Case Study Research Research Articles

Mechanisms that enhance Internet of Things engagement

Purpose By drawing on previous research on mechanism-based explanations and business-to-business engagement, the purpose of this study is to identify and define mechanisms that enhance Internet of Things (IoT) engagement. Design/methodology/approach By positioning the study within the paradigm of critical realism (CR), this paper used multiple case study research. This paper applied 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, an observation and firm documents as data-gathering tools. Findings This paper argues that the higher-level phenomenon (Institutional logic of the IoT ecosystem) leads to a higher-level outcome (IoT engagement). As lower-level situational mechanisms, this paper found IoT readiness and transparency in the ecosystem. Action-formation mechanisms were acknowledged as communication, availability of an IoT interface, and support. Commitment, trust, satisfaction and software maintenance and updates were recognized as transformational mechanisms. Practical implications The findings will help managers to understand which mechanisms to focus on when forming engagement strategies for onboarding new actors and strengthening relationships with existing actors. Furthermore, this paper suggests considering the IoT readiness of new actors more critically, as this mechanism was found to be the most crucial one for an early stage of engagement in an IoT ecosystem. Originality/value This study helps understand the causal structures behind engagement and enhances the theoretical and practical domain of IoT engagement. In addition, this study demonstrates the value of applying CR for generating knowledge about a phenomenon through causal explanations.

Exploring the Challenges of Context in Accessing Mental Health Support in Rural New Zealand: A Case Study Approach.

This paper explores the complexities that impact access to mental health services in rural New Zealand. Historical, cultural, social and political factors will be examined against the philosophical positioning of Foucault and Fairclough. This research is a single-embedded case study design exploring participants' discourses in the context of a rural, bounded geographical area of New Zealand. The results show that mental health support that addresses people's actual needs rather than the needs that governments map against ever-changing policy is required and that an awareness of context within case study research is important. The process of case study design is described, including building upon a rationale for selecting the case, collecting data and conducting case analysis and interpretation. This study examines factors influencing the real-life rural context of accessing mental health support. This article demonstrates that case-study research can be valuable for navigating context complexity and developing nuanced understandings of complex phenomena. The paper highlights how the multifaceted case study context is more than mapping discourses against a rural backdrop. It is necessary to consider the power dynamics that shape experiences and their impact on service creation and its consequent delivery. Rather than services being created that are complex and not meeting people's needs, there is a need to listen to the people who have experienced mental health distress and provide services and support in locations other than clinical settings.

Halal Purchasing Strategies of MSEs in the Malaysian Food Industry: An Exploratory Study on the Potential Use of CAQDAS in the Qualitative Evaluation of Multiple Case Studies

This paper explores the potential of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), specifically Nvivo 14, in facilitating the qualitative evaluation of multiple case studies. The focus is on halal purchasing strategies within micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the food industry, a critical issue from a Shariah perspective that ensures halal integrity from source to consumer. The issue highlights that MSE leaders in Malaysia’s food industry failed to optimize halal purchasing in their management practices, which undermines their ability to increase probability. The objective is to explore the strategies for optimizing halal purchasing performance of MSEs in Malaysia’s food industry, on how these businesses navigate the requirements of halal compliance in their operational practices. Through an exploratory study, 10 MSEs were examined to investigate their halal purchasing structures, involving interviews with key stakeholders such as brand owners, company directors, halal executives, and CEOs. In-depth, semi-structured interviews provided insights into company structures, challenges, and halal purchasing strategies. Thematic analysis was employed, using an inductive pattern coding approach where codes emerged organically from the data and were categorized into themes and sub-themes. Findings revealed a variety of business types, with six individually owned companies and four family-run businesses, highlighting differences in employee numbers, business longevity, and owner demographics. The study also suggests a trend of generational succession in family-owned businesses. This research demonstrates the utility of CAQDAS in managing and analyzing complex qualitative data in case study research.

