Academic literature on the topic 'Personnel management – Malawi'

Pesticides pose a significant risk to humans and the environment. This paper analyzes the measures used to manage pesticides in Malawi. Malawi’s regulatory authority of pesticides, the Pesticides Control Board (PCB), faces a number of challenges including lack of facilities for analyzing pesticides and inadequate personnel to conduct risk assessment of pesticides. The PCB needs to provide access to information and opportunities among the public to make contributions regarding requirements, processes and policies for assessing pesticide risk and efficacy. There is also a need to enhance the capacity of PCB to assess pesticide poisoning in workers, monitor pesticide residues in food and environmental contamination, as well as to control the illegal importation and sale of pesticides. Just like in other countries such as South Africa, India and Sri Lanka, Malawi urgently needs to implement measures that can restrict the importation, production, sale and use of very toxic pesticides. Malawi also needs to develop measures for the effective management of pesticide waste containers as well as obsolete pesticides, where potential solutions include reducing the purchase of (unneeded) pesticides, treatment of obsolete pesticides in high-temperature cement kilns, as well as requesting pesticide dealers to adopt life-cycle management of their products.

This study assessed e-records readiness at Karonga District Council (KDC) as one of the local government authorities in Malawi. The study employed a descriptive survey design where a survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Altogether, 56 staff were sampled randomly and purposively. The staff comprised principal officers, records clerks, ICT personnel and other action officers. The study revealed that e-records readiness at KDC was low and evolving as evident by the presence of e-record products and technologies, which were largely inadequate and obsolete. The study also established that there was inadequate and poor adherence to policies, standards and procedures for e-records management practices. Furthermore, responsibilities for e-records management were not clear. There was no established records management programme. Therefore, the study recommends the development of e-records management policy; recruitment of more staff; regular training in e-records products and other emerging technologies; mobilization of more resources required for management of records; and increasing awareness of the role of records management. This should be supported by the top management at the District Council and the Ministry of Local Government at large.

SUMMARYA computer crop simulation model of the growth and development of maize was validated using data sets obtained from field experiments run at various sites in the mid-altitude maize zone of central Malawi between 1989 and 1992. The model was used to provide information concerning management options such as the timing and quantity of nitrogen fertilizer applications and to quantify the weather-related risks of maize production in the region. It was linked to a Geographic Information System to provide information at a regional level that could ultimately be of value to policy makers and research and extension personnel.

Résumé L'article abordera les aspects suivants : les principes et les valeurs à la base du schème d'intervention préconisé pour le patient violent, ainsi que la description de l'encadrement clinique des bénéficiaires et du personnel. L'encadrement clinique s'effectue à deux niveaux : celui du malade vise l'autonomie et la responsabilisation. Pour ce faire, nous avons développé différents mécanismes ou outils que nous exposerons. Ce sont : le plan de soins individualisé, la personne de référence, la personne ressource, le milieu de vie et les activités rééducatives, l'intervention clinique spécifique à l'agressivité (l'intervention physique et psychologique auprès du résidant et du personnel lors d'acting-out). Le deuxième niveau d'encadrement concerne le personnel soignant et poursuit l'objectif de développer chez lui des moyens pour composer avec la violence manifestée par le malade. Nous mentionnerons les moyens préconisés pour aider le personnel dans cette tâche difficile.

