Comparative Case Study Methodology Research Articles

Inbound Tourism in the Economic Development of the Inland Small Economies: the Case of Botswana, Moldova, and Nepal

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the contribution of inbound tourism to the economic development of small inland economies, with a focus on the cases of Botswana, Moldova, and Nepal. Theoretical Framework: The research is supported by indicators from the UNWTO and World Bank, which provide a solid basis for understanding the research: tourist arrivals, revenue generated by tourism, tourism's contribution to GDP, employment in the tourism sector and investment in tourism infrastructure. Method: A mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data, is employed, as well as a comparative case study methodology, to explore the ways in which these countries utilize tourism to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods and promote sustainability. Results and Discussion: The results obtained demonstrate the considerable influence of tourism on GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings in these countries. Botswana's emphasis on nature tourism, Moldova's flourishing cultural and wine tourism, and Nepal's adventure and spiritual tourism provides insights into the diverse approaches to tourism development in these countries. Research Implications: The results emphasize the necessity for the implementation of a tailored strategy for each of these economies, which successfully balances economic benefits with environmental protection and the promotion of social inclusion. By adopting best practices and addressing existing challenges, Botswana, Moldova, and Nepal can optimize the economic impact of tourism and achieve sustainable growth. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the literature by taking an innovative approach to the development factors of small inland economies through inbound tourism, including the importance of strategic planning, policy coherence, infrastructure development and community involvement.

"It's an Odyssey:" Centering Mexican and Central American Immigrant Entrepreneurs in an Examination of County-Level Sanctuary

Using a comparative case study methodology, this research explores how Mexican and Central American immigrant entrepreneurs in two types of county-level sanctuary contexts (limited and robust) operate their enterprises. Through interviews with 48 small-scale entrepreneurs and 52 organizational contacts facilitated in part through lead local community partners, the study explores entrepreneurs’ perceptions of sanctuary as a factor affecting their business decisions. Self-employment and business registration data from the American Community Survey (ACS) provide context for the narratives. This research suggests that sanctuary policy has an indirect but contributing effect on entrepreneurs’ decision-making and livelihoods. Interviews substantiate the key roles federal and state policy play in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for immigrants at the county level across sanctuary types. The research illuminates the multi-scalar environment in which immigrant entrepreneurs are embedded and the strategic choices they make with the tools at their disposal. Key recommendations for business ecosystems—including an emphasis on access to driver’s licenses and culturally responsive, multilingual resources—are highlighted. The insights of entrepreneurs deepen understanding of existing theory about immigrant entrepreneurship and the effects of sanctuary policy on immigrant choices.

The Impact of Status Quo Bias on Monetary Policy Decision-Making: A Case Study of the 2008 Financial Crisis

This research examines the role of status quo bias in shaping monetary policy decision-making during the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the responses of the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB). Status quo bias, a cognitive bias that leads individuals and institutions to resist change, often results in delayed decisions and sub-optimal outcomes. This study employs a comparative case study methodology, analyzing the timing and nature of central bank interventions, such as interest rate cuts and quantitative easing during the crisis. By systematically reviewing policy actions and utilizing qualitative content analysis, the research identifies how status quo bias contributed to delayed responses and inadequate adjustments. The findings indicate that while the Federal Reserve, despite initial hesitation, quickly implemented unconventional measures that helped stabilize the U.S. economy, the ECB's adherence to traditional frameworks led to critical delays, resulting in a slower recovery in the Eurozone. These insights underscore the significant influence of cognitive biases on monetary policy, with implications for future crisis management strategies. Addressing the effects of status quo bias could lead to more agile and adaptive central banking policies, ultimately enhancing economic resilience during times of crisis.