Principals’ Leadership Competencies: Implications for Educational Excellence

The study utilized a qualitative case study research design entailing an in-depth exploratory examination of principals' leadership competencies and their impact on educational excellence within the O R Tambo Inland education district. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five principals selected from secondary schools in the district. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the participants from whom empirical data were gathered. A narrative analysis was employed to analyze the collected data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the principals' experiences, perspectives, and practices regarding leadership competencies and their implications for educational excellence. The findings revealed that principals play a pivotal role in shaping the school's image and reputation, attracting learners, families, and talented educators through positive attributes and effective leadership practices. Clear and measurable academic objectives aligned with the school's mission and vision are emphasized as essential for guiding educational endeavors and promoting continuous improvement. Thus, the study recommended that a collaborative approach to decision-making, professional development, and community engagement is essential for creating supportive and inclusive learning environments that empower students to thrive academically and personally.

The Strategies for Involving Community in Sustaining Government-Funded School Projects in Morogoro Region

The main objective of the study reported in this study was to determine the strategies for involving community in sustaining government-funded school projects in Morogoro region. The study used case study research design to determine the strategies from a total sample of 23 comprising of 10 headmasters, 1 ward councillor, 2 Ward educational officers and 10 school board chairmen who were selected using interviews (Semi-structured Interview) and documentary review were technique. Both interviws guide and open ended questionnare were used for collecting qualitative data which were then analzyed using thematic approach which allowed identification of key themes and patterns that emerged from the participants' perspectives on the community engagement strategies. Findings have revealed that community involvement in government- funded school projects is critically low in Morogoro region despite the recognized importance of community engagement in enhancing educational outcomes and project sustainability. It is therefore suggested that the formed project committee members should play a vital role in enhancing community ownership, fostering buy- in, and ultimately contributing to the successful achievement of project objectives.

Bringing a Social Justice Lens to Matthews’ Five Propositions for Genuine Students-as-Partners Practice: A Narrative Review

In 2017, in the second issue of the International Journal for Students as Partners (IJSaP), Matthews presented five propositions for genuine students-as-partners practice. Whilst these propositions did not focus directly on social justice, a social justice ethos (seeking to achieve parity of participation for all in higher education) was implicit within the discussion. Working with students as partners (SaP) can contribute to social justice, and a social justice perspective can contribute to the practice and conceptualization of students-as-partners work. From this perspective, I present a narrative literature review that brings a social justice lens to Matthews’ five propositions by examining 26 publications (research articles, case studies, reflective essays, and opinion pieces) in IJSaP concerning students-as-partners work. These are identified using the search terms “justice”, “equity”, “inclusion”, and “ethical”. The review provides clear examples of how the practice of working with students as partners can promote equity and inclusion in higher education, thereby striving toward social justice.

The stringency and potential impact of climate laws and policies in the European Union and the 21OECD countries

In this paper, I offer a way to measure the stringency of climate change legislation for macro-comparative studies using publicly available data. The paper is innovative in that it examines the complex interrelationship between national, subnational, and supranational legislation using data from the FaoLex database on environmental laws and policies. It is also novel in that it conducts a contextualized comparison that takes into account different national conditions for climate change policies. The resulting index is the Gross Potential Impact (GPI), which is a measure of the stimulus of legislation before taking into account implementation issues. To demonstrate the validity of the index, findings from case study research on the European Union’s 2020 and 2030 climate and energy frameworks are used. The rest of the paper presents the GPI for 21 OECD countries for the period between 1990 and 2020.

A Comprehensive Review of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Modern Classrooms

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has become a dominant methodology in language education, emphasizing interaction and practical communication skills over traditional grammar-focused approaches. With the increasing need for language learners to develop real-world communicative competence, CLT has been widely adopted in modern classrooms across various educational contexts. However, its implementation faces challenges such as cultural differences, teacher preparedness, and institutional constraints. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of CLT in contemporary language teaching settings. This study uses a systematic review methodology, analyzing research articles, case studies, and reports published in the last two decades. The review focuses on both qualitative and quantitative studies that assess CLT’s impact on language proficiency, learner motivation, and classroom engagement. It also explores barriers to successful CLT implementation, including teacher training and resource limitations. The findings suggest that CLT has a significant positive impact on learners’ communicative competence and motivation, especially in immersive environments. However, the success of CLT varies depending on the classroom context, cultural backgrounds, and teacher expertise. Moreover, while CLT fosters a more interactive learning experience, challenges such as inadequate teacher training and a lack of suitable materials often hinder its full potential. In conclusion, CLT remains an effective approach to language teaching, but its success is contingent on overcoming implementation barriers. Further research is needed to address these challenges and to explore how CLT can be adapted to different learning environments.

