform regression analysis on the energy sector firms from the year 2010-2012. The study result does not find any significant association of earnings management and non-executive director and audit quality in the Australian context. This finding raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of such a corporate governance mechanism to maximize monitoring over the operation of the firm.
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Paterson, John. "Water Management and Recreational Values; Some Cases in Victoria, Australia." Water Science and Technology 21, no. 2 (February 1, 1989): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1989.0021.
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The growing recognition of recreational and amenity demands on water systems introduces a multitude of issues, many of them complex, to the established tasks of water quality management and water management generally. Victorian case studies are presented. They (1) illustrate the range and diversity of situations that can arise in managing competition and enhancing compatibility between traditional water supply objectives and recreational demands. (2) Fluctuation of storage levels, essential to storage operations, detract from recreational value. Recreational and tourism demands upon Lake Hume have grown to threaten traditional operating flexibility. (3) Mokoan is another such instance, but with its supply function in a state of flux, Lake Mokoan provides more scope for a shift in the balance. (4) Salinity management has become an issue in the management of lakes and wetlands when water supply interests and environmental/recreation interests respectively have different perspectives on salt disposal. (5) Recreational use of town supply sources has long been a vexed issue, although marked shifts in the attitudues of many supply authorities have occurred in recent years. (6) Eutrophication of lakes and estuaries raises difficult issues of responsibility and scientific uncertainty, and the water management connection may be tenuous but will attract public attention. (7) The water body attributes valued by specialised recreational interests require definition in terms that water managers can deal with using routine techniques of systems analysis and evaluation. (8) The demands of the fish population and anglers introduce a new perspective in river management and perceptions of instream values are changing markedly. (9) Direct costs of recreational services supplied by water authorities are not fully accounted: allocation choices and fiscal incidence will emerge as issues of significance. (10) These case studies raise only a fraction of the total range of matters that will, in the years to come, tax the technology and political skills of governments and management.
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Fukuda, Yusuke, Peter Whitehead, and Guy Boggs. "Broad-scale environmental influences on the abundance of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Australia." Wildlife Research 34, no. 3 (2007): 167. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr06110.
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Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) populations have recovered strongly across northern Australia over the 30 years since the species was protected from hunting. However, monitoring studies show large geographical variations in abundance across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. The Northern Territory has considerably higher densities, raising questions about constraints on recovery in the other states. We examined broad-scale environmental influences on population abundance by modelling the species–environment relationships across northern Australia. The hypothesis-based models showed strong support for the linkage to (1) the ratio of total area of favourable wetland vegetation types (Melaleuca, grass and sedge) to total catchment area, (2) a measure of rainfall seasonality, namely the ratio of total precipitation in the coldest quarter to total precipitation in the warmest quarter of a year, and (3) the mean temperature in the coldest quarter of a year. On the other hand, we were unable to show any clear negative association with landscape modification, as indicated by the extent of high-impact land uses or human population density in catchments. We conclude that geographical variations in crocodile density are mostly attributable to differences in habitat quality rather than the management regimes adopted in the respective jurisdictions.
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Kayis, Berman. "Assessing the differences in total quality management in implementation: Behaviour of the Australian manufacturing industry." Total Quality Management 9, no. 8 (December 1998): 741–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0954412988217.
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Wertheimer, Graeme, and Luke R. Bereznicki. "Exploring the Quality of Anticoagulant Prescribed for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation at the St John of God Hawkesbury District Health Centre, New South Wales, Australia." Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 24, no. 1 (July 1, 2018): 46–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1074248418786264.
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Background: Limited data are available on the clinical management of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its outcomes from an Australian perspective. Objective: To describe the appropriateness of antithrombotic prescribing for patients who presented with a diagnosis of AF to the Hawkesbury St John of God Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed patients admitted to St John of God Hawkesbury Hospital with AF between June 2016 and June 2017. We calculated stroke risk using the CHA2DS2-VASc score based on medical records and reviewed the appropriateness of oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescribing compared to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Patients were excluded if they had only 1 episode of AF that reverted either spontaneously or upon cardioversion without any documented recurrences. Results: A total of 200 patients (18 years) were included, with 180 (90%) deemed eligible for anticoagulation. Of these 72.8% (n = 131) were prescribed an OAC. A total of 40.0% of patients at low risk of stroke and 68.4% at intermediate risk were prescribed an OAC, respectively. Apixaban was the direct OAC of choice with 36.6% of patients prescribed an OAC receiving apixaban. Warfarin was prescribed for 25.1% of the patients who were prescribed an OAC. Conclusions: The underutilization of anticoagulant medication in high-risk groups and over utilization in low-risk groups remains an ongoing issue in contemporary AF management, and it highlights the need to improve AF-related stroke prevention in our jurisdiction.
