BACKGROUND: With about 55% of operating costs in manufacturing organisations coming from costs of supply chains, coupled with a 6% increase in supply chain costs incurred by a manufacturing organisation during the financial year 2021-2022, supply chain managers need to ascertain factors contributing to high supply operating cost and ascertain suitable strategies to lower supply chain management cost. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to unveil the factors and the solutions to poor supply chain quality in a steel product manufacturing organisation. METHOD: A qualitative approach conducted via an interview guide was used in this study. Perceptions of key supply chain stakeholders within a steel product manufacturing organisation formed the basis of the exploring factors contributing to poor supply chain quality and the solutions thereof. The Pareto chart was created to ascertain the critical factors that contribute to poor supply chain quality. RESULTS: The study revealed that inventory stock-out, management decisions, process deviations, longer lead times, suppliers and unreliable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system issues contributed to poor supply chain quality CONCLUSION: Supply chain managers should make use of strategies such as safety and consignment stock policy, just-in-time (JIT) system, supplier evaluation exercise for supplier selection, localisation of the sourcing of raw materials, customised ERP systems, job rotation and dashboards, with a view to improve visibility and efficiency of supply chain processes. CONTRIBUTION: The study serves as a knowledge advisor to supply chain managers, on the critical factors contributing to poor supply chain quality, and the solutions thereof.

Using the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) as a case study, this paper considers the challenges of implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP). Data was collected from management and employees using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The study established challenges beyond the technical issues, these included: misalignment of the system to the organisation processes, product quality and unavailability of the system's helpdesk, lack of top management support, and lack of pilot testing, insufficient end-user training, resistance to change management, lack of processes integration, poor technology planning and security and risk matters. Furthermore, the management process that resonates on knowledge transfer, knowledge management, and change management poses a complex challenge in the implementation of ERP. The study recommends the alignment of the user environment, effective change management, and knowledge strategies that are essential to drive ERP. It is also recommended to close the gap between what ERP offers and what end users want and can do. Categories · Information systems ~ Information systems applications, Enterprise information systems, Enterprise resource planning

Globally, refugee-hosting states are required to have a higher education (HE) policy that incorporates refugees, in order to raise refugees' HE access to 15% by 2030. This paper explores the influence of HE policy formulation and implementation on refugee access and resilience among South Sudanese from the Bidi Bidi settlement in Uganda. The study adopted a qualitative approach, an exploratory case study design, and an advocacy world view. The researcher collected data from 27 participants - 12 undergraduates from two private Ugandan universities, 13 government and non-governmental organization (NGO) officials, two officials from public and private universities - all involved in refugee education. Additionally, the researcher obtained data through a literature review, in-depth interviews with key informants and students, and a focus group discussion. The findings reveal that in principle, HE policy formulation in Uganda is incorporated in the development of the Education Response Plan (ERP) for refugees and host communities, through a multi-stakeholder approach. However, neither students nor higher education institutions (HEIs) were part of the ERP formulation process. The HE policy formulation process in Uganda traverses a value chain with intersecting complexities. These include: supra-state and national policy, refugee demographics, preferences for basic education and emergency interventions, negative perceptions of HE returns, hostility and refugee exclusion, and students' personal challenges. Relatedly, support for refugees is largely provided by HEIs and NGOs, using silo, independent guidelines. Ultimately, the findings indicate that the HE policy formulation and implementation do not address the intersecting complexities adequately, with implications for student access and resilience. This study identifies areas that could inform HE policy formulation and implementation, and enhance refugee access and resilience, especially in light of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) 15by30 Roadmap.

Abstract: The co-existence of external referencing pricing (ERP) and reimbursement policy is common in many countries. Thus, this research examines whether or not the imposition of ERP is socially desirable in the presence of reimbursement policy. For direct sales channel, we find that the home social welfare is worse-off with ERP if the home copayment rate is too high. Our main results are robust under indirect sales channel. Moreover, the home social welfare under the pharmacypurchasing-price (PPP) ERP is larger than that under the ex-factory-price (EFP) ERP if the home copayment rate is high enough. Finally, the profit of brand-name firm under indirect sales channel is higher than that under direct sales channel if the home copayment rate is too high.