Background: Undernutrition remains highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia accounting for majority of the cases. Apart from the health and human capacity impacts on children affected by malnutrition, there are significant economic impacts to households and service providers. The aim of this study was to determine the current state of knowledge on costs and cost-effectiveness of child undernutrition treatment to households, health providers, organizations and governments in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies in LMICs up to September 2019. We searched online databases including PubMed-Medline, Embase, Popline, Econlit and Web of Science. We identified additional articles through bibliographic citation searches. Only articles including costs of child undernutrition treatment were included. Results: We identified a total of 6436 articles, and only 50 met the eligibility criteria. Most included studies adopted institutional/program (45%) and health provider (38%) perspectives. The studies varied in the interventions studied and costing methods used with treatment costs reported ranging between US$0.44 and US$1344 per child. The main cost drivers were personnel, therapeutic food and productivity loss. We also assessed the cost effectiveness of community-based management of malnutrition programs (CMAM). Cost per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted for a CMAM program integrated into existing health services in Malawi was $42. Overall, cost per DALY averted for CMAM ranged between US$26 and US$53, which was much lower than facility-based management (US$1344). Conclusion: There is a need to assess the burden of direct and indirect costs of child undernutrition to households and communities in order to plan, identify cost-effective solutions and address issues of cost that may limit delivery, uptake and effectiveness. Standardized methods and reporting in economic evaluations would facilitate interpretation and provide a means for comparing costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that affect TQM implementation in construction companies and it suggests solutions for TQM implementation in a difficult environment. Design/methodology/approach Studies were carried out at six large construction companies who ply their trade in Southern Africa and in-depth investigations were conducted to assess TQM implementation practices and associated TQM barriers. Interviews were conducted on directors and key personnel that play important roles in TQM implementation in their respective organisations. The empirical study also utilised a number of organisational documents which added rigour to the findings. Findings This study identified three core categories and ten main barriers affecting TQM implementation in Southern Africa construction companies. The core categories are motivation, infrastructure and penchants and tendencies while the factors are lack of quality support, poor TQM knowledge and TQM awareness, poor information sharing, temporary workers, overdependence on contract document, poor data collection measurement, undefined TQM roles and responsibilities, award to lowest bidder tendency, poor business environment and corruption. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted based on companies plying their trade in Southern Africa and mostly around Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. It does not study companies in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa and Botswana. Practical implications TQM cannot be exported wholly from another region to a new setting without taking into consideration the local factors associated with that setting. For successful TQM implementation in construction in Southern Africa, characteristics of this region have to be known. This study illuminates a number of TQM implementation barriers associated with construction especially applied to this difficult environment. Application of this knowledge would enhance TQM and heighten competitive advantage initiatives. The proportions highlighted in this study therefore help build up the TQM implementation awareness. Social implications At society level, the findings of this study indicate societal problems such as corruption and business environment which require wide level approaches to deal with these barriers. In addition, if TQM applied in road construction projects, the quality of the roads will be improved, this in turn will have direct impact on quality of life in the society, better roads means easier access to hospitals, schools and public places, better transport and movements of goods and services, etc. It can also save money for the country in long run and economic benefits to the society. Originality/value The factors identified in this study are based on current TQM implementation practices at established construction companies in Southern Africa. They provide a practical basis for guiding TQM in construction companies operating in difficult environments.

Résumé Cet article rend compte des principaux résultats d'un projet du CLSC des Faubourgs1 portant sur l'intervention auprès des personnes itinérantes souffrant de troubles mentaux graves et persistants. Le projet comporte deux volets : une recherche qui décrit les personnes itinérantes fréquentant les urgences psychiatriques de garde à Montréal et les services qui leur sont dispensés et un projet pilote d'intervention auprès d'un échantillon de la population. La première partie de l'article présente les résultats de la recherche et aborde la question de l'accessibilité de la population aux services psychiatriques et les multiples difficultés reliées, d'une part, aux personnes, à leur maladie, à leurs conditions de vie et à leur résistance aux soins et, d'autre part, à l'organisation des services du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux et à l'existence de ressources dans la communauté pour cette population. La deuxième partie de l'article décrit et évalue sommairement une expérimentation de suivi systématique individuel (case management) et s'intéresse à la question de l'approche d'intervention à privilégier auprès de la population compte tenu de ce qui précède.