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Caughey, Gillian Elizabeth, Catherine E. Lang, Sarah Catherine Elizabeth Bray, Janet K. Sluggett, Craig Whitehead, Renuka Visvanathan, Keith Evans, et al. "Quality and safety indicators for home care recipients in Australia: development and cross-sectional analyses." BMJ Open 12, no. 8 (August 2022): e063152. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063152.
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ObjectivesTo develop and examine the prevalence of quality and safety indicators to monitor care of older Australians receiving home care packages (HCPs), a government-funded aged care programme to support individuals to live at home independently.DesignCross-sectional.SettingHome care recipients, Australia.Participants90 650 older individuals (aged ≥65 years old and ≥50 years old for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent) who received a HCP between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 nationally were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Registry of Senior Australians developed 15 quality and safety indicators: antipsychotic use, high sedative load, chronic opioid use, antimicrobial use, premature mortality, home medicines reviews, chronic disease management plan, wait-time for HCP, falls, fractures, medication-related adverse events, weight loss/malnutrition, delirium/dementia-related hospitalisations, emergency department (ED) presentations and pressure injuries. Risk adjusted prevalence (%, 95% CI) and geographical area (statistical level 3) variation during 2016 were examined.ResultsIn 2016, a total of 102 590 HCP episodes were included for 90 650 individuals, with 66.9% (n=68 598) level 1–2 HCP episodes (ie, for basic care needs) and 33.1% (n=33 992) level 3–4 HCP (ie, higher care needs). The most prevalent indicators included: antibiotic use (52.4%, 95% CI 52.0 to 52.7), chronic disease management plans (38.1%, 95% CI 37.8 to 38.4), high sedative load (29.1%, 95% CI 28.8 to 29.4) and ED presentations (26.4%, 95% CI 25.9 to 26.9). HCP median wait time was 134 days (IQR 41–406). Geographical variation was highest in chronic disease management plans and ED presentations (20.7% of areas outside expected range).ConclusionA comprehensive outcome monitoring system to monitor the quality and safety of care and variation for HCP recipients was developed. It provides a pragmatic, efficient and low burden tool to support evidence-based quality and safety improvement initiatives for the aged care sector.
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Grammatikopoulou, Maria G., Tonia Vassilakou, Dimitrios G. Goulis, Xenophon Theodoridis, Meletios P. Nigdelis, Arianna Petalidou, Konstantinos Gkiouras, et al. "Standards of Nutritional Care for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Methodological Primer and AGREE II Analysis of Guidelines." Children 8, no. 12 (December 14, 2021): 1180. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/children8121180.
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Although many Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have been published for the care of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), including a variety of nutrition recommendations, the quality of these CPGs has never been evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare, review, and critically appraise CPGs for the nutritional management of CF, throughout the lifespan. We searched PubMed, Guidelines International Network (GIN), ECRI Institute, and Guidelines Central for CPGs, with information on the nutritional management of CF. Retrieved CPGs were appraised by three independent reviewers, using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument and checklist. A total of 22 CPGs (seven solely nutrition oriented), by 14 different publishers, were retrieved. The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand CPGs scored the highest overall quality (94.4%), while the Paediatric Gastroenterology Society/Dietitians Association of Australia CPGs had the lowest score (27.8%). Great variation in AGREE II domain-specific scores was observed in all CPGs, suggesting the existence of different strengths and weaknesses. Despite the availability of several CPGs, many appear outdated, lacking rigor, transparency, applicability, and efficiency, while incorporating bias. Considering that CPGs adherence is associated with better outcomes and the need for improving life expectancy in patients with CF, the development of CPGs of better quality is deemed necessary.
