Comparative Case Study Research Articles

Conceptualizing student movements in Bangladesh post-2013: a qualitative and comparative case study of the Quota Reform Movement and the Road Safety Movement

ABSTRACT Despite the presence of mass grievances and moral indignation against the political elite and the monied class, the social movements in Bangladesh in the last decade, albeit very few, have failed to transform the increasingly authoritarian and claustrophobic political milieu. In fact, the nation has not seen that many movements, notwithstanding serious mass grievances on social, political, and economic issues. This situation poses a paradox. I study two significant social movements’ cases, the 2018 Quota Reform Movement and the 2018 Road Safety Protests, and briefly compare the genealogy of the movements, as well as their success and failure. The study draws primarily on secondary data derived from existing research on the issue and a systematic review of major newspapers in Bangladesh over the relevant period of time for its analysis and supplements it with participant observations and informal interviews. I conceptualize these movements by using a theoretical framework derived from Political Process Theory (PPT). I argue that, although both movements were partially successful, the Quota Reform movement was relatively more successful than the Road Safety Movement. In this paper, I try to address the reasons behind the relative success of one movement over another. By comparing the two movements in tandem, I argue that significant differences in ‘mobilizing structure’ make the difference in the degree of success, given that the ‘framing’ and the ‘political opportunity structures’ were more or less similar for both movements.

PhD Students’ Transformative Change in Teaching: A Comparative Case Study

As future academics, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students are be expected to employ learning-centred approach as stated in the Paris Communique (2018) by the European ministers of education. The limited research available about doctoral students’ conceptions indicates that they range from content- to learning-centred. Although a few studies explored the factors which prompt students’ transformation of conceptions and approach, none specifically focused on PhD students. This comparative case study explored how PhD students describe the transformation in their teaching conceptions and approach towards learning-centredness, and the context surrounding it. The results indicated that participants described the transformation through the gaining of theoretical teaching-related knowledge, being related to dissatisfaction with their own teaching, the application of a learning-centred approach, and time. The teaching–learning context was described mostly as supportive but not always allowing the implementation of transformation. Results suggest that discourse is needed to facilitate critical reflection leading to transformative learning.

Data Driven Design: From Environment to the Human Body

Based on doctoral research developments, the paper presents an analysis of how the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies and Data Driven Design can be the key to activating sustainable design actions that have positive impacts on the human body and communities. First we will distinguish how technology can be beneficial, in two macro cases, whether placed within the design or in the product/service itself. This will be followed by an analysis of the types of spillovers based on spatial/temporal factors and types of implementation. Research still under development focuses on comparison of case studies and analysis of literature sources. A subsequent prototyping and testing phase is planned to test whether what is hypothesised in the current phase is tangible and to what extent the effects are controllable.

Creative tea tourism in Asian tea villages

ABSTRACT Tea has a long history connected to many creative pursuits including but not limited to art, literature, story-telling, cultural ceremonies, cuisine and gastronomy. Creativity and related creative activities have been noted as relevant to tourism and hospitality. Tea tourism has been recognized as a niche tourism form both in producing and consuming countries and also as part of tea studies. This paper applies the principles of creative tourism to the niche of tea tourism, investigating the existence of forms of creative tea tourism. The literature on the creative economy, creative tourism and tea tourism provides a context for examining creative tea tourism examples through comparative case studies from rural tea villages in Japan (Wazuka) and Thailand (Doi Pu Muen). A key focus will be on how these communities have creatively developed their tea tourism activities, to address challenges in traditional tea and tourism industries. The relevance of the findings to other global tea producing locales will be identified.

Predictive Control Co-Design (pCCD): A Single-Level Optimization Framework for Computationally-Efficient Approximation of Recursive MPC in CCD

