Innovative Practices Research Articles

Fortalecimiento del sistema de innovación alimentario local: diagnóstico agroecológico en la finca Casa Blanca

The strengthening of the Local Food Innovation System: agroecological diagnosis on the Casa Blanca farm, was developed with the objective of presenting the characterization of the current state of agroecological behavior, with the application of the Tool for the Evaluation of Agroecological Performance, in pursuit of strengthening of the relationships that must be achieved in the System, from participatory innovation practices at the Casa Blanca farm. Descriptive, explanatory, non-experimental study, which applied agroecological elements and indices, identifying potentialities and weaknesses in Casa Blanca. Conclusions: The characterization corroborated potentialities: human/social values, productive conditions, youth/female empowerment, animal welfare, respect for local culture/traditions. Weaknesses were identified in knowledge management based on science and innovation. The current state of the behavior of agroecology showed that the SIAL relationships - principles of Agroecology, must be perfected at the starting point of placing the Casa Blanca farm in a Transition Typology that corresponds with the identification of non-agroecological in a transition incipient or initial, a situation that points to decision-making for the formation of capacities in the producer, and in the decision-makers of the productive form to which it belongs.

Effect of Group Work on Students’ Performance in Mathematics at Elementary Level in District Larkana

This research investigates the effect of group work on students’ learning in mathematics at the elementary level in District Larkana. Given the concern over declining performance in mathematics, the study aims to enhance academic outcomes through cooperative learning strategies. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was implemented with fifty randomly selected sixth-grade students at a government girls' high school. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing knowledge, understanding, and application in alignment with Bloom's taxonomy. The findings revealed a significant positive effect of group work on student performance, evidenced by improved mean scores in understanding mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities. For example, students’ post-test scores in the Application domain improved by 14.8%. These results support the hypothesis that collaborative learning methods can effectively enhance academic performance in mathematics. The study underscores the necessity of integrating group work into elementary education to foster student engagement and improve learning outcomes in mathematics. This study’s findings have practical implications for policymakers and curriculum designers aiming to enhance education quality through innovative teaching practices.

Bridging Worlds: Student Affairs Leaders as Catalysts for Connection

ABSTRACT This article explores the role of student affairs leaders as catalysts for connection in a global context. It examines the field’s evolution in South Africa, the UAE, Germany, and the USA, highlighting innovative practices and challenges. By employing Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory, we illustrate how student affairs leaders bridge the divides, offering comprehensive student support. In doing so, we hope to present a compelling vision for holistic partnerships in an era of conflict and disconnection.

Combining theory and usability testing to inform optimization and implementation of an online primary care depression management tool

BackgroundThe ‘Ottawa Depression Algorithm’ is an evidence-based online tool developed to support primary care professionals care for adults with depression. Uptake of such tools require provider behaviour change. Identifying issues which may impact use of an innovation in routine practice (i.e. barriers to and enablers of behaviour change) informs the selection of implementation strategies that can be deployed with the tool to support use. However, established theory-informed barriers/enablers assessment methods may be less well suited to identifying issues with tool usability. User testing methods can help to determine whether the tool itself is optimally designed. We aimed to integrate these two methodological approaches to i) identify issues impacting the usability of algorithm; and ii) identify barriers to and enablers of algorithm use in routine practice.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with primary care professionals in Ottawa, Canada. To evaluate usability, participants used a written patient scenario to work through the algorithm while verbalizing their thoughts (‘Think Aloud’). Participants were then asked about factors influencing algorithm use in routine practice (informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework). We used the codebook approach to thematic analysis to assign statements to pre-specified codes and develop themes pertaining to usability and routine use.ResultsWe interviewed 20 professionals from seven practices. Usability issues were summarised within five themes: Optimizing content and flow to align with issues faced in practice, Enhancing the most useful algorithm components, Interactivity of the algorithm and embedded tools, Clarity of presence, purpose, or function of components, and Navigational challenges and functionality of links. Barriers to and enablers of routine use were summarised within five themes: Getting to know the algorithm, Alignment with roles and pathways of influence, Integration with current ways of working, Contexts for use, and Anticipated benefits and concerns about patient communication.ConclusionsWhilst the Ottawa Depression Algorithm was viewed as a useful tool, specific usability issues and barriers to use were identified. Supplementing a theory-based barriers/enablers assessment with usability testing provided enhanced insights to inform optimization and implementation of this clinical tool. We have provided a methods guide for others who may wish to apply this approach.