Strategic innovation and competitive advantage: A comparative analysis of different industries

This study offers a full comprehension of the correlation between strategic innovation and competitive advantage within a range of businesses. The primary objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis that compares various tactics, methods, and best practices utilized by firms in order to acquire and maintain a competitive edge within the current dynamic business environment. The study used a qualitative comparative case study methodology. The primary data collection method involved the utilization of semi-structured interviews with key informants who hold significant positions inside firms operating in the chosen industries. Those interviewed consisted of senior executives, innovation leaders, and experts who possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to offer valuable insights into strategic innovation efforts and their influence on competitive advantage. Findings suggest that pharmaceutical businesses allocate substantial resources towards research and development endeavors to explore and advance novel pharmaceutical compounds and therapeutic interventions. The strategic innovation strategy of the pharmaceutical business emphasizes the significance of continuous investment in research and development, adept handling of regulatory obstacles, and the strategic administration of intellectual property. Retailers who successfully adapt to the digital era are able to enhance their competitive advantage by providing customers with convenient, personalized, and efficient purchasing experiences.

Accessing the Impact of Policy Reforms on the Rights to Education: A Comparative Study of Emerging and Developed Economies (Nigeria and the U.S. )

This study examined the impact of education policy reforms on the right to education in emerging and developed economies, focusing on Nigeria and the United States. It analyzed how policy interventions shaped access to education, the quality of educational outcomes, and equity in both countries. The key research questions investigated the effectiveness of education reforms in improving access, addressing regional and socioeconomic disparities, and ensuring quality education. The study adopted a comparative case study methodology, analyzing secondary data, policy documents, and education statistics from both nations. Theoretical frameworks such as Human Capital Theory and a rights-based approach to education were used to evaluate the policies' impact. Findings revealed that while Nigeria made significant strides in increasing school enrollment through policies like the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, it struggled with quality, funding, and regional disparities. In contrast, the U.S. achieved widespread access to education but faced persistent challenges related to racial and socioeconomic inequities, influenced by the shortcomings of standardized testing and uneven funding allocation. The study’s implications suggested that addressing policy implementation, funding, and equity issues is essential for advancing the right to education. Recommendations were provided to strengthen reforms, improve funding mechanisms, and promote equitable access to quality education in both contexts.

Enabling and constraining ‘vulnerability ready’ teachers in mentee–mentor relations

ABSTRACT Becoming a teacher is complex and relies on productive relations forged in practicum contexts that support expressions of uncertainty. Supportive mentor–mentee practices are integral to enabling relationships that can nurture expressions of vulnerability in workplace learning. However, workplace conditions are affected by the sociocultural arrangements that shape how relationships are enabled and constrained, affecting how preservice teachers (PST) perceive and respond to expressions of vulnerability. The added requirement of a teacher performance assessment to endorse PSTs to the profession adds another layer of complexity to expressions of uncertainty. When performative demands are framed within social conditions, educators can feel powerless to act agentically in response to these demands and be less likely to express their vulnerabilities. Drawing on the theory of practice architectures and adopting a comparative case study methodology, two cases of learning teaching in open-plan learning classrooms are examined. Expressions of vulnerability are grounded in the stories of PSTs’ practicum relations they build with mentors to legitimise their readiness for classrooms. Conditions that enabled dialogue, interactions and collaboration support an openness to expressions of vulnerability in early career experiences, shaping resilience as vulnerability-ready agency as teachers. However, findings also highlight constraining elements of practicum learning that limit PSTs’ transformation and may be supported by a thinking-feeling praxis.