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Le, Huong, and Jade McKay. "Chinese and Vietnamese international students in Australia." International Journal of Educational Management 32, no. 7 (September 10, 2018): 1278–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijem-08-2016-0180.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the voice of Chinese and Vietnamese international students through studying the similarities and differences in their learning experiences and the reasons underlying their experience. Design/methodology/approach In total, 57 Chinese and Vietnamese international students participated in focus groups and interviews regarding their experiences of higher education and their suggestions for improvement. Findings The findings show that Chinese and Vietnamese students had varying levels of challenges and different progress in the adaptation process and that Chinese students were more vocal and less satisfied with their experience of higher education than Vietnamese students. This is due to the mismatch in their expectation and the actual experience and the cultural influence. Research limitations/implications The sample size is relatively small. This study only looked at Vietnamese and Chinese students in one university, which might have limitations in relation to subjectivity and bias. Practical implications The findings provide useful implications for educators, institutional leaders and support staff to improve facilities, teaching quality and service to students. Originality/value In the current era of internationalisation, commercialisation and mobility in institutions around the world, this study advances current research and provides timely insight into the experiential differences of the Chinese and Vietnamese student experience and their voice.
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Bindon, B. M., and N. M. Jones. "Cattle supply, production systems and markets for Australian beef." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, no. 7 (2001): 861. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea01052.
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Markets for Australian beef throughout the 20th century have been moulded by world wars, economic depressions, droughts, transport technology, cattle breeding, trade barriers, global competition, livestock disease eradication, human health risks, food safety, Australian Government policy, consumerism and beef quality. Major ‘shocks’ to beef marketing include the development of successful shipments of chilled carcases to Britain in the 1930s, the widespread trade disruption caused by World War II, expansion (early 1950s) and then a reduction in beef exports to Britain (1956), the introduction and then proliferation of Bos indicus derived cattle in northern Australia (1960s), licensing and upgrading of Australian abattoirs to export to USA and the consequential brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication campaign leading to record export tonnages of Australian processing beef to USA (1960–70). In 1980, increased beef trade to Japan began, leading in the late 1980s to expansion of high-quality grain finished products into that market. By 1993, beef exports to Japan (280.5 kt) exceeded those to USA (274.4 kt), signalling the significant shift in beef exports to Asia. Commencing in about 1986, the USA recognised the value of beef exports to Asian markets pioneered by Australia. Australia’s share of the Japanese and South Korean markets has been under intense competition since that time. Another major influence on Australia’s beef market in the early 1990s was growth in live cattle exports to Asian markets in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Live exports accounted for 152000 heads in 1992 and 858000 heads in 1996. Improved management systems (e.g. fences) and consequent regulation of cattle supply even in the wet season, a by-product of the brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication campaign, were indirect drivers of the growth in live exports. Throughout the period 1940–2000, domestic consumption of beef and veal declined from 68 to 33.3 kg/head.year, reflecting competition from other foods, perceptions of health risks, price of beef, periodic food safety scares, vegetarianism, changes in lifestyle and eating habits and lack of consistency of eating quality of beef. Despite this decline, the domestic Australian beef market still consumes a significant component (37%) of total Australian beef production. In 1984–85, the reform of the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation set in train a major directional change (‘New Direction’) of the beef sector in response to beef market trends. Under Dick Austen’s leadership, the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation changed the industry’s culture from being ‘production-driven’ to being ‘consumer-driven’. Market research began in Australia, Japan and Korea to establish consumer preferences and attitudes to price, beef appearance and eating quality. Definite consumer requirements were identified under headings of consistency and reliability. The AusMeat carcass descriptors were introduced and a decade later traits like tenderness, meat colour, fat colour, meat texture, taste, smell, and muscle size were addressed. These historical ‘shocks’ that shaped the Australian beef markets have all been accompanied by modification to production systems, breeding programs, herd structure, processing procedures, advertising and promotion, meat retailing and end-use. The increasing importance of the food service sector and the ‘Asian merge’ influence on beef cuts usage in restaurant meals and take-away products are the most recognisable changes in the Australian food landscape. The Cooperative Research Centre¿s research portfolio was built around the changing forces influencing beef markets in the early 1990s. Australia needed to better understand the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting beef quality. One example was the poor success rate of cattle being grain-fed for the Japanese premium markets. Another was the relative contribution of pre- and post-slaughter factors to ultimate eating quality of beef. The Meat Standards Australia scheme was launched in 1997 to address this problem in more detail. The Cooperative Research Centre contributed significantly to this initiative. In the year 2001, Australia, with only 2.5% of world cattle numbers retains the position of world number one beef trader. We trade to 110 countries worldwide. The Australian beef sector is worth A$6 billion annually. The diversity of Australian environments, cattle genotypes and production systems provides us with the ability to meet diverse specifications for beef products. A new set of market forces is now emerging. Strict accreditation rules apply to Australian producers seeking access to the lucrative European Union market. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies like bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie are a continuing food safety concern in Europe. This and the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Britain early in 2001 have potentially significant indirect effects on markets for Australian beef. And the sleeping giant, foot and mouth disease-free status of Latin American countries Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina continues to emerge as a major threat to Australian beef markets in Canada and Taiwan. As in the past, science and technology will play a significant role in Australia¿s response to these market forces.