Workplace Learning and Collaborative Learning: Insights and Applications in Azerbaijan’s Education System

This article explores the significance of workplace learning and collaborative learning, focusing on their applications within Azerbaijan’s education system. By analyzing global best practices and local contexts, the article identifies key strategies to enhance the professional development of educators and students. Workplace learning is examined as a mechanism for continuous professional growth through structured and unstructured experiences in educational settings. Collaborative learning is discussed as a dynamic process that enhances critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability among students and educators alike. Findings emphasize the integration of collaborative methodologies into workplace environments, fostering innovation and adaptability in educational practices. The article also highlights the challenges that hinder the full implementation of these methods, including cultural barriers, resource limitations, and policy gaps. Actionable solutions, such as infrastructure development, targeted training programs, and cultural shifts toward teamwork, are proposed. These insights aim to contribute to the ongoing educational reforms in Azerbaijan, providing a roadmap for fostering a more inclusive and effective learning ecosystem.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Sustainable Development: A Holistic Examination of Green Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Performance in Indian SMEs

ABSTRACTThis study examines the relationships between Green Organizational Learning (GOL), Green Organizational Innovations (GOI), and Organizational Performance (OP) in the manufacturing sector of Jammu and Kashmir. This region is known for its ecological vulnerability and recent shifts towards sustainable practices. The research involved a survey of 470 manufacturing firms using a simple random sampling technique. The study examines how organizations' engagement in environmental sustainability learning and innovation practices influences their performance. The SEM findings revealed a significant positive relationship between GOL and GOI and between GOI and OP. This suggests that adopting green innovations mediates the pathway through which learning about sustainability translates into performance gains. This study highlights the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability‐oriented learning to spur innovation and enhance organizational performance. It also suggests that green innovations serve not just as a direct catalyst for improved performance but as a bridge, that amplifies the impact of organizational learning on performance outcomes. The study offers valuable insights for managers and policymakers who aim to integrate environmental sustainability into their strategic objectives, thereby contributing to global sustainability efforts and achieving competitive advantage.

Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism

The current research work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Mediterranean tourism, advocating for the adoption of a comprehensive framework centered on sustainability in Tunisia. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force is proposed to facilitate collaboration across governmental sectors, thereby enhancing governance and addressing the complexities of waste management within the tourism industry. Results reveal significant waste management inefficiencies and underscore the potential of integrated approaches that can lead to substantial environmental improvements. By fostering inter-ministerial collaboration, a strategic roadmap is provided that promotes effective resource recovery and sustainable waste management practices. Furthermore, the integration of the informal sector, exemplified by local recyclers, into formal waste management systems is anticipated to enhance social equity and bolster environmental stewardship. A comprehensive SWOT analysis identifies Tunisia’s intrinsic strengths, including its rich cultural heritage and significant eco-tourism potential, while simultaneously exposing shortcomings such as fragmented governance structures and insufficient infrastructure. It is posited that the creation of a centralized coordination body, coupled with the enhancement of public–private partnerships, could catalyze innovation in sustainable tourism practices, leading to increased investment opportunities and the successful implementation of circular economy principles. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s successful circular economy model, actionable recommendations for policymakers are offered, including the introduction of eco-certification programs aimed at incentivizing environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector. Ultimately, the proposed framework aspires to position Tunisia as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, delivering long-term benefits to local communities through enhanced environmental protection and economic resilience.