Mitigating the Problem of Local Extinction through Pilot Operation of the Gyeongbuk Theme City: Focusing on a comparative analysis between Kawaba Village and the Bu-Ul-Gyeong megacity†

As of 2023, over half of South Korea's 228 regions face population extinction, despite substantial local government efforts. This study examines why the "Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) Megacity" initiative failed to address this issue. By analyzing the successful revitalization of Kawaba village in Japan, which attracted more than 2.5 million tourists, this study proposes an innovative solution tailored to South Korea—the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park." This project aims to revitalize the Gyeongbuk region's economy and reverse population decline, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 11: "Sustainable Cities and Communities."This study uses a comparative case study methodology to analyze the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Megacity initiative and Kawaba Village. Data collection involved a review of policy documents and academic literature for the former and fieldwork, including interviews and observations, for the latter. The key participants included local government officials and employees in Kawaba Village. Insights from Kawaba were applied to design the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park," which integrates successful elements from Kawaba's model while addressing the shortcomings of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong initiative.The Bu-Ul-Gyeong initiative failed because of a lack of economic revitalization planning, insufficient community engagement, and poor cooperation between governments. Kawaba village succeeded in establishing partnerships, fostering local enterprises, and maintaining effective government communication. These factors are critical in overcoming challenges in regional development.This study proposes the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park," a rotating, seasonal attraction across four cities, emphasizing local specialties and resident participation. This project aims to increase population inflow and establish sustainable agricultural enterprises, contributing to the economic revitalization of the Gyeongbuk region.

International perspectives on cultivating high-quality bachelor's degrees in vocational education: Insights, experiences, and practices from overseas universities

Cultivating high-quality technical and skilled professionals is essential for building a modern economic system and ensuring there is a balance between workforce supply and demand. Currently, there are various challenges associated with pilot programs offering undergraduate-level vocational education in China, including unbalanced training structures, limited curricular diversity, and inadequate systemic coordination. To address these issues, in this study, we employed a comparative case study methodology to examine the practices of several esteemed overseas universities in developing high-quality, undergraduate-level programs in vocational education. We systematically analyzed the training objectives, curriculum design, and support systems of these programs and categorized the associated practices as research-oriented, practice-oriented, and integration-oriented models. Drawing on the valuable insights revealed by this study will support China's goal of developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

JAMINAN INDUSTRI HALAL DI NEGARA SINGAPURA DAN TAIWAN

Purpose: This study examines and compares the halal assurance processes in Indonesia, Taiwan, and Singapore. In addition, this study aims to assess the consequences of each system on the growth of the halal sector on a global and regional scale. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research utilises a comparative case study methodology with a qualitative approach. Through the investigation of official documents, data was collected. Regulations, certification requirements, and industry reports from each country were analyzed in the documents. Manufacturers, customers, and representatives from halal certification authorities were interviewed. To gain a first-hand understanding of the certification process and the application of regulations, field observations were also conducted. Findings: The findings show that Singapore, Taiwan, and Indonesia have different strategies for implementing halal assurance. Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) in Singapore operates a rigorous and globally renowned certification program. Taiwan concentrates on food and cosmetic products through the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA). With the support of the world's largest Muslim community, Indonesia, the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), has established a comprehensive and integrated system. These different strategies affect the efficacy of halal products and consumer confidence in each country. Research Implications: The results of this study show how harmonization of international halal certification and standards can improve consumer confidence and increase international trade in halal goods. In addition, by incorporating best practices from other countries, policymakers and industry players can improve their halal assurance systems with the help of this study. This harmonization can guarantee more reliable halal products to Muslim consumers around the world and improve the global halal market position.

THE ROLE OF BOARD STRUCTURES IN INCREASING BANK ACCOUNTABILITY: GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

The governance of banking institutions plays a critical role in the stability and integrity of financial systems globally. The structure of the board of directors significantly influences how banks manage risks, comply with regulations, and align operations with the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders. Understanding how board structures differ across regulatory and cultural landscapes is crucial for enhancing bank accountability and performance. This article aims to critically evaluate how various board structures impact the accountability of banking institutions across different global contexts. The goal is to identify effective governance practices that can be adapted to improve bank accountability worldwide. Employing a comparative case study methodology, this research analyzes board structures in banking institutions across continents including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Data from primary sources like interviews and secondary sources such as regulatory documents and academic articles are synthesized to assess the impact of board configurations on governance and accountability. The analysis reveals that effective board structures often include a high proportion of independent directors, robust audit and risk committees, and a commitment to diversity, which correlate with enhanced accountability and financial performance. However, variations exist due to cultural, economic, and regulatory differences that influence board effectiveness across regions. The findings suggest that while there is a global trend towards standardizing governance practices, local adaptations remain essential. The study recommends that banks and regulators focus on enhancing board independence, diversifying board composition, and strengthening risk oversight to improve governance frameworks. Future governance models should incorporate a dynamic approach to adapt to technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal expectations, ensuring that banking institutions can effectively meet emerging challenges and opportunities.

