Design Research Methodology Research Articles

The Use of ICT and the Realistic Mathematics Education on Learning Functions to Develop Algebraic Thinking Skills

The concept of function has evolved into one of the most fundamental principles in modern mathematics, influencing practically every area. However, it proved to be one of the most difficult ideas to grasp in mathematics. The concept of function is frequently taught without any connection to real-life situations. Students must work with problem scenarios that happen in a variety of contexts that are relevant to their everyday lives or make sense to them in order to gain authentic comprehension. This is consistent with the RME's properties. The unwillingness to highlight the visual element of the notion is one of the major roadblocks in learning functions. Using ICT and an RME approach to learning functions as an alternative to overcome these barriers could be a viable option. ICT and RME can help students learn mathematical principles in function content by providing a clearer visual experience. The purpose of this study is to investigate how ICT and RME can be used to improve learning function and increase algebraic thinking skills. This study conducted in a classroom of 29 junior high school students at the eighth grade. Design research methodology was used in this study by conducting three phases: preliminary design, teaching experiment, and retrospective analysis.

Seamless Security on Mobile Devices Textual Password Quantification Model Based Usability Evaluation of Secure Rotary Entry Pad Authentication

Mobile devices are vulnerable to shoulder surfing and smudge attacks, which should occur when a user enters a PIN for authentication purposes. This attack can be avoided by implementing a rotary entry pad mechanism. Despite this, several studies have found that using a rotary entry pad reduces user usability. This study uses a Design Research Methodology approach. It will implement a rotary entry pad authentication in the Android operating system as an authentication method to protect the device against Shoulder Surfing Attacks and Smudge Attacks. Furthermore, it combined JSON Web Token (JWT) to secure the authentication process from the client to the server. At the end of implementation, it compared with other studies in terms of usability and evaluated it using the TQ-Model, which showed that the usability aspect has improved. Regarding security, we conducted a shoulder surfing attack simulation to assess the efficacy of guessing PINs. The results showed that only a limited number of attempts were successful, with two out of five samples failing to guess any numbers and only one sample successfully guessing six 10-digit PIN combinations out of 10 to the power of 10. The security test results show that shoulder surfing attacks are more difficult to perform after implementing the rotary entry pad. The evaluation showed that the JSpinpad performed better, with seven parameters showing improvement, one parameter showing a decline, and ten parameters remaining unchanged.

Awakening takes place within: a practice-led research through texture and embodiment

This article explores contextual research and creative design methodologies to understand the relationship between the researcher’s embodied approach and the produced artefact. The question of: ‘How might I honestly depict my own embodied textural world to awaken others?’ frames the project in a way which allows the designer/researcher to produce work organically and honestly. Encompassing different navigational directions and frameworks of information allows personal understanding to pervade through. The ideas of place, nostalgia, storytelling and texture are explored throughout the physical artefacts of a textural archival book ‘Awaken’ and a series of posters. The methodology of a heuristic-led enquiry activated by embodiment enabled the translation into something more significant than an abstract thought. Exploring the contextual knowledge of texture and its multi-sensory ability, nostalgia and embodiment, frames the project in the broader context allowing for a critical work commentary.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Digital Twin Advanced Technologies for Smart City Development: Evidence from Malaysia

Digital Twin Technology (DTT) has gained significant attention as a vital technology for the efficient management of smart cities. However, its successful implementation in developing countries is often hindered by several barriers. Despite limited research available on smart city development in Malaysia, there is a need to investigate the possible challenges that could affect the effective implementation of DTT in the country. This study employs a mixed methodology research design, comprising an interview, a pilot survey, and the main survey. Firstly, we identified barriers reported in the literature and excluded insignificant factors through interviews. Next, we conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on the pilot survey results to further refine the factors. Finally, we performed a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis on the main survey data to develop a model that identifies barriers to DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia. Our findings suggest the presence of 13 highly significant barriers, which are divided into four formative constructs. We found that personalization barriers are highly crucial, while operational barriers were less important for DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia.

Influence of Principals’ Planning Skills on Implementation of Strategic Plans in Public Secondary Schools in Thika Sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya

Principals’ planning skills are crucial in enabling them to develop and implement strategic plans in public secondary schools. However, in Thika Sub-county, many principals have had numerous challenges as far as the implementation of strategic plans. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess principals’ planning skills and their influence on the implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Thika Sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the strategic planning theory and the theory of policy formulation. The study adopted a mixed methodology and concurrent triangulation research design. The target population was 773 respondents which comprised 59 principals and 714 teachers in public secondary schools from which 264 respondents (16 principals and 248 teachers) were sampled using Yamane’s Formula. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers whereas interview guides were used to collect data from principals. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) and presented using tables and charts. The study established that the implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Thika Sub-county has been a very difficult and problematic undertaking for principals. This is because many school heads have limited planning skills, which has compromised the implementation process. Many principals lack the ability of principals to mobilize resources, involve stakeholders, identify trained and experienced staff as well as undertake monitoring and evaluation are crucial activities for the successful implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools. Thus, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education and education stakeholders should organize seminars and training programmes where principals can be equipped with strategic planning skills.

Managing students' mental health: The use of NGT and FDM to generate a concrete solution

The impact of steps to minimize transmission of COVID-19 has increased awareness of the importance of addressing the worsening mental health of students in higher education as a matter of public policy. Supporting students' mental health and preventing mental illness requires an evidence-based understanding of the elements that affect students' mental health. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research is to find effective ways to improve students' mental health in higher education. The Design and Development Research (DDR) methodology was used for this investigation. The first part of the research involves the Nominal group technique to present ideas for a solution, and the second part involves how to implement those ideas. While the Fuzzy Delphi technique is used in the second stage of element/solution validation. The participants in both stages of the study were experts in the field who met the researcher's criteria for inclusion. According to the results, seven concrete solutions can be taken to improve students' mental health. At the end of the research, conclusions and suggestions for further research are proposed.

Designing a module for supporting secondary biology students’ morality through socioscientific issues in the human-nature context

ABSTRACT In addressing contemporary socio-ecological challenges it is imperative to engage individuals with the moral dilemmas in the human-nature context. A socioscientific-issues (SSI) approach to secondary biology education can contribute to engaging students in moral dilemmas and reflecting on their values. Following a design research methodology, we aimed to: (1) develop a set of design principles of an intervention in Dutch upper secondary SSI biology education, aimed at supporting secondary biology students’ morality in the human-nature context; (2) concretise the design principles as a module. We describe the different phases of this study (orientation, design, and evaluation phase). The practical output of the study is a module, which was refined and improved during the design phase, and then implemented by two biology teachers. In this paper, we present an exemplary example of a lesson from the module. As theoretical output, we discuss the role of the design principles: nature of the dilemmas; Four Component Model of morality; group work; and ethical matrix. Based on experiences in classrooms, we provide recommendations for further research and practice.

Participatory design research for the development of real-time simulation models in healthcare

ABSTRACT The implementation challenges for modelling and simulation in health and social care are well-known and understood. Yet increasing availability of data and a better understanding of the value of Operational Research (OR) applications are strengthening opportunities to support healthcare delivery. Participative approaches in healthcare modelling have shown value through stakeholder engagement and commitment towards co-creation of models and knowledge but are limited in focus on model design and development. For simulation modelling, a participative design research methodology can support development for sustained use, emphasising model usefulness and usability using iterative cycles of development and evaluation. Within a structured methodology, measures of success are built into the design process, focusing on factors which contribute to success, with implicit goals of implementation and improvement. We illustrate this through a participative case study which demonstrates development of the component parts of a real-time simulation model aimed at reducing emergency department crowding.

