A competitiveness improvement framework for forensic science laboratories (fsls)

The main factors that affect forensic science laboratory (FSL) competitiveness were identified and ranked through the workers perceptions and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for the purpose of establishing measures and methodology for improving FSL competitiveness. Case-file backlogs were identified as one of the cause factors affecting performance, which can be minimized by continued management effort in backlog elimination incorporating methods and procedures identified in the competitiveness improvement framework (CIF). Another cause factor was the turnaround time (TAT), which is the total time interval from when the request for analysis is received until when the results are collected by the client. This study was conducted to establish the baseline data on TAT (between Y2014 and Y2015) to enable implementation of competitive improvement strategies. The analysis time (TAT2) was the longest for all six case-file processing steps. Using Pareto analysis, the three major steps requiring root cause analysis and intervention to minimize the total TAT. The study shows that absenteeism (determined based on hours and days) has also an impact on FSL competitiveness. Supply chain management (SCM) was studied by quantifying the turnaround time for supply chain components in FSL as total supply chain time. Results show also that there is low academic development and longevity among FSL staff which can be minimized by implementing the competitive framework developed. The objective of the study was concluded by developing the competitiveness improvement frame work (CIF) for the FSLs by applying special methodologies in relation to the cause factors.