Media Freedom and Censorship: A Comparative Case Study of Media Freedom under Previous and Current Taliban Governments

The study compares media freedom and censorship under the present Taliban regime in Afghanistan to that under the previous Taliban rule (1996–2001). It looks into how the two regimes' changes to media laws and regulations affected journalists and media organizations. The study questions are concerned with the variations in media freedom, certain types of censorship, and the influence of technology development on media freedom. The study uses a comparative case study methodology to examine the legal system, media regulation, and public access to media coverage in the past and present. Collecting data entails compiling facts from academic research, human rights reports, media observers, and news articles. The study indicates that Taliban regime has become flexible in their policies toward media freedom in contrast to total ban in Taliban’s initial regime on media freedom. The study's importance rests in giving policymakers, human rights organizations, and media professionals’ information on how media freedom was affected by the Taliban's control. This will help them support that Freedom and fight for journalists' rights in Afghanistan.

Challenges and sustainability of Indian mental health: evaluating volunteer-based community mental health clinics with a complex adaptive system framework

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate how a community psychiatry model, referred to as the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT) in India, provides decentralized care and comprehensive services to people with severe mental illness living in poverty. Using the complex adaptive system (CAS) framework, the authors aim to understand the factors that contribute to the diverse outcomes of the MHAT community mental health programme as observed in four different locations.Design/methodology/approachFour MHAT clinics were purposively chosen from two districts in Kerala. A comparative case study methodology was used to document each clinic’s MHAT services and activities, as found during field visits and interviews with staff members and volunteers.FindingsThe study shows that all four clinics met the basic aim of providing free, quality mental health care to the poorest populations, although not all aspects of the comprehensive model could be equally provided. Alignment with the MHAT vision, appropriate leadership, the relationship with partners and their level of community engagement determined the varied success between clinics.Originality/valueThe current study evaluation stresses that community ownership is crucial. Careful attention must be paid to the characteristics of selected partners, including their leadership styles and ability to garner resources.

Social enterprise growth by design: using design to incubate and accelerate social enterprises

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the roles and impact of design in incubating and accelerating social enterprises. It aims to understand design’s influence on social enterprise ecosystems and in improving outcomes for social enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe study used an exploratory, qualitative approach, using case studies and interviews. The comparative case-study methodology was applied to evaluate the influence of design on the development of social enterprises in the UK and South Korea and identify critical issues in their utilisation of design. Empirical data included: in-depth case studies of design utilisation practices (UK = 6; South Korea = 15) and design applications (UK = 2; South Korea = 2) for the growth of social enterprise and its ecosystem; 27 social enterprise/design experts (UK = 17; South Korea = 10); and 22 social enterprises (UK = 12; South Korea = 10). Content and thematic analysis were used to synthesise the findings.FindingsFindings demonstrate the differing influences of design on social enterprise, from improving products/services and business models to enhancing social enterprise ecosystem support and networks. Future directions are suggested for applying design for social enterprise growth, business stage development and systematising interactions between the social enterprise and design sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on case studies from only two countries. Further, the adoption of working definitions of social enterprise in the countries may result in the research underestimating the heterogeneity of social enterprise.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to optimising efficient ecosystem development to improve social enterprise competitiveness and innovation.Originality/valueThis paper establishes a research foundation on design for social enterprise, offering theoretical and practical insights into its impact on growth.

