Flexible Planning Research Articles

No One Dies Alone: Developing A Comfort Care Home for Unhoused, Isolated, and Vulnerable Individuals.

This report highlights the development of Grace House Akron, Inc. (GHA) a comfort care home focused on caring for terminally ill individuals who are unhoused, isolated, without caregivers, economically disadvantaged and face end of life alone. GHA is a free-standing home that provides safe housing, a nurturing environment, and round-the-clock personal care while local hospice agencies provide medical management. Successful strategies and lessons learned from creation of the GHA organization in 2016 to the opening in 2022 and operating of the home for 24 months, are discussed. These strategies include: (1) Build strong executive leadership in partnership with a broadly skilled and connected board; (2) Develop a comprehensive and flexible business plan; (3) Identify state licensure regulations and physical facility requirements; (4) Engage foundations, donors, and the local community early and often; (5) Utilize volunteers as an essential part of the team; and (6) Listen to and learn from each resident while identifying their unique needs. We also share four lessons learned from our journey. By sharing these strategies and lessons, we hope to inform others interested in filling gaps in hospice services to vulnerable individuals in their own communities.

Authoring instructional flow in iVR learning units to promote outcome-oriented learning

Despite the recognized efficacy of immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) in skill learning, the design of iVR-based learning units by subject matter experts (SMEs) based on target requirements is severely restricted. This is partly due to a lack of flexible ways of authoring instruction flows to arrange the learning activities in alignment with the desired learning objectives. Our research provides a workflow design enabling SMEs to author the flow of learning activities developed by the Virtual Reality (VR) developers, with an aim to enable learners achieve desired goals progressively in a virtual environment. Additionally, this outcome-oriented flow authoring utilizes a scalable learning framework that categorizes learning activities into four instructional phases: Introduction, Presentation, Practice, and Application. Such frameworks can be easily integrated into the instruction to plan a class or a series of classes to cover an entire concept or chapter. Using a welding use case, our user study evaluation with 12 experienced welders indicated positive ratings about the usefulness of such workflows for flexible planning of training scenarios. We envision adoption of such methods could facilitate greater and more efficient adoption of the iVR technologies in pedagogical settings.

Теоретичні підходи до розвитку логістичних систем в умовах нестабільності економічного середовища

It has been established that modern conditions of economic instability are characterized by rapid changes in demand, supply, and other business parameters, forcing enterprises to seek new solutions to ensure their competitiveness. The necessity of flexible logistics systems management has been proven, allowing for adaptation to new challenges, enhancing the effectiveness of management practices, and ensuring sustainable business development. Theoretical approaches to developing logistics systems play a crucial role in addressing these tasks, particularly by implementing innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and automation. The development of logistics systems is characterized as a complex and multidimensional task that requires flexibility, innovation, and sustainability to overcome economic risks. A logistics system structure is presented, including the main objective, core idea, goals, functions, principles, and the primary aim within the context of international logistics systems. The main directions for decision-making in conditions of economic instability are discussed, including risk and uncertainty analysis, resource and asset diversification, cost reduction, process optimization, flexible planning, innovation, digitalization, and a focus on resilience. The proposed theoretical approaches to developing logistics systems as adaptive, innovative, risk-oriented, customer-focused, and cooperative− contribute to effective functioning and adaptation in a rapidly changing economic environment. It has been demonstrated that important directions for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses include: firstly, the adaptability of logistics systems to unstable conditions, which entails their ability to respond quickly to changes in market situations, economic crises, fluctuations in demand, and other external factors; and secondly, the integration of innovative technologies into local processes (digital platforms for monitoring; the use of big data; automation and robotics). Keywords: adaptability, economic instability, efficiency, logistics system, development, management, enterprise.

