risk management

 The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a centralized facility designed to coordinate disaster management activities across all phases of the disaster management cycle. EOCs play a vital role in facilitating efficient and effective responses by coordinating information and resources. This study aims to highlight the importance of establishing a standardized framework for EOCs in Iranian universities of medical sciences and to examine its key dimensions.

This study is a commentary article that compiles information from published literature on the framework of emergency operations centers. It focuses on two prominent global frameworks: the World Health Organization’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center Framework and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center Guidelines. The study emphasizes the necessity of creating a standardized framework for emergency operations centers in Iranian universities of medical sciences.

EOCs across different countries vary in terms of their missions, authorities, and resources. Consequently, the frameworks used in these centers are not uniform, and are largely shaped by the governance and regulatory requirements specific to each country.

A standardized framework, tailored to the specific needs and conditions of Iran, is essential for EOCs at universities of medical sciences. Such a framework could enhance the operational capabilities of these centers during incidents and disasters, improving their responsiveness and effectiveness.

A key issue in health tourism, particularly in mineral spas, is the high incidence of injuries among users. This study aims to develop a conceptual model for assessing and managing risks associated with hot mineral water pools, focusing on quality, structural, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) parameters. The research follows a four-step process aligned with standard risk management principles to create this model.

By analyzing Iranian and international standards for mineral spas, along with research reports, 83 critical parameters were identified-16 related to quality, 30 to structural factors, and 37 to HSE. The impact weights of these parameters were determined through a questionnaire and hierarchical analysis. According to these weights, expert opinions, and standard allowable ranges, quantitative and qualitative risk classifications were established across five levels for each parameter. Aggregating these scores provided the overall risk assessment for each pool. 

The model was applied to evaluate risks in hot mineral water pools across Ardabil province. Water samples from six pools were analyzed, revealing varying risk levels: the Gotor Soei pool scored 81.5 (unacceptable risk), Gavmish Goli spas scored 70.62, Shabel scored 61.88, and Qinarjeh scored 59.1 (all high-risk), while Sabalan (48.23) and Busheli (46.16) were classified as medium-risk

The risk levels aligned with forensic records of injuries, validating the model’s effectiveness in identifying and managing risks in mineral spas.

Attention must be paid to the key role of chain dry boom cranes in heavy industrial projects such as the steel industry to identify and manage related occupational risks. This study aimed to identify, evaluate, and manage job risks associated with chain dry boom cranes in the Yazd Alloy Steel Oxygen Plant project using the HAZID technique and provide control strategies to reduce the risk level.

This study was conducted qualitatively using the HAZID technique. The statistical population included 50 operators, managers, and project experts, and the required information was collected through semi-structured interviews and HAZID workshops. Identified risks were classified into three categories: technical, environmental, and human, and were evaluated using the risk matrix. Control measures to reduce risk were also proposed and implemented.

In this research, occupational hazards by dry chain cranes were classified into three main categories technical hazards (40%), environmental hazards (30%), and human hazards (30%). Failure of hydraulic systems, boom, and safety equipment were considered as technical risks dealing with high voltage power lines and inappropriate weather effects as environmental risks use of unauthorized operators, and ignorance of safety principles were regarded as human risks.

This research showed that the level of risk decreased significantly after the implementation of control measures. Applying the HAZID technique in similar industrial projects can improve safety and prevent accidents by accurately identifying risks and providing preventive solutions.

The steel industry is highly crucial in Iran due to the availability of mineral resources, manpower capacity, economic platforms, and the effectiveness of steel manufacturing in Iran's economic growth. Therefore, some strategies must be taken to reduce environmental hazards and direct the steel industry toward sustainable development. This study aims to evaluate and manage the environmental risk of a direct recovery plant based on the EFMEA method in Golgohar Iron and Steel Development Company. 

All environmental aspects and hazards were identified through field visits and analyzed using the EFMEA method. RPN was measured by probability coefficient, intensity, and recovery or extent of pollution. Ultimately, secondary RPN was measured after defining and applying the control measures.