Aspects of E-Government Interoperation: Case Study Research for Discovery Beyond Interoperability as Layered Capability

How different public agencies and their digital artifacts work together (often labeled as interoperability) is considered to be an important area for a successful evolution of e-government. Key knowledge in this area is the structuring into four different layers of interoperability: legal, organizational, semantic, and technical interoperability. This paper challenges this received view of digital interoperation. It does so through an in-depth qualitative case study on the management of digital medical certificates and an inductive and abductive data analysis. Twelve aspects of digital interoperation have emerged through this study. The aspects have been divided into two categories: intrinsic (aspects that directly relate to the digital transfer of information) and extrinsic (aspects that shape different parts of digital interoperation from the outside). Six intrinsic aspects have been identified (relational, performative, semantic, informational, architectural, and technical). These intrinsic categories also have roles as extrinsic. Besides these, there are six more extrinsic aspects (normative, regulative, economic, cognitive, interactive, and temporal). Based on empirical insights and theorizing, the paper argues for a broadening of interoperability as not only the capability to interoperate. A broader notion comprises a mix of organizational, human, and digital pre-conditions for interoperation.

Descriptive Case Analysis on the Application of Prompt Engineering in Business Management

In recent years, the application of AI has been witnessed in various domains and disciplines, mainly AI in terms of large-scale pre-trained language models (LMs) and Visual Language models which are the prompt engineering types that have gained increasing attention in the field of Business and Management field. The prompt engineering approach is considered vital leverage in the areas of BM tasks. In this AI-generated review, we will try to discuss various aspects of prompt engineering encompassing the domain of management and also highlight various applications in this area. This paper also tries to examine the challenges of applying prompt engineering in the context of business management. This is a descriptive case study research exploring various facets of prompt engineering and application on the spectrum of business management. Through this exploration, this paper intends to contribute to the evolving dialogue on the integration of human creativity with generative AI capabilities, offering insights into the future of effective and ethical AI interaction. Prompt engineering, Artificial intelligence, large language models, Visual language models, Business Management, Human-AI interaction, Chat GPT, Generative AI

Decentralized sanitation alternatives in cities of the global south—A case of constructed wetlands in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Constructed wetlands have emerged as a sustainable alternative for decentralized wastewater treatment in developing countries which face challenges with urbanization and deteriorating infrastructure. This paper discusses the key factors affecting the implementation of constructed wetlands in developing countries. A case study research design was adopted, which focused on Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A mixed-method approach was adopted for the study. Spatial analysis was conducted to identify potential sites for constructed wetlands in the city of Bulawayo. Semi structured interviews were conducted, with relevant stakeholders, such as town planners, civil engineers, NGO representatives, community leaders, and quantity surveyors. The findings reveal that political reforms, public acceptance, land availability, and funding are crucial for the successful implementation of constructed wetlands. Additionally, four sites were identified as the most favorable preliminary locations for these systems. The paper captures all the key factors relevant to the implementation of constructed wetlands (CWs) with a closer look at policy and the role it plays in the adoption of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Formulating policy around the decentralized sanitation systems was considered imperative to the success of the systems whether in implementation or in operation. The paper adds to knowledge in the subject of sustainable wastewater treatment alternatives for developing countries. However, further research can be conducted with a different methodology to ascertain the applicability of the systems in developing urban cities considering other important aspects in the implementation of wastewater treatment systems.

Evaluating the Role of Customer Relationship Management in Enhancing Customer Satisfaction: A Study of Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation

This study explores the impact of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on customer satisfaction at the Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (AUWSA). Employing a case study research design, the research targeted AUWSA customers and staff, using convenience and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample size of 100 individuals. Both primary and secondary data were utilized, with primary data gathered through questionnaires and interviews, and secondary data obtained from various documentary sources. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative methods, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied to the quantitative data using SPSS. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings reveal that Information Technology (IT) significantly enhances timely information processing, facilitates effective customer communication, and promotes efficient service delivery, thereby reducing customer complaints and administrative errors. The study concludes that IT is crucial for improving customer satisfaction and recommends further research to explore CRM's impact on customer satisfaction in other service industries in Tanzania.

