Case Study Research Articles

Rethinking assessment: the potential of ‘innovative’ or ‘creative’ assessments in history

Assessment forms an integral part of history education at all levels, throughout school, college and university. The process of assessing and being assessed occupies much time and attention of staff and students alike. Research demonstrates that diversifying assessment methods has the potential to enhance student engagement. However, assessment remains relatively traditional compared to innovation in other areas of history curricula. Opportunities to rethink assessment can feel limited, constrained by sector or institutional frameworks. This article uses practitioner research to advocate rethinking assessment in history, and asks how ‘creative’ or ‘innovative’ approaches to assessment can make this a more effective and meaningful process within a subject-specific context. The focus is history assessment in higher education in the UK, but the context, discussion and recommendations have wider reach, extending beyond disciplinary, educational sector and geographical boundaries. It demonstrates the potential, practicalities and possible pitfalls of alternative forms of assessment, using a case study of creative approaches to assessing history.

Integrating molecular dynamics simulations and experimental data for azeotrope predictions in binary mixtures.

An azeotrope is a constant boiling point mixture, and its behavior is important for fluid separation processes. Predicting azeotropes from atomistic simulations is difficult due to the complexities and convergence problems of Monte Carlo and free-energy perturbation techniques. Here, we present a methodology for predicting the azeotropes of binary mixtures, which computes the compositional dependence of chemical potentials from molecular dynamics simulations using the S0 method and employs experimental boiling point and vaporization enthalpy data. Using this methodology, we reproduce the azeotropes, or lack thereof, in five case studies, including ethanol/water, ethanol/isooctane, methanol/water, hydrazine/water, and acetone/chloroform mixtures. We find that it is crucial to use the experimental boiling point and vaporization enthalpy for reliable azeotrope predictions, as empirical force fields are not accurate enough for these quantities. Finally, we use regular solution models to rationalize the azeotropes and reveal that they tend to form when the mixture components have similar boiling points and strong interactions.

Mitigating biases in big mobility data: a case study of monitoring large-scale transit systems

ABSTRACT Big mobility data (BMD) have shown many advantages in studying human mobility and evaluating the performance of transportation systems. However, the quality of BMD remains poorly understood. This study evaluates biases in BMD and develops mitigation methods. Using Google and Apple mobility data as examples, this study compares them with benchmark data from governmental agencies. Spatio-temporal discrepancies between BMD and benchmark are observed and their impacts on transportation applications are investigated, emphasizing the urgent need to address these biases to prevent misguided policymaking. This study further proposes and tests a bias mitigation method. It is shown that the mitigated BMD could generate valuable insights into large-scale public transit systems across 100+ US counties, revealing regional disparities of the recovery of transit systems from the COVID-19. This study underscores the importance of caution when using BMD in transportation research and presents effective mitigation strategies that would benefit practitioners.

Inclusive marketing and disability: value creation strategies for organisations and society in the toy industry

ABSTRACT Issues of diversity and inclusion increasingly influence the purchasing process and brand loyalty of new generations of customers. Additionally, scholars and policymakers are calling for a more inclusive society and advocating for the integration of people with disabilities. However, there is a lack of research investigating these issues from a marketing perspective. Using a strategy of inquiry regarding in-depth multiple case studies from different players of the toy industry, this paper highlights how to set marketing strategies that develop and communicate new offerings by promoting both Marketing and Social Value and fostering the social inclusion of children with a disability. The proposed model contributes to the emerging literature of Inclusive Marketing and will help marketers implement a socially inclusive approach.

Switching to hydrogen fuel adoption in developing economies: A case study of Vietnam

ABSTRACT Extensive research has been conducted on the transition to environmentally friendly fuels in developed countries worldwide. However, there has been a significant lack of attention given to this crucial topic in developing countries. The study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing obstacles and prospects associated with transitioning to hydrogen fuel, with a specific focus on Vietnam. To achieve this objective, a rigorous SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis approach is employed, drawing upon an extensive literature review and the insights of selective experts in the field. Additionally, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to effectively prioritize the identified factors from the SWOT analysis through eigenvalue calculation. As a result, the weaknesses are the highest first-class priority factors, with “Dedicated infrastructure for the transition to hydrogen fuel” and “Technological capacity for converting to hydrogen fuel” taking the next priorities in the second class. The outcomes of this research serve as a valuable resource for Vietnam and other developing countries, guiding policy-making and practical applications in the pursuit of transitioning to hydrogen fuel. Furthermore, this paper establishes a robust framework that can guide future studies in this specific area of research.

