Research Title: Lean Six Sigma, hospital effectiveness, and errors: an empirical analysis of patient safety mediation role in Jordanian hospitals

Author: Atef Al-Raoush, Published Year: 2025

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Volume 30 Issue 7

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Abstract Purpose – This paper investigates Lean Six Sigma initiatives, hospital effectiveness results, and hospital error sources, addressing the gap in the literature regarding the mediating role of patient safety results in Jordanian healthcare settings. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on data collected from 10 hospitals located in Amman, Jordan. Four hundred fifty hospital employees in managerial positions, including those in nursing, administration, quality management, and other areas, were given a survey questionnaire. Eighty percent of responses were received. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (Path analysis) on the AMOS version 21 software. Findings – The research findings indicate that LSS significantly improves patient safety results and hospital effectiveness. Additionally, LSS is significantly associated with a reduction in hospital error sources in Jordanian hospitals. However, patient safety results were found to have no significant direct relationship with hospital error sources. Similarly, the results reveal that patient safety results partially mediate the relationship between LSS and hospital effectiveness. Research limitations/implications – This study was limited to hospitals based in Amman, Jordan, and employed a non-probability sampling technique. Thus, the results may not be generalizable to other healthcare organizations, regions within Jordan, other countries, or different types of service organizations. Originality/value – This study provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners seeking to implement the LSS approach in hospital settings. It offers both theoretical and applied contributions to the thoughtfulness of LSS in hospitals. The findings demonstrate that LSS can be effectively applied across various hospital functions, resulting in quantifiable improvements in performance and safety.

Keywords: Lean six sigma, Patient safety, Hospital effectiveness, Hospital error sources Paper type Research article

Research Title: Exploring the Relationship between Emotional and Metacognitive Processes in the Post-Traumatic Growth of EFL Student Youth: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Various Psychological Assessments

Author: Hanan Ali Amaireh, Published Year: 2025

Educational processes: International Journal, 18

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: Background/purpose. This study investigates Syrian refugee students' post-traumatic growth (PTG) at Jadara University using emotional and metacognitive processes. Traumatic events like relocation and violence can lead to positive psychological transformations. This study examines the impact of emotional management and metacognition on PTG in these students, using various psychological measures. Materials/methods. We collected the unique experiences of Syrian refugee students using standardized questionnaires and assessments, as well as qualitative interviews. The sample includes traumatized youngsters from displacement, loss, and school adjustment. Emotional awareness, regulation, and metacognitive reflection increase PTG, according to research. The study also links emotional and metacognitive strategies to personal strength, life happiness, and interpersonal relationships. Results. These findings demonstrate that Syrian refugee EFL students require emotional and metacognitive skills to succeed. These findings may help adapt PTG therapies for refugee students' mental health in higher education. Conclusion. By addressing the emotional and metacognitive processes that facilitate PTG, educators and mental health practitioners can create supportive environments that enhance the overall recovery and integration of this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Post-Traumatic Growth، Emotional and Metacognitive Processes

Research Title: Urinary tract infection among primigravid singleton pregnancies: a retrospective study from the North of Jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2025

Frontiers in Global women's Health, 6

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy and can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite their significance, data on UTI prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women in Jordan remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women in the northern Jordan. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using a convenience sampling method to review the records of pregnant women registered in the King Abdullah University Hospital database between January 2017 and January 2020. Results: The study found that the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) was 8.9%. Positive predictors included an interaction between chronological age and level of education (OR = 1.139; 95% CI: 1.040–1.248; p = 0.01), being in the third trimester of pregnancy (OR = 1.856; 95% CI: 1.052–3.273; p = 0.03), prolonged hospitalization (OR = 6.784; 95% CI: 4.075–11.292; p < 0.001), and anemia (OR = 3.662; 95% CI: 2.185–6.138; p < 0.001). Negative predictors included having a university degree (OR = 0.027; 95% CI: 0.002–0.344; p = 0.01) and being at the younger or older age during pregnancy (OR = 0.904; 95% CI: 0.839–0.974; p = 0.01). Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of UTI among singleton primigravida pregnant women was high, given the potential consequences of infection during pregnancy. Therefore, appropriate interventional measures should be implemented by the government and relevant stakeholders to reduce the prevalence of the infection and its associated complications.