Abstract Control co-design, or CCD, offers a promising solution for coordinating plant and control design of complex systems to better meet next generation demands. Most CCD algorithms optimize open-loop control signals that solve the problem with a single horizon, yet yield system designs lacking robustness to uncertainties. Recent work has integrated modern MPC policies into CCD. While this results in systems that are more robust, the recursive nature of receding-horizon MPC is computationally expensive and necessitates a bi-level (nested) optimization process to solve sequential MPC problems over smaller horizons.} In this work, I present a single-level predictive control co-design (pCCD) optimization framework that approximates the solution to optimizing a recursive MPC within CCD within a single optimization horizon without the need for nested optimization. The pCCD framework leverages elements of static gain matrices as decision variables to integrate a predictive controller into the algorithm that approximates the benefits afforded by embedding a MPC policy in CCD. The formulation reduces algorithm computational complexity by optimizing over the entire operating horizon at once while retaining key robustness and constraint-handling advantages of MPC. Through a comparative case study for a dual-tank thermal management system, this work shows the pCCD algorithm yields superior robustness to disturbance uncertainties compared to an analogous open-loop CCD system while converging on an optimal system/control design with a 92% reduction in run time compared to an analogous system optimized using a recursive MPC policy within the same CCD algorithm.

School-based Training Effects on Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention: A Comparative Case Study of Individual Differences Among Elementary Teachers in Northeast Thailand

Abstract Liver fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) infestations pose significant health challenges, particularly in northeastern region of Thailand. Addressing health issues through an educational lens is of paramount importance to stakeholders in various fields of education, including health education and social education. Collaboratively, stakeholders strive to develop initiatives that enhance understanding of this disease among people in the region. An essential step toward achieving this objective involves recognizing the variations in individuals' responses to educational activities, thereby facilitating the development of locally contextualized and effective learning programs. This study was to explore the differences among elementary teachers participating in training courses for the prevention of cholangiocarcinoma and liver fluke disease in Khon Kaen province. Employing a pre-experimental design, the study involved one hundred and thirty-nine elementary teachers as research participants. Pre- and post-test served as the research instrument, and data analysis entailed the use of descriptive statistics and a t-test. The findings revealed that most of the participants were female, held bachelor's degrees, and were affiliated with schools in Ban Phai district. Moreover, the study demonstrated a significant enhancement in participants’ understanding of liver fluke and CCA prevention following the training. Notably, the study identified a significant impact of the school’s geographical location on training effectiveness. This study contributes to the existing knowledge base, offering insights to tailor more precise training programs in regions where liver fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma disease are prevalent.

Place branding: is it public policy, or isn’t it?

AbstractThis article explores the question of whether place branding should be considered a public policy. While place branding has gained attention in the fields of marketing and related disciplines, its connection to various public policy areas highlights its broader implications. This study aims to provide conceptual clarity on the matter, arguing for the inclusion of place branding within the public policy discourse. The article employs a conceptual framework to assess the alignment of place branding with the key attributes of public policy. A comparative case study of nation branding practices in seven European countries—Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and Slovakia—is conducted to assess the applicability of the conceptual framework of public policy to studying nation branding. The case study demonstrates the potential of such approach, highlighting gaps and challenges in the current practices of nation branding. The article concludes by discussing the implications of applying the policy approach to place branding and exploring future research opportunities.

Regional Policies, Practices, Tools, and Strategies to Implement Polycentric Development: Comparative Case Studies of Portland, Seattle, and Denver

Many of the larger US metropolitan regions promote polycentric development as a way of fostering livability, accessibility, and sustainability. Polycentric urban structures can increase transit ridership, promote active transportation, and decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and CO2 emissions. Although many regions include ambitious polycentric aspirations in their plans, only a few follow up with rigorous implementation and see their efforts come to fruition. The topic of implementation is also widely omitted from scholarly inquiry. This research aims to explore three examples of successful implementation of urban polycentricity: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Denver, Colorado. Each region employs a very distinct polycentric development model, but each relies heavily on its regional governance organization for direction, guidance, and even command in the implementation process. To understand specific strategies and methods used by each region, the authors conducted interviews with metropolitan planning organizations, central cities, and transit agencies in the three regions and used qualitative techniques to analyze the interview transcripts and collected documents. As regional governance organizations play a crucial role in implementing regional plans, their policies and practices were also investigated by the authors. Based on collected data and insights, we conclude that the three regions are great examples of an advanced implementation of polycentric development. This research can be helpful to other US metropolitan regions that wish to promote polycentric development. The lessons learned from the three case studies can provide guidance and possible paths to successful implementation.

Circular economy and the hospitality industry: A comparison of the Netherlands and Indonesia

The concept and practice of the Circular Economy is a key response to sustainability concerns, pioneered by the manufacturing sector and mainly explored from a developed economy perspective. This leaves a gap in relation to other sectors and contexts. This research investigates the adoption of circular economy initiatives and barriers to their implementation in the hospitality sector in the Netherlands and Indonesia through a comparative case study. Findings suggest that businesses in the Netherlands are hindered by their prioritization of delivering quality service as well as insufficient access to information on actionable circular interventions. For Indonesia, the predominant barriers include weak infrastructure, lack of regulatory enforcement and facilitation, and a lack of education and mindset. Our results provide an emerging economy perspective to knowledge of the circular economy, an under explored area of research. We also provide insights into the application of the circular economy in the hospitality industry. We uncover new challenges, especially in the context of emerging economies, and are able to confirm the relevance of previously identified barriers to both emerging economy and hospitality industry contexts.

Walking a thin line: a reputational account of green central banking

ABSTRACT In this article, we provide a comparative case study analysis of the differentiated climate change engagement of the Bank of England (BoE), European Central Bank (ECB) and Federal Reserve (Fed). Drawing on semi-structured interviews and a newly composed database of central banker speeches and legislative documents, we argue that climate (in)actions of these central banks are shaped by concerns over their reputation. A broad socio-political consensus on the need for climate change mitigation enabled the BoE and ECB to begin integrating CRFRs into their supervisory frameworks without affecting their socio-political reputation while the carbon bias in their own asset purchase programs compelled both central banks to also start greening their monetary policy to preserve their performative reputation. The Fed’s more cautious moves have been driven by a fear of loss of technical reputation in the face of a growing transnational consensus on the financial stability risks of climate change.

The development of the international nuclear power plant construction market in the context of nuclear power social acceptability research

Aim. To determine the vector of influence of public opinion on the prospects of development of the international market of nuclear power plant (NPP) construction in the conditions of global energy transition and to formulate the most priority directions of communication work in order to increase the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Objectives. To identify the current trends of social acceptability of nuclear power in the world; to consider a number of tools used to work with public opinion in the field of improving the reputation of nuclear power in countries-importers of nuclear power technologies; to substantiate the importance of communication work in order to increase Russian exports of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Methods. Data from various sociological surveys were used to analyze the current state of social acceptability of nuclear power plants. The key methods of this study are comparative method and case study method.Results. The analysis of the international experience of society’s influence on energy policy has shown that it is impossible to implement international projects in the field of NPP construction without public support for the initiative on nuclear power development. The analysis revealed that one of the competitive advantages of ROSATOM in the international NPP construction market is the inclusion of public communication work in the export offer. Based on the analysis of the results of sociological surveys, it was found out that within the framework of communication work with the public in the importer country it is reasonable to emphasize the economic benefits of NPP operation and continuity of its functioning.Conclusions. The article shows the possibilities of increasing the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries, due to the global trend to increase the social acceptability of nuclear power and the presence of relevant competitive advantages, including within the framework of the implementation of communication strategy.

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

Purpose Focusing 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/approach As 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. Findings This 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/value This 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.

Management of Full Thickness Traumatic Macular Hole In An 7-Year-Old Boy : A Case Report

Introduction : Traumatic macular hole (TMH) formation is uncommon, usually occurs in young males, and the incidence varies in the literature from 1 to 9%.The study by Chen et al reported that early vitrectomy resulted in significantly higher rate of TMH closure compared to initial observation (100% vs 66.7%, respectively)
 Case Illustration : A 7yo boy presented with diminution of vision in right eye (RE) of 2 months duration.There was history of trauma on the right eye. Visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/60 and 6/6 in RE and LE (Left Eye) respectively.Dilated fundus examination of OD revealed a full thickness macular hole (FTMH). SSOCT of OD confirmed the presence of an FTMH (with minimal hole diameter of 850 microns) with cystoid changes at the edges.The patient underwent vitrectomy followed with ILM peeling and advised facedown position for a week. At postoperative week one, BCVA was improved 6/9. SSOCT showed type 3 hole closure. BCVA improved to 6/7.5 at 1 months.
 Discussion : The study by Chen et al. was the first multicenter, prospective, comparative case study that attempted to address the outcomes of patients with TMHs comparing observation to early vitrectomy. Authors reported that early vitrectomy resulted in significantly higher rate of TMH closure compared to initial observation (100% vs 66.7%, respectively). The child in our case was resulted in good outcome.
 Conclusion : Early vitrectomy in full thickness traumatic macular hole in a young age resulted the good outcome.

Association of refractive outcome with postoperative anterior chamber depth measured with 3 optical biometers.

This study evaluated the relationship between refractive outcomes and postoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD, measured from corneal epithelium to lens) measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR), and Scheimpflug devices under the undilated pupil. Patients undergoing cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in a hospital setting were enrolled. Postoperative ACD (postACD) was performed with an SS-OCT device, an OLCR device, and a Scheimpflug device at least 1month after cataract surgery. After adjusting the mean predicted error to 0, differences in refractive outcomes were calculated with the Olsen formula using actual postACD measured from 3 devices and predicted value. Overall, this comparative case study included 69 eyes of 69 patients, and postACD measurements were successfully taken using all 3 devices. The postACD measured with the SS-OCT, OLCR, and Scheimpflug devices was 4.59 ± 0.30, 4.50 ± 0.30, and 4.54 ± 0.32mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences in postACD were found among 3 devices (P < 0.001), with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman showing good agreement. No significant difference in median absolute error was found with the Olsen formula using actual postACD obtained with 3 devices. Percentage prediction errors were within ± 0.50D in 65% (OLCR), 70% (Scheimpflug), and 67% (SS-OCT) calculated by actual postACD versus 64% by predicted value. Substantial agreement was found in postACD measurements obtained from the SS-OCT, OLCR, and Scheimpflug devices, with a trend toward comparable refractive outcomes in the Olsen formula. Meanwhile, postACD measurements may be potentially superior for the additional enhancement of refractive outcomes.

Integrating green infrastructure in Italian urban plans. Lessons from Turin and Bologna

Spatial planning constitutes an institutional activity of government and governance that sets up reference development frameworks to coordinate policies and actions for cities and territories. This activity is functional to have coherence and support the implementation of European and international policies focused on socio-ecological transition. The study provides an overview of how the concept of green infrastructure (GI) is central to spatial planning to enable a sustainable regeneration of contemporary cities and territories and to protect biodiversity within a climate-proof framework of interventions. The research aim is to explore the modalities of GI methodological integration in urban planning to address the green transition. Two Italian case studies have been selected to investigate how differently structured urban plans at the local scale design and interpret GI. The discussion from the comparative case study analysis focuses on what one can learn from conformative planning approaches in response to contemporary challenges and with respect to the regulatory framework in force. Final reflections concern the need to work in Italy on a review of the traditional urban planning model with new national fundamental principles, providing a framework for coherence and coordination of the national post-pandemic recovery programme.

Advanced persistent threats and the “big four”: State-sponsored hackers in China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea in 2003–2021

The author investigates a range of international hacking groups collectively known as advanced persistent threats (APTs), which have conducted a concentrated number of cyber operations from four authoritarian states – China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. The author collected data on 112 APTs that operated in 2003-2021 across the globe and analyzed their behavior and state affiliations to conclude that APTs’ ties to the “big four” can be explained by the strategic goals of authoritarian states to supplement their military and economic power. The ties have also much to do with states possessing sufficient political capital at home to challenge existing norms of cyberspace behavior. Moreover, the big four boast a high degree of digital expertise and heavy investment into the superiority of cyber offense over defense. The author provides empirical support for the findings in a comparative case study of Chinese and Iranian cyber forces.

From parent-teacher relations to professional identity in Danish and Swedish schools

ABSTRACT Denmark and Sweden have witnessed a historically significant amplification of parental influence in compulsory schools during the past two decades. The emphasis on parental involvement in these two countries reflects international trends of neoliberal governing of educational processes. We know very little about the interplay between beginning teachers’ encounters with parents and how that influences the teachers’ identity formation. This article investigates beginning teachers’ experiences with parents in Sweden and Denmark and how these experiences reflect the teachers’ professional identity development. Through a comparative case study approach, interviews were carried out with 10 teachers in pre-service and in-service phases of their profession to capture their interpretations of their experiences with parents. A framework involving the concepts of parent-teacher relations, professional teacher identity, and emerging and thickening trajectories was used to develop the interview questions and analyse data. The results show that beginning teachers experience challenges in their relations with parents and these challenges put a strain on their self-definition as professionals. These results provide implications for addressing the constraints on teachers’ professional autonomy brought by a culture of clientelism which has the potential to change the role of teachers and therefore affect their professional identity development.