TRANSFORMING CYBERSECURITY FOR RESILIENT SMART SERVICES - A CASE STUDY OF THE HAGUE

Cyber-attacks and adversarial threats to the digital operations of smart cities is a growing concern globally. To address the cybersecurity transformation needs and challenges of interdependent digital operations, the concept of cyber resilience is becoming increasingly significant. This article provides an insight on the concept of cyber resilience, depicts how urban resilience and cyber resilience are inter-related in the context of smart cities, and discusses the cyber resiliency engineering techniques that the enterprises need to consider for deploying cyber resilience capabilities in their digital operations. Finally, the initiatives at The Hague smart city, a cyber resilience leader, are highlighted as a case study to show how these practices can transform cybersecurity for enhancing resilience in smart services.

Tackling inventory losses of small accessories in engineering manufacturing: a case study of Euro Manufacturing

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand ABC analysis and develop a systematic approach using PDCA, analyze processes, technology, employee training and supplier relationships when analyzing shrink and developing solutions, evaluate how technology improves production inventory control and visibility and recognize the importance of fostering a culture of employee accountability and ownership to minimize inventory loss and improve overall operational efficiency. Case overview/synopsis On June 2, 2023, sitting in his office in Karachi, Pakistan, Khan Aamir, the manager of store and inventory at Euro Manufacturing, found himself immersed in a cloud of confusion. The incessant loss of inventory items, particularly the nut bolts and small accessories, had become a perplexing challenge. To address these losses and provide a cycle count report to the director of supply chain, Aamir, manager of store and inventory, was given the responsibility to take action. He was looking for a comprehensive approach to address the current problems and prevent further losses in the future. This case study examines the various reasons for the losses, including theft, inadequate inventory control methods, human error and problems with suppliers. It highlights the importance of established procedures, the use of technology (such as barcode scanning, radio-frequency identification tagging and inventory management software) and the cultivation of a culture of accountability among employees. Complexity academic level This case study is developed for class discussion in the course of operations management or supply chain management. This case study is suitable for use with undergrad students. This case study can be taught in a module on operations management or supply chain management, as part of a broader course in business management or industrial engineering. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS: 9: Operations and logistics.

Critical reagent considerations for immunogenicity assay development for bispecific biotherapeutic candidates.

Aim: To demonstrate the importance of critical reagent characterization for immunogenicity assay development for multi-specific drugs using two case studies. Methods: Bridging anti-drugantibody (ADA) assay with acid-dissociated samples were used for both cases. Results: In the first case study, the unexpected interference in an ADA assay from clinical samples was identified; a model was created to replicate the issue, and an anti-target antibody was identified to mitigate the target interference. In the second case study, an issue due to non-specific binding of a domain-specific confirmatory reagent was identified, and various mitigation techniques were evaluated. Conclusion: A thorough characterization of the critical reagents helped identify the issues with these ADA case studies and provided strategies for resolving them.

A framework for studying environmental statistics in developmental science.

Psychologists tend to rely on verbal descriptions of the environment over time, using terms like "unpredictable," "variable," and "unstable." These terms are often open to different interpretations. This ambiguity blurs the match between constructs and measures, which creates confusion and inconsistency across studies. To better characterize the environment, the field needs a shared framework that organizes descriptions of the environment over time in clear terms: as statistical definitions. Here, we first present such a framework, drawing on theory developed in other disciplines, such as biology, anthropology, ecology, and economics. Then we apply our framework by quantifying "unpredictability" in a publicly available, longitudinal data set of crime rates in New York City (NYC) across 15 years. This case study shows that the correlations between different "unpredictability statistics" across regions are only moderate. This means that regions within NYC rank differently on unpredictability depending on which definition is used and at which spatial scale the statistics are computed. Additionally, we explore associations between unpredictability statistics and measures of unemployment, poverty, and educational attainment derived from publicly available NYC survey data. In our case study, these measures are associated with mean levels in crime rates but hardly with unpredictability in crime rates. Our case study illustrates the merits of using a formal framework for disentangling different properties of the environment. To facilitate the use of our framework, we provide a friendly, step-by-step guide for identifying the structure of the environment in repeated measures data sets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Collaboration between care teams and care experts in home care nursing: A qualitative case study