Keywords: primigravida, singleton pregnancy, urinary tract infection, pregnancy, Jordan, maternal health, risk factors

Research Title: Exploring the relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills in nurses: a cross-sectional study

Author: Rabia Hani Amin Haddad, Published Year: 2025

BMC Nursing, 24

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Aim Patients’ outcomes could be improved by using emotional intelligence (EI) in communication. Many of the behavioral skills of nurses are shaped by their EI. This study aims to explore the relationship between the communication skills of nurses working in hospitals and their EI, emphasizing the importance of communication abilities. Method This cross-sectional study included 350 nurses as a convenience sampling technique working in four government and private hospitals in the southern West Bank of Palestine. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic, EI Goleman’s questionnaire, and communication skills questionnaire. Participants completed a communication skills questionnaire developed by the researcher, along with Goleman’s EI Scale. The validity and reliability of the tools were assessed throughout the study. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation test in SPSS v27. Results The self-awareness dimension achieved the highest score of 25.50, whereas self-management recorded the lowest at 19.69, resulting in an estimated average EI score of 87.22. In terms of communication instruments, a total possible score ranges from 28 to 140, with higher mean scores indicating high EI. The overall average score for communication skills was 90.23. A significant correlation. For EI, a total possible score ranging from 28 to 140, with higher mean scores indicating high EI. was observed between the total EI score and the overall communication skills score (r = 0.542, p < 0.01), and all four EI dimensions were strongly correlated with the total communication skills score. Conclusion As EI and its dimensions positively influence nurses’ communication skills, hospital managers can enhance EI by organizing training sessions, promoting communication skills, and establishing a foundation for continuous improvement in hospital services. The in-service training, including monthly meetings and conferences, would benefit nurses by engaging them with EI. Using artificial intelligence could engage nurses in training sessions. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, Communication skills, Nurses, Palestine

Research Title: The effect of equitable compensation strategy on job performance in Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (HIE)

Author: Shadi Mohammad Al-Tahat, Published Year: 2025

Heritage and Sustainable Development, 7

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate employees' perceptions of equity in their compensation for the work they perform, comparing it to other jobs within the organization, and to examine its impact on their performance. The study utilized quantitative research methods to study the connections between the independent, dependent, and mediating variables. Previous research in the field, particularly in developing countries like Jordan, has identified a notable gap in knowledge. This gap prompted the researcher to undertake this study with the aim of addressing this deficiency. The study is based on Adam's equity theory. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire from 353 employees within the target population. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilized to analyze and explore the relationships between the study variables using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings unveiled a significant and positive correlation between compensation system and job performance, equity and job performance, as well as between compensation and equity. Furthermore, the results indicated that equity serves as a mediator in the relationship between job performance and compensation. The anticipated outcomes of the study are expected to address the literature gap effectively and subsequently enhance employee performance. The findings demonstrate the importance of equitable compensation in improving the employees’ performance.

Keywords: Compensation, Equity, Job performance, Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (HIE)

Research Title: Implementing Health Information Systems in Jordanian Healthcare: A Scoping Review of Opportunities, Challenges, and Key Factors

Author: Heba Mohammad Ahmad Hatamlah, Published Year: 2024

Journal of Logistics, Informatics and Service Science, Vol. 11 (2024) No. 1

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This paper presents a literature review on the implementation and impact of health information systems (HIS) in the Jordanian healthcare industry. The review aims to synthesize the existing knowledge on the opportunities, challenges, and key factors influencing the adoption and success of HIS in Jordan. A total of 20 studies published between 2006 and 2021 were included in the review, covering various aspects such as electronic health records, enterprise resource planning systems, and predictive analytics. The findings highlight the potential benefits of HIS in improving healthcare quality, efficiency, and staff performance. However, the review also identifies several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and the need for adequate training and support. The paper discusses the methodological approaches used in the reviewed studies and provides recommendations for future research and practice. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of HIS in Jordan, there is a need for more comprehensive and rigorous evaluations of their implementation and impacts to guide policy and decision-making in this field.

Keywords: healthcare, health information system, Jordan, organizations, research, health data monitoring, Jordanian healthcare system, population-based systems, health data administration, electronic records, ERP systems.