Resumen: Precios referenciales externos (ERP) y políticas de reembolso coexisten en muchos países. Este documento evalúa si ERP son socialmente deseables en presencia de políticas de reembolso. Para el canal de venta directa, encontramos que el bienestar social del hogar está peor con ERP si la tasa de copago de la vivienda es demasiado alta. Nuestros principales resultados son robustos bajo el canal de ventas indirectas. Además, el bienestar social bajo el precio de compra de farmacia (PPP) es mayor que el del ERP de precio de fábrica (EFP) si la tasa de copago es lo suficientemente alta. Finalmente, el beneficio de la empresa de marca en el canal de ventas indirectas es mayor que el del canal de ventas directas si la tasa de copago es demasiado alta.

Abstract Bilinguals and multilinguals commonly encounter words in their multiple languages which share some linguistic aspects. Among those are interlingual homographs, or words that have the exact same orthography in two different languages. The current study examined, through a semantic judgment task in English with ERP recording, how multilinguals (speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, English and German) accessed the meanings of interlingual homographs that belonged to their dominant and non-dominant foreign languages compared to a control group of Brazilian Portuguese-English bilinguals. The findings demonstrated that multilinguals were slower to respond to the English-German interlingual homographs as compared to control stimuli (no homographs). The results also demonstrated that, when the interlingual homographs were semantically related to their targets in the non-target language, there were significantly more errors and a higher RT than in unrelated conditions. Additionally, only the bilinguals presented the typical N400 effect for unrelated conditions, suggesting that the co-activation of the non-target language due to interlingual homographs modulated this ERP in the multilingual group. Our results provide support for the Bilingual Interactive Activation plus model and suggest that literature findings on interference between first and second languages also hold for second and third languages.

Zusammenfassung Zweisprachige und mehrsprachige Menschen stoßen in ihren verschiedenen Sprachen häufig auf Wörter, die einige linguistische Aspekte gemeinsam haben. Dazu gehören interlingualen Homographen, d.h. Wörter, die sich in zwei unterschiedlichen Sprachen durch genau dieselbe Orthographie auszeichnen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde anhand einer semantischen Beurteilungsaufgabe in Englisch mit ERP-Aufzeichnung untersucht, wie mehrsprachige Personen (Sprecher des brasilianischen Portugiesisch, des Englischen und des Deutschen) im Vergleich zu einer Kontrollgruppe von brasilianischen Portugiesisch-Englisch-Zweisprachigen auf die Bedeutung von interlingualen Homographen zugreifen, die zu ihrer dominanten und nicht-dominanten Fremdsprache gehören. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass mehrsprachige Personen im Vergleich zu den Kontrollstimuli (keine Homographen) langsamer auf die interlingualen Homographen Englisch-Deutsch reagierten. Die Ergebnisse zeigten auch, dass, wenn die interlingualen Homographen semantisch mit ihren Zielen in der Nicht-Zielsprache verwandt waren, signifikant mehr Fehler und eine höhere RT auftraten als in nicht verwandten Bedingungen. Darüber hinaus zeigten nur die Bilingualen den typischen N400-Effekt für nicht verwandte Bedingungen, was darauf hindeutet, dass die Koaktivierung der Nicht-Zielsprache durch interlinguale Homographen diese ERP in der mehrsprachigen Gruppe modulierte. Unsere Ergebnisse stützen das Bilingual Interactive Activation plus Modell und legen nahe, dass die Literaturergebnisse zur Interferenz zwischen Erst- und Zweitsprache auch für die Zweit- und Drittsprache gelten.