Rating as a tool for increasing the level of compliance with mandatory requirements by objects of sanitary and epidemiological control (supervision)

Introduction. The relevance of the study is determined by postulates fixed in the Concept for Improvement of Control (Supervision) Activities for the period up to 2026. It stipulates the requirement to assign a rating to each object under supervision as a tool to encourage conscientious behaviour and a mechanism that ensures easy public access to any data regarding safety of each object under control. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology and criteria for assessing objects that are subject to sanitary-epidemiological control (supervision) to assign a proper rating to them. Materials and methods. The approaches were based on statistical analysis of the results obtained by control, supervision, and prevention activities and on identifying levels of risks of harm to protected values, primarily, people’s lives and health. Results. The study presents methodical instruments used for calculating relative coefficients and corresponding scores serving as criteria for identifying a rating and calculated considering actual and potential risks of health harm. Objects are rated depending on the value of this relative coefficient (from low to high ones) and estimated per a suggested scale that allows identifying the level of their relative conformity with the law. Objects in the first scale range (the lowest coefficients and highest ratings) are considered to be the most law-abiding. Objects in the fourth range (the highest coefficients and lowest ratings) are considered to have the highest risks of health harm. The latter are the first-order priority and should attract the greatest attention of regulatory authorities. Limitations. The study has limitations as regards considering specificity of detected violations and severity of their outcomes. Conclusion. The suggested approaches to assigning ratings to both juridical persons and production facilities of the same juridical person provide information and methodical support for the requirements fixed in the valid federal legislation and prospects for the development of the public administration. The presented tools allow more flexible planning and help to the regional offices of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing to create inspection schedules in accordance with available resources so that they can soundly concentrate their efforts on the most ‘difficult’ objects even within the same risk category. Assigning a rating to an object is a way to encourage businesses to conform to mandatory requirements (for objects with low rating) and to give them an opportunity to show their socially responsible image (for objects with high rating). Assigning a rating is an instrument keeping the civil society informed and helps to make a well-grounded choice when it comes down to objects that render various services to the population.

СПЕЦИФІКА ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНРТЕР’ЄРУ УНІВЕРСАЛЬНОГО ЗАЛУ ФІЗИЧНОЇ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ ДЛЯ ВІЙСЬКОВОСЛУЖБОВЦІВ

Today, in Ukraine, there are many problems in the field of modernization of the internal architectural space of health care institutions and the creation of specialized premises in new centers that will provide rehabilitation for military personnel in accordance with world standards. Despite the government's efforts to improve the level of medical services provided to military personnel, there is a noticeable shortage of rehabilitation centers, as well as a need to expand existing medical facilities. Today, the task of architects and designers is to create an aesthetic yet ergonomic interior space in universal halls for the physical recovery of military personnel. Several factors have been identified that influence the design of the interior of a physical rehabilitation hall for military personnel, including functional, aesthetic, natural-climatic, socio-psychological and physiological. Based on the study and analysis of existing physical rehabilitation halls for veterans abroad, recommendations for interior design were formulated: provision of free space around each element of equipment; maximizing the use of natural light; choosing pastel tones for wall finishes and using easily cleanable surfaces; organizing rehabilitation equipment by function and stages of recovery; the use of color contrast in the floor covering to indicate the direction of movement and the correct selection of the floor covering material, which does not create obstacles to movement with the help of equipment and does not wear out; including rest areas in the rehabilitation hall space; flexible planning with the option for occasional space partitioning; incorporating greenery into the recreation areas. Based on the conducted research, a design option for the interior design of the universal hall has been proposed.

