Autonomy, Governance and Quality Assurance in Tunisia:‎ Case of Center of Biotechnology of Sfax

The objective of this article is to prove that managerial practice in a ‎research structure can be strengthened through the establishment of ‎a results-oriented management mode (QSE & accreditation) and ‎the adoption of a sustainable system for planning, implementing, ‎and monitoring its strategy, as well as the development of a system ‎for continuously improving its performance.‎Major governance changes associated with recognition through the ‎certification of the QSE system and accreditation of three analytical ‎parameters will strengthen the credibility regarding the socio-‎economic environment and the national, and international partners.

Leadership in Tunisian Higher Education from the Perspective of the EFQM Excellence Model

Since the early 1980s, the concept of quality has been a central focus of attention in the debate of higher education (HE). Over time, many developed countries have experienced a growing concern for quality in HE such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, and the United States of America, amongst others (Anyamele 2004, Becket and Brookes 2005). The focus on quality leads many developed countries to acknowledge the benefits of the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) within their institutions (Kanji and Tambi, 1999). However, quality movement is rather slow in the HE of developing countries. Indeed, some HEIs have established systems of quality assurance and control but in different degrees of complexity and effectiveness (Anyamele, 2007)

Class-time utilization in business schools in Tunisia

AbstractTunisian Universities, like many other universities in the developing countries, do not adopt any textbooks and rather rely on classrooms as the main learning resource for the students. This study is concerned with observing what is going on inside the classrooms of five business schools. The collected data, relating to 75 randomly selected classes, show that the instructors are utilizing on average less than 55% of the time of the lecture for teaching purposes. From their side, the students recorded an attendance rate lower than 34%. The rate drops to 20% when excluding the students engaged in extraneous activities. These incredible figures raise serious questions about the academic learning of the students

The Impact (Influence) of Human Capital Dimensions on Organizational Innovation Through Learning Orientation: in the General Company for Electrical and Electronic Industries in Baghdad (Evidence from Iraqis Industries)

The study examines the relationship between human capital dimensions and organizational innovation dimensions through the variable of orientation to learning as a mediator in the General Company for Electrical and Electronic Industries in Baghdad. The questionnaire was the primary tool for research. The study sample consisted of (262) employees of the company under study and from all organizational levels. SEM structural equation modeling was used to test the relationship between the study variables, depending on the STATA statistical program. The most noticeable results were a positive relationship between the skill dimension, capabilities, value, and organizational innovation. However, there is no effect of the two dimensions of experience and knowledge in organizational innovation, and the orientation to learning mediates the relationship between all dimensions of human capital and innovation, except for the value dimension, which has an essential role in neutralizing the negative impact of workers' experiences. The study recommended the need to pay attention to human capital by developing the expertise and knowledge of employees in the company to bring about changes and innovations. Face changes in the surrounding environment, provide new products and services, and develop unique programs to manage human capital and attract workers who can cover the skill and experience gaps to ensure the achievement of innovation, development, and improvement in their work

Epidemiology of heart failure and long-term follow-up outcomes in a north-African population: Results from the NAtional TUnisian REgistry of Heart Failure (NATURE-HF)

International audienceThe NATURE-HF registry was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). This is a prospective, multicenter, observational survey conducted in Tunisian Cardiology centers. A total of 2040 patients were included in the study. Of these, 1632 (80%) were outpatients with chronic HF (CHF). The mean hospital stay was 8.7 ± 8.2 days. The mortality rate during the initial hospitalization event for AHF was 7.4%. The all-cause 1-year mortality rate was 22.8% among AHF patients and 10.6% among CHF patients. Among CHF patients, the older age, diabetes, anemia, reduced EF, ischemic etiology, residual congestion and the absence of ACEI/ ARBs treatment were independent predictors of 1-year cumulative rates of rehospitalization and mortality. The female sex and the functional status were independent predictors of 1-year all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in AHF patients. This study confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a poor prognosis, while the mid-term outcomes in patients with chronic HF seems to be improved. Some differences across countries may be due to different clinical characteristics and differences in healthcare systems

Design and Rationale of the National Tunisian Registry of Heart Failure (NATURE-HF): Protocol for a Multicenter Registry Study

BackgroundThe frequency of heart failure (HF) in Tunisia is on the rise and has now become a public health concern. This is mainly due to an aging Tunisian population (Tunisia has one of the oldest populations in Africa as well as the highest life expectancy in the continent) and an increase in coronary artery disease and hypertension. However, no extensive data are available on demographic characteristics, prognosis, and quality of care of patients with HF in Tunisia (nor in North Africa). ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze, follow, and evaluate patients with HF in a large nation-wide multicenter trial. MethodsA total of 1700 patients with HF diagnosed by the investigator will be included in the National Tunisian Registry of Heart Failure study (NATURE-HF). Patients must visit the cardiology clinic 1, 3, and 12 months after study inclusion. This follow-up is provided by the investigator. All data are collected via the DACIMA Clinical Suite web interface. ResultsAt the end of the study, we will note the occurrence of cardiovascular death (sudden death, coronary artery disease, refractory HF, stroke), death from any cause (cardiovascular and noncardiovascular), and the occurrence of a rehospitalization episode for an HF relapse during the follow-up period. Based on these data, we will evaluate the demographic characteristics of the study patients, the characteristics of pathological antecedents, and symptomatic and clinical features of HF. In addition, we will report the paraclinical examination findings such as the laboratory standard parameters and brain natriuretic peptides, electrocardiogram or 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiography, and coronarography. We will also provide a description of the therapeutic environment and therapeutic changes that occur during the 1-year follow-up of patients, adverse events following medical treatment and intervention during the 3- and 12-month follow-up, the evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction during the 3- and 12-month follow-up, the overall rate of rehospitalization over the 1-year follow-up for an HF relapse, and the rate of rehospitalization during the first 3 months after inclusion into the study. ConclusionsThe NATURE-HF study will fill a significant gap in the dynamic landscape of HF care and research. It will provide unique and necessary data on the management and outcomes of patients with HF. This study will yield the largest contemporary longitudinal cohort of patients with HF in Tunisia. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03262675; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03262675 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/1226