Approaches to sustainability-driven innovation in high-performing Italian firms: A cross-case analysis

This paper investigated the nexus between sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) initiatives and exceptional profitability in high-performing companies. To this aim, employing a multiple comparative case study methodology, we analyzed 10 cases that excel in both return-on-sales (ROS) compared to industry medians and are actively engaged in SOI initiatives with public evidence. The findings of the study are categorized into internal and external factors affecting company performance, shedding light on managerial practices, organizational culture, and industry-specific variables. From a managerial standpoint, this paper offers valuable insights for managers seeking to balance between sustainable practices, encompassing multiple social and environmental aspects of corporate initiatives, while optimizing economic performance. The paper’s originality lies in its contribution to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the profitability of SOI and their implications for company management. This exploratory research seeks to expand the knowledge of the relationship between SOI and financial performance (FP), providing a foundation for future research in this domain.

The social construction of anti-tourism protest in tourist cities: a case study of Barcelona

PurposeFocusing on critical discourse analysis, this paper aims to propose a framework for analysing the way activist anti-tourism groups construct their social action of protest. The authors argue that activist groups use different narrative strategies to construct and legitimise their discourse of protest to convey social meanings for social action practices. This study represents an attempt to explain how anti-tourism activist groups have the agency to build different paradigms of protest rooted in particular views of tourism.Design/methodology/approachAs a result of the lack of research in this area, this study used a comparative case study methodology drawn on four case studies in the field of anti-tourism protest. Case study is deemed adequate to explore a complex social phenomenon, how activist groups differ from each other, in a specific socio-economic context. A critical discourse analysis method is used to study primary (interviews) and secondary sources (reports, websites and online campaigns documents) of information, which express the activist group motivations and objectives to protest against tourism.FindingsThis study’s findings provide evidence in how discourse differs among the protest groups. Three narrative paradigms of protest are identified, which guide their agency: scepticism, based on a global and ecological approach; non-interventionist transformation, rooted in local community issues; and direct transformation, based on a sectoral problem-solving approach. These differences are interpreted as the consequences of the emergence and the development of different paths of protest according to specific social contexts and power relations in which anti-tourism groups are embedded.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contemporary approach to anti-tourism activism within the context of social movements. This case study may be of interest to practitioners and international destination managers interested in gaining a better understanding of anti-tourism protest strategies, new anti-tourism narratives following COVID-19 and the opportunities and challenges for opening a dialogue with those involved in activism and social urban movements as part of sustainable tourism governance. Our results can also help activists to rethink how they integrate differences and particular strategic positions to avoid hindering collective action. This knowledge is especially useful for managers and authorities seeking to develop more accurate collaborative governance practices with local activists, and especially those interested in fostering participative action without marginalising the diverse range of local community perspectives.

The role of social partners in facilitating return to work: a comparative analysis for Belgium and Italy

Purpose This study explores how social partners contribute to the successful return to work (RTW) of individuals affected by chronic diseases, employing the framework of actor-centred institutionalism.Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a comparative case study methodology to assess the role of social partners in the workplace (re-)integration of people with chronic disease in Belgium and Italy, both of which represent well-developed industrial relations systems yet having different institutional and policy frameworks on RTW.Findings Institutional factors are found to affect the type and degree of social partners' commitment and contribution to RTW. Differences in their commitment can be explained by their varied degrees of integration in public policy formation, which explain their different preferred stages of interactions in this field: national tripartite social dialogue for Belgium; and sectoral collective bargaining for Italy. Unsatisfactory outcomes of social partners’ contribution in facilitating RTW processes are attributed to the fragmentation of the legal framework and uneven development of collective bargaining in Italy. In Belgium, the authors find the presence of cumbersome RTW procedures downplaying the role of the worker representative.Originality/value This paper adds empirical evidence to the limited literature on the role of social partners in facilitating RTW and sheds light on how to improve the current policy context. It suggests involving the social partners in the development of a comprehensive public policy framework, which should allow for an early, flexible and multi-stakeholder (re-)integration procedure following chronic disease.