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Doraisami, Anita, and Alex Millmow. "Funding Australian economics research: Local benefits?" Economic and Labour Relations Review 27, no. 4 (October 26, 2016): 511–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1035304616676161.
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In Australia there is a systematic ranking of academic research performance, with a major impact metric being based on publications in prestigious journals. Other countries like Britain with its Research Excellence Framework also have similar metrics. While much analysis and publicity is devoted to the rankings of the quality of research, there has been very little focus on how this ranked research has then gone on to make a public policy impact. In the case of the economics discipline, there has been little exploration of the relationship between publication in a high-ranked journal and contribution to an analysis of Australia’s most pressing economic issues. This article investigates the extent to which articles in the Diamond list of journals from 2001 to 2010 addressed Australian economic issues. Our results indicate that articles on current policy issues accounted for a very modest fraction of total Diamond list journal articles. One possible explanation for this finding, which is investigated further, is the correlation between an economics department’s Excellence in Research Australia ranking and the number of staff who obtained their doctorates from an overseas university. Such a correlation has implications for the status afforded to economics research with a specific national focus.
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Yogaswara, Deny, and Khozanah Khozanah. "Spatial Distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in Sediment of Sumba Sea, Nusa Tenggara Timur." Oseanologi dan Limnologi di Indonesia 3, no. 2 (August 29, 2018): 173. http://dx.doi.org/10.14203/oldi.2018.v3i2.193.
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Sumba Sea is an Indo-Australian tectonic plate transition zone that has a huge biodiversities resources and also behalf of an international shipping lane zone from southern of Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand, and as the return. In addition, Sumba Sea is also a kind of outer boundary of Indonesia, that is necessary to do basic environmental monitoring as the authorities in the management of outer sea zone. Indonesia does not have representative environmental quality database including the pollution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH). This study purposes to determine the partial distribution and concentration of TPH in sediments in Sumba Sea, East Nusa Tenggara. The research was conducted in August 2016 using Research Vessel of Baruna Jaya VIII. Samples were collected using a box core, preserved in amber glass jar bottle and stored at 4°C for further analysis in the laboratory. In the laboratory, sediment samples were extracted using dichloromethane and n-hexane for three times extraction. Furthermore, samples were evaporated before added by tetrachloroethylene solvent. Samples were measured with Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) at wavelength 2850-2950 cm<sup>-1</sup>. The results showed that the pollution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in the Sumba Sea was detected at all sampling station based on identified of hydrocarbon functional groups. The partial distribution of TPH is evenly distributed and covered all stations on low concentrations. The highest concentration of TPH was detected at station 10 as 4.348 ppm
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Larcombe, James W. P., Kevin J. McLoughlin, and Richard D. J. Tilzey. "Trawl operations in the South East Fishery, Australia: spatial distribution and intensity." Marine and Freshwater Research 52, no. 4 (2001): 419. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf99169.