Collaboration between care teams and care experts in home care nursing: A qualitative case study Abstract: Background: As a result of demographic change and the associated ageing population, the number of people affected by multimorbidity is increasing, and with it the complexity of home care nursing. In a home care nursing service (Spitex), care teams work with employees of different levels of competence. For support in complex situations, they can seek help from nursing experts (PEX). Aim: The aim was to investigate the collaboration between the care teams and the PEX of a regional Spitex organization and to work out measures for optimization. The research question was: "How do the care teams of a regional Spitex organization experience the collaboration with the nursing experts?" Methods: A qualitative case study design with four sub-cases was used to describe in detail how collaboration with PEX is experienced. Four Focus group interviews were evaluated using content analysis and cross-case analysis. Results: The Cross-Case analysis reveals the categories for optimal collaboration: present, professionally versatile, relieving in coordination tasks, supportive in complex situations. The following categories are categorized as disruptive factors in collaboration: varying levels of commitment, collaboration low priority and confusing. Conclusions: The PEX are to be made better known through targeted information dissemination. Implications for practice include the importance of presence and mutual understanding of roles so that collaboration is experienced as added value.

Greater aperture counteracts effects of reduced stomatal density on WUE: a case study on sugarcane and meta-analysis.

Stomata regulate CO2 and water vapor exchange between leaves and the atmosphere. Stomata are a target for engineering to improve crop intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE). One example is by expressing genes that lower stomatal density (SD) and reduce stomatal conductance (gsw). However, the quantitative relationship between reduced SD, gsw, and the mechanisms underlying it is poorly understood. We addressed this knowledge gap using low-SD sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) as a case study alongside a meta-analysis of data from 10 species. Transgenic expression of EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR 2 from Sorghum bicolor (SbEFP2) in sugarcane reduced SD by 26-38% but did not affect gsw compared to wildtype. Further, no changes occurred in stomatal complex size or proxies for photosynthetic capacity. Measurements of gas exchange at low CO2 concentrations that promote complete stomatal opening to normalize aperture size between genotypes were combined with modeling of maximum gsw from anatomical data. These data suggest that increased stomatal aperture is the only possible explanation for maintaining gsw when SD is reduced. Meta-analysis across C3 dicots, C3 monocots, and C4 monocots revealed engineered reductions in SD are strongly correlated with lower gsw (r2=0.60-0.98), but this response is damped relative to the change in anatomy.

Recaudo: a sustainable restaurant with roots in passion and entrepreneurship

Learning outcomes Upon completion of this case study, students will be able to understand Recaudo's contribution to sustainability; analyze circular economy principles in Recaudo's operations; understand Recaudo's contributions to Sustainable Development Goals; exploring Recaudo's role in social innovation. Case overview/synopsis The purpose of this case study is to understand sustainability practices in a Mexican microenterprise that employs fair trade, circular economy and local cuisine. Despite implementing these practices, the founder aims to expand impact and further professionalize them. The study poses questions to enhance her proposals in social innovation and aims to reach business schools and entrepreneurs initiating enterprises. Complexity academic level This case study can be useful for undergraduate students majoring in fields such as business administration, entrepreneurship, sustainability studies and hospitality management; for postgraduate students pursuing advanced degrees in areas like sustainable business management, social entrepreneurship and development studies; and for professionals and practitioners in the restaurant industry, sustainability consulting firms and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focusing on sustainable development. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Research on the construction and application of a smart library services maturity evaluation system based on CMM

Purpose Smart libraries are the result of the application of smart technologies in the era of digital intelligence. The establishment and improvement of its service evaluation system serve as indicators for evaluating the growth of smart libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces and improves the capability maturity model (CMM), creatively constructs a service maturity model specifically designed for smart libraries and combines the Delphi method with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to establish a service maturity evaluation system for smart libraries while calculating indicator weights. Finally, two representative smart libraries are selected as case studies, and an empirical application is conducted using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Findings The empirical study shows that the developed smart libraries service maturity evaluation system holds significant theoretical and practical value in evaluating smart libraries. Originality/value Enhances the CMM and creatively constructs a service maturity model for smart libraries. Combines the Delphi method with AHP to establish a service maturity evaluation system while calculating indicator weights. Uses a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate two representative smart libraries. Demonstrates that the smart library services maturity evaluation system holds significant theoretical and practical value.

