Analysis of the socio-participatory process in smart tourism transformation: case study for Donostia-San Sebastián (Spain)

The need for more attention to the social and human dimensions in global change sciences and natural resources management requires in-depth understandings of transformative approaches and processes. More inclusive and systemic approaches are needed that embrace complexity and support transformative learning, shifts in power relations, collective and relational agency and structural transformations for adaptive and innovative governance. Scientific understanding of how such change can be brought about is still limited. In this paper, which sets the scene for this Special Issue, we develop a conceptual framework for analyzing transformative processes across a range of diverse cases. Aspects of the conceptual framework are applied, tested and elaborated in three following papers in the Special Issue, deepening understanding of how transformative change in complex social-ecological systems may originate at nexus boundary zones such as that portrayed by the water-food-energy nexus. Specifically, the paper conceptually elaborates four iteratively related dynamics of transformative learning, transforming power relations, transformative agency and transforming structures which intersect in transformation processes. The perspectives offer tools for cross case analysis in the longer term, but also tools for supporting co-engaged, generative research processes.

Purpose This study aims to discuss what prompted this organization to embark on the journey of transformational change, challenges faced strategies adopted to overcome challenges, leadership role and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The descriptive approach is used to comprehend the transformational change process in this gigantic public sector undertaking (PSU). To have an idea of the effectiveness of the change process, the pre- and post-change performance of the company was taken into account through collection and analysis of physical and financial parameters. However, focus of this paper is concentrated on the transformation process and its chronological sequence only. Human resource productivity trend and organization development interventions adopted over the years were also observed along with conducting a sentiment analysis of the employees who lived through this entire change process in the organization. Findings The case study describes how this Indian PSU went through the process of transformational change management and leaves the reader to assess the degree and extent of success of the approach and strategy of the company in this regard. There may be many what-if situations and contingencies in this case for readers to explore for suggestions and solutions and finding new possibilities. Originality/value Change management is not a new exercise for the Indian corporate sector. What makes this case unique is the pro-active action initiated by a traditional high-performing and well-protected PSU to anticipate the future challenges and initiate action to overcome these. Change agents must “rewire” the plane while it is flying if the organization hopes to survive and perhaps prosper in the future. This case study is a first-hand account of the change process happening in a gigantic Indian PSU with Maharatna status.

This case study describes a teacher's development of and creativity in manipulating physical models in an astronomy course for in‐service science teachers of K‐8. Specifically, she organized a data table from several charts of numbers, constructed a moon‐ball model in addition to a 2‐D model, and created a hula hoop model as a concrete realization of her mental model. Examination of the transformation and construction processes revealed how she revised existing models and added new elements. These reconstruction experiences afforded her with a higher level of comprehension and self‐awareness of her mental models. Three of the teacher's actions contributed to her increased understanding and deployment of the models: she enhanced her autonomy by changing the given models and solving problems she was interested in; she communicated with her partners and shared her knowledge by materializing her models; and she constructed new models on the basis of her experience. This case study shows that the transformation process, especially a cascade of small steps with the emergence of a more dramatic departure, is a key to generating scientific knowledge. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 91:948–966, 2007

Working in the rain: pressures and priorities for teacher education curriculum design in South Africa: a case study of the University of Durban-Westville

Chiral pesticide fate in soils: Processes, experimental considerations, and case studies

Most of today’s design practices focus on complex form, displaying free-form animated surfaces inspired by the complex geometries and structures of the human body. Nonetheless architectural, product and fashion design tend to employ the same representational tools and methods in order to build artifacts which recall the shape of the human body in motion, as subjected to continuous transformation and hybridization processes, in 3D deformable models. The final purpose of the artifact can often be traced back to a single frame of the whole animated sequence, representing the entire design process consisting of continuously morphing of models or, as in the case of Generative design, it is even possible to rebuild the evolutive processes of he form. The paper investigates theories and methods for an eidomatic description of the body by means of a trans-disciplinary analysis of the state of art, testifying the latest trends in 3D animation, also through the documentation of some specific case studies selected by the submitter. The theories and the latest techniques of digital video representation will be compared and analyzed in order to discuss differences and similarities in design practices that have as a main subject not only the body, but also its communication. Representing the body today implies relating to the scientific innovation that often endows it with coexisting integrated technologies and, meanwhile, researches the performance effects of its image, through transformation processes that present innovative and possible communicative scenarios.