The pandemic is not new in the history of humanity. The pandemic called COVID-19 disease has a great impact on the actions and activities of humanity and consequently on the Environment. Food demand and thus food security are greatly affected due to mobility restrictions, reduced purchasing power and with a greater impact on the most vulnerable population groups. The COVID-19 crisis has threatened the livestock production, food security and nutrition of millions of people, many of whom were already suffering. This review paper highlights these effects and proffered solutions to the problems. La pandémie n'est pas nouvelle dans l'histoire de l'humanité. La pandémie appelée maladie COVID-19 a un grand impact sur les actions et les activités de l'humanité et par conséquent sur l'environnement. La demande alimentaire et donc la sécurité alimentaire sont fortement affectées en raison des restrictions de mobilité, de la réduction du pouvoir d'achat et d'un impact plus important sur les groupes de population les plus vulnérables. La crise du COVID-19 a menacé la production animale, la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition de millions de personnes, dont beaucoup souffraient déjà. Cet article de synthèse met en évidence ces effets et propose des solutions aux problèmes.

ObjectiveTo review for Canadian physicians the latest pharmacological options for obesity management. Quality of EvidenceA literature search was conducted in PubMed with no time restriction. Canadian and international guidelines referenced. National and international statistics databases quoted for epidemiological data. Levels of evidence range from I to III. Main MessageAs a chronic progressive disease affecting over 7.2 million Canadians, obesity requires early identification and treatment by primary care practitioners. Three anti-obesity medications are approved for use in Canada under the tradenames Xenical®, Saxenda®, and Contrave® which help bridge the gap between non-pharmacological and surgical options for the treatment of obesity. Family physicians are front-line members of the obesity management team and should remain updated on the pharmacological options for weight management. ConclusionAnti-obesity medications lead to greater average weight loss when combined with behavior modifications and provide individuals with excess weight a sustainable option for obesity management. RESUMEObjectifExaminer, à l’intention des médecins canadiens, les dernières options pharmacologiques pour la gestion de l’obésité. Qualité des preuvesUne recherche documentaire a été effectuée dans PubMed sans restriction de temps. Les lignes directrices canadiennes et internationales sont référencées. Bases de données statistiques nationales et internationales citées pour les données épidémiologiques. Les niveaux de preuve vont de I à III. Message principal En tant que maladie chronique progressive touchant plus de 7,2 millions de Canadiens, l’obésité nécessite un dépistage et un traitement précoces par les praticiens de soins primaires. Trois médicaments contre l’obésité sont approuvés au Canada sous les noms commerciaux Xenical®, Saxenda® et Contrave®, qui aident à combler le fossé entre les options non pharmacologiques et chirurgicales pour le traitement de l’obésité. Les médecins de famille sont des membres de première ligne de l’équipe de gestion de l’obésité et doivent se tenir au courant des options pharmacologiques pour la gestion du poids. ConclusionLes médicaments contre l’obésité entraînent une perte de poids moyenne plus importante lorsqu’ils sont associés à des modifications du comportement et offrent aux personnes en surpoids une option durable pour la gestion de l’obésité.

