The e-health opportunity for the telecommunication industry and Portugal Telecom: a case study

JEL classification system: M10 - General Business Administration; I100 - Health: GeneralElectronic-Health (e-health) is a recent answer to some pressing challenges on health. Aging of western societies and treatments’ rising costs raised doubts about health systems’ sustainability. Individuals, companies and public administration alike are looking for technology to find aid in addressing these challenges. Several industries are tacking those issues offering innovative solutions among which Telecommunication’s. Nonetheless, this industry is facing challenges from over-the-top players menacing its business model. Portugal Telecom shares these challenges and is looking to diversify to guarantee future growth, namely, by developing in e-health solutions. This case study follows two important threads in strategy literature: diversification and the resource-based view, applied Portugal Telecom and the e-health opportunity. As a case study, it aims providing readers a tool to better understand and employ strategic management concepts and frameworks in an applied business context. E-health as an opportunity for growth to Telecommunication companies and Portugal Telecom is described from three points of view: i) an actual market need ii) that may be addressed by Telecommunication companies and iii) should be addressed by those companies as they need to grow. It is shown how increasing concern with health issues by individuals, general public, companies and public administration is driving technology to find innovative answers to those same issues (i). Then, it is explained how Telcos may and in fact are addressing those issues, namely, by developing e-health solutions for their customers (ii). Finally, it is argued why Telcos should address this opportunity due their eroding revenues and margins (iii).‘Electronic-health’ (e-saúde) é uma resposta recente a alguns desafios na saúde. O envelhecimento das sociedades ocidentais e custos crescentes dos tratamentos levantaram dúvidas acerca da sustentabilidade do sistema de saúde. Indivíduos, empresas e administração pública procuram tecnologia capaz de ajudá-los a enfrentar esses desafios. Várias indústrias endereçam esses problemas oferecendo soluções inovadoras, incluindo a indústria das telecomunicações. Porém, esta indústria enfrenta desafios de concorrentes ‘over-the-top’ que ameaçam o seu modelo de negócio. A Portugal Telecom partilha estes desafios e procura diversificar o negócio para garantir crescimento futuro, desenvolvendo soluções de e-Saúde. Este estudo de caso segue duas linhas da literatura de gestão: diversificação e a visão baseada-em-recursos, aplicada à Portugal Telecom e à oportunidade da e-saúde. Como estudo de caso, procura oferecer aos leitores uma ferramenta para melhor compreender e empregar conceitos / enquadramentos teóricos de gestão estratégica num contexto de negócio. A e-saúde como oportunidade de crescimento para empresas de Telecomunicações e a Portugal Telecom é descrita sob três perspetivas: i) uma necessidade real do mercado ii) que pode ser endereçada por empresas de Telecomunicações e iii) deve ser endereçada por essas empresas que precisam de crescer. Mostra-se como a preocupação crescente com problemas de saúde pelos indivíduos, público geral, empresas e administração pública tem levado a respostas tecnológicas inovadoras para esses problemas (i). Posteriormente, explica-se como as Telcos podem e estão a endereçar esses problemas, nomeadamente, via soluções de e-saúde (ii). Finalmente, argumenta-se porque devem as Telcos endereçar esta oportunidade devido à erosão de receitas e margens (iii)

Healthy Green Schools: Investigating how schools can nurture healthier and more environmentally aware young people