Research Title: The Impact of Technological Innovations on Digital Supply Chain Management: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence: An Empirical Study

Author: Mohammad Mahmoud AbdulMajeed Al-Nadi, Published Year: 2025

logistics, 8

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This study examines the impact of technological innovations on digital supply chain management, with a focus on the mediating role of artificial intelligence. With global supply chains increasingly relying on digital platforms, the integration of advanced technologies has become essential for achieving efficiency and competitiveness. Methods: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data and expert interviews with professionals from Jordan’s industrial sector. It investigates how emerging digital innovations influence supply chain performance and examines the extent to which artificial intelligence contributes to automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Results: The findings reveal that artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of technological innovations within digital supply chain systems. Specifically, AI improves adaptability to market fluctuations, increases operational efficiency, and strengthens strategic flexibility. These outcomes suggest that organizations adopting AI-enabled innovations are better equipped to respond to uncertainty and achieve superior supply chain performance. Conclusions: The study concludes that technological innovations significantly advance digital supply chain management when supported by artificial intelligence as a mediating factor. The integration of AI not only magnifies the value of digital innovations but also enables sustainable performance improvements and reinforces competitiveness in dynamic industrial environments.

Keywords: technological innovations; efficiency; flexibility; digital supply chain management; artificial intelligence

Research Title: Lean Six Sigma, hospital effectiveness, and errors: an empirical analysis of patient safety mediation role in Jordanian hospitals

Author: Audi Naji Khaled Al Smadi, Published Year: 2025

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Purpose This paper investigates Lean Six Sigma initiatives, hospital effectiveness results, and hospital error sources, addressing the gap in the literature regarding the mediating role of patient safety results in Jordanian healthcare settings. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on data collected from 10 hospitals located in Amman, Jordan. Four hundred fifty hospital employees in managerial positions, including those in nursing, administration, quality management, and other areas, were given a survey questionnaire. Eighty percent of responses were received. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (Path analysis) on the AMOS version 21 software. Findings The research findings indicate that LSS significantly improves patient safety results and hospital effectiveness. Additionally, LSS is significantly associated with a reduction in hospital error sources in Jordanian hospitals. However, patient safety results were found to have no significant direct relationship with hospital error sources. Similarly, the results reveal that patient safety results partially mediate the relationship between LSS and hospital effectiveness. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to hospitals based in Amman, Jordan, and employed a non-probability sampling technique. Thus, the results may not be generalizable to other healthcare organizations, regions within Jordan, other countries, or different types of service organizations. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners seeking to implement the LSS approach in hospital settings. It offers both theoretical and applied contributions to the thoughtfulness of LSS in hospitals. The findings demonstrate that LSS can be effectively applied across various hospital functions, resulting in quantifiable improvements in performance and safety.

Keywords: Hospitals, Lean six sigma, Patient safety, Hospital effectiveness, Hospital error sources

Research Title: The impact of financial inclusion on sustainable development in the MENA region: the moderating effect of digital finance

Author: Mohammad Oqlah Al-Smadi, Published Year: 2025

COGENT ECONOMICS & FINANCE, 13

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Although sustainable development has attracted growing attention from academics and practitioners, the impact of financial inclusion on sustainable development needs more studies in the MENA region. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of financial inclusion on sustainable development and examines the moderating effect of digital finance on this impact in the MENA region. Financial inclusion was measured by the ratio of outstanding loans from commercial banks to GDP, while digital finance was measured by the number of automated teller machines per 100,000 individuals. Four dimensions of sustainable development were measured: general sustainable development, economic sustainable development, social sustainable development, and environmentally sustainable development. A system-generalized method of moment panel analysis is conducted using annual data from 12 countries in the MENA region for the period 2004 to 2023. Additionally, three control variables are used in the study. The results confirm the role of DF in enhancing all dimensions of sustainable development in the MENA countries. In addition, the results prove the importance of digital finance in strengthening the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable development. This research can be used by financial regulators and institutions in MENA countries to further sustainable development.

Keywords: Financial inclusion; sustainable development; MENA countries; digital finance; System GMM

Research Title: A new approach for optimal sizing and allocation of distributed generation in power grids

Author: Mohammed Bani Younis, Published Year: 2025

International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems, 16

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for optimizing the allocation and sizing of distributed generators (DG) in electrical systems, aiming to minimize active power losses on transmission lines and maintain bus voltages within permissible limits. The approach consists of two stages. First, a sensitivity based analysis is used to identify the optimal candidate bus or buses for DG placement. In the second stage, a new random number generation method is applied to determine the optimal DG sizing. Moreover, a ranking for the optimal locations and sizes is given in case the optimal location is unavailable in real-world scenarios. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through a straightforward algorithm and tested on the IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 30-bus networks. Numerical simulations in MATLAB illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in finding the optimal allocation of DG and the amount of active power to be allocated at the candidate buses, considering the inequality constraints regarding voltage limits and DG allowable power. The paper concludes with results, discussions, and recommendations derived from the proposed approach.

Keywords: DG allocation; jacobian matrix; loss reduction; sensitivity analysis; sizing of DG power