Empirical Case Research Articles

Leadership in Technology Enterprises: Theory, Practice, and Development Trends

 This paper systematically explores the core elements, theoretical foundations, practical applications, and future trends of leadership in technology enterprises. Through a review of leadership theories and an analysis of empirical cases in technology enterprises, we elucidate the key abilities and strategies that leaders need in the face of rapid change and intense competition. In addition, we discuss the significant role of leadership in technology innovation, team building, and organizational transformation, and look forward to the possible directions of future leadership development in technology enterprises.

Commodified State Feminism: The Entanglements of Feminist Commodity Activism and Feminist Politics in a Nordic Welfare State

Abstract This article analyzes the entanglements of feminist commodity activism and state feminism. Feminist commodity activism refers to consumption and commodified communication as modes of feminist political participation. Earlier research on these topics has focused on the business sector and on media and popular culture, largely sidelining the state as a site of feminism. This article addresses the increasingly close relations between consumerism and state politics and asks how feminist commodity activism interacts with state feminism. It draws on two empirical cases in the Nordic welfare state of Finland. The first is Uhana Design, a small-scale fashion business, and its Girl Gang campaign that leans on state feminism. The second is Finland's former leading female politicians’ engagements with feminist fashion. By analyzing these cases via three theoretical lenses, business, popular, and state feminism, this article develops the notion of commodified state feminism, paying attention to economic, cultural, and political dimensions of feminist commodity activism and state feminism. It also argues that commodified state feminism is emblematic of the current political context, in which the boundaries between market and politics have become blurred.

The Role of Games in the Moral Education of Children from an Islamic Perspective

In this article, we will examine moral education through games from an Islamic perspective. To this end, we will first present a discussion of virtue ethics as the theoretical framework of our discussion since a major part of Islamic moral education can be explained through it. As we will explain, virtue ethics emphasizes the effect of following moral patterns in character formation. Then, we will discuss the place of games in the moral education method of the Prophet of Islam and the Shia Imams and show how they paid attention to the moral education of children through games. We will then look at some new games designed by Islamic education experts for this purpose. Finally, we will discuss some theoretical mechanisms to explain the efficacy of these games and examine an empirical case study conducted in this field. Research Objectives: To explore the role of games in the moral education method of the Prophet of Islam and the Shia Imams. Research Methods: A qualitative documentary method to study the place of games in Islamic moral teachings and methods. Research Results: A major part of Islamic moral education can be explained through the virtue ethics framework, which emphasizes the effect of following moral patterns in character formation.

Long-term impact of mortality on population age structures

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that mortality has a greater influence than fertility on shaping population age structures in the long run and that recent mortality rates provide a satisfactory initial approximation for describing observed age structures in most empirical cases. In the theoretical part of this article, we elucidate a potential fallacy in the line of reasoning based on simulations and counterfactuals frequently used to attribute population aging to low fertility rates. The alternative view that we propose leads us to hypothesize that age structures conform, albeit not exclusively, to a standard derived from survival conditions: the age structure of a stationary population within a given period. We tested this hypothesis on all countries, using the data from the United Nations database (1951 – 2021) and specifically on 10 European countries using the data from the Human Mortality Database (1860 – 2019). The empirical results indicate that current survival conditions sufficiently explain a significant portion of the observed age structure across all examined countries and epochs. However, deviations from this underlying, long-term (mortality-driven) path exist, which our approach cannot fully explain. This is where the role of fertility arguably becomes more prominent. Several implications arise from our findings, including the debate on the relative role of fertility and mortality in shaping age structures in the long run, the theoretical meaning and practical use of cross-sectional life tables, and the notion and measure of demographic dividends.

Urban fragments or fractals of resilience? A systematic review of empirical cases of gated communities in Accra, Ghana

The development of gated communities within the urban realm in Ghana has become a major concern for urban planning and governance. As an aspect of the broader urban system, gated communities have a preponderant effect on the urban fabric and the achievement of urban resilience. Under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly Goal 11, resilience has become the preoccupation of urban planning and governance. Also, there is the realization that resilient communities are building blocks of a resilient and sustainable city. The paper argues that despite the increase in scholarship on gated communities in Ghana, no attempt has been made to relate the development of gated communities to urban resilience in spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, using systematic review methodology, the paper assessed the gated communities and urban resilience nexus in the rapidly urbanizing city of Accra, Ghana. The results revealed a dichotomous stance which portrays gated communities as both drawbacks (fragments) and promoters (fractals) of urban resilience. The paper further proffers policy recommendations and highlights empirical gaps pertaining to the gated community and urban resilience discourse in Ghana.