This study identified 468 aspects of environmental risks among which, 258 risks were at a minor level, 187 risks were low-level, 17 risks were medium-level, and six risks were high-level. 

the results confirmed that the most substantial risks occurred in the production unit, with the highest risk number related to chimney exhaust gases in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. After secondary assessment and corrective measures were done, it was found that proper methods adopted for environmental risk management, accurate planning, and presentation of preventive and corrective strategies can significantly reduce the environmental consequences and environmental hazards caused by industries.  Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Risk management in the field of education necessitates accurate identification and treatment. Lack of prediction regarding risk management can create irreparable educational difficulties in the teaching-learning process. Consequently, risk management in the application of educational technologies was selected as the primary goal of the present study. This descriptive review was conducted from 2019 to 2024  and focused on the keywords of risk management, information technology, and educational management. The search was performed using the method of library study and database search, including ISI, ISC, Google Scholar, and PubMed. In total, 120 articles were obtained, 45 of which were selected and thoroughly reviewed. Following the final screening, 20 articles were extracted and utilized based on the objectives of the study and its criteria, and the results were analyzed. The findings indicated that in order to leverage the educational capabilities of educators and learners, risk management in the field of education is essential. This can be managed effectively and measurably through the prediction of educational management challenges and the estimation of risk management indicators. It can be concluded that in order to transfer educational data in educational fields, it is crucial to make micro and macro educational decisions in line with accepting risk management and planning to implement favorable and facilitating educational conditions by utilizing educational technologies in a timely and effective manner.

 With the increase in the use of nanomaterials, there is a greater risk of exposure to harmful substances in occupational settings, especially in those with limited information on the impact on human health. As a result, the assessment of risks associated with these materials is often challenging, as traditional methods are not sufficient. The development and implementation of tools for classifying risk levels can be seen as an essential step in protecting the well-being of individuals engaged in work related to nanomaterials. Among the various approaches, Control Banding (CB) classification emerges as an effective and practicable qualitative technique for evaluating the potential health hazards linked to engineered nanomaterials. The primary objective of this study revolves around employing the Control Banding approach to evaluate and mitigate occupational risks stemming from the manipulation of nanomaterials.

 The resources were examined in order to identify the factors that impact health hazards in workplaces that handle nanomaterials. This examination considered the potential risks associated with nanomaterials found in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, as well as citations from authoritative sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). After conducting a thorough analysis of the available literature, the hazards associated with chemical substances and exposure methods when working with nanomaterials were identified. This analysis further resulted in the determination of the risk and exposure score using the CB approach. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted on control measures related to the identified level of risk.

 The categorization of risk scores, determined by the approach of classifying control measures, yielded five distinct categories. These categories, ranging from HB1 as the lowest to HB5 as the highest level of risk, were established based on information pertaining to indicators such as acute toxicity, sensitization, stimulation, and organ damage. Similarly, the categorization of exposure scores, determined by the approach of classifying control measures, resulted in four distinct categories. These categories, ranging from EB1 as the lowest to EB4 as the highest level of exposure, were derived from information concerning the manufacturing methods and release power of various types of nanomaterials, taking into account the probability of exposure. Subsequently, by merging the categories corresponding to the risk score and exposure, the risk level was determined across five categories, with R1 representing the lowest and R5 representing the highest level of risk. In accordance with the classification approach, control measures were proposed based on each level of occupational risk when working with nanomaterials.

 The nanomaterials risk management tool based on the approach of CB is an easy and qualitative method to evaluate and make decisions in order to reduce the risk of handing nanomaterials. In this approach, it is easy to achieve risk assessment results by identifying the inherent risks of a substance and predicting the probability of exposure. Using such tools in work environments can help professionals identify and remove obstacles and provide the possibility to communicate with managers.

Medication errors are among the most important medical errors that can be prevented to avoid significant financial and life-threatening damages. The present study aimed to utilize the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) technique as a preventive measure to identify and assess the risk of medication errors and explore their correlation with demographic factors.