Unraveling the Impact of Collaborative Competency on Collaborative Governance in Public Sector Organizations

Objective: The study investigates the influence of collaborative competency on collaborative governance, with innovative governance serving as a mediator, in the provincial government agencies of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Theoretical Framework: the application of innovative governance to mediate the influence of collaborative competency on collaborative governance in the public sector. Method: The research utilizes the Amos software as a data processing instrument to employ the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) quantitative model. The investigation was conducted with 242 government officials from 54 Provincial Government Working Agencies (SKPA) in the province, representing top, middle, and operational management. Data of respondents were collected by disseminating closed-ended questionnaires in the form of Google forms via email and the provincial agency's WhatsApp group. Results and Discussions: The findings indicate that collaborative competency has significant direct effects on both innovative and collaborative governance, as well as a direct effect of innovative governance on collaborative governance. Additionally, the relationship between collaborative governance and collaborative competency is mediated by innovative governance. Research Implications: This research suggests that the quality and efficiency of public service delivery can be improved by enhancing collaborative competencies within government agencies, which can result in more effective and innovative governance practices. This emphasizes the necessity of creating policies and training programs that encourage the development of innovative approaches and collaborative skills among government officials. Originality/Value: In contrast to prior literature, which has primarily examined human resource competencies, effective governance, collaborative governance, employee productivity, and organizational performance. Nevertheless, the comprehensive investigation of the role of innovative governance in mediating the relationship between collaborative competencies and collaborative governance, particularly in the provincial government context, has not yet been completed.

Financial inclusion of vulnerable sectors with a gender perspective: risk analysis model with artificial intelligence based on complex thinking

The objective is to present a proposal for a gender-sensitive risk analysis model using artificial intelligence (AI) within the framework of complex thinking that provides access to opportunities, specifically for vulnerable populations such as women from underprivileged sections. This international non-parametric study highlights the vulnerability of this population in Mexico through a sample of 2787 women. The methodological design included data analysis, the postulation of a proposed model, and a validation method for the credit risk analysis model. There is a correlation between the level of schooling of impoverished and vulnerable women with the possibility of self-employment and selling a product or service. In the framework of complex thinking, the perception of innovative thinking is related to the level of education and innovative decision-making in professional projects. Women with a higher level of schooling tend to think about their professional projects systematically. Promoting complex thinking involves innovative educational practices to encourage critical, systemic, scientific, and innovative thinking in entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Integrating reasoning for complexity benefits women and contributes to economic and social growth in vulnerable regions. In contrast to other models, our credit risk analysis model uses AI and variables for gender, vulnerability, and complex thinking to detect patterns in women's behaviors and attitudes in the venture start-up process. Our proposal is the starting point of many analyses to develop further about artificial intelligence based on complex thinking.

Transformational Leadership in Education: Harmonising Accountability, Innovation and Global Citizenship

This article explores integrating transformational leadership in educational settings, focusing on balancing accountability with innovation while fostering sustainability and global citizenship. The primary objective is to develop a theoretical framework that illustrates how academic leaders can effectively align these elements to enhance student outcomes and community engagement. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating a literature review and case studies of five exemplary schools. The findings revealed that successful transformational leadership involves redefining accountability, promoting innovative teaching practices and embedding global citizenship into the curriculum. Key challenges include resistance to change, balancing assessment pressures and ensuring adequate professional development. However, schools implementing these strategies report can improve student engagement, academic performance, and community involvement. In conclusion, transformational leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of modern education. It empowers schools to thrive amidst accountability demands while fostering innovation and global awareness. The article recommends that educational leaders prioritise flexible assessment methods, invest in continuous professional development, and build strong community partnerships to sustain these initiatives. By adopting this comprehensive approach, schools can better prepare students to become responsible and engaged citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

The integration and innovative practice of intelligent AI and local opera in college teaching