With complex problems relating to climate change and human health shaping society in the twenty-first century, the ability of schools to foster awareness and proactive behaviours around these issues is of pressing concern to public health practitioners, educators, and policymakers. This exploratory and iterative thesis maps what is known about the extent and range of integrated health and sustainability approaches undertaken in schools globally. It explores why schools have acted around these issues and how. A mixed-methods research approach makes use of current evidence to inform effective and responsive further inquiries. The thesis consists of three empirical research studies that were designed and undertaken sequentially, as follows: 1. Systematic scoping review of global evidence (Chapter 3) 2. Thematic synthesis of global evidence (Chapter 4) 3. In-depth qualitative case study of New Zealand Enviroschools (Chapters 5 and 6) The systematic scoping review of global evidence collated 87 sources. The four main areas in which integrated approaches were implemented were: teaching and learning (n= 27), physical environment adaptations (n= 23), ecologically focused policy development (n= 13) and whole-school holistic approaches (n= 12). Evidence has increased in the last two decades and is heterogeneous in nature, with few sustained attempts to explain the potential role of theory in design, implementation, and evaluation of healthy green approaches. The thematic synthesis generated four key drivers of integrated approaches: an awareness of the urgency of issues related to the environment and human health; a need for systemic solutions to wicked problems; increased levels of reflective curiosity; and a focus on transformative actions. Across the evidence, integrated approaches were thought to foster connected systems (between upstream and downstream school influences) and connected thinking (through action-oriented, place-based experiences). The evidence suggests that holistic approaches that seek to reorient whole-school culture through action and policy are deemed most likely to reflect the urgency and systemic nature of the climate emergency. Across disciplines, three theories resonate with integrated school-based action and policy: (eco)sociological theories (education), transformation theories (social science), and salutogenesis (public health). The in-depth qualitative case study of New Zealand ‘Enviroschools’ reveals the importance of quality relationships with others, environments, and oneself in the design, implementation, and sustainability of an approach that aims to foster healthier and more environmentally aware young people within the mainstream school context. Implementation strategies such as planning using a sustainability lens, co-ordination between regional and national networks, and providing those involved with feedback in context, were associated with building and nurturing quality relationships across the school community by encouraging connections and a shift in mindset around change. The findings generated in this thesis outline why a mainstream movement towards an integrated conceptual ‘third space’ may be necessary at the intersection between health, environment, and education. This ‘third space’ refers to an integration of health (first space) and environment (second space) into a socioecological (third space) that is united in its complexity rather than divided into separate complex problems. A movement towards an integrated conceptual ‘third space’ may connect previously disaggregated systems and thinking to reveal transformative and pragmatic ways in which schools can develop, implement, and sustain action and policy which nurtures healthier and more environmentally aware young people

Bindjareb Yorgas Health Program: Promoting Aboriginal women's health in a regional community setting