Abstract Background Cognitive event-related potentials (ERPs) allow for lateralization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) to estimate the reserve of memory in the contralateral non-epileptogenic hemisphere, and to investigate the prognosis of temporal lobe seizure control in unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Objective To define the accuracy of cognitive evoked anterior mesial temporal lobe (AMTL-N400) and P600 potentials in detecting the epileptogenic zone in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and second, to evaluate the possibility of using them as markers of cognitive outcome. Methods The systematic review using Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Lilacs database was conducted in September 2021. Only articles published in English from 1985 to June 2021 were included. We searched for studies with: (1) depth intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) recordings analysis of rhinal and hippocampal activity (2) correlations between ERP results obtained in the mesial temporal regions (AMTL-N400 and P600) and the epileptogenic zone. Results Six out of the seven studies included in this review defined the laterality of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) during presurgical investigation using ERPs. One study showed that the contralateral AMTL-N400 predicts seizure control. Another study found correlation between the amplitudes of the right AMTL-N400 and postoperative memory performance. Conclusions There is evidence that the reduced amplitude of the AMTL-N400 has high accuracy in identifying the epileptogenic zone, as it does in estimating the extent of seizure control and memory impairment in postoperative patients.

Resumo Antecedentes Potenciais relacionados a eventos (PREs) cognitivos permitem a lateralização da zona epileptogênica (ZE), estimar a reserva de memória no hemisfério contralateral não-epileptogênico, e estimar o prognóstico pós-operatório em pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT) unilateral quanto ao controle de crises. Objetivo Definir a acurácia dos potenciais evocados cognitivos do lobo temporal mesial anterior (LTMA-N400) e P600 na detecção da zona epileptogênica na epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT), além de avaliar a possibilidade de usá-los como marcadores de desfecho cognitivo. Métodos A revisão sistemática foi realizada em setembro de 2021 usando as bases de dados Medline/PubMed, Embase e Lilacs. Apenas artigos publicados em inglês no período entre 1985 e junho de 2021 foram incluídos. Buscamos estudos com: (1) análises dos registros de electroencefalografia intracraniana (EEGi) da atividade rinal e hipocampal (2) correlações entre os resultados de PREs obtidos nas regiões temporais mesiais (AMTL-N400 e P600) e a zona epileptogênica. Resultados Seis dos sete estudos incluídos nesta revisão definiram a lateralidade da zona epileptogênica (ZE) durante a investigação pré-cirúrgica usando PREs. Um estudo mostrou que o AMTL-N400 contralateral prediz o controle das crises. Outro estudo encontrou correlação entre as amplitudes do AMTL-N400 direito e o desempenho da memória pós-operatória. Conclusões Há evidências de que a amplitude reduzida do AMTL-N400 tem alta precisão na identificação da zona epileptogênica, assim como na estimativa do prognóstico quanto ao controle de crises a longo prazo e prejuízo da memória em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia ressectiva.

Resumen El trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) y el trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) son trastornos del neurodesarrollo cuyo diagnóstico es clínico y con gran variabilidad en la presentación clínica. La posibilidad de identificar y validar biomarcadores en estos trastornos del neurodesarrollo ayudaría no sólo en su diagnóstico sino también a la hora de implementar tratamientos personalizados y mo nitorizar la respuesta al tratamiento. Exploraciones neurofisiológicas como los potenciales evocados cognitivos (PEC), son una de las herramientas más utilizadas para evaluar de forma objetiva y con una alta resolución temporal las funciones cognitivas y proporcionan información sobre los mecanismos neurobiológicos subyacen tes, por lo que constituyen una herramienta de gran utilidad para valorar las alteraciones cognitivas asociadas a los trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Se han utilizado diferentes componentes de los PEC para el estudio de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo, como el componente P300, N400 o el componente N170 como biomarcador de la disfunción social en TEA. Revisamos los principales componentes de los PEC que se han estudiado como herramientas complementarias en el diagnóstico y en la monitorización de los tratamientos en los trastornos del neurodesarrollo.

