Comparative Case Study Analysis Research Articles

Development of a Methodological Framework for Measuring Energy Performance of Urban Patterns in New Egyptian Communities (Toward Achieving Sustainable Urban Regeneration)

The concept of Sustainable Urban Regeneration/Retrofitting (SUR) is considered a promising approach for addressing most of the current environmental issues. Developed countries have shown a growing interest in achieving SUR in consistence with raising the efficiency of urban performance. Since the energy sector greatly impacts urban development, it is necessary to adapt new approaches & frameworks (FW) to activate Energy Efficiency (EE) in planning a new, not just Egyptian settlement. Enhancing Energy Performance of Urban Patterns (EPUP) is achieved by: (i) controlling energy consumption of urban patterns; & (ii) pursuing energy self-sufficiency. Egypt still confronts major challenges in how to manage growing consumption rates in a way that is not commensurate with the rates of growth of local production. Practical case studies confirmed the failure in applying the principles of EE in most urban pattern of new cities. Therefore, the research problem is formulated as: the current urban planning methodology in Egypt fails to consider EPUP. Consequently, this research aimed to develop a comprehensive Methodological Framework for Energy Performance Measures (MFEPM) of spatial urban patterns of new Egyptian communities. The MFEPM was developed based on the analysis of relevant Literature & comparative analysis of SUR case studies & tools, resulting in a set of indicators (checklist) to measure & minimize EE of the main urban systems forming the diverse urban patterns. Next, the suitability of the checklist for the Egyptian context was improved based on national strategies & guidelines, and through questionnaires with local stakeholders. Then, the MFEPM was tested on urban pattern samples from new Egyptian cities through an extensive qualitative analysis with GIS tools. Finally, the MFEPM will be integrated into the strategic urban planning methodology adopted by the researcher. The MFEPM assists decision makers to apply the concept of contingency planning through developing more efficient interventions to cope with the dynamic urban context.

244.10: Health System Barriers and Facilitators to Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Tale of Two States With the Highest and Lowest Rates

Purpose: Current efforts to increase living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) entails identifying patient-level barriers and little is known about barriers that exist at the level of the health systems. The provision of transplantation in Canada is at the provincial level and there is wide variability in LDKT performance across different provinces. We aimed to learn and compare health systems with the best and the worst performance in LDKT, and to identify health system-level barriers to LDKT. Methods: This study took the form of a comparative case study analysis. Case study research is an in-depth and non-interventional examination of a single case over time using retrospective and contemporary data. Data collection entailed semi-structured interviews, document review, and participant observation. Data were analyzed thematically to generate themes surrounding the attributes and processes of a health system that facilitate the delivery of LDKT to patients, and those that create barriers. Results: In the best-performing province of Canada, five themes emerged as facilitators to the delivery of LDKT to patients. The relationship between two provincial organizations (a regional transplant and a regional nephrology order) was identified as key to enabling the mandate and processes for LDKT. On the other hand, in the worst-performing province, similar themes emerged as barriers to LDKT. Barriers were identified at the levels of organizational coordination, professional knowledge, resources, geography, and governance. Particularly, inconsistent coordination between regional clinics and transplant centers and poor role definition was seen to hinder and delay care processes. Conclusion: By comparing two health systems with variable rates of LDKT, we have identified several real-world health system-level barriers to the delivery of LDKT to patients. Many of these barriers are modifiable and have implications for practitioners, policymakers, administrators, and patients. This work is supported by a Gift of Life Institute Clinical Faculty Development Research Grant from the American Society of Transplantation and a Health Research Grant, Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Structural, governance, & regulatory incentives for improved utility performance: A comparative analysis of electric utilities in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda

Public utilities in most African countries have failed to deliver adequate, reliable, and competitively priced electricity to support economic growth and improve the welfare of their populations. Despite more than two decades of power sector reforms, outcomes have been varied and often disappointing. A comparative case study analysis of electric utilities in three East African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda) explores the drivers of utility performance. Findings show that Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited performed the worst. Kenya Power performed better, while Umeme is the most financially sustainable of the three utilities. However, this ranking among the three utilities is inconsistent across all performance measures. PSP is widespread and brings in much-needed investments in generation and distribution. Countries that restructured their power systems have reduced conflicts of interest, enabled deeper management focus, improved transparency and accountability, and built institutional capacity that translates into improved utility performance. One of our major conclusions is that despite improved governance in market-oriented power markets, consistent regulatory decision-making for cost-reflective tariffs and adequate indexation is still necessary to guarantee financial viability and sustainability.