The Impact of Population Ageing on the Economy

In the face of the escalating global phenomenon of population aging, this comprehensive study seeks to explore the intricate and far-reaching consequences of aging on the global economy. The research background accentuates the profound reshaping of familial, societal, and national structures induced by this pervasive trend, giving rise to extensive economic apprehensions. Delving into critical domains such as the labor market, consumption patterns, and the social security system, the present paper systematically unravels the manifold opportunities and challenges arising from the aging population, drawing insights from an exhaustive review of both domestic and international literature and empirical cases. Employing a methodology encompassing literature reviews and in-depth case analyses, the study capitalizes on diverse global experiences to formulate adaptable and responsive strategies. The conclusive findings underscore the pressing need for the expeditious implementation of flexible policies and the fortification of social support structures. This study serves as a fount of profound insights for policymakers, offering a roadmap towards fostering sustainable societal development amidst the prevailing wave of population aging.

Enhancing modular construction supply chain: Drivers, opportunities, constraints, concerns, strategies, and measures

Modular construction (MC) plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development. However, the promotion of MC in many jurisdictions has been encumbered by its prevailing undeveloped supply chain. This study aims to systematically explore the drivers, opportunities, constraints, concerns, strategies, and measures with regard to enhancing the MC supply chain, using the empirical case of modular integrated construction in Hong Kong and the supply chain in the Greater Bay Area of China. The research was conducted through the combination of a literature review, a questionnaire survey with 244 effective responses, and 46 expert interviews. A systematic framework with foremost drivers, opportunities, constraints, concerns, strategies, and measures is proposed for guiding MC supply chain enhancement from technical, political and regulatory, socio-economic, and geographical perspectives. The findings contribute to better understanding the complexity and dynamics of the MC supply chain and guide stakeholders to work collaboratively for supply chain enhancement.

Monitoring the growth of social and emotional competence to guide practice decisions

To facilitate social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, assessments must be suitable for progress monitoring, which includes being sensitive to short-term changes in students’ social and emotional competence (SEC) and providing useful and timely information to educators. This paper discusses evidence criteria to help determine whether an instrument is suitable for progress monitoring of student SEC. To illustrate how action-oriented research can help further guide the development of evidence standards and inform SEL practice in schools, the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment-mini (DESSA-mini) is highlighted through two empirical case studies. Data for both case studies are derived from a district-wide implementation of an evidence-based SEL program, Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS), that used the DESSA-mini to assess the SEC of 7681 students in Grades K-5 at three time points over a school year. Multilevel models estimated the growth in student SEC under different implementation conditions and by different student characteristics (i.e., grade, gender, SEC at baseline). Findings suggest significant growth in SEC with some meaningful variation. Results are interpreted to illustrate how routine-practice studies can be used to infer how much growth is typical, among which students, and under what conditions, to facilitate real-time practice decisions.Impact Statement: To facilitate social and emotional learning in schools, educators need to monitor progress in students’ acquisition of social and emotional competence. Two case studies are presented to illustrate how studies can be used to infer how much growth is typical, among which students, and under what conditions, to facilitate real-time decisions by educators to adjust instruction.

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON INVESTMENT RISK AND RETURN IN THE CAPITAL MARKET

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of diversification methods on the risk and return of investments in the capital market. The employed research methodology is qualitative research, which is a strategy utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. This research methodology involves conducting a comprehensive examination and analysis of relevant written sources, such as books, journals, articles, and documents, to gather information pertaining to the specific topic or title under investigation. The research findings indicate that the diversity strategy portfolio plays a key role in risk management and has an impact on investment returns in the capital market. The diversity of the portfolio is successful in reducing risk, particularly through the distribution of funds across different assets and sectors. This subject is substantiated by empirical evidence and case studies, which demonstrate that a diversified portfolio has the capability to safeguard investments from substantial swings in the market. In the face of capital market unpredictability, diversifying a portfolio is a method that cannot be avoided. By gaining a profound comprehension of risk variables, market dangers, and the economic and political influences on the market, investors can create an ideal portfolio that aligns with their investing objectives. This approach ensures more consistency and measurability over the long term.