Unravelling motives and time use of additional leave in a flexible benefits plan: a mixed-methods case study in Belgium

Working-time reduction emerges as a promising measure for fostering a well-being economy, as it allows to reconsider time allocation between paid labour and other activities, potentially improving human and environmental well-being. This study investigates the motives for and planned time use of additional leave in the context of a flexible benefits plan, a specific form of working-time reduction that is increasingly popular among employees and employers. Despite its popularity, little is known about the rationale behind this choice and its potential to create socio-environmental benefits. Data were collected from a Belgian media company in 2022 using a mixed-methods approach, comprising a survey (N = 241) and semi-structured interviews (N = 13). The findings reveal that a mix of motives matters for choosing additional leave, including push, pull, personal and contextual factors, as well as the specifics of the flexible benefits plan. While the desire for more leisure emerges as a primary driver, difficulties in taking up the standard amount of leave present a key barrier. Employees plan to use their extra leave for diverse activities, mainly personal and social activities, household tasks, travel, and ad-hoc pursuits. However, preferences vary based on parental status, with couples having children primarily intending to use the leave for caregiving responsibilities. Notably, the primary activities for intended time use align with increased well-being and have relatively low environmental impacts, although positive effects may be partially offset for well-being (such as when paid work is replaced with unpaid care or household work) or for the environment (such as when spending the extra leave on environmentally intensive (travel) activities). These findings tentatively suggest that choosing additional leave in flexible benefits plans could contribute to a well-being economy.

Controversies surrounding Japan’s ‘flexible’ urban planning: a comparative analysis of consensus-building and public engagement in Tokyo’s redevelopment projects

ABSTRACT The rapid increase in large-scale redevelopment projects in Tokyo’s inner-city has demonstrated the shortcomings in Japan’s ‘flexible’ urban planning system. While authorities explain many of these redevelopments as being necessary for disaster prevention and economic revitalization, citizen opposition to some projects has fuelled ongoing debates about public participation. Pundits of Japanese cities often hail Tokyo as a successful example of flexible urban planning that allows for a more market-led approach to development through loose regulations. This research highlights the controversies around this approach and its implications as residents attempt to influence the transformation of their neighbourhoods. A study of the legal framework and the internal processes governing redevelopment projects in three Tokyo neighbourhoods reveals Japan's consensus-building approach, which prioritizes rights-holders while lacking specific requirements for the participation of the surrounding residents. By critically examining Tokyo’s large-scale redevelopments, this paper questions Tokyo’s suitability as a developmental model and advocates for striking a better balance between flexibility and participation.

A Comparative Study of AStar, LPA* and DStarLite Path Planning Algorithms Based on Matlab

In the realm of robotics and autonomous systems, path planning is a pivotal component that determines the efficacy and safety of navigational tasks. With the proliferation of autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile robots, the need for efficient and adaptive path planning algorithms has become increasingly acute. This paper studies AStar, LPA and DStarLite path planning algorithms based on Matlab platform, and compares their performance through simulation experiments. AStar algorithm is simple and widely applicable, but it has some shortcomings in path smoothness and computational efficiency. LPA improves path smoothness by introducing dynamic cost updating, but it may sacrifice some computational efficiency. The DStarLite algorithm performs well in dynamic environments with an efficient incremental update strategy that maintains high path smoothness and low computational costs. The experimental results show that DStarLite is the fastest in most cases, LPA* and DStarLite are superior to AStar in path smoothness. Future research may explore combining the advantages of each algorithm to develop more efficient, flexible and robust path planning algorithms to cope with complex and changeable actual scenarios.

A Comparative Study of AStar, LPA* and DStarLite Path Planning Algorithms Based on Matlab

In the realm of robotics and autonomous systems, path planning is a pivotal component that determines the efficacy and safety of navigational tasks. With the proliferation of autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile robots, the need for efficient and adaptive path planning algorithms has become increasingly acute. This paper studies AStar, LPA and DStarLite path planning algorithms based on Matlab platform, and compares their performance through simulation experiments. AStar algorithm is simple and widely applicable, but it has some shortcomings in path smoothness and computational efficiency. LPA improves path smoothness by introducing dynamic cost updating, but it may sacrifice some computational efficiency. The DStarLite algorithm performs well in dynamic environments with an efficient incremental update strategy that maintains high path smoothness and low computational costs. The experimental results show that DStarLite is the fastest in most cases, LPA* and DStarLite are superior to AStar in path smoothness. Future research may explore combining the advantages of each algorithm to develop more efficient, flexible and robust path planning algorithms to cope with complex and changeable actual scenarios.

