Activity-based management system specifics activities

ABSS (Activity-Based Safety System) Specific activities performed on a routine basis as part of the safety management system. 

In Chapter 11 we will discuss the activity-based safety system (ABSS) that establishes basic activities that are performed at a specific time and place. The objective of ABSS is to quickly extend the influence of the safety management system throughout the entire organization to enhance and in turn strengthen the safety culture. 

Step 8 Develop an activity-based data collection strategy used to collect specific baseline data about the safety management system. The data collection should be focused on preloss activities that are used to reduce hazards and associated risk. 

Within firms, the hybrid or matrix concept has become increasingly fashionable in pharmaceutical companies. Project teams are created that comprise membership from departments with specific technical, organizational, and management expertise. Such teams form and dissolve as the need arises. In principle, advantages of the matrix structure include cross-disciplinary enrichment of the team s activities and crossfertilization of expertise. Disadvantages of the matrix system include a relative lack of professional development for specific technical expertise for each team member, the potential for cross-departmental rivalry, and competition for each team member s time based on the needs of the interdisciplinary project versus those of his/her technical "home" department (Verona and Ravasi 2003). These multi-functional teams have the potential to increase bureaucracy and delay innovation. At least on a small scale, it may be better to solve a problem with two people rather than with ten. 

An Interactive Voice Response-System (IVRS) is a communications platform based upon the telephone network used to coordinate key clinical trial activities and provide real-time information for study managers. By utilizing the telephone network, the system provides for a direct connection between the clinical trial patient and the central study-specific database. This permits the collection of data in response to preprogrammed prompts from the system, ensuring the recording of key trial events and the provision of information critical to the successful conclusion of the trial. Most IVR systems are individually tailored to each specific study based upon requirements defined by the Sponsor. 

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