This study addresses the self-identified health issues experienced by yorgas (women) in an Aboriginal Bindjareb (region) community in the Nyungar nation of south west Western Australia. In collaboration with yorga Elders and Leaders from the Murray Districts Aboriginal Association (MDAA), Caroline Nilson, a non-Indigenous researcher, academic and health professional, developed, coordinated, facilitated, and implemented a culturally appropriate health promotion initiative, the Bindjareb Yorgas Health Program [BYHP], which was the topic of Caroline's PhD research project. The BYHP aims were to foster the development of personal knowledge and skills in achieving and maintaining wellness, and the strengthening of community actions towards improving health by facilitating improved individual and group health literacy. Further, the study sought an understanding of the ways in which the BYHP facilitated healthy lifestyle change in the Bindjareb yorgas and their families and whether the structure and delivery of the program provided a supportive environment for the women to engage in sustainable health promotion activities. The BYHP was underpinned by the ideals of the Aboriginal model of health, which encompasses all aspects of a person's life (Lock, 2007). This concept places significant emphasis on social and emotional components and is linked to the sense of being Aboriginal, through connection with the environment (social and economic), community, relationships, land, the physical body and the mind, and traditional cultural lore (law) and knowledge (Nyungar kaartdijin). The BYHP study consisted of four components: nutrition and cooking classes, group fitness classes (including walking group sessions), a community vegetable garden project and health 'yarning' sessions (a culturally appropriate method of communicating about important matters), which comprised informal and formal discussions. Twenty-two women from the two kinship groups in two towns in the research setting were invited to take part in the project. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit the yorga participants and the consent processes were conducted by the yorga Elders and Leaders and resulted in 17 Bindjareb yorgas consenting to participate. There were a total of 24 cooking and nutrition classes and all 17 participants each took part in between 3 and 22 classes. Attendance at the 33 group fitness classes varied, with 16 of the 17 participants taking part in between 1 and 29 classes; as did attendance at the 24 walking group sessions where 13 yorgas participated in between 3 and 22 sessions each. Six participants volunteered to share the vegetable garden management over a 24 week period resulting in an average weekly attendance of 5.5 visits between them. A number of yarning sessions (individual and group) were also facilitated by Caroline in collaboration with Karrie-Anne Kearing-Salmon, an Aboriginal woman Leader appointed as the research assistant. An ethnographic action research [EAR] approach was used in the research, which combines the methodologies of ethnography, participatory techniques and action research (Tacchi, Slater & Hearn, 2003; Tacchi, et al., 2007). The data was collected with the assistance of the yorga Elders and Leaders during which time Caroline was also mentored by Gloria Kearing, a yorga Elder. Data sources included audio recorded yarning groups, audio recorded individual yarning, direct observations and participant-observations, and Caroline's personal diary notes audio recorded during fieldwork. A narrative art project was also conducted as a culturally appropriate method of gathering data and was used as an opportunity to facilitate informal health yarning. The works of art were shared with the wider community in a public gallery exhibition, which ran for six weeks during August and September 2013. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken in consultation and collaboration with the selected yorga Elders and Leaders for each component of the research, and was assisted using Artichoke ™ (Fetherston, 2013), a computer-based program. Results that have captured the main findings are presented in the thesis in a number of peer-reviewed published and under review articles and other manuscripts have been prepared and are in the process of submission. The themes identified from the cooking and nutrition component related to experiences of overwhelming loss, acknowledging collective shame, finding change too hard, being crippled by the lack of resources, mistrust, and tensions, community control empowering individuals through engagement, learning for life purpose, and planning for community determination. The themes derived from the group fitness component related to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices, withdrawal due to shame, community facilitation enabling enjoyment in engagement, and experiencing a sense of place and connection to land and culture. The community vegetable garden component themes related to feelings of ownership: "deadly, unna?" (very good, isn’t it?), "ngnaailak" (belongs to us); a sense of place: "nalaru boodjar" (our own country), "kwobbrup" (a good place); reconnection to traditional land: "boodjar, mundak and ponar" (land, the bush and the seasons); pride in learning new skills: "djinanginy kaartdijin" (seeing, learning, and understanding); and hoping for continued community engagement and partnership support: "patpatan mila" (worried for the future). The health yarning component themes related to patience in the ways of talking with the yorgas "moorditj bandjar tarwagin" (patient way of talking with us), feelings of safety to talk about health issues and coming together as equals to become strong in health; "djaliny moordidjabiny kootamiara quab" (listening to become strong in health). The narrative art project themes related to the overall connectedness and the mobilisation of community members in coming together to consolidate relationships for their health and wellbeing; individuals coming together for their health and wellbeing, and processes in mobilising community social relationships. The additional themes related to the yorgas developing self-identity through painting their experiences and their creativity contributing to community empowerment. In regards to sustainable lifestyle change, themes from the group fitness and cooking and nutrition components around the real challenges and barriers also emerged. The acknowledgement of shame was identified as a psychosocial barrier and previously experienced reduced health literacy was seen as having a negative impact on food security and healthy lifestyle choices. Several themes relating to the importance of a 'sense of place' and 'feelings of safety', and the 'rekindled connection to land' were threaded through all the components, particularly the vegetable garden project. These themes were critical in answering the research questions regarding community ownership and the culturally appropriate structure and delivery of the BYHP. Themes from the cooking and nutrition component also related to the impact of historical events on nutritional health of Indigenous Australians, and on the undermining effect of mistrust within the community and towards outsiders and the need to plan to achieve a real sense of community determination and address issues of limited resources. These themes were pertinent in answering the research question regarding the required community action to lead to the sustainability of the program. The findings suggest that historical colonisation processes greatly influence current Aboriginal health and wellbeing. It has impacted on individual and community esteem and determination, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, racial demoralisation and mistrust, towards others and within their own groups. Feelings of a sense of place, the reconnection to land and culture, and a sense of safety were a common thread to have emerged from the BYHP. These correlated with further findings that identify the need for community collaboration and control. The acknowledgement of shame was identified as a psychosocial barrier influencing health literacy, food security and healthy lifestyle choices. The real challenges of change around healthy eating and physical activity were highlighted, however the sense of purpose gained through learning new skills and knowledge was found to be a key driver towards change. To achieve sustainability the findings highlighted the need for continued partnership development and ongoing planning for skills and employment opportunity and these were identified as important to achieving a real sense of community determination