Barriers and facilitators to conducting randomised controlled trials within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres: a qualitative study

BackgroundRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for generating clinical evidence. The focus on high internal validity in RCTs challenges the external validity and generalisability of findings, potentially hindering their application in routine care. In neurorehabilitation, limited literature addresses conducting RCTs feasibly and efficiently. We investigated barriers and facilitators to conducting RCTs within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres from the perspective of stakeholders in neurorehabilitation in Germany and Austria.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in neurorehabilitation from four centres in Germany and Austria, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model (COM-B). Employing a hybrid approach, the interview analysis integrated both deductive, theory-driven analysis based on the TDF domains and COM-B model and inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsTwelve stakeholders (4 physicians, 4 therapy managers, 4 therapists; 5 females, 7 males; with research experience spanning 0–40 years) were interviewed. Key barriers to conducting RCTs in neurological rehabilitation centres include limited financial, human, and time resources, high clinical workloads, and a lack of interest of some therapists. Ineffective leadership, perceived lack of research expertise, and communication issues were also significant barriers. Social influence factors such as lack of employer support and inadequate training access further contributed to the challenges. Additionally, barriers included insufficient research infrastructure, limited space, internal power struggles, and rigid cost bearer specifications. Key facilitators included physicians’ and therapists’ motivation to advance the field, contribute to knowledge, and to prioritise patient health. Support from supervisors, joint decision-making, and efficient organisation were crucial facilitators. Flexible therapy planning, mutual support, and interdisciplinary collaboration also played important roles.ConclusionOur results suggest that increasing professional development and understanding, along with providing adequate financial, human, time, and spatial resources to support research endeavours, implementing effective communication strategies to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination among team members may contribute to increased motivation and facilitate RCTs within the setting of neurorehabilitation centres.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (08.04.2021 DRKSID DRKS00024982).

Optimizing the transition pathway of a steel plant towards hydrogen-based steelmaking

Direct reduction of iron ore using hydrogen is a promising alternative to traditional coke-based reduction that could greatly reduce CO2 emissions from the steelmaking industry. In this alternative route, hydrogen and iron oxides react in a shaft furnace to produce direct reduced iron that is further processed in electric arc furnaces into liquid steel. The total process is greatly dependent on electricity, both for producing hydrogen and for operating the electric arc furnace. When considering a possible transformation of a traditional steel plant to hydrogen-based direct reduction, there are several open questions regarding appropriate configurations and dimensions of new units, scheduling of investments, integrated operation of old and new units, etc. Furthermore, the entire transformation process could span several decades, during which market conditions may change substantially. To help planning such a transition, this paper presents a steel plant optimization model that minimizes accumulated costs or emissions of investments and operation over a selected time horizon, during which new units can be constructed and old units possibly be decommissioned. The task is formulated as a mixed-integer quadratically constrained programming problem, with simplified regression models of blast furnaces and shaft furnaces based on more detailed models. Model performance is illustrated with an example case in which the possible transition of a steel plant with two blast furnaces that are expected to be decommissioned within the next twenty years is analyzed, demonstrating that the model is a flexible planning tool for comparing and assessing different future scenarios for decarbonizing the steel industry.