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Trawl areas and intensities were mapped at coarse (22 km 1986–99)and fine (1 km 1995–99)scales, and statistics reported by area and depth stratum. Total effort in hours was relatively stable to 1992, then increased substantially to 1999. The total distance trawled from fine-scale analysis showed a similar trend for the 1995–99 period. Coarse-scale analysis from 1986–99 indicated effort increases in north-east Bass Strait in particular, and also off western Tasmania and west of Bass Strait. There was little change in the total area of the fishery from 1995 to 1999, but grid cells on the periphery showed considerable interannual variation in the presence or absence of fishing. Increased or redistributed effort tended to further concentrate in the relatively small high-effort areas, rather than increasing equally across the grounds, or spreading to new grounds. In the total management area, a small proportion of the 1 km grids was fished. However, in 200–1000 m depth strata, ≥50%of the grids were fished with some intensity. The consequences and compromises of spatial scale are discussed in terms of data quality, the use of trawl effort as a surrogate for marine disturbance, and the interpretation of catch rates.
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Rahman, Shams-Ur. "A review of empirical research on Total Quality Management using scale developing methods: An Australian perspective." Total Quality Management 13, no. 5 (August 2002): 635–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0954412022000002045.
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Mackenzie, D. E., and A. G. Christy. "The role of soil chemistry in wine grape quality and sustainable soil management in vineyards." Water Science and Technology 51, no. 1 (January 1, 2005): 27–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2005.0004.
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This study aimed to establish if there is any evidence that soil mineralogical and/or chemical composition influence the composition and quality of wine grapes. In the initial phase of the study, soils and grapes were sampled in two riesling vineyards in South Australia. Soils were analysed for a wide range of total major and trace elements; soil cation extracts and grape juices were analysed for 27 trace elements by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. The results show that grape juice properties such as Baumé and titratable acidity (TA) are clearly correlated with several plant-available trace elements in the soil. Most notable of these are Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb and Si. Soil clay content also plays a (lesser) role. The cations Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb are closely similar to one another in their relationships to Baumé and TA, strongly indicating that the correlations are real. It is evident from our results that soil cation chemistry does indeed have an influence on wine grape composition. Such knowledge has the potential to be used in better tailoring grape varieties to soils, and in managing – or modifying – soils for optimum viticultural results and better wines in a more sustainable way.
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Ghofrani, Zahra, Victor Sposito, and Robert Faggian. "Designing a Pond and Evaluating its Impact Upon Storm-Water Quality and Flow: A Case Study in Rural Australia." Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S 26, no. 3 (September 1, 2019): 475–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/eces-2019-0036.
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Abstract Storm-water management is a common concern in rural catchments where development-related growth causes increases of storm-water flows. Greater magnitude and frequency of storm-water create greater challenges for mitigating storm-water damage and improving water quality. The concept of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) as a solution incorporates a wide range of applicable components with the aim of minimizing the effect of catchment development on flow regimes without changing the watershed morphology. BGI components manage storm-water by decreasing impermeable cover and expanding natural and semi-natural systems to store water or recharge and filter storm-water into the ground. In this paper, guidelines for designing a pond as a component of BGI are provided and, configuration and size of the pond are determined. Moreover, the impacts of the designed pond on storm-water peak flow and quality are assessed for the Tarwin catchment, State of Victoria, Australia. The results indicate that the introduction of the pond would have reduced outfall inflow by 94 % and would have achieved the reduction of 88.3, 75.5 and 50.7 % for total suspended solids, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen respectively, during the extreme weather event in June 2012.
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Alizadeh, Somayeh, Meena Chavan, and Hamin Hamin. "Quality of care and patient satisfaction amongst Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients." International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 33, no. 3 (March 7, 2016): 298–320. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-05-2014-0062.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the key aspects of service quality within the outpatient context. The secondary aim is to compare views on quality of health service by Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-method approach was adopted for this study. Qualitative data were collected from 40 patients to develop a scale for measuring health service quality. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires available in English, Arabic, Persian, Chinese and Vietnamese. A total of 447 patients in six outpatient clinics completed the survey and data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. Findings – The qualitative findings determined eight dimensions of quality for outpatient care as follows: doctor professionalism; doctor empathy; doctor expertise; treatment outcome; staff concern; timeliness; tangibles; and operation. The quantitative findings indicated that factors related to technical aspect of care, including doctor expertise and treatment outcome were assumed the strongest predictors of overall health care quality in both Caucasian and non-Caucasian groups. Furthermore, no significant discrepancy was found between these two groups’ ratings of overall service quality and satisfaction with care. Originality/value – The study captured ethnically diverse patients’ perspectives on health service quality and highlighted the significance of technical quality, which is generally neglected in service quality measures.