The Effectiveness of Multi-Agency Operation Leadership in Mitigating Insecurity in Lamu County, Kenya

There has been much discussion among various stakeholders on the benefits of multi-agency operations in response to security threats. This discussion is constrained, though, in that it downplays the complexity of multi-agency operations. Despite this, several nations, like Kenya, have used a multi-agency approach to deal with challenges related to national security; nevertheless, there is insufficient empirical evidence about the usefulness of this method in reducing insecurity issues. This study aimed to ascertain how well multi-agency operations leadership mitigated insecurity in Lamu County, Kenya. The collaborative advantage theory served as the basis for the investigation. This study used an ex post facto survey research design methodology. The study was carried out in Lamu County with a particular interest in the county's security personnel: an interview schedule and a questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions served as the data-gathering tools. The essential characteristics of the quantitative data gathered were displayed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis was used to create themes by grouping and open coding. The study discovered that multi-agency collaboration leadership successfully reduced insecurity in Lamu County. The study marked these out to address cases of inter-agency rivalry disputes, agency inferiority and superiority complexes, and the necessity to build a shared working policy on the ranking structure for the concerned agencies. The ongoing multi-agency operation has made Lamu County, in general, safer and more stable. Researchers interested in the leadership efficacy of multi-agency procedures are expected to benefit from the findings of this study, as will policymakers in the security sector.

From Pedagogy to Andragogy in Post Covid-19 ESP Courses: A Customized Blended Learning Model for English in Medicine at a Saudi University

Teaching an ESP course is significantly challenging due to its practical, contextual, and communicative nature as a “language in context” and a prerequisite for acquiring professional skills and job-related functions that require real life learning situations to imitate specific professional settings and accentuates practicing the essential English language skills that students would primarily employ in their future fields. This paper presents an andragogy-based customized blended learning model for English in Medicine course introduced to students of the preparatory year program during COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating andragogical principles, the course identifies students’ access to multimodal tools for required English Language skills and medical vocabulary, including a virtual listening lab for augmenting listening skills, a virtual medical library for boosting online medical reading, a virtual hospital of different doctor-patient interaction scenarios for practicing the use of language in context, course community blogs and audio discussion forums for enhancing writing and speaking skills, an online medical dictionary for understanding and translating medical terminologies and integrated Kahoot games for testing field related knowledge. A mixed methodology of pre-test and post-test research design along with a learning satisfaction survey were used to evaluate the change in variables which were students’ English Language proficiency, cognitive competence, learning motivation, and learning styles. The study findings establish the effectivity of the shift from pedagogic to andragogic strategies in the course. It supports integrating pedagogic constructive theories along with adult learning theories and blended education theories to ensure productive teaching and learning of ESP courses in accordance with the constrictions of quality modern education.

Investigation of Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) in three planes: Test-retest reliability and age-related differences

BackgroundIn recent years, it has been determined that SOT sensitivity is insufficient in patients who develop vestibular compensation and therefore the Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) has been developed. Research QuestionHow differs the balance performance of healthy adults that is tested with HS-SOT according to age and test planes? What is the test-retest reliability level of the HS-SOT in three planes? MethodsOur prospective study, which has a methodological research design, included 80 participants divided into three groups by age range (Group 1: 20–39 years (n = 30); Group 2: 40–49 years (n = 30) and Group 3: 50–64 years (n = 20)). SOT and HSSOT ( yaw, pitch, roll) were performed to all participants. To investigate the testretest reliability of the HS-SOT, a total of 27 participants were re-evaluated one week later. The HS-SOT performance of the participants was compared between age groups and test planes. Intra-class correlation coefficient and minimum detectable change values (MDC) was calculated to test-retest reliability of HS-SOT. ResultsHS-SOT scores (HS-2 and HS-5) did not differ significantly between age groups. The balance performance of individuals for the pitch plane was lower than other planes. Only the HS-5 score showed a significant difference between the sessions. HS-5 scores were higher in the re-test; for the first group in the pitch plane and for the third group in the yaw plane. The test-retest reliability level of these conditions was "moderate-good" for both groups. The corresponding MDC value was highest (14.01) for the HS-5 (yaw) score of the elderly group. SignificanceThe findings from this study demonstrated that the test plane influences the HS-SOT, a learning/practice effect may occur because of repeated HS-SOT evaluation, and this effect is more explicit in the elderly. This study provides a perspective for the evaluation and follow-up processes of patients with balance problems.

Do the innovation and digital transformation strategies induce sme performances In new normal era? Structrual & confirmatory analysis models

One of major challenge in a sustainable growth, which organizations face is a slow adoption of the digital transformation. This research work presents the reasons that lead to the slow digitization process in medical device SMEs in southern Germany. In addition, by developing the conceptual model, this work highlights the effect of these improper implementations on SME's business performances and financial situation. The researchers applied correlational research design methodology, with simple random sampling techniques along with empirical and statistical study with primary data collection. The main study variables are SME’s financial situation, SMEs organizational performance, and medical digitization rules. The study demonstrated the negative impact of delayed digital mechanisms in terms of businesses and financial performances.The extra transparency restrictions that add burdens for SMEs, and the lack of training for the employees, which in overall add more difficulties for adopting innovation and digital transformation are other factors negatively affecting the studied process.

Healing fabulations: a dialogic methodology for digital codesign in health research

ABSTRACT Recent research has highlighted the importance of responding to trauma and promoting healing when working with participants in sensitive contexts. This article presents a new methodology for design research on health topics which combines principles from narrative medicine (health storytelling) with codesign. In this collaborative, dialogic approach, participatory action research cycles of storytelling are used to inform a process of digital codesign, positioning participants as peer researchers. The resulting prototypes (termed healing fabulations) are a new type of design artefact which captures each participant’s lived experience while also extending it into a speculative future. Discussion of the methodology shows how the approach protects participant wellbeing during research on their health experiences, addresses common criticisms of digital design research, and explores the importance of visual metaphor and aesthetic in design for health. The article concludes with a discussion of the methodology’s replicability and use in future research.

Effects of Customized Aggression Reduction Interventions with Male Adolescents: A Single-Case Research Design

ABSTRACT Aggression during adolescence can lead to unhealthy outcomes. Prior research suggests that youth with disruptive behaviors filter information in a distorted manner and struggle with social information processing skills. Teaching effective social processing skills can help reduce aggressive behaviors. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of customized aggression interventions on adolescent males. We used a theory-informed framework to guide the development of the interventions using an N = 1/ABA single-case research design with four male adolescents aged 13–14 who volunteered to participate in our study. A female licensed clinical mental health counselor designed and delivered the interventions and collected the outcome data. Participants completed a series of temporal assessments examining proactive, reactive, and total aggression. We hypothesized that customized interventions would be an effective means to address and reduce problematic aggressive behaviors. The data produced small to large effect sizes for three of the four participants, and statistically significant differences were observed between phases. The results have implications for the contributions of utilizing social information processing theory-informed customized aggression interventions with adolescents using single-case research design methodology.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS) in heart failure patients.

Patients with heart failure experience severe and chronic physical and psychological manifestations while the disease progresses. Assessing the degree of distress caused by manifestations of the disease in patients is the first step in designing and evaluating intervention programs to improve patients' symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Symptom Distress Scale in HF patients. This study was conducted via methodological research design from March to November 2019. The translation process and cross-cultural adaptation were performed using a process recommended by the World Health Organization. The face and content validity and internal consistency were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the instrument. The scale was evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in 300 patients with heart failure, and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-22 and AMOS-22 software. The content validity of the scale was approved based on the results of the study. One-factor scale with 13 items was used in the confirmatory factor analysis, and the results showed that the instrument had high goodness-of-fit indices. Spearman correlation test for convergent validity showed a correlation between the score obtained by the Scale of Symptoms of Disease and the scores of The European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior scale (9 items) (P < 0.0001). The Persian version of the Symptom Distress Scale can be used as a valid instrument for people with heart failure due to its desirable psychometric properties.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETING STRATEGY OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ENTERPRISES ON THE GRAIN MARKETS OF UKRAINE AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETING STRATEGY OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ENTERPRISES ON THE GRAIN MARKETS OF UKRAINE AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Actionable insights for horticulture supply chains through advanced IoT analytics

