Business diplomacy in practice :a grounded theory study in management among professional diplomats : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand

Background: How can diplomacy contribute to the success of businesses and to better management and business practices in today’s complex and interconnected world? Diplomacy has been associated with business and commercial activities for thousands of years. However, due to the modern events of globalisation and increased geopolitical risks facing businesses, management scholars have been looking at the concept of diplomacy and have tried to apply it to management and organisational settings. Aims and Significance: Despite the growing attention to business diplomacy, the literature remains limited and lacks clear empirical research that provides a practical understanding and conceptualisation of this subject. Therefore, this study looks at diplomacy from managers’ and diplomats’ perspectives in relation to business and management. Diplomacy continues to evolve in its practices, skills, and policies, and so do today's businesses. Investigating the range of professional diplomats’ responsibilities and knowledge could give managers and management researchers an understanding of the intricate complexity of the diplomat's task, which will enhance their own work. This research aims to address this issue by answering the question: How do professional diplomats, in businesses and governments, understand business diplomacy? And what are the key elements associated with business diplomacy in practice? The research objective is to examine the role of diplomacy in business and management and to investigate its related core elements that can help businesses and managers be successful in today’s business environment. Method: To address this issue, an interpretative-exploratory study was conducted using the Straussian grounded theory approach. Using semi-structured interviews as the data collection method, twenty-one official diplomats, CEOs, businesspeople, and managers from both the private and public sectors were interviewed. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of diplomacy and what constitutes its basic elements and practice. Findings: The study found that business diplomacy is a process of multiple integrated qualities. In particular, the findings indicate that business diplomacy is the capability to professionally and systematically manage and influence multiple stakeholders, as well as the operating environment, to advance business interests and to create favourable conditions for the firm. Consequently, the theory of Multi-Stakeholder Managing and Influencing (MSMI) in business diplomacy was developed that offers new insights into the area. MSMI suggests that business diplomacy is achieved through the integration of multiple qualities, namely: interaction and engagement, core knowledge competencies (CKC), multiperspective consideration, and power-authority building (PAB). MSMI also suggests that these qualities are closely interrelated and co-dependent on each other. Conclusions: The findings of this study contribute to our developing a scholarly understanding of business diplomacy, its meaning in practice, and what constitutes its core elements. As one of the earliest empirical studies in business diplomacy, this study broadens and deepens our views by offering new insights and theory. The findings contribute theoretically and practicably to the body of knowledge by suggesting that business diplomacy constitutes multiple qualities, is recognised and valued by participants, and is found to create long-term value for businesses. This has implications for businesses and universities as it encourages them to incorporate business diplomacy as a strategic tool to be learned and practiced at the organisational level. This study serves as a starting point for further empirical research in business diplomacy, and future researchers are encouraged to carry out larger-scale studies on different populations and industries to replicate and validate the theory

Updates In Diagnosis And Management Of Genital Herpes

Herpes genitalia is mainly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 and can appear as a primary or recurring infection. It is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted illnesses. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prophylaxis of herpes genitalis, caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. It addresses critical areas of concern and aims to improve the often inadequate counseling and utilization of lab diagnoses, as well as provide updated information on treatment and management of the infection. This is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and individuals seeking information on the pathogen and clinical manifestations of herpes genitalis

Eradication Of Endodontic Infection By Instrumentation Role Of Nursing In The Management

There are a number of various working processes that are involved in endodontic therapy. These procedures include the isolation of the operating field, access to the pulp chamber, cleaning and shaping stages, and finally, the necessity for a three-dimensional filling of the canals. During each stage, a set of instruments that are either single-use or sterilizable is required. Nursing has a very essential part in the management of endodontic infection eradication because they will be the first line of defense in recognizing the symptoms being experienced by the patient. When it comes to reusable tools, it is essential to pay attention to the removal of material that has been deposited on the blades, which is not easy to remove manually. This review demonstrated that the use of single-use or first-use instruments necessitates the implementation of procedures associated with presterilization or sterilization

How COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions Affected Kuwaiti College Students’ Anthropometry, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Dietary Habits

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to control it have led to widespread lifestyle changes globally. While previous studies have explored these effects across different age groups, this research focuses uniquely on college students in Kuwait. A cross-sectional study (N = 1259) was conducted among college students using a validated online questionnaire covering various aspects, including demographics, academic performance, self-reported body weight and height, sleep duration, dietary habits, and physical activity. There were equal proportions of individuals reporting decreased, increased, or no change in body weight, BMI, and dietary habits due to COVID-19, with no significant gender differences observed. A higher decrease (44.3%) than increase (29.2%) occurred due to COVID-19 in the proportion of college students engaging in physical activity. Significant differences were found in the students’ responses to most of the eating behavior questions, concerning the changes attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Multivariable analysis showed significant interaction effects for gender by losing above 9 kg during the last 6 months in age (p = 0.037), total physical activity in METs-min/week (p = 0.048), and cake/donuts intake (p = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, revealed that a decrease in BMI was associated with an increase in daily vegetable intake (aOR = 1.531, p = 0.031), whereas increases in BMI were associated with an increased intake of sugar-sweetened drinks equal to or above 4 days/week (aOR = 1.551, p = 0.032) and increased chocolates/candy intake equal to or above 4 days/week (aOR = 1.792, p = 0.037). It was concluded that, in response to a major epidemic, such as COVID-19, college students, as a population, are susceptible to significant changes in lifestyle and eating behaviors that can impact their health and well-being. Future risks for college students’ health can be reduced through appropriate lifestyle interventions

Emerging infectious diseases and their impact on emergency medical services: Role of emergency and paramedic

Background: Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose significant threats to global health due to their potential for widespread outbreaks and severe impacts on public health systems. These diseases can emerge from zoonotic sources, environmental changes, or resistance to antibiotics. Approximately 15% of human pathogens are considered to be emerging, reflecting their critical role in public health. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the impact of emerging infectious diseases on emergency medical services, with a focus on the role of zoonotic diseases, vector-borne infections, and the application of advanced surveillance technologies in managing these threats. Methods: A comparative review of literature and data sources, including global surveillance systems and recent outbreak case studies, was conducted to assess the impact of EIDs on emergency medical services. The study also examines the effectiveness of the One Health approach and the role of advanced technologies in disease monitoring. Results: Emerging infectious diseases, including zoonotic and vector-borne infections, have significantly impacted emergency medical services by increasing the demand for urgent care and resource allocation. Advances in surveillance technologies, such as molecular diagnostics and digital platforms, have improved early detection and response capabilities

Infection control in healthcare settings: Best practices and innovations

Background: Infection control in healthcare settings is pivotal in managing and preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Effective infection control strategies require a deep understanding of epidemiology and implementation of robust isolation techniques. Despite advances in infection control, challenges persist due to emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Aim: This article aims to explore best practices and innovative approaches in infection control within healthcare environments, focusing on epidemiological methods and isolation protocols. Methods: The article reviews fundamental epidemiological principles, including disease frequency, distribution, and determinants. It discusses various study designs such as case reports, cross-sectional studies, and randomized controlled trials, highlighting their application in infection control. The article also examines isolation practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides an overview of standard and transmission-based precautions. Results: The review underscores the importance of accurate disease quantification through prevalence and incidence metrics. It details the strengths and limitations of different epidemiological study designs, emphasizing their role in understanding and controlling infections. Additionally, the article outlines the CDC's guidelines for isolation, noting the implementation challenges and the need for updated practices to address evolving infectious threats