The meaning of organizational culture and structure for interprofessional collaboration

Abstract In Germany, early neurological rehabilitation (ENR) acts as a link between acute inpatient care and rehabilitation, aiming to restore patients’ ability to rehabilitate amid their complex clinical conditions. Interprofessional cooperation (IPC) is crucial for harmonized treatment due to patients’ vulnerability. An interprofessional team comprising medical, nursing, and various therapy professionals is essential for this purpose. To explore the meaning of organizational culture and structure to IPC, 15 group discussions in 5 clinics were conducted with n = 76 participants. 1. Weekly team meetings are used to coordinate treatment goals and outcomes, but their implementation varies from clinic to clinic. Two types of meetings were identified: those that focus primarily on billing compliance and others that address patients’ long-term perspectives. However, both require additional social service involvement and are not sufficient to adequately address daily tasks, requiring additional IPC coordination. Some clinics have therefore introduced daily meetings to improve the coordination of IPC tasks. 2. Therapy planning and therapist assignment shape IPC and task fulfillment. Three therapy planning methods were observed: centralized, block-based, and flexible, each with different therapist allocation strategies. Centralized planning with flexible allocation leads to appointment pressure and interprofessional communication challenges. Block therapy reduces therapist turnover and promotes better interprofessional coordination in patient care. Flexible therapy planning is conducted through daily interprofessional meetings with shared task allocation and planning leads to a shared understanding. Initial analysis underscores the meaning of organizational structure on interprofessional task fulfillment in ENR, emphasizing the importance of enhancing different cooperation formats which can balance stability and flexibility and integrate social services effectively in patientcare. Key messages • Morning interprofessional meetings on the ward facilitate flexible responses to daily changes in patients’ health conditions and promote interprofessional collaboration. • The consideration of occupational group-specific processes in ward organization is a necessary structural prerequisite for successful interprofessional collaboration.

Maximizing profitability in integrated energy markets: A novel framework for multi-faceted energy trading

The emergence of Integrated Energy Systems (IESs) has shifted energy management from traditional electricity paradigms to a more diverse approach involving electricity, thermal energy, and natural gas. This study introduces a framework for an Integrated Energy Network (IEN) that enables simultaneous trading across these interconnected markets. The objective is to maximize the profitability of integrated energy companies by optimizing energy trading strategies. The proposed business strategy incorporates integrated load response, addressing constraints within electric distribution systems, heating networks, and natural gas pipelines. A three-stage process is used: information sharing in the unified energy market, energy conversion in hubs, and flexible load planning in the retail market. Flexible loads are categorized as displaceable, reducible, or transformable. A Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) mean-variance model addresses market price volatility. Simulations on a test system validate the model, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving profitability and operational efficiency for integrated energy companies.

Seismic nonlinear interaction and uplifting effects between the nuclear island building and soil

Since the Fukushima nuclear accident, seismic design requirements have increased, necessitating a more refined evaluation of base uplift for weakly anchored nuclear island buildings. The elevated cooling water over 3000 t is a distinguishing feature of third-generation reactor buildings (RBs). To assess potential safety-adverse coupling effects, seismic wave propagation process through viscoelastic soils, discontinuous interfaces, and sloshing water was analysed. To facilitate nonlinear systematic simulation and parametric study, the traditional soil-structure interaction direct methods are improved and programmed on: thickness-independent viscous-spring elements for stable static-dynamic boundary transitions; seismic forces separated from the artificial boundary for flexible mesh planning; elevated water simulated with gravity stacking and hydrodynamic action. A nuclear island region encompassing water-cooled RBs and underlying soil cushion layer was investigated as a typical scenario to reveal rules using the proposed high-precision simulation platform. Non-negligible structural risks and correlations between multiple factors were quantitatively elucidated according to simulation findings. A time-lagged increase in the base overturning moment may occur because of water oscillations. As the water level increases to 85 %, the uplift height increases, adversely affecting the in-structure response spectra. Earthquake-induced intense uplift may lead to an increase in hydrodynamic pressure along the inner wall. The research results support the practical assessment of buildings with water cooling facilities located in soft composite sites with high seismic intensities.