Concrete Manifestations of Equity in Education, Using Finland as an Example

With the development of the economy and the times, education equity is receiving increasing attention. Educational equity in China has been gradually developed and improved in the optimization of policies, including the universalization of compulsory education, etc. However, in the context of rapid economic development, the problem of educational resource distribution has increased the difficulty for the complete realization of educational equity. In solving their own problems, they can learn from other countries' excellent education methods and strategies to create various possibilities for their own optimization. Therefore, this paper chooses Finland as a case study of education research, and based on the study of educational equity in Finland, it uses qualitative analysis and literature review to explore the problems China encounters in realizing educational equity. The ideas in this paper can help the government to alleviate the problem of educational inequity and make more people understand educational equity.

The (mis)Information World of Moms for Liberty: A Digital Ethnographic Case Study

Moms for Liberty (M4L) is an American organization that has played an outsized role in the dramatic increase in book bans and challenges in school and public libraries. This group provides an opportunity to study the various ways that information and attention is driven bi-directionally between the public and private spheres. The aim of this digital ethnographic case study was to better understand how the norms and values that underlie the small world of M4L influence the larger lifeworld and social milieus of communities. If public policy is ideologically constructed, what does this mean for information practitioners whose institutions exist in small worlds? Jaeger and Burnett’s theory of information worlds and Engeström’s activity theory model were combined to form the lens of interpretation to analyze the normative behavior and information values of M4L and the impact of its object of motivation for creating information poverty in the lifeworld through censorship efforts via political activism and propaganda. Data sources included public messaging from M4L and affiliated social media pages, primary sources from M4L’s official website, official interview transcripts, news headline data, and relevant public policy data. This poster reports on the early findings and emerging implications of the study, as well as the potential value of the proposed theoretical-methodological framework for ethnographic and case study research within the information disciplines.

Examining Chinese Multinational Corporations as Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment in South Africa

The investment of the Chinese government has been one of the biggest across the globe and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been at the center of this investment. Some scholars have referred to this as a Neo-colonial strategy by China on the African continent as most of these investments are only fostering their interests while degrading African states. In addition, these MNCs have acted as important agents in economic, social, and infrastructural development/ underdevelopment in the state. Thus, the paper sought to examine Chinese MNCs as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative research method and case study approach of five MNCs from China operating in South Africa to critically examine their role as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. The findings of the paper show succinctly that MNCs within the mining, technology, and industrial sectors of China have critically contributed to the development and underdevelopment of the country. Hence, it recommends that these companies must adopt strategies that contribute positively to the country’s long-term growth while minimizing negative impacts. They further need to implement and adhere to rigorous environmental standards to minimize their ecological footprint to ensure sustainable development in South Africa. The paper concluded by noting that there are challenges and opportunities created by MNCs which include job creation, contamination of water, destruction of wildlife, forceful displacement of settlements, and infrastructural development. Keywords: Chinese MNCs, Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment, South Africa’s Development, and Chinese Investments.

Institutional Mechanisms for Enhancing Production of Doctoral Research Outputs at Makerere University

In the contemporary knowledge society, research production is being re-purposed in terms of not just its academic value, but also its wider societal value. As such, doctoral research ought to be produced in the context of application. Therefore, universities have a responsibility to enhance the uptake and use of doctoral research outputs. This necessitates institutional mechanisms for enhancing the production of doctoral research outputs for uptake and use beyond the academia. We examined the institutional mechanisms for enhancing production of doctoral research outputs at Makerere University using the research knowledge infrastructure (RKI) framework as the analytical lens. This was in light of the dismal uptake and use of research produced at Makerere University by students and staff. We used qualitative single case study research design. We collected data through interviewing and review of documents. We interviewed 10 doctoral program coordinators, three managers of research and graduate training and 13 PhD students we selected purposively. We reviewed seven institutional documents pertaining graduate training at Makerere University: two plans, three policies, one framework and one guideline. We used thematic data analysis to make sense of the data. The findings revealed that due to policy-practice gaps and funding constraints, mechanisms to enhance doctoral research production to facilitate uptake and use of doctoral research outputs beyond the academia were not adequately integrated into doctoral research training. This was shown by the lack of mechanisms to enhance doctoral research commissioning and execution, and gaps in priority setting. Opportunities for productive interactions between doctoral researchers and potential users were missed. As such, doctoral research outputs largely remained within the scholarly community. We recommend that the university should establish interface structures and co-creation spaces to leverage doctoral research commissioning, execution and priority setting to facilitate the uptake and use of doctoral research outputs beyond the scientific community