Background: von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomaldominant condition characterized by the development of benignand malignant tumours, including cases of renal cell carcinoma(RCC). Early detection of RCC through routine surveillance canlead to decreased morbidity and mortality. Data on the numberof patients in Nova Scotia (NS) who have VHL disease, diseasemanifestations and the frequency and mode of the surveillancehave not previously been collected or reported. This project wasdesigned to obtain that information.Methods: The number and management of patients with VHL diseasewas determined by multiple sources: the Maritime MedicalGenetics Service, patient charts, and pathology, radiology and laboratorydata. The actual surveillance being performed was comparedwith that recommended in the literature.Results: Twenty-one patients from 11 families in NS were identified.Manifestations included cases of RCC (31.6%), central nervoussystem (CNS) hemangioblastoma (73.7%), retinal hemangioma(47.4%), renal cyst (47.4%) and pheochromocytoma (10.5%).Of the 6 patients with RCC, 4 had bilateral tumours, 2 requiredkidney transplants and 1 developed metastatic disease. Routinesurveillance was being done for the CNS in 62.5% of patients,retina in 47.4%, abdomen in 43.8% and urine catecholaminesin only 10.5%. Only 1 of the 6 patients who developed RCCwas undergoing routine abdominal imaging. Surveillance investigationswere ordered by a number of different specialists.Conclusion: Patients with VHL disease in NS have a number of manifestationsassociated with their disease, including RCC, in a similarfrequency to that reported in the literature. The surveillanceof these patients is suboptimal in frequency and coordination.von Hippel–Lindau disease is a complex condition that requiresa coordinated approach to care to ensure proper surveillance andtreatment. Our study highlights current deficiencies and offersan enormous opportunity for improvement.Généralités : La maladie de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) est une maladieà transmission autosomique dominante caractérisée par la formationde tumeurs bénignes et malignes, dont l’hypernéphrome.Le dépistage précoce de l’hypernéphrome par des examens régulierspeut amener une réduction de la morbidité et de la mortalité. Onne sait pas combien de personnes sont atteintes de VHL enNouvelle-Écosse, quelles sont les manifestations de la maladie chezces patients et quels tests de dépistage sont effectués et à quellefréquence. Le projet décrit ici visait à obtenir ces renseignements.Méthodologie : Le nombre et la méthode de prise en charge despatients atteints de VHL ont été établis à l’aide de plusieurs sources :la Clinique de génétique médicale des Maritimes, des dossiers depatients, des rapports de pathologie et de radiologie et des analysesde laboratoire. Les méthodes de surveillance mises en placeont été comparées aux méthodes recommandées dans la littératuremédicale.Résultats : Vingt et un patients de 11 familles de Nouvelle-Écosseont été cernés. Les manifestations incluaient : hypernéphrome(31,6 %), hémangioblastomes siégeant au niveau du SNC (73,7 %),hémangiomes rétiniens (47,4 %), kystes rénaux (47,4 %) etphéochromocytomes (10,5 %). Sur les six patients porteurs d’unhypernéphrome, 4 avaient des tumeurs bilatérales, 2 ont eu besoind’une transplantation rénale et un patient a présenté des métastases.De tous les patients atteints de VHL, 62,5 % ont subi destests réguliers de dépistage au niveau du SNC, 47,4 %, au niveaude la rétine, 43,8 %, au niveau de l’abdomen, et seulement 10,5 %des patients ont subi des tests réguliers de dépistage des catécholaminesurinaires. Sur les 6 cas d’hypernéphrome, un seulementsubissait des épreuves régulières d’imagerie au niveau del’abdomen. Les tests de dépistage avaient été prescrits par différentsspécialistes.Conclusion : Les cas de VHL en Nouvelle-Écosse présentent un certainnombre de manifestations liées à cette maladie, dont l’hypernéphrome,à une fréquence proche de celle mentionnée dansla littérature. La fréquence et la coordination des épreuves dedépistage sont sous-optimales. La maladie de VHL est une affectioncomplexe nécessitant une bonne coordination des soinsafin d’assurer une surveillance et un traitement adéquats. Cetteétude montre les lacunes actuelles et pointe vers des améliorationssubstantielles.