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Dunin, F. X., C. J. Smith, and O. T. Denmead. "Hydrological change: reaping prosperity and pain in Australia." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 11, no. 1 (January 17, 2007): 77–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-11-77-2007.
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Abstract. The adage: “There is no such thing as a free lunch”, is relevant to land-use hydrology in Australia. Changes in land use to achieve greater productivity of food and fibre may have an adverse effect on the water balance and hence on the natural resource capital of a catchment. An altered regime of catchment outflow accompanies those land-use changes which, together with land degradation, impairs available water resources in quantity and quality and threatens enterprise sustainability, notwithstanding the initial improvement in productivity. Central to any hydrological change is an altered pattern of seasonal and annual water use by vegetation that has become modified in function with an amended transpiration fraction of daily evapotranspiration. In Australia, since measurement of evapotranspiration became feasible, the hydrological consequences of changes in land use have been determined, allowing the benefits in terms of plant productivity achieved through enhanced water use efficiency to be weighed against changed catchment outflows, diminished in either quantity or quality. Four case studies are presented as examples of ecological and hydrological changes: two deal with the upland forest environment and two with arable lowlands. In an upland eucalypt forest, following wildfire with subsequent regeneration from natural seedling establishment, substantial reduction in water yield occurred throughout a 50-year period of succession in the even-aged stand. In comparison, the effect of converting eucalypt forest to pine plantations was less detrimental to the yield of water from the catchments, with substantial growth increases over 30 years. In the lowlands, agricultural productivity, both as annual pasture and as crop, far exceeds that of natural perennial grassland and woodland. This increase in productivity comes not so much from any change to the yield of total water outflow but at the expense of water quality, compromised with increased material transport in suspension and solution resulting from accelerated erosion in association with outbreaks of soil salinity and acidity. The present study is aimed at optimising management to give plant production outcomes that ensure environmental protection through resource conservation. In the uplands, harvesting of water is the dominant consideration so that conservative management with limited plant productivity is sought. In the lowlands, the objective is to devise novel ecosystems with profitable plant production that exercises due control on outflow in maintaining the chemical and physical integrity of the edaphic environment.
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Nguyen, Hong, Friedrich Recknagel, and Wayne Meyer. "Water Quality Control Options in Response to Catchment Urbanization: A Scenario Analysis by SWAT." Water 10, no. 12 (December 13, 2018): 1846. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w10121846.
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Urbanization poses a challenge to sustainable catchment management worldwide. This study compares streamflows and nutrient loads in the urbanized Torrens catchment in South Australia at present and future urbanization levels, and addresses possible mitigation of urbanization effects by means of the control measures: river bank stabilization, buffer strip expansion, and wetland construction. A scenario analysis by means of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) based on the anticipated urban population density growth in the Torrens catchment over the next 30 years predicted a remarkable increase of streamflow and Total Phosphorous loads but decreased Total Nitrogen loads. In contrast, minor changes of model outputs were predicted under the present urbanization scenario, i.e. urban area expansion on the grassland. Scenarios of three feasible control measures demonstrated best results for expanding buffer zone to sustain stream water quality. The construction of wetlands along the Torrens River resulted in the reduction of catchment runoff, but only slight decreases in TN and TP loads. Overall, the results of this study suggested that combining the three best management practices by the adaptive development of buffer zones, wetlands and stabilized river banks might help to control efficiently the increased run-off and TP loads by the projected urbanization of the River Torrens catchment.
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Wilson, Nicholas, Keni Keni, and Pauline Henriette Pattyranie Tan. "The Effect of Website Design Quality and Service Quality toward Repurchase Intention in the E-commerce Industry: A Cross-Continental Analysis." Gadjah Mada International Journal of Business 21, no. 2 (August 26, 2019): 187. http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/gamaijb.33665.