"You can't really have a relationship with them because they just ask you questions": understanding adolescent dropout - an empirical single case study.

High dropout rates are common in youth psychotherapy, including psychoanalytic psychotherapy, yet the reasons behind this trend remain obscure. A critical focus to enhance adolescent engagement could be the therapeutic alliance, particularly in resolving alliance ruptures. This study sought to clarify the complex relationships between the therapeutic alliance, encompassing alliance ruptures and resolutions, and dropout within the context of poor outcome. It investigated a single case of an adolescent with depression who dropped-out of Short-Term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, without showing clinical improvement. Data was garnered from diverse sources, including questionnaires, interviews, and session recordings, and analyzed through a mixed-method longitudinal framework. This encompassed views from the adolescent, therapist, parents, and external evaluators. The study identifies several factors impacting the decision to drop out, including initial profound distrust toward the therapist, a complex and difficult therapeutic relationship characterized by unresolved alliance ruptures, and sporadic attendance. External factors including minimal parental engagement with therapy were also seen as detrimental to the adolescent's involvement and progress. The research underscores the challenges in engaging adolescents, especially when there may be distrust of professionals, and in the absence of parental involvement with treatment.

Frustration can Limit the Adaptation of Promiscuous Enzymes Through Gene Duplication and Specialisation

Virtually all enzymes catalyse more than one reaction, a phenomenon known as enzyme promiscuity. It is unclear whether promiscuous enzymes are more often generalists that catalyse multiple reactions at similar rates or specialists that catalyse one reaction much more efficiently than other reactions. In addition, the factors that shape whether an enzyme evolves to be a generalist or a specialist are poorly understood. To address these questions, we follow a three-pronged approach. First, we examine the distribution of promiscuity in empirical enzymes reported in the BRENDA database. We find that the promiscuity distribution of empirical enzymes is bimodal. In other words, a large fraction of promiscuous enzymes are either generalists or specialists, with few intermediates. Second, we demonstrate that enzyme biophysics is not sufficient to explain this bimodal distribution. Third, we devise a constraint-based model of promiscuous enzymes undergoing duplication and facing selection pressures favouring subfunctionalization. The model posits the existence of constraints between the catalytic efficiencies of an enzyme for different reactions and is inspired by empirical case studies. The promiscuity distribution predicted by our constraint-based model is consistent with the empirical bimodal distribution. Our results suggest that subfunctionalization is possible and beneficial only in certain enzymes. Furthermore, the model predicts that conflicting constraints and selection pressures can cause promiscuous enzymes to enter a ‘frustrated’ state, in which competing interactions limit the specialisation of enzymes. We find that frustration can be both a driver and an inhibitor of enzyme evolution by duplication and subfunctionalization. In addition, our model predicts that frustration becomes more likely as enzymes catalyse more reactions, implying that natural selection may prefer catalytically simple enzymes. In sum, our results suggest that frustration may play an important role in enzyme evolution.

Data and statecraft: why and how states localize data

Abstract This paper explores the motives and mechanisms behind data localization implemented by states to protect data, which is essential to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Despite the significant negative aspects of data localization for states, the practice has become increasingly prevalent, leading to the unexplored question of why states choose to implement it. This suggests that data localization is a form of economic means derived from digital technologies and employed by states to serve political objectives. Focusing on the data in platforms, the theoretical mechanism of data localization is captured in light of two factors: network perception and security externality. Network perception pertains to a state’s perception of the positive network effect generated by platforms, while security externality refers to a state’s consideration of the security implications in relation to the economic benefits derived from the positive network effect, serving the national interest in domestic and/or international contexts. To substantiate these theoretical propositions, the paper employs a comparative case study approach where Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia have been chosen as empirical cases based on the selection strategy. The paper bridges the concept of economic statecraft with digital technologies, fosters interdisciplinary discussions, and offers policy implications.