La présente étude s’attache à l’absentéisme long pour raison de santé chez les personnels hospitaliers non médicaux. Deux types de congé non ordinaire sont visés : les C.L.M. et C.L.D. Ceux-Ci constituent en effet un enjeu de gestion par les désorganisations et les coûts, principalement cachés, qu’ils suscitent. Ces derniers représentent également un enjeu de santé sociale (voire publique), en raison de la morbidité qu’ils expriment.Afin de les caractériser et de les mesurer, ce travail s’inspire de l’approche socioéconomique des organisations (I.S.E.O.R., Lyon). On s’efforce notamment de procéder à un diagnostic pluriel (social, organisationnel et financier). L’ambition est triple. Il s’agit 1) de faire prendre conscience de l’ampleur des préjudices (effet miroir pour la direction) ; 2) de contribuer au développement d’un référentiel théorique et pratique (évaluation élargie des absences) ; 3) d’encourager la promotion d’un présentéisme-Qualité (préconisations de type R.H.). Les diverses investigations se font sur trois hôpitaux régionaux publics (Auvergne) de taille volontairement différente (C.H.U., C.H. et H.L.). Les résultats laissent à chaque fois apparaître des profils, des fonctionnements, des dépenses et des vécus assez alarmants. Ils témoignent d’une défaillance au niveau des ressources humaines (organisationnelle et managériale). Ces retours négatifs attestent par ailleurs d’une possibilité d’extension de l’analyse de type socio-Économique (application aux interruptions prolongées en structures de soins). Ils autorisent enfin à dégager quelques pistes d’intervention, tantôt transversales(proximité dans les procédures), tantôt spécifiques (particularités de la structure)
The present study focuses on the long absenteeism for health reason at non medicalhospital staff. Two types of non ordinary sick leave are aimed : the C.L.M. and C.L.D. (rulingson salary insurance). Those indeed constitute a challenge of management by thedisorganizations and the costs, mainly hidden, which they cause. They represent also a stakein social health, because of the morbidity they express.In order to characterize and measure them, this work takes as a starting point theorganizations socio-Economic approach (I.S.E.O.R., Lyon). We particularly try to carry out aplural diagnosis (social, organizational and financial). The ambition is threefold. It acts 1) tomake become aware of the scale of the damages (mirror effect for the direction); 2) tocontribute to the development of a theoretical and practical reference frame (widenedevaluation of the absences); 3) to contribute to the promotion of good and really presenteeim(human resources recommendations).The various investigations are done on three publicregional hospitals of voluntarily different size (C.H.U., C.H., H.L. – in the center of France).Each time the results let appear alarming profiles, operations, spending and lived. They giveevidence to a failure in organisational and managerial human resources. These negativereturns also attest an extension possibility of the socio-Economics’ analysis (to the extendedsickness absences in structures of care). They finally allows to identify some tracks ofintervention, sometimes transverse (proximity in the procedures), sometimes specific(peculiarities of the structure)

The study set out to investigate the factors influencing turnover among professional staff in some selected NGOs in Malawi. Using qualitative and participatory methods, the study used the levels of complexity model to analyse the factors leading to the problem of staff turnover in the selected NGOs. The main findings were that: · Professional staff turnover was 50% within a period of 18 months across all the NGOs interviewed. · For the professional staff, the main factors contributing to staff turnover were: ineffective organisational policies, systems and procedures; poor relationships and communication; and poor organisational values and culture. · In addressing the problem, NGO leaders tend to concentrate on efforts to improve salaries and other monetary benefits; and training opportunities. In order to more comprehensively address the problem of staff turnover among the professional staff however, NGO leaders must adopt a process or an Organisation Development (OD) approach.
Public Administration & Development Studies
M.A. (Development Studies)