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The purpose of this study is to examine and understand the effect of website design quality and service quality toward consumers’ repurchase intention in the Asian, European, American, and Australian e-commerce industry. This research implemented survey method, in which questionnaires were chosen as instruments for data collection. A total of 1000 questionnaires were electronically distributed to the respondents across four continents, in which a total of 869 were deemed usable. Out of 869 questionnaires, a total of 200 questionnaires collected from respondents living in the Asian continent, 189 questionnaires collected from respondents living in the American continent, 243 questionnaires collected from respondents living in the European continent, and 237 questionnaires collected from respondents living in the Australian continent. This research implemented PLS-SEM method to analyze and generate findings from the data. Based on the results generated from the analysis of the data, it could be concluded that in the Asian, Australian, and European continents, service quality played a more important and significant role in affecting consumers’ repurchase intention in the e-commerce industry compared to website design quality. In contrast, the results generated in this research also concluded that website design quality played a more important role in affecting consumers’ repurchase intention in the American e-commerce industry. Furthermore, customer satisfaction mediated the relationship between website design quality and service quality toward consumers’ repurchase intention in the Asian, Australian, European, and American e-commerce industry.
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Islam, Md Irteja, Claire O’Neill, Hibah Kolur, Sharif Bagnulo, Richard Colbran, and Alexandra Martiniuk. "Patient-Reported Experiences and Satisfaction with Rural Outreach Clinics in New South Wales, Australia: A Cross-Sectional Study." Healthcare 10, no. 8 (July 26, 2022): 1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081391.
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Introduction: Many studies have been conducted on how physicians view outreach health services, yet few have explored how rural patients view these services. This study aimed to examine the patient experience and satisfaction with outreach health services in rural NSW, Australia and the factors associated with satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who visited outreach health services between December 2020 and February 2021 across rural and remote New South Wales, Australia. Data on patient satisfaction were collected using a validated questionnaire. Both bivariate (chi-squared test) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were performed to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable (patient satisfaction). Results: A total of 207 participants were included in the study. The mean age of respondents was 58.6 years, and 50.2% were men. Ninety-three percent of all participants were satisfied with the outreach health services. Respectful behaviours of the outreach healthcare practitioners were significantly associated with the higher patient satisfaction attending outreach clinics. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated a high level of patient satisfaction regarding outreach health services in rural and remote NSW, Australia. Further, our study findings showed the importance of collecting data about patient satisfaction to strengthen outreach service quality.
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Pond, Dimity, Karen Mate, Nigel Stocks, Jane Gunn, Peter Disler, Parker Magin, John Marley, et al. "Effectiveness of a peer-mediated educational intervention in improving general practitioner diagnostic assessment and management of dementia: a cluster randomised controlled trial." BMJ Open 8, no. 8 (August 2018): e021125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021125.
Full textAbstract:
ObjectiveTest effectiveness of an educational intervention for general practitioners (GPs) on quality of life and depression outcomes for patients.DesignDouble-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial.SettingGeneral practices in Australia between 2007 and 2010.ParticipantsGeneral practices were randomly allocated to the waitlist (n=37) or intervention (n=66) group, in a ratio of 1:2. A total of 2030 (1478 intervention; 552 waitlist) community-dwelling participants aged 75 years or older were recruited via 168 GPs (113 intervention; 55 waitlist).InterventionsA practice-based academic detailing intervention led by a peer educator that included: (1) training in use of the GP assessment of cognition dementia screening instrument; (2) training in diagnosis and management based on Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dementia Guidelines; (3) addressing GPs’ barriers to dementia diagnosis; and (4) a business case outlining a cost-effective dementia assessment approach.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were patient quality of life and depression; secondary outcome measures were: (1) sensitivity and specificity of GP identification of dementia; (2) referral to medical specialists and/or support services; (3) patient satisfaction with care; and (4) carer quality of life, depression and satisfaction with care.ResultsThe educational intervention had no significant effect on patient quality of life or depression scores after 12 months. There were however improvements in secondary outcome measures including sensitivity of GP judgement of dementia (p=0.002; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.92 to 18.73), satisfaction with GP communication for all patients (p=0.024; mean difference 2.1, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.93) and for patients with dementia (p=0.007; mean difference 7.44, 95% CI 2.02 to 12.86) and enablement of carers (p=0.0185; mean difference 24.77, 95% CI 4.15 to 45.40).ConclusionPractice-based academic detailing did not improve patient quality of life or depression scores but did improve detection of dementia in primary care and patient satisfaction with GP communication.Trial registration numberACTRN12607000117415; Pre-results.