What are the success factors for schools in remote Indigenous communities?

AbstractIndigenous Australian students generally attain poorer educational outcomes compared to non‐Indigenous students. However, some remote schools are challenging the status quo by providing schooling experiences where Indigenous students thrive. Using an Indigenous research paradigm and a comparative case study methodology, we conducted interviews with stakeholders from two different remote community schools where students were predominantly Indigenous. Recognising the limitations of assessing student success solely on westernised concepts of success, we adopted a strengths‐based approach. Using thematic analysis, qualitative data were analysed to yield themes that were sorted using a model of Indigenous wellbeing comprising five dimensions (academic, cultural, physical, psychological and social wellbeing). Responses from stakeholders (teachers, community leaders and students) show that success can be achieved when local culture is respected and incorporated into the curriculum by dedicated staff who maintain open communication with community. While both schools shared a largely common approach to Indigenous education, a hallmark was their responsiveness to local needs.

The Nature of Local Place Branding Strategies: The Cases of Almaty (KZ), Belo Horizonte (BR) and Wroclaw (PL)

Aim: The aim of the research was to identify and evaluate the features of place marketing strategies of Almaty (Kazakhstan), Belo Horizonte (Brazil) and Wroclaw (Poland), as methods of stimulating sustainable economic development. Methodology: The research employed a comparative case study methodology. Results: The research showed that although all the place marketing strategies studied are aimed at stimulating local economic processes, they lack features that ensure the sustainability of these processes. Implications and recommendations: The results indicate limitations and tensions in the area of place branding strategies in the scope of their impact on sustainable economic development thus motivate representative research and the search for more sustainable solutions. Originality/value: The literature query did not reveal any previous examples of such research, and the methodology was partly original. The article provides new information on the place marketing strategies used in different countries and evaluate them in relation to the paradigm of sustainable development.

Exploring the impact of regional characteristics on social incubators’ mission, structure and activity: a contingency perspective

ABSTRACT Studies of social incubators illustrate the importance of these organizations in promoting social innovations and entrepreneurship at regional level. However, little is known about the main categories of contingency factors that influence the organizational design and fit of social incubators. We apply a comparative case study methodology to analyse the mission, structure and activity of four pioneer social incubators, located in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Romania. Our findings reveal four categories of regional contingency factors – social needs, institutional framework, entrepreneurial ecosystem and socio-economic characteristics – that influence the design of the incubators’ mission, structure and activity and determine the achievement of organizational fit. By employing a contingency lens, we propose a dynamic model that explains the interdependence between the social incubators’ profiles and specific regional contingencies.

Design of external shading devices in Mansehra, Pakistan and their role in climate change

With the rising global temperatures, developing countries are one of the most adversely affected countries by climate change. Furthermore, changes in lifestyle and unsustainable ways of development have resulted in a shift away from passive strategies in the construction industry, which contribute to excessive energy consumption. This demands immediate action to use passive strategies and one of the most widely used passive strategies is shading devices, which can significantly lower the indoor temperature and give the structure the most efficient energy performance. Shading devices were a dominant identity of traditional architecture in Pakistan; however, it has been evident during the past decade the use of such devices has become obsolete due to modernized solutions. This study aims to examine the performance and effectiveness of shading devices in terms of heat gain and daylight levels in residential areas. A comparative case study methodology has been used. The fixed overhanging shading devices of six residential units in Mansehra City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, have been used. Sun angles are calculated through the SketchUp tool Curic Sun to analyze and determine the performance of overhanging in both summers and winters. This article reveals south shading devices as an essential part of houses built before 2,000 in Mansehra City. Though, houses built after 2,000 do not consider using south shading devices to maximize energy use. This study emphasizes considering the type, design, and use of shading devices according to the building’s orientation to improve building performance and energy efficiency.