Hybrid Threats and Counter-Hybrid Solutions: A Comparative Case Study Analysis of Croatia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Hybrid threats are not new security challenges, but they are becoming more and more pronounced, primarily due to the situation in Ukraine, where multiple hybrid activities are underway by Russia. As central actors in the European security architecture, the European Union and NATO recognise that both organisations, their member states and other countries in Europe are exposed to various forms of hybrid threats. However, this ability to recognise hybrid threats and especially the development of counter-hybrid solutions is an open question for some smaller countries. In order to investigate the above, this paper focuses on hybrid threats and counter-hybrid solutions by analysing the state of affairs in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our goal is to explore this area and answer the following research questions: What hybrid threats are Croatia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina exposed to? How do they deal with them? What counter-hybrid solutions are being developed?

Mapping and assessing ecosystem services in Europe's Overseas: A comparative analysis of MOVE case studies

Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) has been widely applied on the European Union (EU) mainland, whereas the EU Overseas entities still bear potential for implementation. This paper presents novel applications of the MAES procedure in the EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories ("EU Overseas"). Eight case studies from different geographical areas were analysed through a comparative assessment by applying an established framework following key steps in the MAES process, in order to stipulate lessons learned and recommendations for MAES in the EU Overseas. These key steps include the identification of policy questions, stakeholder networks and involvement, application of MAES methods, dissemination and communication and implementation. The case studies were conducted and analysed under the umbrella of the EU MOVE pilot project, including the Azores, the Canary Islands, Saint Martin, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion Island and the Falkland Islands. Each case study represented different governance, policy and decision-making frameworks towards biodiversity and environmental protection. Case studies predominantly addressed the policy domains of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation and Marine and Maritime Policy. Ecosystem Services (ES) were assessed across a wide range of themes, biomes and scales, focusing on terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. Results show that the implementation of the case studies was accompanied by extensive communication and dissemination activities. First success stories were visible, where the MAES exercise led to meaningful uptake of the ES concept to policies and decision-making. Yet, there is still work to be done - major bottlenecks were identified related to the MAES implementation centring around financial resources, training and technical expertise. Addressing these aspects can contribute to an enhanced implementation of MAES in the EU Overseas in the future.

Regional landscape planning for the innovation of urban planning. Municipal implementation of the city-country pact in Apulia

The adoption of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) has wrought a profound evolution in the landscape planning discipline, contributing to the integration of the landscape into planning policy. This paper explores the operative significance of including the landscape dimension in local urban planning policies. Adopting an inter-scalar approach, the research analyses the renewal of local urban planning in light of the innovations introduced by the Apulia Regional Landscape Plan (PPTR), an exemplary case of ELC implementation in Italy. One of the spatial strategies indicated in the PPTR provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between the city and the countryside. That strategy, the City-Country Pact, interacts with urban transformations and, as a result, with municipal planning. The paper utilises PPTR indicators to explore how some Apulian municipalities interpret and implement the City-Country Pact. A comparative analysis of case studies outlines the approaches and conditions by which urban planning can effectively renew itself through the ELC landscape approach, influencing plan philosophy, regulations and practices. The paper also points out the current limitations of such processes.

Rehabilitation of Mass Housing as a Contribution to Social Equality: Insights from the East-West European Academic Dialogue

Mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN) represent the leading pattern of urban transformation and expansion in the second half of the 20th century, and accordingly evaluation, regeneration and redesign of the MHN represent a necessary and challenging task in the contemporary research context. In the practical scope of MHN rehabilitation, various holistic approaches and design strategies are identified that affirm both ecological transition and social transformation of these urban settings. However, the level of application of such approaches across Europe varies greatly, and requires research initiatives of a comparative nature that open a cross-geographical debate at the European level. Although there is a series of evidence-based studies that define the conceptual framework of MHN, i.e., large-scale housing settlements, through historical-interpretative and chronological analyses, the academic debate on practical and feasible MHN rehabilitation and their sustainable integration into the urban development of cities at European level is underdeveloped. The specific objective of this paper is to establish preliminary insights into the current level of MHN rehabilitation and to identify challenges for further actions through (1) a comparative analysis of MHN role models from the second half of 20th century, and through (2) insights from an implemented expert questionnaire. The research engages a comparative case study analysis as the primary method and analyses MHN in Germany (as a representative of Western Europe) and in the two ex-Yugoslav countries, North Macedonia and Serbia (as representatives of Eastern Europe). This research has highlighted the main obstacles and challenges for MHN rehabilitation and demonstrated the importance of a multiscale approach to MHN analysis, having in mind that through the distribution of design values at the analysed spatial levels (neighbourhood level, building level, and apartment level) the application of affirmative indicators within different design values group is recognised.

Opportunities and barriers: social studies in the absence of mandated curriculum

PurposeThis study sought to identify teachers' overall experiences in teaching social studies, the considerations they make in planning and implementing social studies lessons in the absence of mandated curriculum, approaches to social studies instruction and the role of legislation on social studies instruction.Design/methodology/approachTwo practicing teachers at different grade levels participated in this study to allow for comparative case study analysis. Teachers were observed teaching social studies lessons and then were interviewed to gain an understanding of their perspectives on teaching social studies at the elementary level and the role that administrative and legislative messaging played in their decision-making.FindingsThe lack of a scripted and formal program for social studies created opportunities for teacher autonomy and content integration in lessons. This is especially true for teachers that place a high value on social studies content and skills. Persistent issues, such as limited time and mandated testing pressures, continue to create barriers that teachers must work to overcome.Originality/valueSince teachers play a critical role in the enactment of policy and curriculum, when a formal curriculum program is absent, opportunities arise. Control of the classroom and inherent messaging therein continues to create a high value battleground. When teachers are given the autonomy to set lesson outcomes, opportunities for quality instruction, such as project based learning and content integration, are possible.

A Comparative Analysis of State Implementation of the Community First Choice Program.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act included Community First Choice (CFC), a new optional Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) state plan benefit which states could adopt. Through the CFC program, states can provide expanded home and community-based attendant services and supports to older adults and persons with disabilities. A benefit of CFC is that states receive a higher federal match rate than other HCBS programs. Thus far, eights states have adopted CFC. This comparative case study analysis examines state-level implementation of CFC to identify what facilitated implementation and what created challenges. The results suggest that consulting with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services facilitated implementation while existing programs, insufficient engagement with stakeholders, aggressive timelines, and limited staff resources presented challenges. Based on these findings, states may want to consider how they approach implementing expansions or enhancements to HCBS benefits under the American Rescue Plan Act.

From commons to resilience grabbing: Insights from historically-oriented social anthropological research on African peasants

AbstractThis paper aims to show the relevance that institutions governing common-pool resources (CPRs) play in peasant resilience. It outlines nine variables for resilience taken from socio-economic and ecological anthropological theories focusing on subsistence and minimax strategies and used for the comparative historical analysis of African case studies. These include drylands (Morocco, Ghana), semi-arid areas (Sierra Leone, Malawi, Tanzania) and wetlands (Cameroon, Kenya, Zambia). The variables could be found under pre-colonial common property but were no longer operating during colonial and postcolonial institutional change from common to state property and privatisation via land grabbing, leading to commons and resilience grabbing.

Comparative case study analysis of conventional and solar energy systems

Energy management is the process for the conservation of energy as energy consumption tends to rise day by day, as energy demand rises. The process involved is to determine when, where, why, and how energy is used in a plant or building. This paper aims to carry out electrical load management in organizations /domestic/industries. The main objective is to evaluate the use of Electrical energy in an organization for different appliances and determine the opportunities for energy saving with energy-efficient equipment or techniques to make it more energy-efficient. This paper presents mathematical modeling, examination, and analysis for the institution and estimates the savings obtained by switching from a conventional energy source to a solar energy source.