Abstract Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevel opmental disorders whose diagnosis is clinical and with great variability in clinical presentation. The possibility of identifying and validating biomarkers in these neurodevelopmental disorders would help not only in their diagnosis, but also when implementing personalized treatments and monitori ng the response to treatment. Neurophysiologi cal examinations such as event related potentials (ERP) are one of the most widely used tools to objectively assess cognitive functions with high temporal resolution and provide information on the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, making them a very useful tool to assess cognitive alterations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Different components of the ERP have been used for the study of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as the P300, N400 component or the N170 component as a biomarker of social dysfunction in ASD. We review the main components of ERP that have been studied as complementary tools in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatments in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Resumen: Esta investigación presenta la implementación de un sistema web para gestionar las cadenas de suministros de alimentos de las asociaciones comunitarias y familiares de la Provincia de Tungurahua, Ecuador. La metodología está basada en las fases del modelo de desarrollo en cascada que permite recabar información de las necesidades de negocio más relevantes. Este incluye el diseño y desarrollo del producto de software para su posterior proceso de validación. Los resultados reflejan que la implementación de un sistema web configurado bajo Odoo ERP agilita los procesos de comercialización y mejora la trazabilidad de los productos de la zona de estudio. Se concluye que el sistema implementado responde a las necesidades del sector agrícola, apoya la creación de nuevos canales y mejora la gestión de los procesos de comercialización de productos de las cadenas alimentarias post COVID-19.

Abstract: This research presents the implementation of a web system to manage the food supply chains of community and family associations in the Province of Tungurahua, Ecuador. The methodology is based on the phases of the cascade development model that allows gathering information on the most relevant business needs. This includes the design and development of the software product for its subsequent validation process. The results show that the implementation of a web system configured under Odoo ERP streamlines the marketing processes and improves the traceability of the products in the study area. It is concluded that the implemented system responds to the needs of the agricultural sector, supports the creation of new channels, and improves the management of the marketing processes of post-COVID-19 food chain products.

Resumen Adoptar un Sistema ERP puede convertirse en una tarea que no necesariamente conlleve al éxito. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión sistemática de literatura considerando el Modelo de Aceptación Tecnológica (TAM) en una exhaustiva búsqueda en 11 bases de datos científicas, aplicando el método PRISMA. Se obtuvieron 341 artículos en total, y de estos, 53 fueron considerados como elegibles. Para cuantificar los resultados, se utilizó la herramienta Iramuteq sobre R para ejecutar el análisis de texto. Se concluye que los factores relevantes por considerar en una implementación de un ERP se resumen en la ansiedad computacional, para las cuales algunas estrategias han sido identificadas en la literatura, como un adecuado programa de formación para el usuario final, documentación, condiciones de facilitación técnica, influencia social, y motivadores organizacionales.

Abstract Adopting an ERP system could become a task that does not necessarily lead to success. In this work, we have conducted a systematic review of the literature considering the technology acceptance model (TAM) in an exhaustive search of 11 scientific databases, applying the PRISMA method. A total of 341 articles were obtained, and 53 were selected as eligible. The Iramuteq tool under R was applied to perform text analysis to quantify the results. We conclude that the relevant factors to consider in implementing an ERP become the mitigation of computational anxiety. The literature identifies some strategies, such as adequate end-user formation programs, documentation, technical facilitation conditions, social influence, and organizational motivators.

Resumen: Este artículo está orientado hacia la verificación del rendimiento de un algoritmo computacional capaz de identificar de manera automática las características o rasgos discriminantes que generan las ondas cerebrales utilizando lecturas electroencefalográficas (EEG), cuando el ser humano percibe conceptos a través de un conjunto de estímulos visuales, los cuales están relacionados con el proceso de comunicación humana. Se realiza una comparativa y estudio de los trabajos existentes en la literatura relacionados al tema expuesto, y las limitantes encontradas en las investigaciones actuales. Se desarrolla una metodología para el tratamiento de las señales EEG, se realiza el preprocesamiento de las señales a través de la implementación de un filtro digital preciso y eficiente tipo FIR de orden 4 para eliminar el ruido de las señales. Se implementa el método de Análisis de Componente Independientes (ICA por sus siglas en inglés) para la eliminación de artefactos presentes en las señales, y posteriormente se dividen en épocas para analizar su comportamiento a través de potenciales relacionados con eventos (ERP). Finalmente se analizan las señales que generan distintos conceptos presentados a través de pictogramas y se reportan las observaciones, donde se denota que el algoritmo desarrollado es funcional para la extracción de parámetros para las diferentes categorías de conceptos.

Abstract: This article is oriented towards verifying the performance of a computational algorithm capable of automatically identifying the discriminating characteristics or traits generated by brain waves using electroencephalographic (EEG) readings, when the human being perceives concepts through a set of visual stimuli, which are related to the process of human communication. A comparison and study of the existing works in the literature related to the subject exposed, and the limitations found in current research are carried out. A methodology for the treatment of EEG signals is developed, the preprocessing of the signals is carried out through the implementation of a precise and efficient digital filter type FIR of order 4 to eliminate signal noise. The Independent Component Analysis (ICA) method is implemented for the elimination of artifacts present in the signals, and later they are divided into epochs to analyze their behavior through event-related potentials (ERP). Finally, the signals that generate different concepts presented through pictograms are analyzed and the observations are reported, where it is denoted that the algorithm developed is functional for the extraction of parameters for the different categories of concepts.

Resumo Um Enterprise Resource Planing (ERP) é um sistema de gestão empresarial que permite integrar os fluxos de informação de uma empresa. A implantação de sistemas ERP na construção civil é altamente suscetível a falhas, devido aos requisitos e à complexidade da área. Com o propósito de desenvolver um sistema ERP efetivo, é necessário ter uma análise de requisitos prévia, além de manter o contato com os interessados e demais envolvidos até a entrega do produto. Contudo, diversas escolhas técnicas influenciam na qualidade final do produto, e não foram identificadas na literatura propostas técnicas que auxiliem nessas escolhas. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho é propor uma arquitetura para a implementação do sistema, no formato de um modelo de diagrama de blocos, para auxiliar na construção de um ERP, definindo os principais módulos de softwareque esse sistema deve possuir. O modelo proposto é baseado na arquitetura de microsserviços. Foram levantados e elencados os módulos do sistema e seu fluxo de comunicação, de modo a evitar problemas técnicos encontrados durante o ciclo de vida do software. Também foram sugeridas tecnologias que podem ser utilizadas para a construção do ERP, tais como API REST e banco de dados.

Abstract An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business management system that allows the integration of a company's information flows. The implementation of ERP systems in the construction industry is highly susceptible to failure, due to the requirements and complexity of the area. With the purpose of developing an effective ERP system, it is necessary to have a prior requirements analysis, in addition to maintaining contact with stakeholders and others involved until the product is delivered. However, several technical choices influence the final quality of the product and no technical proposals that can help in these choices have been identified in the literature. Thus, the objective of this study is to propose an architecture for the system’s implementation, in the format of a block diagram model to help in the construction of an ERP, defining the main software modules that an ERP system must have. The proposed model is based on microservices architecture. The system’s modules and their communication flow were surveyed and listed in order to avoid technical problems encountered during the software life cycle. Technologies that can be used to build the ERP, such as REST API and Database, are also suggested.