Has the geography of collaborative spaces been affected by the pandemic? France as a case study

ABSTRACT This study investigates the potential devolution of collaborative spaces (CSs) to rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors driving this shift. Using a geolocalised database of French CSs and employing a spatial Durbin model, we found that the pandemic may have driven CS distribution towards less densely populated regions. Our study highlights the impact of the pandemic on economic landscapes and spatial patterns of shared workspaces, with implications for place-based policies and regional development. The results suggest that supporting CSs in remote areas with longer commuting times and distances can address the urban–rural divide, fostering territorial resilience in the post-pandemic era.

Psychology Recognition Week: A Blueprint for Recognizing and Promoting the Contributions of Psychology at Academic Health Centers.

It is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of psychologists at Academic Health Centers (AHCs). Recognition events can help attract, retain, and honor professionals who play essential roles in healthcare. This case study describes the establishment of a national Psychology Recognition Week in the Department of Veterans Affairs and offers a model for other AHCs looking to implement a similar initiative. This case study outlines several factors that contributed to the success of developing a recognition week, including the involvement of leadership at all levels, forming a planning committee, setting milestones, building infrastructure, and fostering partnerships.

The school principals' role in developing the professional capital of teachers: evidence from principals and teachers

PurposeAlthough building professional capital improves student learning and the effectiveness of schools in educating students, it needs to be explored in the area of primary schools in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the practices of primary school principals to develop the professional capital of teachers and the associated challenges.Design/methodology/approachA case study was used to collect data from nine teachers and five principals of Ethiopian primary schools using a maximum variation sampling. Data obtained from interviews and two focus groups were subjected to thematic analysis.FindingsPrincipals and teachers reported that to develop the human capital of teachers, principals provided teachers with opportunities to attend training, encouraged informal collaboration for professional improvement and encouraged the practice of continuous professional development programs. For the development of social capital among teachers, the principals also formed various social groups, encouraged frequent interactions between school stakeholders and created a caring school culture to strengthen the interactions between school stakeholders. For building the decision-making capital of teachers, principals promoted an environment in which teachers' professional judgment and wisdom are respected and so forth. The challenges to develop professional capital were related to teachers and principals, schools and education bureaus.Originality/valueBuilding teachers' professional capital increases school effectiveness, although primary schools still need to investigate this further. Therefore, by improving knowledge and information on approaches to building professional capital in teachers, this study is important to administrators and other relevant school stakeholders. This also helps principals transform their leadership behavior to be more pedagogical in leading teaching and learning and enhance teachers' ability to build and exercise effective social and professional behaviors towards their students in their daily practices.

Structurally informed psychodynamic theory case conceptualization: Expanding the conceptualization map.

There is a rich history of psychological movements that call upon the field to collaborate with clients to both acknowledge and resist oppression, as well as an increasing emphasis in professional guidelines on conceptualizing clients with attention to the role of the social and physical environment, to contemporary experience with power, privilege, and oppression, and to institutional barriers and related disparities. These calls indicate the need for psychological case conceptualization to move beyond preconceived assessments of which aspects of clients' identities are salient to them, to engage with clients' sociocultural identities as situated within systems of power and oppression, and to engage in advocacy to improve clients' socioenvironmental contexts and to challenge structural oppression. In this article, we attend to the foundational contributions of Black psychology, intersectionality, liberation psychology, Indigenous healing, and radical healing for using case conceptualization to guide structurally responsive and impactful treatment and advocacy. We then present a case example drawn from a composite of clinical encounters that captures client distress interwoven with structural forces such as addiction stigma, intersecting classism and sexism, White privilege, and caregiver leave policies. To demonstrate how to integrate structural forces with theory, we present how this case would be conceptualized utilizing psychodynamic frameworks infused with attention to the ways in which structural forces shape and perpetuate the client's distress. To move from naming to integrating structural competency in case conceptualization, psychotherapy training must address how structural forces shape how client distress develops and is maintained and necessitates advocacy outside of the session. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Soil Localized Leaching and Reclamation with Gypsum and Sulfuric Acid: A Case Study of Pistachio Orchard, Kerman-Iran