Digital innovation has forced companies to change some well-established business processes. Thus, incorporate information technology into business processes is not enough. We argue that both BPM role and related capabilities might need to be re-interpreted for the digital future. In this sense, the BPM discipline must identify relevant instruments for building on new ways to analyze, understand and support such transformations. This paper examines the results from a car rental company case in the light of DTI thus we investigated: (i) the factors that led the decision to digitalize the process; (ii) how the digital transformation was conducted; (iii) the characteristics of the industry, the business itself, the transformed process, and the type of innovation implemented. The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate that DT&I-BPM-Onto supports taking a broader picture of a process transformation case. Moreover, we provide insights and practical lessons for future projects and further research.

In this paper we analyze the role of Enterprise System (ES) in shaping a company's transformation process by conducting an in-depth case study in a large European high-tech company. Although there are previous studies concerning organizational transformation and ES implementation process, the role of ES as an instrument for de-institutionalization is not well understood. By drawing on the framework of neo-institutional theory we seek to understand how ES facilitates discarding of the old ways of doing things and the simultaneous forming of the new institutional arrangements. This paper seeks to provide valuable insights into the de-institutionalization process and the role of ES in a company's re-organization. The findings show how ES in use serves as an agent and a platform for de-institutionalization and later as a powerful force in forming the new institutional arrangement.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the key stages of the organizational culture transformation process towards innovation within the Saint-Gobain Polska Capital Group, as well as to analyze the impact of these activities on the organization. The authors also strive to develop a theoretical framework for a model of organizational culture transformation in the context of implementing a culture of innovation. Design/methodology/approach: How are the objectives achieved? Include the main method(s) used for the research. What is the approach to the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper? The study was conducted using an inductive approach, employing a qualitative case study method. The Saint-Gobain Polska Group was selected as an example of a programmatically managed transformation. The analysis included participant observation, a review of approximately 250 strategic and project-related documents, as well as the direct involvement of one of the researchers in the transformation process. The article also draws on ethnography and a pragmatic research approach. Findings: The research demonstrated that a programmatic approach to organizational culture transformation can effectively support the development of an innovation-oriented culture. Key stages of the transformation were identified, including: analysis of the organizational context, diagnosis of the initial state, establishment of vision and goals, employee education, creation of support and reward systems, progress monitoring, and iterative improvement. Additionally, a theoretical model of innovation culture transformation was developed. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the study is the use of a single case study, which restricts the generalizability of the findings to other organizations. The theoretical model requires further validation in different organizational contexts. The article highlights the need for future research on the programmatic approach to culture transformation in other industries and countries. Practical implications: The research findings provide practical guidance for organizations planning to transform their culture towards innovation. These include, among others: the importance of leadership engagement, the integration of organizational values with transformation processes, the development of a network of innovation ambassadors, the involvement of customers in the innovation creation process, and the provision of consistent funding for innovation projects. Originality/value: The article contributes new value to the literature by analyzing organizational culture transformation as a strategic program. It offers a comprehensive theoretical model of the transformation process, based on practical implementation in a large international organization. Keywords: Innovation culture, cultural transformation, program management, organizational change. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Hybrid urban transport systems in developing countries: Portents and prospects