A Comparative Study of The Application of NPV And IRR To Real Estate Investment Decision- Making

The China real estate industry is undergoing a fluctuation nowadays. And this paper is going to investigate this industry by researching a leading enterprise, CHINA VANKE CO., LTD. with the assistance of two financial instruments, Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Furthermore, the paper has another purpose that is comparing the properties between NPV and IRR. This paper uses literature research method and case study to analyse the situation of Vanke and list the possible considerations while having the analysis. After a series of research, the author considers NPV as a better indicator compared to IRR. NPV has the advantage of simple marginal determination, however, the related indicator, discount rate cannot be determined easily and accurately in the real estate analysis since it can be affected by many factors. For advantage of IRR, it is simple to calculate the value because it is only decided by the cashflows. On the other hand, IRR cannot clarify the real estate investment decision-making by itself, it must have the assistance of NPV versus discount rate graph. Consequently, the mixed employment would present a clearer and more comprehensive analysis for investors.

IMPLEMENTASI PEMBELAJARAN AKIDAH AKHLAK DALAM MEMBENTUK KARAKTER SISWA KELAS VIII DI MTS NEGERI 2 SUKOHARJO

Learning moral aqidah is one of the curricula taught at secondary education level which has a big influence on students' behavior, both in school life and outside of school. This research aims to find out how moral learning is implemented in shaping the character of Class VIII students at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo. The approach in this research is a qualitative approach, using descriptive case study research. This research was conducted at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo using data collection techniques in the form of observation and interviews. Aqidah Akhlak learning is used as a media for the process of forming polite character in students. This is supported by the role of Aqidah Akhlak teachers in directing and cultivating good moral character so that in the future students become good individuals in society. The culture of shaking hands before entering class at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo is an inspiration for the polite character of students who need to be emulated in the millennial era.

Epistemic politics in the decolonisation of the body of knowledge of engineering discipline

ABSTRACT This article is written within a conceptual space that considers engineering as a heteronomous discipline. In this context, we analyse how the state has intervened in the development of the body of knowledge of engineering discipline in a developing country in a process known as decolonisation and the political dynamism this has created. We take the case study of Kenya where the state has intervened in the development of engineering education by creating new universities with new schools to teach engineering. The expansionist education policy on the other hand raised questions of quality assurance. Particularly, who has the right to accredit engineering education became politically controversial question that was debated in courtrooms through litigations, on the floor of Parliament through legislations, and in the print media. These three form the multiple case study research based on document analysis in a situation where the regulator of engineering practice claims accreditation rights against universities themselves and the regulator of university education. The study reveals a fragile situation in a developing country where accreditation is construed as a matter of mandatory state regulation and recommends that developing countries should voluntarily rely on regional or, where possible, technical accreditors, instead of state regulators.

Exploring Barriers to the Implementation of Problem-Based Learning Pedagogy in Ordinary Secondary School Mathematics in Tanzania

Globally, a significant body of literature ratifies Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as a promising pedagogical approach to enhance mathematics performance in schools. Tanzania, among other countries, has adopted and integrated PBL into its educational framework to improve students’ academic performance. Despite these efforts, the failure rate in mathematics has consistently exceeded 75% in Tanzania's Certificate of Secondary School Education Examination over the past decade. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) explore teachers’ perceptions of the barriers facing them in implementing PBL pedagogy in secondary schools and (ii) explore the barriers to implementing PBL pedagogy as perceived by students in secondary schools. This study employed a qualitative research approach and a case study research design in which simple purposive sampling technique was used to select eight (8) mathematics teachers and forty eighty (48) form four students from secondary schools in Arusha city council. Interview and Focus group discussion were used to collect data on the barriers for effective implementation of PBL pedagogy. Findings from thematic analysis revealed that large class sizes, a shortage of mathematics teachers, insufficient instructional time, inadequate teaching and learning materials, and competence insufficient to implement PBL pedagogy were the barriers. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology improve the teaching and learning environment, providing in-service training to mathematics teachers on PBL pedagogy and employing more mathematics teachers in schools.