Advancing ocean ecosystem conservation via property rights, rather than marine protected areas (MPAs)

There is demand to protect at-risk fish species and ecosystems. Property rights regimes can be superior to spatial controls via Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for doing so. Empirical cases from Australia and the US indicate that MPAs are inequitable, too large and restrictive, and controversial. These conditions lead to resistance and political pushback, threatening long-term budgets and conservation goals. A critique of MPAs is presented along with a range of property rights arrangements–common, community, private—and Coasean bargaining as alternatives. Outlined benefits are a.) Rights holders have a stake in conservation and are central in its design. They are more than respondents. b). Costs/benefits can be more equally distributed, including direct payments that include both costs of transition and contribution to public goods provision. c.) Spatial set-asides confront tradeoffs and hence, are more apt to be economically sited and designed. d.) Modifications can occur more smoothly through market exchange than through the political process. Durable global conservation efforts can be enhanced.

LEGISLATIVE RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A GLOBAL REVIEW OF POLICIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, prompting nations worldwide to formulate legislative responses to mitigate its impacts. This paper provides a concise overview of a comprehensive review that explores the legislative initiatives implemented globally to combat climate change and assesses their effectiveness. The study examines a diverse range of climate change policies enacted by nations across continents, considering variations in regulatory frameworks, policy instruments, and implementation strategies. By analyzing the evolution of legislative responses, the review aims to identify common themes, successful approaches, and challenges encountered in the pursuit of climate goals. Key areas of focus include emissions reduction targets, renewable energy adoption, carbon pricing mechanisms, and adaptation strategies. The effectiveness of these policies is evaluated through a synthesis of empirical data, case studies, and expert analyses, providing insights into the tangible outcomes and lessons learned from diverse legislative approaches. The paper highlights the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in addressing a global challenge like climate change. As legislative landscapes continue to evolve, understanding the successes and limitations of existing policies becomes crucial for shaping more robust, adaptive, and collaborative frameworks in the future. In conclusion, this global review sheds light on the multifaceted nature of legislative responses to climate change and contributes to the ongoing discourse on effective strategies for sustainable environmental stewardship. The findings aim to inform policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between legislation, climate action, and the pursuit of a resilient and low-carbon future.
 Keywords: Climate Change, Policies, Emission Reduction, Review, Environmental.

The Home Stay Exhibitions: The Home and the Image as Hyperlocal Sites of Peacebuilding

ABSTRACT In the Home Stay Exhibitions young Rwandans are mentored to produce photo stories which they exhibit in their homes, opening the doors to neighbours and friends. Using photography to make new conversations possible, the initiative contributes to social healing in post-genocide Rwanda. This article provides an empirical case study of the Home Stay Exhibitions as a form of localised peace photography. It contributes to arts and peacebuilding and visual peace research by demonstrating how photography is harnessed by local actors to break down entrenched distances and to carve space for inclusive dialogue around hidden areas of peacebuilding including gender, justice and community.

A Setting Optimization Ensemble for a Distributed Power Grid Protective Relay

To ensure a stable and reliable power supply, the valid and timely response of protective relays are indispensable. Through the prevention of fault expansions, potential equipment damage or system collapse can be averted, where their setting is one vital prerequisite for such effective implementations. However, the increasing complexity of distribution power systems results in more challenges for protection tuning strategies. Ergo, this paper presents an ensemble that combines the independent factor evaluation (IFE) and quantum genetic optimization (QGO) models to further optimize the performance of relays according to their distributed tuning environment. In this ensemble, both near and far-end fault characteristics can be incorporated. In the first stage, the IFE dimensional reduction model is deployed for massive heterogeneous input data, where the statistical independence of input signals is calculated, the linear transformation matrix to decouple mixed signals is found, the linear combination of such signals is formed, and the non-Gaussian property to sort them is established. This can ameliorate the following calculation efficiency under those high-dimensional data scenarios. Subsequently, the QGO model is designed to further improve relay settings, where qubit representation is built to reduce required chromosomes, the linear superposition of the optimal solution probability in different states is implemented for a better diversity and convergence performance, and a self-adaption quantum gate is established to dynamically update the qubit chromosome groups and two-state solution combinations. Lastly, an empirical case study is presented, which validates the enhanced convergence, accuracy, and rapidity of the proposed ensemble.

