The process of creating dynamic capabilities

The concept of dynamic capability (DC) is receiving significant attention from scholars in strategy and organisation research. However, most of the research is conceptual in nature. In this thesis, the process of how DCs are created in two firms is examined using the grounded theory methodology (GTM) with the aim of developing a substantive theory of DC creation. Data were collected using theoretical sampling, and unstructured and semi-structured interviews. These data were then analysed using the constant comparison method to identify and explain the process through which DCs are created. The findings from the study reveal that DCs are created through continuous internal activities such as in-house innovation, human resource activities (HRAs), and external activities with partners through collaboration and acquisitions. Firms learn from these activities, which lead to changes in the static organisational capabilities and the development of higher order capabilities, the DCs. From this study, a framework has been developed for considering and managing the process of creating DCs at a strategic level. The framework explains the reasons why these firms develop and renew their DCs, identifies the key resources required, and examines the activities through which DCs are developed and renewed. The framework is both iterative and simultaneous. Implications for academics and practitioners are discussed, and limitations and directions for future research are outlined.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Improving the forensic genetic workflow for countries with small geographical areas: What are the options and how cost effective are they?

Forensic services worldwide often encounter considerable challenges relating to funding and infrastructure. Smaller jurisdictions or areas where forensic resources are scarce are faced with complicated choices in how they approach criminal casework, with a number of options available. Often these involve trade-offs between cost, time and data quality. Faced with such decisions it becomes important for the field to acknowledge the realities facing such jurisdictions, discuss the pros and cons of each approach, and identify a framework for making such decisions. This novel paper, reviews the available literature and identifies three main solutions for consideration: 1) the use of satellite laboratories for sample triage, 2) the use of a main regional laboratory for full forensic analysis and 3) the use of rapid DNA by police for reducing backlogs. Alongside these strategies, the impacts of cost and quality in regard to each of the stated options are considered. While the literature supports the assertion that some methods can reduce downstream costs via the reduction in turnaround times, there is limited data highlighting the business case used to support decision making when considering these options including the use of cost:benefit analyses or case studies, emphasizing the novelty of this paper. This is likely due to the commercialized nature of the forensic sector preventing the publication of a private laboratory's business approach. The lack of emphasis on the 'business case' in forensic literature has the potential to mislead R&D scientists who may consequently fail to consider such factors when performing their own research

Track E Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138412/1/jia218443.pd

Illness perceptions and medication adherence in adolescents with sickle cell disease in two selected hospitals in greater Accra

Some previous researches in the West and Europe have indicated how illness perceptions relate to medication adherence in adolescents with various chronic diseases. There is however a gap in the literature on how the various illness perception dimensions are associated with medication adherence in Ghana among adolescents with chronic diseases like sickle cell. The aim of this study was to investigate how the various illness perception dimensions are associated with medication adherence in adolescents with sickle cell disease. A total of 120 adolescents’ sickle cell patients receiving treatments at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Tema General Hospital were conveniently sampled to be part of the study. They completed self-report questionnaires about their demographic and medical data, their illness perception using the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) and their medication adherence using the Medication Adherence Report Scale-5 (MARS5). The outcome of the analysis using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient indicated a significant positive relationship between the following illness perception dimensions (consequences, emotional representation, treatment control, timeline cyclical, timeline-acute/chronic and illness coherence) and medication adherence. The multiple regression analysis indicated that timeline cyclical significantly predicted medication adherence the most compared to the other dimensions. The findings of this study provided evidence that illness perception of adolescents with sickle cell disease is significantly related to medication adherence. Health care providers such as nurses and doctors should consider having a discussion about the perception adolescents with sickle cell disease have about their condition as this is related to medication adherence. Also, when treatment is been planned, it should be tailored to meet the individual needs.Keywords: Illness perceptions, Medication adherence, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD