Case Report
Identification and Prioritization of the Technology Transfer Risk Factors Using Fuzzy-AHP Method the Case of the Pharmaceutical-food Supplements Industry
Saeed Shavvalpour*
,
Hamideh Heydari
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-20
Received:
12 December 2024
Accepted:
30 December 2024
Published:
17 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjbm.20251301.11
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Abstract: Technology Transfer is one of the tools to perform economic activity which involves the processes of technology invention, technology development and technology diffusion. Given the importance of the dietary supplement industry in human and animal health, and its role in the development of agriculture and exports, it is necessary to identify, on one hand, the risks that lead to incomplete transfer of these technologies – which in turn result in the country’s technological dependence in this field – and on the other hand, the risks that this issue poses to human health and the environment. These risks must be identified and assessed. In this study we identify and categorize the technology transfer risk in identify and categorize the technology transfer risk factors in the pharmaceutical-food supplements industry. This research is applied in terms of its objective, and from a methodological perspective, it falls under mixed methods research, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The findings of this study are applicable to agricultural research centers, the Ministry of Health, technology policy-making bodies, and technology headquarters related to health and well-being. In order to identify, prioritize, and evaluate technology transfer risks, this research employs the fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method. According to the results of the research, thirty-seven risks are identified in the form of five main criteria of risks affecting the pharmaceutical-food supplements industry. Using the prioritization process conducted in the present study, the obtained main criteria include the influence on health, resource accessibility, the essence of technology and its nature, dependence on government policy making and socioeconomic problems and, organizational governance and management capability. Also, the most importance sub-criteria obtained in the research was the "risk of microbial contamination".
Abstract: Technology Transfer is one of the tools to perform economic activity which involves the processes of technology invention, technology development and technology diffusion. Given the importance of the dietary supplement industry in human and animal health, and its role in the development of agriculture and exports, it is necessary to identify, on on...
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Research Article
A Qualitative Analysis of the Professionalisation of Public Procurement in the Kingdom of Eswatini
Thandeka Portia Dube,
Happyson Bimha*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
21-34
Received:
23 December 2024
Accepted:
7 January 2025
Published:
24 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjbm.20251301.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: State-Owned Enterprises incur losses that run into millions of dollars through financial leakages, the majority of which occur in procurement departments. In public procurement, these leakages attract attention from multiple stakeholders because procurement entities use taxpayers’ money which they must account for. Therefore, the professionalisation of public procurement is gaining momentum because organisations are searching for effective ways of utilising public funds. This qualitative investigation into procurement professionalisation focused on three key elements; the status of public procurement, procurement professionalisation challenges, and recommendations for improvement. Utilising the qualitative multi-methods approach data was gathered through in-depth interviews with eight officials in charge of procurement departments in purposely selected public enterprises, one focus group discussion with six procurement staff members from local government entities, and a review of newspaper articles published in the Eswatini Observer and Times of Eswatini. Findings from literature and the collected data indicate that professionalisation of public procurement staff in the country has not been given the serious consideration it deserves because procurement is not yet represented at the strategic apex of procurement entities in the country. Major procurement activities are still treated as tactical and operational activities, while procurement departments are still under the mucky waters of finance, corporate affairs, operations or any other departments considered more strategic than procurement. Relegating procurement activities to non-strategic roles is one of the major causes of financial leakages through procurement malfeasance and unethical practices. Research has linked this to the lack of professionalism in procurement. The study concludes that policy on procurement professionalisation needs to be prioritized and staff that handle strategic procurement decisions need to be recognized and rewarded accordingly. Only staff holding appropriate procurement qualifications and relevant experience must be appointed to positions responsible for utilising public funds. The above proposal on its own may not be enough to attract and retain qualified procurement professionals hence strategies to attract and retain quality staff must be implemented and supported through appropriated policy and legislation. The methodological simplicity of the study was limited to exploring the issues raised in the study yet procurement has complex activities and processes that require more time, more funding, and deeper and comprehensive engagements with key stakeholders. Superior research approaches that tend to be more pragmatic such as the mixed methods approach is recommended for further studies. Such an approach can lead to more comprehensive analysis and findings having considered both qualitative and quantitative aspects of procurement professionalisation.
Abstract: State-Owned Enterprises incur losses that run into millions of dollars through financial leakages, the majority of which occur in procurement departments. In public procurement, these leakages attract attention from multiple stakeholders because procurement entities use taxpayers’ money which they must account for. Therefore, the professionalisatio...
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