Dual prostacyclin infusions: A case report of a patient symptom-driven transition from high-dose intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. A case of successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is reported. PAH is a chronically progressive disease characterized by pulmonary artery luminal narrowing that causes increased pulmonary artery pressures leading to right ventricular failure. Parenteral prostacyclin analogues, such as epoprostenol and treprostinil, are direct vasodilators and are cornerstones of therapy for patients with severe disease that have been proven to reduce mortality and increase exercise tolerance. These agents must be administered continuously via intravenous or subcutaneous devices and are high-risk medications due to their potent vasodilatory actions. Chronic use of these medications requires constant attention from both providers and patients because of potential complications including central venous catheter infection, thromboembolism, therapy interruptions, and other undesirable consequences. This case report describes management of a 35-year-old male patient on high-dose outpatient intravenous epoprostenol (101ng/kg/min; dosing weight, 47kg) for treatment of PAH who was admitted to the hospital with a malfunctioning central venous catheter. Surrounding manipulation of the central catheter, the patient experienced an ischemic stroke that led to cognitive disability resulting in a lack of ability to manage his previously used home infusion device. The patient was successfully transitioned from intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil (discharge dose, 200ng/kg/min) over 5 days by infusing both medications simultaneously and adjusting doses based upon patient-reported symptoms. This successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil demonstrates the importance in considering patient-specific factors during high-risk medication transitions, the value of a patient-directed flexible prostacyclin transition plan, and the benefit of institutional training and education in ensuring the safe use of parenteral prostacyclin analogues.

Design And Build Project Risk Analysis at Tugu Pal 0 Stage II Project Construction

The implementation of the design and build method in the Phase II Pal Nol Monument construction project, managed by the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of South Kalimantan Province, aims to analyze the risks associated with the design and construction processes. This project, which utilizes an integrated design and build construction method (multi-year), is located on Jl. Dharma Praja within the South Kalimantan Provincial Office Area and executed by the contractor KSO ADHI-PUTRA. A comprehensive risk mitigation strategy for the project includes detailed work planning, effective coordination, periodic evaluation, a thorough understanding of design specifications, continuous risk analysis, flexible contingency plans, and strong communication with government entities and stakeholders. Keywords: Risk Analysis, Design and Build, Construction, Tugu PAL 0 Stage II

Model-based assembly process planning for flexible aircraft cabin architectures

The configuration and equipment of an aircraft cabin has a significant impact on the passenger’s flight experience. To meet the needs of passengers and improve the flight experience, airlines repeatedly demand customised adaptations to the cabin design. The implementation of these changes requires a high degree of flexibility in production and can lead to difficulties in setting up a fixed final assembly line. In addition, unforeseen events and changes in the OEMs’ supply chain require a rapid response in aircraft production to be able to deliver on time. Digitalisation in product development and production planning makes it possible to overcome these challenges and makes an important contribution to flexibility, time and cost efficiency. This paper presents a digital approach to modelling and flexible planning of assembly processes of the cabin. To this end, aircraft design data is automatically linked to the assembly system to react quickly to design changes in the assembly planning process. The integration is realised in a system architecture model depicted with the systems modelling language (SysML). The architecture model follows the formal process description defined in VDI3682. A planning algorithm then uses the production architecture parameters to optimise the assembly processes, e.g. in terms of time. The approach presented is demonstrated using the example of scheduling the pre-assembly processes of the "crown module". The latter includes all structural and functional components above the window panels, such as overhead bins, electrics and air conditioning. The results show how changes in aircraft and cabin design or in the production plant and resources can be flexibly evaluated. This allows conceptual changes to be evaluated and traded before the cabin design is frozen and transferred to real production. These advantages contribute to the time and cost optimisation of aircraft production. This work thus makes a valuable contribution to the further development of digital solutions in aircraft production.