A descriptive-analytical approach was employed to evaluate medication errors in 2023 at Mehr Psychiatric Hospital in Khorramabad, Iran, using a qualitative-quantitative methodology and the FMEA technique. Data collection involved a safety checklist and adherence to standard work instructions. The analysis of error rates was conducted using the Risk Priority Number (RPN) to ascertain the level of risk associated with medication errors.

The findings revealed 59 medication errors across 13 areas, with the highest error in obtaining a complete medical history and the lowest in transferring medication to a box. The average total risk score (RPN) was calculated to be 10.16. Moreover, the present research investigated the relationship between RPN scores and demographic variables and identified a significant association solely with the type of ward (P<0.001).

The study underscores the importance of mitigating medication errors through preventive strategies such as thorough patient history documentation, error identification, prioritization, and the implementation of appropriate solutions to reduce financial and human costs associated with treatment.

The main influencing factor in the success of the crisis management process is the group's readiness to deal with the crisis. Training models are a tool to maintain the preparation of personnel, increase their ability to achieve certain goals, and help them acquire information, skills, and ways of thinking. This research aimed to design and validate a training model for the staff of the hospital incident command system.

The research method was a qualitative-quantitative (mixed method) approach. The statistical population in the qualitative part included experts in the field of incident command system, and in the quantitative part included managers and staff of this system in the hospitals of Guilan province in Iran. The sampling method in the qualitative part was the judgmental forecasting method. Also, the sampling method was cluster random in the quantitative part. According to the data saturation principle, the sample size in the qualitative section was 15 people, and in the quantitative section, 226 people were selected based on Cochran's formula. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview and in the quantitative part was a questionnaire extracted from the interview.

After analyzing the categories resulting from interviews with 15 experts, 43 open codes and 12 central codes were determined. Also, five selection codes were obtained as follows: design, analysis, evaluation and feedback, policymaking and determination of strategies, and implementation and support dimension. The findings showed that the design dimension had a more significant effect on designing the training model (path coefficient = 0.987 and t = 176.713). Also, all components had a significant relationship in pattern design. For data analysis, we used the MAXQDA2020 and SmartPls3 software in the qualitative part, and SPSS26 software in the quantitative part.

The results of this research showed that effective command in possible incidents depends on the effective training of employees with a new and up-to-date model.

Background and

The physical location of colleges is vulnerable to natural disasters and accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a preparedness and response plan. The present study aimed to assess the readiness of accident risk management and passive defense in the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

This study applied an action research approach. The data collection procedure was performed by evaluating the readiness of the faculties of the University of Medical Sciences in managing the risk of accidents and passive defense. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Then the results were discussed in the risk management and passive defense committee of the faculty. After several consecutive brainstorming sessions, the solutions were proposed in order to fix the weaknesses.

In the initial evaluation, the level of preparation in the faculty was considered to be low (˂39%). The possibility of fire and the vulnerability of the building in terms of structural safety were determined to be the most risky factors in the college. After improving the risk management process, the faculty's level of preparedness was determined to be average (40-60%).

The current action research approach improved the safety of the college. No budget allocation for safety measures and the time-consuming communication process between different departments are the major obstacles to achieving optimal safety in educational spaces.

Background and Object: 

Considering the high prevalence of covid-19 in the Iran and generally in Mazandaran province, the most important strategy for managing the crisis is the participation of citizens in different dimensions. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying and analyzing the factors affecting the level of community participation in the management of the Covid-19 crisis, which can be a road map for future planning in managing similar crises.

The present study was performed with a qualitative approach using content analysis by the conventional method in Mazandaran province. The data were collected through in depth semi structured interviews with 34 participants through a purposeful sampling method and analyzed simultaneously.