Critically evaluating the purported global “boom” in small hydropower development through spatial and temporal analysis

Due to a rapid proliferation of small hydropower (SHP) in many parts of the world, a purported boom in SHP development globally has captured significant attention in recent research. While SHP is expanding rapidly in distinct places, the global landscape is more varied. Some regions are experiencing a plateau or even declines through decommissioning efforts. To date, research has predominantly drawn on national level data to interrogate empirical outcomes of the pronounced global boom in SHP development. National level data, however, can obscure spatiotemporal variations, which are critical for understanding empirical complexities. We argue, the notion of a boom, particularly when applied without spatial or temporal context, can be problematic for adequately understanding a range of dynamics inherent within SHP planning, development, distribution, and empirical outcomes. Given regional differences, there is a need to critically investigate spatiotemporal dimensions of SHP development. Accordingly, we offer a multi-regional comparative case study analysis of SHP in four distinct regions: West and Northeast United States, Southwestern China, Central and Southern Chile, and Central Nepal. Our research interrogates patterns of spatial distribution by focusing on concentrated hotspots and considers temporal dynamics through the lens of timepeaks. This approach allows for an effective capture of empirical complexities bound in ongoing SHP development (and decommissioning). We discover rates of growth and/or decline in SHP development vary substantially depending on both spatiotemporal criteria. Resulting spatial and temporal patterns and processes can be holistically analyzed to better understand empirical outcomes for policy makers, development practitioners, and environmental planners.

The imperative of state capacity in public health crisis: Asia's early COVID-19 policy responses.

Preexisting political institutions influence governments' responses to public health crises in different ways, creating national variations. This article investigates how state capacity, a country's fundamental ability to organize bureaucracy and allocate societal resources, affects the timing and configuration of governments' COVID‐19 policy responses. Through comparative case study analysis of five of China's neighboring countries early in the COVID‐19 crisis, the paper shows that more‐capable states (Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan) initiated crisis response faster, mobilized national resources more extensively, and utilized diverse policy tools when the virus risk level was still low. In contrast, low‐capacity states (Thailand and Indonesia) were more reactive in handling the crisis, limited their focus to border‐related measures, and were more constrained in the types of tools they could employ. The paper points to the importance of studying the COVID‐19 response process rather than the outcome (i.e., confirmed cases/deaths) when unpacking the impacts of political institutions in public health crises.

The Role of UN Peace Operations in Security Sector Reform and the Relationship with the Protection of Civilians

Abstract Security sector reform and the protection of civilians are regular features within United Nations (UN) peace operations. However, the two areas are often distinct from one another in the mandates of missions. What then is the relationship between Security Sector Reform (ssr) and the Protection of Civilians (PoC) in contemporary missions and how does ssr impact PoC? This article aims to draw out this relationship by conducting a comparative case study analysis based on three missions that all combine a ssr and PoC mandate: the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (minusma), the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (minusca) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (monusco). The case studies provide a variety of examples which demonstrate elements of both convergence and divergence in the implementation of ssr and PoC. With ssr often taking place in a context of armed conflict, the current focus on human rights training and accountability is insufficient as the missions fail to achieve long-term ssr goals and instead must prioritise PoC due to the actions of the host states.

Decarbonization in state-owned power companies: Lessons from a comparative analysis

A rapid decarbonization of the electricity system is urgently required for the Paris Agreement objectives to stand a reasonable chance of being met. While state-owned power companies (SPCs) are the dominant firm type in the global electricity sector, representing nearly two thirds of global electric power generation capacity, most climate policy literature focuses on private sector companies when analyzing decarbonization interventions. SPCs’ distinct corporate governance structures, objectives, relationships with government, and sources of finance, however, can be markedly different from those of private companies. Here, we develop a framework for analyzing the extent to which common and divergent features of SPCs, and the markets in which they operate, affect their relationship to government interventions on decarbonization. We also consider the implications of these relationships for the effective implementation of sector-wide decarbonization strategies. We then apply this framework using a comparative case study analysis of six major SPCs, and highlight how differences in their agency, motivation, capacity, and market exposure may result in different potential responsiveness to government regulatory, policy and market interventions on decarbonization. We generalize these findings by developing four SPC archetypes and illustrate how they might respond differently to government interventions targeting decarbonization. Our analysis posits that SPCs can, under the guidance of governments pursuing ambitious climate policy, be more effective vehicles for decarbonization relative to private sector companies, particularly when they operate with a high degree of operational independence, are insulated from competitive pressures, and have the financial and technical capacity to invest in the decarbonization of their asset base. Similarly, market-wide policy interventions, such as carbon pricing mechanisms, could in practice be less effective interventions with respect to SPCs than their private counterparts when the SPC is ill-equipped to translate these incentives into decarbonization action because it is mandated to pursue supplementary objectives other than profit maximization alone. Ultimately, governments will need to step up their climate action to achieve carbon neutrality. SPCs can, and where they are major market players, must be key actors in driving decarbonization when the appropriate interventions are utilized and therefore deserve significantly more attention in the climate policy debate.

Intersectoral collaboration at a decentralized level: information flows in child welfare and healthcare networks

BackgroundAs needs of families with social and behavioral health problems often exceed the expertise and possibilities of a single professional, service or organization, cross-service collaboration is indispensable to adequately meeting those needs. Despite the progressive focus on organizing integrated care, service fragmentation and service duplication remain persistent problems in child welfare and healthcare service delivery systems. A crucial factor to overcome these problems is information exchange between organizations. This study explores and compares the development over time of structures of information exchange in networks, concerning both material and knowledge-based information.MethodsA comparative case study and social network analysis of three inter-organizational networks of child welfare and healthcare services in different-sized municipalities in the Netherlands. The research population consisted of organizations from various sectors participating in the networks. Data were collected at two moments in time with a mixed method: semi-structured interviews with network managers and an online questionnaire for all network members. Density and degree centralization were used to examine the information exchange structures. Ucinet was used to analyze the data, with use of the statistical tests: Compare Density Procedure and Quadratic Assignment Procedure.ResultsThis study shows that different structures of information exchange can be distinguished, concerning both material and knowledge-based information. The overall connectedness of the studied structures of the networks are quite similar, but the way in which the involvement is structured turns out to be different between the networks. Over time, the overall connectedness of those structures appears to be stable, but the internal dynamics reveals a major change in relationships between organizations in the networks.ConclusionsOur study yields empirical evidence for the existence of and the differences between structures and dynamics of both material and knowledge-based information exchange relationships. With a loss of more than a half of the relations in a year, the relationships between the organizations in the network are not very stable over time. The contrast between major internal dynamics and the stable overall connectedness is an important point of concern for network managers and public officials, since this impermanence of relations means that long-term integrated care cannot be guaranteed.

Characterization of multilevel influences of mental health care transitions: a comparative case study analysis

PurposeMental health care transitions are increasingly prioritized given their potential to optimize care delivery and patient outcomes, especially those focused on the transition from inpatient to outpatient mental health care. However, limited efforts to date characterize such mental health transition practices, especially those spanning multiple service setting contexts. Examination of key influences of inpatient to outpatient mental health care transitions across care contexts is needed to inform ongoing and future efforts to improve mental health care transitions. The current work aims to characterize multilevel influences of mental health care transitions across three United States-based mental health system contexts.MethodsA comparative multiple case study design was used to characterize transition practices within the literature examining children’s, non-VA adult, and VA adult service contexts. Andersen’s (1995) Behavioral Health Service Use Model was applied to identify and characterize relevant distinct and common domains of focus in care transitions across systems.ResultsSeveral key influences to mental health care transitions were identified spanning the environmental, individual, and health behavior domains, including: community capacity or availability, cross-system or agency collaboration, provider training and experience related to mental health care transitions, client care experience and expectations, and client clinical characteristics or complexity.ConclusionsSynthesis illustrated several common factors across system contexts as well as unique factors for further consideration. Our findings inform key considerations and recommendations for ongoing and future efforts aiming to plan, expand, and better support mental health care transitions. These include timely information sharing, enhanced care coordination and cross setting and provider communication, continued provider/client education, and appropriate tailoring of services to improve mental health care transitions.