Exploring the Impact of MBTI Personality Types on Teaching Methods

The importance of personality traits impacting teaching practices is comprehending how teachers at different educational system levels treat learners, develop curricula, adopt applications and technologies, and give feedback. This research studies the influence of the correlation between the MBTI personality types of educators in the University of Swat and their teaching preferences, in addition to identifying educators’ learning style preferences connected to organized and flexible lesson planning, and active and reflective teaching. Under a quantitative research design approach, a structured questionnaire was completed by 50 teachers and associated staff. MBTI was used to determine participants' personality types with the researcher having established a Teaching Preferences Questionnaire to determine the participants’ perception about various teaching and learning styles. The feedback provided was made using a 5-point Likert scale and data analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. To test the correlation between the various teaching preferences and the MBTI personality types, a set of statistical tools which included independent T-tests, ANOVA, Chi-Square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation test were employed. This study revealed a significant relationship between personality traits and teaching behaviors. Teachers with relatively greater levels of feeling-oriented and intuitive characteristics were observed to adopt a dynamic approach to teaching which involved students incorporated concepts such as teaching involving students and had greater empathy and concern towards students. It was also found that students with certain personality types are more willing to adopt different technologies for enhancing the processes of teaching and learning. The study reveals a profound influence of the personality traits formulated by the MBTI on the choices of educators in teaching and the real methods applied. More specifically, the features of being feeling-oriented, intuitive, and judging predetermine the outlook on approaches to Active Teaching, structured lesson planning, application of technology in the learning process, and feedback methods.

From Tradition to Innovation: Analyzing Strategies and Support for Enhancing Badminton Course Teaching Quality through Educational Technology.

This study aims to explore the impact of Multimedia-Assisted Teaching (MAT) on the quality of physical education (PE) instruction in universities, with a particular focus on badminton courses. A quasi-experimental design was employed, including pre-tests and post-tests, involving two badminton classes at Ming Chuan University, with a total of 101 students. These two classes were assigned to an experimental group (using MAT) and a control group (traditional teaching methods). The research instrument used was the Physical Education Teaching Quality Scale (PETQ), which includes four factors: course content, teaching strategies, classroom management, and learning assessment. The results indicated that, compared to traditional teaching methods, the use of MAT significantly enhanced students' perception of the quality of PE instruction. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group across all scale factors, suggesting that MAT is more effective in capturing students' attention and improving learning outcomes. The conclusion suggests that MAT has significant advantages in improving the quality of physical education instruction. The integration of MAT enables more flexible lesson planning and enhances the learning process through the features of multimedia-assisted teaching. It is recommended that physical education teachers consider applying multimedia technologies to aid teaching, in order to increase student engagement and effectiveness.

COVID-19 as an advantage or a disaster? Crisis and change management strategies of Hong Kong social entrepreneurs during the pandemic

PurposeA qualitative approach based on grounded theory was utilized, with data collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs. Alas’s Triangular Model provided the framework for data analysis and interpretation.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores how Hong Kong social enterprises approached crisis and change management during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining their resilience-building strategies.FindingsThe pandemic triggered an existential crisis for many social enterprises, causing severe revenue losses. However, strong leadership and cultures based on social mission enabled resilience. Enterprises demonstrated agility by rapidly transitioning operations online and establishing partnerships. Technology adaptation and social innovation were pivotal to sustaining impact.Research limitations/implicationsAs the sample comprises enterprises that survived the pandemic, insights into failed enterprises are lacking. Comparative analysis could illuminate differences in crisis response between successful and unsuccessful cases.Practical implicationsThe study’s practical implications suggest that social enterprises should focus on developing flexible crisis management plans, cultivating purposeful leadership, embracing digital transformation, strengthening collaborative networks and prioritizing organizational learning to effectively navigate crises while staying true to their social missions.Social implicationsFindings demonstrate how shared values and cultures grounded in purpose can anchor organizations amidst upheaval, fostering resilience. This underscores the role of social enterprises in modeling responsiveness to societal needs.Originality/valueWhile research has examined social enterprises’ vulnerability in crises, investigation into their crisis management practices is limited. This study enriches understanding of how social enterprises effectively navigate turbulence.