Assessing TQM implementation in manufacturing firms : a case study from Dubai

This study reports on the development of a tool that can be used by management and industrial practitioners to self-assess Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation and initiatives in their firms. Such a tool can be effectively used by management to obtain a better understanding of their efforts toward TQM implementation and to spot areas to be targeted by managers for improvement to help their organization in its quality mission and to identify the level of training needed. The tool incorporated, interpreted and operationalized the implicit concepts of TQM proposed by TQM gurus; national and international quality awards; and three foundation studies from the TQM literature. The reliability and validity of the tool were assessed using data obtained from studies of 126 manufacturing firms in Dubai - United Arab Emirates. The survey data indicate that manufacturing firms in Dubai moderately adopt the elements of TQM and that there are no significant differences in TQM implementation among these firms. The study also shows clear patterns where firms stress some TQM practices but ignore others. The importance of behavioural practices that are not implemented is highlighted as an important warning to management

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population