AI, Robotics, and the Future of Jobs

This report is the latest in a sustained effort throughout 2014 by the Pew Research Center's Internet Project to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the World Wide Web by Sir Tim Berners-Lee (The Web at 25).The report covers experts' views about advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and their impact on jobs and employment

Nathan Cummings Foundation 2009 Annual Report

Contains board chair's message, president's report, descriptions of programs and initiatives, shareholder activities report, and lists of board members and staff. Grants list for 2009 included in financial statements

The systematic development of a mobile phone–delivered brief intervention for hazardous drinking in India

Background: The treatment gap for alcohol use disorders (AUD) in India is the highest among all mental health and substance use disorders. Despite evidence of the cost effectiveness of brief interventions (BIs) for hazardous drinking, implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is rare due to several human resource–related barriers. This paper describes the processes and outputs of a study aimed at systematically developing a mobile phone–delivered BI to overcome such barriers. Methods: This is a mixed methods study with four steps: (1) Review of existing relevant evidence base by extracting data from studies cited in two recent, relevant and high-quality systematic reviews; (2) In-depth interviews (IDIs) with 11 national experts in addictions research and practice, and 22 hazardous drinkers; (3) Delphi survey (2 rounds) to identify components for the intervention package through consensus building; and (4) Content and intervention development workshops with a range of stakeholders to develop the intervention package. Results: The research team sourced 72 journal articles from two selected systematic reviews. Key content areas extracted from the studies included facts and statistics about health related to drinking behavior, self-reflection, goal-setting messages, motivational messages, and skills to manage risky situations. The IDIs with experts and hazardous drinkers endorsed most of these content areas as well. The Delphi survey achieved consensus on 19 content areas, which included targeted recommendations, personalized feedback and information, goal management, and coping skills. The content and intervention development workshops resulted in an intervention package delivered over 8 weeks, with the following seven themes guiding the content of the weekly messages: safe drinking/health education, alcohol reduction, drinking and risk management, drinking alternatives, situational content, urge management, and maintenance and relapse prevention. Conclusion: The research team designed this study to consider contextual factors while developing the intervention, which is important to ensure acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Interestingly, the contextually informed intervention components had several commonalities with BIs developed and tested in high-income countries.</p

The Development and Evaluation of a Smartphone Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents

A diet high in fruit and vegetables is associated with the prevention of many chronic diseases; however, only one in ten Canadian students in grades 6 to 12 consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Using smartphones to deliver nutrition interventions is an emerging area of research, although to-date these interventions typically limit their focus to weight loss. The overarching purpose of this research is to redevelop and evaluate an existing smartphone application for an adolescent population. This thesis used a mixed-methods approach to gain adolescent perspectives on how to redevelop the app and to evaluate its use as a nutrition intervention. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to determine what content and functionality adolescents want in a nutrition smartphone app. A pilot intervention was conducted in a London, Ontario high school to evaluate recruitment and retention methods, performance of app features, suitability of study instruments, and overall feasibility. The pilot study provided methodological contributions and verified the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale intervention. Findings from a full-scale intervention with adolescents will determine if the app intervention is able to elicit a change in food literacy, food purchasing, and dietary behaviours