Diverses publications soulignent l'augmentation de l'espérance de vie et avec elle, le vieillissement mondial de la population. Ce processus se poursuivra à l'avenir, ainsi que son influence sur l’incidence et la prévalence de l'incapacité. Chez les personnes âgées, l’incapacité, les maladies chroniques et leur association constituent un sujet important dans le domaine de la santé publique en raison de l'effet qu'ils ont sur la demande des services de santé. Le but de ce mémoire est d’examiner quelle est la contribution respective des maladies chroniques et de l'incapacité dans l'utilisation des services de santé chez les personnes âgées et de leur interaction. Il s’agit de savoir si l'association entre la maladie chronique et l'utilisation des services de santé est modifiée par l’incapacité prenant en compte les caractéristiques de l'individu et son environnement. Ce travail est basé sur le modèle comportemental proposé par Andersen et Newman et le modèle du processus d’incapacité de Verbrugge et Jette. Pour répondre à l’objectif, nous utilisons les données du projet de recherche “ FRéLE ” (Fragilité, une étude longitudinale de ses expressions), réalisé durant la période 2010 -2013 auprès d’un échantillon de 1643 personnes âgées vivant dans la communauté au Québec. L’incapacité est évaluée à l’aide de deux indicateurs : les AVQ et les AVD. Les maladies chroniques sont mesurées par l’indice fonctionnel de comorbidité (IFC). La dépression est évaluée selon les critères de l’échelle de dépression gériatrique (EDG). L’état cognitif est mesuré par l'évaluation cognitive de Montréal (MoCA). Les facteurs de prédisposition comportent l’âge, le sexe, l’ethnicité et le niveau scolaire. Les facteurs facilitateurs incluent le revenu et le réseau social, ce dernier étant mesure par la présence ou non d’une personne de soutien et son lien avec la personne âgée. Divers modèles de régression sont adoptés pour identifier les facteurs statistiquement significatifs du modèle comportemental d’Andersen et Newman et du modèle du processus d’incapacité de Verbrugge et Jette. Nos résultats ont montré que, si le rôle des prédicteurs de l’utilisation varie en fonction du type de services de santé utilisé, l’utilisation s’accroît principalement avec le nombre de maladies chroniques. En ce qui concerne l’interaction entre la maladie chronique et l’incapacité, nos résultats ont révélé que l’interaction n’est statistiquement significative pour aucun des services analysés. Compte tenu de la diversité et les besoins de la population âgée, caractérisée par une prévalence élevée de maladies chroniques et d'incapacités, l’étude des facteurs impliqués dans l'utilisation des services de santé sera utile pour la mise en œuvre d’une offre de services, plus conforme aux besoins de cette population
Several publications emphasize the increase in life expectancy and, as a result, the global aging of the world’s population. This process will continue into the future, and will influence disability trends. In the elderly, disability, chronic diseases, and the association of both conditions are important topics in public health due to effect that they have on elderly people’s demand of health services. This paper aimed to examine the contribution and interaction of chronic disease and disability on health services demand among the elderly. In addition, the paper aimed to determine if the association between chronic disease and health services demand is modulated by disability considering the characteristics of the individual and its environment. This work is based on the behavioral model proposed by Andersen & Newman and the disability process model proposed by Verbrugge & Jette. In order to respond to the objective, we use the data of the research project "FRèLE" (frailty, a longitudinal study of its expressions), held between 2008-2013 with a sample of 1643 elderly people living in the community of Quebec. Disability is assessed with two indicators: IADL and ADL. Chronic diseases are measured by the Functional Comorbidity Index (IFC). Depression is evaluated according to the criteria of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Cognitive status is measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Predisposing factors include age, gender, ethnicity and educational level. The enabling factors include income and social network, which is measured by the presence or absence of a support person and their relationship with the elderly person. Several regression models were adopted to identify statistically significant factors in the behavioral model of Andersen and Newman as well as the model of disablement proposed by Verbrugge and Jette. Our results showed that health care service use predictors vary according to the type of health care services seek by the elderly. However, health care service use mainly increases according to the number of chronic diseases. In terms of the assessed health services, we found non-significant levels of interaction between chronic disease and disability. Given the variety of health care needs that elderly people have, characterized by a high prevalence of chronic diseases and disability, the study of the different factors involved in health services demand will be useful for the implementation of a service offering, more consistent with the needs of this population

The chapter seeks to explore the roots of gender inequality through the personal experiences of working women in senior positions which are extracted from their stories about their families, societies, and organizations. To conduct the research, Hofstede's cultural dimensions were employed as a tool to determine the national culture which has direct influence on organizational culture which dominates the workplace and influences immensely every sphere of women's activities in the workplace. In this research, consideration is given to cultural aspects through data gathered from educated Iranian, Malay, and Turkish female employees illustrating their organizational life.