Nerea Aranguren

Bio: Nerea Aranguren is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Competence (human resources) & Risk management plan. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 13 citations.

NPD Risk Management: Proposed implementation to increase new product success

Abstract: Innovation is one of the cornerstones of European manufacturing industry. For small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises NPD projects are very often a “win or lose” game. Due to the limited availability of resources, the risk of failure in a single project can endanger the survival of the whole company. SMEs have to deal with the following problems when undertaking the development of new products: (1) lack of information, (2) lack of a risk management methodology, and (3) lack of decision aiding tools. This paper recognises the need of acquiring suitable information and focuses on Risk Management as a critical process to increase the success of New Product Development. A staged implementation plan composed of 3 steps is proposed: Business Intelligence System, Risk Management System and Optimisation of Decision Making Process. Currently implemented systems and steps are commented, as well as future action points, in order to increase the competitiveness of companies.

Business Intelligence System For Strategic Decision Making In Machine Tool SMES

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of Business Intelligence (BI) for optimal strategic decision making and, on the long term, for business innovation and competitive advantage. The Business Intelligence System aims at identifying and gathering strategic information from outside and inside the company and communicating it to key stakeholders. It will be oriented to Machine-Tool industry, but it could be applied to other industries characterised by tight competitiveness. The implementation of a BI system will be explained through the development of two competences: component competence and architectural competence.

Psychosis and substance abuse increase the COVID-19 mortality risk

Abstract: Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a global challenge. High mortality rates have been reported in some risk groups, including patients with pre-existing mental disorders. Methods We used electronic health records to retrospectively identify people infected due to COVID-19 (between March 2020 and March 2021) in the three territories of the Basque Country. COVID-19 cases were defined as individuals who had tested positive on a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and multilevel analyses with generalized estimated equations were used to determine factors associated with COVID-19-related mortality and hospital admission. Results The COVID-19 mortality rate was increased for patients with psychotic disorders [odds ratio (OR) adjusted: 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.09–1.94), p = 0.0114] and patients with substance abuse [OR adjusted: 1.88, 95% CI (1.13–3.14, p < 0.0152)]. The mortality rate was lower for patients with affective disorders [OR adjusted: 0.80, 95% CI (0.61–0.99), p = 0.0407]. Hospital admission rates due to COVID-19 were higher in psychosis [OR adjusted: 2.90, 95% CI (2.36–3.56), p < 0.0001] and anxiety disorder groups [OR adjusted: 1.54, 95% CI (1.37–1.72), p < 0.0001]. Among admitted patients, COVID-19 mortality rate was decreased for those with affective disorders rate [OR adjusted: 0.72, 95% CI (0.55–0.95), p = 0.0194]. Conclusions COVID-19-related mortality and hospitalizations rates were higher for patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.

Achieving optimal business performance through business practices: evidence from SMEs in selected areas in South Africa

Abstract: Enhancing business performance is of increasing interest to all business leaders in today’s business environment. Studies relating to both large firms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constantly emphasise a positive relationship between business practices, management activities and performance, as it is often articulated that best business practices produce superlative business performance. This study examines empirically which business practices are implemented by SMEs in some selected areas in South Africa and how these business practices impact on their optimal performance. The population for the study comprised business owner-managers in the SME sector in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba’Nchu (Free State province of South Africa). A statistical methodology was used to test the relationships hypothesised in the research model. The results reveal that all six selected business practices that were examined (marketing practices, strategic planning practices, human resource management practices, risk management practices, performance management practices and teamwork practices) have a positive and significant relationship with SME performance. Moreover, 97.1% of the SMEs that implemented all six business practices had optimal business performance. This study could serve as a guide for business consultants and SME support mechanisms to develop SME training programmes to help SME owners/managers to acquire the necessary skills to properly implement these six business practices, which will enable SMEs to achieve optimal performance.Achieving optimal business performance through business practices Key words: SMEs, business practices, SME performance, optimal performance, South Africa