In many parts of the Global South, food systems are confronted with complex sustainability challenges including high levels of poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, disempowerment, and degraded environments. Transformation is broadly discussed in research, policy, and planning as the systemic change required to address complex sustainability issues. Transformation of food systems has become a global priority for research and action. However, transformation processes are not neutral, but are associated with losses and gains that are unevenly distributed. Institutions play an important role in relation to how transformation of food systems occur and with what outcomes. Empirical understandings of how institutions can influence transformation processes in a way that avoids risks or the so-called dark side of transformation are needed. This article aims to contribute towards understanding the roles that institutions play in transformation processes in the context of Global South food systems through synthesising insights from transdisciplinary case studies. The three case studies include multi-purpose cooperative institutions in farming areas in southwest Ethiopia, fisherfolk organisations in aquatic food-producing areas in northern Philippines, and Gotong Royong for irrigation canal management for pond aquaculture in Indonesia. The article examines whether and how institutions advance inclusion and participation in food systems, and whether institutions enable or constrain food system actors in mitigating or avoiding transformation risks. The paper reflects on the role of community-level institutions and hybrid governance arrangements, and the interplay of structure and agency in transformation processes.

The pitfalls of studying material outcomes of cultural contact as ‘hybrids’ have been well mapped, from essentialism to the echoes of eugenics. In archaeological research, attention to ‘hybrid’ products of cultural contact through assiduous tracing of ‘foreign’ elements to their points of origin has often yielded dubious claims regarding the nature of the interaction. For objects excavated in the Period IVb (1050–800bc) level at Hasanlu, this approach has led to assertions of ‘Assyrianization’, proclaiming the site the examplepar excellenceof the response to Assyrian cultural hegemony in the periphery. Through exploration of armoured sheet-metal belts found at Hasanlu, an artefact type introduced from the South Caucasus region and then produced locally, this paper considers the interpretive utility of the concept of ‘hybridization’—the transformative processes by which disparate visual elements, materials and ideas about the world react to and perturb each in a particular environment. We argue that through these processes, relocated exogenous objects and their endogenous counterparts communicate using multiple, even divergent, voices. This very multivocality, orheteroglossia, is instrumental in forging new social relationships and meanings.

Community-controlled implementation organizations are necessary to initiate redevelopment in many urban areas, but because of their dependency on external sources of capital they may be transformed into organizations that enhance the extraction of private profit rather than community reinvestment. Internal social and political processes may generate another transformation process with similar results. A contradiction may develop because the social power relations within the organization-defined by its morphological structure—are a mirror image (reversed) of those in society. This incongruence in social relations disrupts the legitimation and reproduction of the organization's morphological structure. If these internal problems are not understood and ameliorated, either the organization will be transformed into a bureaucratic, professionalized organization, or it will dissolve during the transformation process. A case study is presented to demonstrate the intricacies of this process. In this case, the professional bureaucratic transformation process was interrupted by the Office of Economic Development's termination of their funding. Suggestions are made to assist urban planners in minimizing their interactive effect on community-controlled implementation organizations, while facilitating the organization's effort to minimize the internal transformation process.

Mental Health Policy Development in the States: The Piecemeal Nature of Transformational Change

South African student nurses experience emotional discomfort that might influence their adjustment and coping while working with mentally challenged individuals. Adjustment and coping might impact on their mental health and support needed while working in this challenging context. Student nurses working with mentally challenged individuals experience emotional discomfort that may result in work-related stress. The experiences of student nurses working with mentally challenged individuals were explored and described as it may influence their adjustment, coping and result in work-related stress, impacting on their mental health. The study used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, contextual research design with a case study as strategy. Thirteen student nurses from a specific higher educational institution in Gauteng, South Africa, participated in the focus group interviews. The researcher utilized reflective journals, a reflective letter, naïve sketches, drawings and field notes to collect data. Data analysis was done according to Tesch's descriptive method of open coding and theme analysis. A central storyline emerged where student nurses described working with mentally challenged individuals as a process of personal transformation that was initiated by an engagement on a deeper emotional level with these individuals. The process of personal transformation started a journey towards the discovery of meaning for the self, as student nurses. Student nurses working in challenging environments during their training may experience emotional discomfort and need additional support in coping and adjustment within this context. The nurse educator plays an important role in providing this support to manage work-related stress as well as in creating learning opportunities for the student nurses working in challenging contexts.