Beyond Compliance-Based Governance: The Role of Social Intermediaries in Mitigating Forced Labour in Global Supply Chains

Forced labour poses a significant challenge within global supply chains, yet traditional compliance-based governance based on auditing has proven to be ineffective in addressing this issue. Non-government organizations and worker rights organizations can serve as crucial allies in supporting and safeguarding workers by assuming the role of a 'social intermediary' (SI) between supply chain firms and workers. However, these external organizations often hold limited power within these supply chains. In our paper, we examine the sources of power that SIs can cultivate and utilize to lead successful interventions against forced labour in supply chains. Through a comparative case study involving three SIs and their collaborative efforts with a global seafood brand, we explore various forms of non-mediated power and their underlying origins. By establishing these connections, we shed light on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of interventions against forced labour. Our research makes three contributions. First, we contribute to ongoing research on forced labour in supply chains by emphasizing the constructive role that SIs can play to protect vulnerable workers. Second, we address a critical gap in the existing literature concerning power of SIs in supply chain relations. More specifically, we specify sources and types of non-mediated power that SI can leverage to design effective interventions against forced labour. Third, by comparing unique data on two worker groups vulnerable to forced labour – vessel workers and workers in seafood processing – we provide much-needed insights into how working conditions in non-factory settings can still be regulated.

Practice Research Partnerships in Social Work: Addressing Impact and Credible Evidence

Purpose: This article builds on the Practice Research Collaboratives (PRCs) as an initiative that developed from the Fifth Conference on Practice Research to provide a platform for practice researchers to engage actively around impact and influence. Research question: The unique features of research activities that enable transformational impact in three cases in social work practice research involving long-term community and university research partnerships. Methodology: Literature review and comparison of case studies. Results: The cases show how the processes of implementation are not only seen as linear, but constantly evolving at the same time as intervention fidelity in social work is crucial to improving outcomes for people, which can have transformative impacts for individuals and systems alike. Conclusion: We conclude by describing the importance of understanding the feasibility of complex problems and complex social situation which requires meaningful communication between partners, transparency and involvement of all players throughout the process.

When connecting ventures to international markets falls short: examining the root mechanisms of perceived inefficacy in market-driven poverty alleviation effortsCuando la conexión de emprendimientos a mercados internacionales se queda corta: examinando los mecanismos fundamentales de la ineficacia percibida en los esfuerzos de alivio de la pobreza impulsados por el mercadoQuando a conexão de empreendimentos aos mercados internacionais fica aquém: examinando os mecanismos fundamentais da ineficácia percebida nos esforços de alívio da pobreza impulsionados pelo mercado

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study triadic market relations between an international aid agency (IAA), local ventures and the poor communities where they are embedded in order to shift the poverty alleviation discussion to account for the perceptions held by each category of actor, especially those of poor communities. Poverty alleviation is a key commitment of the United Nations, and market-driven approaches are increasingly advocated as a means to reduce poverty, particularly among IAAs. One such strategy is to connect ventures in poor communities with international markets. However, research shows that such approaches have mixed success. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a comparative case study of three ventures embedded in urban and rural poor communities receiving support from an IAA. The authors then analyzed the data to determine the mechanisms that led to discrepancies in the perceptions of poverty alleviation held by each actor involved. Findings This study suggests three such mechanisms: ‘decoupling markets from poverty’, wherein aiding ventures may paradoxically lead to decoupling them from poor communities; ‘overburden stress’, in which ventures cannot fulfil a poverty alleviation role through their market activities because the expectation to do so overburdens the venture; and ‘value divergence’, in which the actors involved evaluate the impact of these approaches differently. Originality/value The authors propose that a key aspect of enabling effective poverty alleviation through market-driven approaches in terms of substantial, long-term contributions is to monitor and support the relations between the actors involved – including the poor communities themselves – and explore how each perceives the efficacy of the approach.