This research addresses one of the key challenges facing the horticulture industry, disruption. Disruption both on farm and post-harvest through the supply chain. Caused by exogenous factors such as wars, trade sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic, the small and medium sized horticulture farming businesses which represent most of the supply to the sector are faced with daily decisions in attempts to mitigate the disruption. A research gap was identified in the data available to these horticulture farmers to inform their supply chain decisions. Using action design research methodology, the gap and problem were defined with a stakeholder group of subject matter experts from the horticulture industry in Australia. Through ongoing cycles of feedback with this group, a framework, the Horticulture Supply Chain Analytics (HSCA) framework was developed with a supporting IT (Information Technology) artifact. The stakeholder group strongly recommended that a level of autonomy be developed in the solution as the farmers are time poor, requiring actionable insights from the supply chain data. A novel concept was developed to achieve this level of autonomy using geospatial enhancements to the supply chain event logs, generated by the GPS (Global Position System) trackers, to allow for autonomous supply chain monitoring and compliance checking. A banana farm was selected for evaluation of the framework, which required deployment of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, both on the farm and the consignments being transported to customers. The HSCA framework was found to deliver actionable insights for the banana business, improving on farm productivity, reduction in key input costs as well as improving post-harvest quality and yield. Results and learnings from the banana farm use case have been captured and generalized for the horticulture sector.

An Action Design Research Study on Responsible Innovation Teaching and Training for Information Systems Students

While information systems organizations recognize the importance of incorporating responsible innovation into their activities, they often face difficulty implementing this practice because employees lack the required knowledge and skills, particularly the capacity for reflexivity and reflection. This paper aims to accelerate responsible innovation teaching and training for information systems students to expedite the process of positive change for sustainability. Using the action design research methodology and the responsible innovation lens, we developed a workshop enabling information systems students to form measurable reflection skills. The workshop evaluation suggests that learning took place and that students are willing to adopt responsible innovation in their future workplaces. A set of design guidelines is proposed to guide further training programs to enhance students’ ability to address complex challenges responsibly. This paper answers the call for more impactful information systems research to address societal and environmental challenges and enriches the literature on sustainable social development and business practices.

보건의료인 대상 심리적 응급처치(PFA) 교육 특성과 효과에 대한 체계적 문헌고찰

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review was to identify the contents and effects of Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for health personnel in previous studies. Methods: This study followed the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A systematic literature search was conducted using 10 electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, RISS, KISS, KoreaMed, KMBASE, and NDSL. Search terms included ‘PFA’, ‘disaster psychosocial support’, ‘education’, ‘intervention’, and ‘health personnel’. Out of 390 studies retrieved, 8 studies were finally included in this systematic review. Quality of studies was assessed using the ROB-2 and RoBANS. Result: Studies reported PFA based on WHO manual and other useful strategies including case study, role-play, simulation with standardized patients (SP), application (app), web-based simulation and etc. Overall, studies reported significant improvement in PFA knowledge, performance competence, and self-esteem of health personnel. Limitations of the included studies included a lack of rigorous methodological research design and possibility of risk of bias. Conclusion: PFA training is useful in improving psychological intervention capabilities of health personnel in early disaster situations. These findings will serve as a foundation for the development of PFA training programs in Korean health care units and disaster preparedness institutes.

Integrating and transitioning the project front-end and project initiation phases in South African electrical engineering industrial projects

PurposeThe objective of this research is to explore integration and transition activities in large industrial projects. The purpose is to (a) obtain a better understanding of the integration and transition activities between the project front-end (FE) and project initiation phases (PIPs), (b) explore what, how and when these integrations and transitions occur, and (c) explore what the integration and transition activities mean to project practitioners.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design methodology is followed, based on interviews using open-ended questions. An expert panel is used to provide responses to questions pertaining to the integration and transition between the project FE and PIP. The research is focused on managing large projects in the South African electrical engineering industrial projects industry. A literature review combined with empirical analysis reflects the importance of integrating and transitioning in project business.FindingsThe findings provide guidance to researchers and practitioners on integration and transition mechanisms, how and when these occur. It highlights the benefits of integration and transition activities. Important lessons for researchers and practitioners are provided together with areas for future research.Originality/valueThis is an interpretative analysis of expert opinion. Expert panel members are experienced at senior decision-making level, and their expertise was accessed based on experience, education and knowledge. This extensive experience is shared in this paper providing insights into their opinions, experiences, success and failures. These inputs together with the literature review provide interesting implications for both a theoretical foundation as well as practical implications for practitioners.