BACKGROUND: Public sector organisations encounter many challenges because of their complex legislative requirements, social responsibilities and higher public expectations. In the early 1980s, governments worldwide started experimenting with improving functions and processes through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the feasibility of South African government institutions in adopting a guideline that will assist in implementing a sustainable ERP system to improve their information systems strategy. METHOD: This study followed the qualitative dominating mixed research methodology. A survey was distributed to 20 participants with closed-ended questions to collect quantitative data and open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. RESULTS: Thirteen factors that allow ERP systems to be successfully implemented were identified. Some of the factors included effective change management policies, end-user specialised knowledge, organisation culture fit, top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, visibility of activities throughout the workflow, and willingness to change. Sixteen issues that restrict ERP implementation were also identified. Some of the restricting factors include ERP system complexity, high levels of customisation, inadequate flexibility, budget, maintenance costs, lack of vendor support, implementation delays and cost overruns. The current state of ERP implementation in the investigated organisation is of acceptance with growth being achieved gradually and steadily. CONCLUSION: The proposed framework provides core competencies such as top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, and effective change management policies among others, that can be used to establish corrective measures before and during the installation of ERP systems. CONTRIBUTION: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying the success and hindering factors of ERP system implementation. The proposed framework outlines guidelines for organisations to successfully adopt and implement ERP systems.

BACKGROUND: The various organisations that are involved in property transfer transactions tend to work as autonomous units within the end-to-end property supply chain. This compartmentalisation of activities and tasks creates inefficiencies and a lack of transparency OBJECTIVES: There is a need to review the current paper-based processes by evaluating the end-to-end processes in their entirety. METHOD: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with prominent role-players involved in the property transfer process in South Africa. The general systems view was used as the theoretical underpinning of the research, whereby property processes across the property supply chain should be viewed as a single system. RESULTS: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems may assist in integrating workflow processes to enhance productivity and collaboration, and improve overall property processes. The participants confirmed the need for a centralised platform with integrated workflows. CONCLUSION: Participants who were interviewed concurred that a centralised system would produce numerous benefits and enhanced efficiencies through a streamlined and more transparent process. Therefore, the researcher recommends that an ERP system be introduced across the property supply chain. A centralised ERP management system would enable all parties to a particular property transaction to have sight of the progress of the transaction and reduce capturing errors across various systems. CONTRIBUTION: The article will be useful within the immovable property industry, as well as to the buyers, sellers, and academia. Future studies could focus on how an ERP system could be integrated into the property supply chain.

Abstract Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most prevalent mental disorder and is a disabling condition. OCD is associated with anatomical and functional changes in the brain, in addition to dysfunctional cognitions. The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT) is a recent and empirically validated psychotherapy with a focus on restructuring dysfunctional negative core beliefs (CBs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TBCT relative to ERP for treatment of OCD. Methods A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, randomizing 26 patients for individual treatment with TBCT (n = 12) or ERP (n = 14). The groups were evaluated at baseline, at the end of 3 months (12 sessions), and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Results Both approaches reduced the severity of symptoms with large effect sizes. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion TBCT may be a valid and promising treatment for this disorder.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have found mixed results regarding the effect of job crafting (JC) on employee engagement (EE) and employee performance (EP). JC was also influenced by the type of work and tenure. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between JC and EE in increasing in-role (IRP) and extra-role performance (ERP). Additionally, it analyses JC on manufacturing and service micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) and differences in tenure DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was conducted using 1032 employees who work in MSME in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta. Validity and reliability tests were carried out for the questionnaire, and Chi-square was used to test the JC difference for the type of work, analysis of variance was used to test the JC difference on tenure, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationship model FINDINGS/RESULTS: The results of SEM with a two-step approach found that EE mediated the effect of JC on performance. Depending on the type of work performed, the challenges of manufacturing companies differed from those of service companies. The tenure also distinguished the JC that was carried out PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Job crafting is a phenomenon of employee creativity that is important for achieving a good fit in the workplace and increase EE and EP. The human resources department needs to optimize this concept by regulating the procedures for conducting JC ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results found that the effect of JC was only on IRP and was different, negative, positive and insignificant. Furthermore, JC is proven not to affect ERP