Institutional Logics, Risk and Extreme Events: Insights from and for Management Education

AbstractTo shed light on the interrelationship between risk and logics, we explore how multiple institutional logics shape management educators’ experiences of risk in classroom teaching. Using a two‐case research design, we analyse an empirical case study of management educators in a UK business school during the COVID‐19 pandemic and a case study of emergency physicians during the Ebola epidemic. Comparing these two focal cases of different types of frontline professional work during global health crises, we develop a model of how perceptions of risks and their mitigation shape, and are shaped by, experiences of compatibility, contestation and rejection among multiple logics. Our study extends the literatures on institutional logics and risk by providing insight into the role of multiple logics in the social construction of risk. We also contribute to the management education literature by focusing attention on the risks of physical harm in classroom teaching and by theorizing when, how and why management educators apprehend these risks as ordinary or extraordinary to their normal professional role. Finally, our study has practical implications for risk mitigation at individual and organizational levels and for creatively and safely adapting teaching and learning practices with students during extreme events.

Strategies and Challenges in Encouraging Students' Critical Thinking Skills in Online Learning: A Literature Review

This article presents a comprehensive literature review on the methodologies and obstacles faced in fostering critical thinking skills among students within the realm of online learning. As digital education platforms become increasingly prevalent, educators and curriculum designers are tasked with the challenge of adapting traditional, interactive critical thinking exercises to virtual environments. This review synthesizes findings from various studies, including empirical research, theoretical analyses, and case studies, to identify effective strategies for promoting critical thinking in online courses. Key strategies highlighted include the use of asynchronous discussion forums to facilitate reflective thinking, the integration of problem-based learning tasks, and the implementation of peer review mechanisms to enhance analytical skills. The review also discusses the challenges encountered in online settings, such as the lack of immediate feedback, reduced social cues, and the potential for cognitive overload due to multitasking. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful course design, the need for instructor training in online pedagogical methods, and the role of technology in supporting interactive and engaging learning experiences. Finally, the article calls for further research into innovative educational technologies and pedagogies that can better support critical thinking development in online learning environments.

What’s (in) a game? An empirical reflection on the relationship of higher education students to their disciplines

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to attaining a clearer view and understanding of the processes of socially induced changes of students in the ‘game’ of higher education (HE). First, it engages in a critique of the gaps of some prominent current literature on HE. It asserts the relatively autonomous dimension of games, both for those privileged in it and those that are not. This autonomous dimension diverts outside influences (e.g. class, gender, ethnicity) in context-specific ways. It forces the sociologist to clarify the game, its rules and regulations, and to relate this clarified game with the specific reactions and adjustments of its students. The Goffmanian concepts of ‘game’ and ‘instrumental formal organisation’ are used for that purpose. The relationship that outsider German economics students have to their subject game serves as an empirical case study. The paper suggests three types of relations (ways of playing) of student to disciplinary game, applicable to diverse circumstances – puzzle-solving, colonisation, and intransigence. These types of relations are fundamentally different, characterising an increasing degree of integration into the disciplinary game. In effect, the Goffmanian detour also invites further epistemological and theoretical reflections towards a revised- and re-sensitised study of students’ relationships to HE.

Tourism demand forecasting using complex network theory

ABSTRACT Tourism demand forecasting is proven essential to optimize management, increase revenues, and control risks. Spatial effects have been widely considered in forecasting models and achieved good results. However, existing studies paid little attention to the dynamicity and hierarchy of spatial correlations among tourist attractions within tourism destination complex networks. This study addresses this paucity by proposing a novel deep learning model, namely, multi-hierarchy dynamic spatiotemporal network (MHDSTN). Innovatively, dynamic and hierarchical spatiotemporal features are extracted for forecasting improvement by integrating transformer, gated graph convolution, and long short-term memory. The effectiveness, robustness, and interpretability of the model are demonstrated through an empirical case in Beijing, China. Results indicate that incorporating dynamic and hierarchical spatial effects remarkably improves forecasting accuracy.