From data analysis, 3 main themes including 1) beliefs and attitudes with 3 sub-themes of perceived threat, perceived fear and anxiety, and perceived self-efficacy, 2) the main theme of drivers/facilitators with 9 sub-themes of informing, culture building and networking, capacity building/ jihadi and voluntary actions, inter-sectoral coordination, social trust, social responsibility, social resilience, compensatory/financial policies of the government and strategies for changing processes and policies in crisis management, and 3) and the main theme of barriers and challenges of community participation with 5 sub-themes of psychological challenges, social/cultural challenges, economic challenges, health challenges and management challenges is extracted.

The themes discovered based on the viewpoints of the Mazandarani citizens obtained valuable information about the factors affecting the level of community participation in the management of the Covid-19 crisis, which can be taken into account in planning and preventive measures.

Background & Aims :

Risk management in academic research, courses, and degrees is crucial in universities. However, there is no evidence for risk management in most aspects of university management. This study was conducted to determine the risk management Evaluation from the Staff's Perspective of Iran University Medical Sciences In 2021.

Materials & Methods:

 This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The research samples were 224 staff of the Iran University of Medical Sciences selected by the available sampling method. The data collection tool was a risk management questionnaire. Risk management was classified into six dimensions. The first dimension is related to the level of employees' knowledge of risk management. The second dimension of risk management status. The third dimension includes policies and procedures. The fourth dimension is related to training status. The fifth dimension was the position of risk management, and finally, the sixth one was monitoring, analysis, evaluation, and risk control. In total, the questionnaire was examined in 45 questions on a 5-point Likert scale and was classified into three levels: poor (score less than 3), moderate (score 3 to 4), and good (score more than 4). The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 26. The numerical indices of minimum, maximum, Mean±SD for the quantitative variables of the research were used. Friedman test was used to examine the relationship between domains and independent t-test, and analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between individual variables and risk management.

Results:

The results showed that most employees (59.4%) were women and the majority (48.7%) were 45-36 years old. The majority of employees (72.8%) were married. Most of the participants (54.4%) worked in administrative headquarters. More than half of the employees (53.1%) had a university degree at the undergraduate level, and only 12.5% of them had completed risk management courses. The results showed that the total score of risk management was 2.44±0/82. The Friedman test result showed a statistically significant relationship between employees' knowledge of risk management and all areas of risk management (p = 0.00). Statistical tests showed that risk management had a statistically significant relationship with the variables of gender (P = 0.02), risk management (P<0.001), and education (P=0.02). The mean score was higher in men than women, and also in employees who had passed the risk management course was higher than other employees. Two-to-two Tukey comparison also showed that the average score obtained by employees with master's degree education was significantly higher than an associate degree (P=0.03). At other levels, this difference was insignificant.

The results showed that, generally, from the perspective of the Iran University of Medical Sciences staff, risk management at this university is poor. In this regard, the development of educational programs, the adoption of policies and procedures, and the establishment of monitoring programs to implement risk management should be seriously pursued at the university.

Human resource management in any organization is the main key to achieving the goals of the organization; because new ideas for prosperity and innovation are the achievement of new products.

The purpose of this study was to evaluation of cognitive and educational-motivational indexes affecting human resource risk management.

The research method is descriptive-survey. The statistical population included all the employees of Tejarat Bank of Tehran province in 2021. 310 people were selected as a statistical sample using the cluster sampling method. The demographic characteristics and Human Resource Risk Management Questionnaires were distributed and collected after completion. Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation model method were used to analyze the data. Data analysis was done using SmartPLS software version 4 and SPSS software version 20.

The results showed that the cognitive index with 7 components and the educational-motivational index with 6 components have a significant relationship (0.77 to 0.84) with human resources risk management. Also, the current research showed that the cognitive indexes of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, reduction of job burnout, and educational-motivational index of job productivity has a significant and direct effect on human resource risk management (P<0.05).

Based on the results of the present research, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, reduction of job burnout and job productivity have an important effect on human resource risk management; so that, the people who have more freedom of action and participation in decision-making can increase the satisfaction, awareness, and motivation of employee's.