ABSTRACT Localized leaching method is a new reclamation leaching technique. Localized leaching method by using drip tapes allows water to be applied directly to the areas of salt accumulation. This study applied localized leaching method on a sandy loam soil in a pistachio orchard in Kerman, Iran to evaluate the impact of three treatments: adding gypsum soil remediation (G), soil remediation with sulfuric acid (SA) andirrigation water (IW) on soil remediation. Three treatments (IW, G and SA) in four repetitions were used to remove soluble salts from the Main Active Root Zone (MARZ) in a pistachio orchard which irrigated by a subsurface irrigation system. The localized leaching method consist of two T-tape pipelines at a distance of 40 cm located on both sides of the tree rows. Soil sampling was carried out before and after leaching from soil unit profiles with 80 cm (Length) × 120 cm (Depth) with 20 cm intervals. Concentrations of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) cations, and electrical conductivity (EC) were examined before and after leaching process. Results revealed that application of G-treatment compared to IW-treatment and SA-treatment led to more leaching of Na and Mg from the soil by 61% and 50%, respectively. The amount of leached Ca in both G-treatment and SA-treatments was less than that of IW-treatment. The leaching efficiency of total soluble salts for G, IW and SA treatments were 58%, 56% and 45%, respectively. Gypsum application could be recommended as a soil amendment. In addition, the localized leaching technique offers water-saving potential opposed to traditional leaching methods which applying water to the entire field.

Do textbooks provide opportunities to develop meaningful botanical literacy? A case study of the scientific model of plant nutrition

ABSTRACT Botanical literacy is a crucial component of science education, particularly in light of the contemporary socio-ecological challenges. However, the literature reports that, due to the phenomenon known as Plant Awareness Disparity (PAD), average botanical literacy is scant. Multiple factors influence the effectiveness of botanical education, including the quality of instructional materials teachers employ to support their instruction. Therefore, this study assesses the treatment of the Scientific Model of Plant Nutrition (SMPN) in seven commonly used Spanish Biology textbooks for secondary education to determine whether they foster a meaningful botanical literacy and empower students with the scientific competence needed to understand and make informed decisions regarding plant-related global challenges. The investigation evaluates four fundamental aspects: structure, conceptual content, images, and activities. Findings reveal that the analysed textbooks present PAD features; promote reproductive and superficial learning that fails to foster the construction of interrelated and scientifically accurate mental models of plant nutrition; include visual representations that do not always enhance learning; and propose tasks which are insufficient to develop the scientific skills and competence pursued by current science teaching-learning. The implications of this research on botanical literacy and teaching-learning of the SMPN are discussed, and measures to enhance educational materials are proposed.

Analyzing transformational role of black women entrepreneurs in Brazilian beauty sector

Purpose This study aims to explore the concept of transformational entrepreneurship (TE), which is relevant in emerging economies such as Brazil with its elevated level of unemployment, taxes and interest rates along with elevated levels of institutional voids, and how firms are including purpose as part of their goals and strategies. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a multiple case study of six Afro-entrepreneurs, participants of a consulting project from Sebrae, the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service, a private entity that promotes the competitiveness and sustainable development of micro and small business enterprises (Sebrae, 2022). Findings This work studied the transformational power of entrepreneurship and how six beauty salons led by black women have the ability to not only generate income but also contribute to social and cultural aspects. Practical implications This work demonstrates how TE has the potential to improve the lives of a population that has historically been marginalized and faces the lived consequences of socioeconomic discrimination. Originality/value This paper provides valuable contributions through a case study of transformational, ethnic and women’s entrepreneurship, not very explored in the literature.