DESIGNING FLEXIBLE OPEN SPACES WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS FOR A RESILIENT BEIRUT - CASE STUDY OF RMEIL MEDAWAR DISTRICT

A news supplement produced by UNDP “Peace Building in Lebanon”, distributed along with An-Nahar newspaper had published in its December 2020 issue an article entitled “Urban Vacant Parcels as Opportunities to Reclaim Public Spaces in Times of Crises and Austerity” highlighting on the following: While Lebanon experiences a multiple crises and people are struggling more every day, solidarities are urgently needed and spaces where people can meet and connect would play a key role in this matter. Adding that Beirut, the capital, is considered a dense and rapidly urbanizing city, where shared spaces are scant, poorly designed, and ill managed. The current situation and stresses have contributed to the degradation of the urban environment and transformed neighborhoods in drastic ways at the expense of public life. However, the neighborhoods comprise a lot of vacant properties (built and inbuilt) includes public staircases, pedestrian alleys and building entrances neglected gardens and parks that holds a valuable opportunity for rethinking the public spaces. The aim of the study is developing design guidelines to obtain flexible open spaces and achieve urban resilience in densely populated areas using green technology. The main objective of the study is to enhance cities’ resilient factors through applying urban interventions into the public realm elements that contribute to achieving flexible open spaces, to identify the applicable green technologies that are most suitable for creating energy- producing open spaces in highly dense areas, and to achieve a balance between the aesthetic aspects of spaces and the needs and perceptions of residents using the participatory design approach. This paper is based on literature review, analytical quantitative study. In addition to a comparative analysis of international case studies done that helps in deducing the convenient tools that can be relied upon in the case of Beirut. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that urban interventions based on modern technologies that are considered supporters to the urban lifestyle, i.e., green technology that involve: environmentally friendly, self-replenishing and non-polluting sources can work on stimulating the spatial practices and the public life through facilitating sustainable development for physically damaged congested – historic Beirut’s neighborhoods.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD SECURITY IN UKRAINE: INNOVATIVE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC POLICY AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN HIGHLY COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

The article is devoted to the analysis of challenges and opportunities for food security in Ukraine in the conditions of globalization, military conflict, COVID-19 pandemic and other threats. The author examines the innovative principles of public policy that can contribute to the improvement of food security at the national and regional levels, as well as to the contribution of Ukraine to the global food security. The author uses the methods of comparative analysis, statistical analysis, case study and SWOT analysis. The author reveals that food security in Ukraine depends on many factors, such as economic development, political stability, social justice, environmental sustainability, scientific and technological progress, cultural diversity and so on. The author also identifies the main problems and risks that threaten food security in Ukraine, such as low productivity of agriculture, high dependence on import, insufficient quality and safety of food products, uneven access to resources and food, underfunding of research and innovation, corruption and inefficiency of public administration. The author proposes the innovative principles of public policy that can help solve these problems and improve the situation with food security in Ukraine. These principles include: creating a national system of monitoring and early warning of food threats, developing sustainable agricultural production, diversifying production and markets, increasing competitiveness and innovativeness of cultural and creative industries, strengthening the participation and accountability of citizens and civil society in the cultural sphere, as well as using the experience and best practices of other countries. The author develops recommendations and suggestions for the implementation of these principles of public policy in Ukraine, in particular regarding the involvement of all stakeholders, forming a strategic vision and goals, defining priorities and resources, introducing effective mechanisms of coordination and control, as well as applying modern technologies and tools for monitoring and evaluation of results.

Creating Extraordinary From Ordinary: High Resource Efficiency of Underdog Entrepreneurs and Its Mechanism.

Existing theory has not documented the potential benefits of facing the challenges of underdog entrepreneurs, who may succeed unexpectedly. This research explains why, and under what circumstances, the underdog status of entrepreneurs can promote entrepreneurial success rather than just hinder it. We predict that the underdog effect has the potential to boost entrepreneurial resource efficiency when entrepreneurs hold an incremental (vs. entity) theory, enter a low-barrier (vs. high-barrier) industry, and are in a favorable (vs. unfavorable) business environment. Study 1 provides support for the positive relationship between underdog status and resource efficiency through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, which is accompanied by a moderating effect of the implicit theory, industry context, and business environment. The data was obtained from two nationwide surveys. By extending a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of multiple case studies, Study 2 reveals support for a synergistic effect of the above factors. Our research results examine the assumption that perceiving underdog status is detrimental and offer meaningful insights into why and when underdog entrepreneurs have good performance in entrepreneurial resource efficiency. We provide a psychological and behavioral explanation for the underdog effect, extending the underdog effect theory to the field of entrepreneurship for the first time from the perspective of the actors. Finally, theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed by indicating the limitations of the research.