This paper explores the impacts of integrating AI into the teaching of Chinese Opera using a mixed-methods approach, examining performance, engagement, and psychological factors in students. A quasi-experimental design involving 199 participants over a one-year period was conducted, involving teaching with and without AI enhancement. Quantitative data, derived from standardized tests and analytics provided by AI platforms, were supported by qualitative data from interviews and observational studies. These results suggest that there were significant increases in the AI-enhanced cohort in opera performance competencies (Δ = 13.6, p < 0.001); retention of cultural knowledge (Δ = 15.5, p < 0.001), and overall engagement levels (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). Time series analysis revealed nonlinear learning trajectories, with participants showing greatest gains during the intervention’s midpoint. The psychological data showed a strengthening relationship between self-efficacy and in-performance outcomes, demonstrating an increase from r_initial = 0.38 to r_final = 0.67, p < 0.001. This study indicates both the potential of AI in the preservation and development of traditional artistic work and highlights some challenges in initial implementation. The findings facilitate the ongoing discussion of integrating technologies into arts education and provide valuable insights to support curriculum development, in addition to conserving cultural heritage in the modern-day digital world.

Synergy Between Motivation, Innovation, and Facilities in Improving Educational Outcomes: An Analysis of a Study at MA Annur 3 Bululawang

This study is motivated by the importance of motivation, innovation, and learning facilities in supporting the educational process in schools. The study aims to identify issues related to motivation, innovation, and learning facilities in schools. Its primary focus is to determine the extent to which learning motivation, innovative practices, and school facilities impact the quality of education, particularly at MA Annur 3 Bululawang. The research employs a qualitative method with instruments including interviews, observation sheets, and documentation. The subjects of the study are male students of grade XI at MA Annur 3 Bululawang. The results show that, based on interviews with the biology teacher, students' learning motivation is still relatively low, the learning facilities at the school are incomplete, and innovation in the teaching and learning process is lacking. However, different findings were obtained from student questionnaires and observation sheets, which revealed that students' learning motivation reached 72%, scientific facilities scored 82%, and learning innovation scored 67.6%, all categorized as fairly good. This study highlights the need for synergy between teachers, students, and school management to enhance motivation, availability of facilities, and learning innovation for improved educational quality. It is hoped that this research will encourage more interactive and participatory learning by employing methods that actively engage students, such as project-based learning, group discussions, and simulations.

Innovation capabilities and sustainability in MSMEs. An analysis of empirical studies

Innovation is the primary source of competitive advantage for an organization and offers long-term growth and sustainability. Firms and organizations consider developing innovative capabilities to survive in this competitive era. Considering the influence of firm size on enhancing innovation practices, special attention is directed toward small-sized firms, particularly MSMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in the economy. The present analysis emphasizes the necessity to address the concerns of small firms, as identified in various empirical studies, for improved performance through innovation. The study examines these concerns with the resource-based view (RBV), considering internal and external factors, and outlines future research directions for a deeper understanding. The research collected 145 articles from different databases from 2010 to 2022. Leveraging the insights from this review, entrepreneurs can bolster their growth prospects by enhancing their company's innovation capacity with the available resources.

Crop Diversification for Ensuring Sustainable Agriculture, Risk Management and Food Security

AbstractAgriculture faces growing challenges from climate change, pest pressures, and market instability. Crop diversification offers a sustainable strategy to enhance resilience and reduce the risks of monoculture. This review examines crop diversification as a response to these challenges, with a focus on its applications in sustainable agriculture, risk management, and food security. Strategies such as spatial, temporal, genetic, and intercropping diversification enhance soil health, improve pest management, and boost resilience to climate variability. The review highlights key principles, including ecological resilience, risk distribution, and resource optimization. By adopting diverse crops, farmers can mitigate soil degradation, reduce pest outbreaks, and stabilize incomes. Successful case studies from various regions, such as integrated rice‐fish farming and agroforestry, demonstrate how diversification can improve productivity and sustainability. However, challenges remain, such as knowledge gaps, market access issues, and policy limitations. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and policy interventions, stressing the need for tailored diversification strategies, better support systems, and further exploration of innovative practices. This overview underscores the potential of crop diversification to build resilient, sustainable agricultural systems while addressing global food security concerns.

Innovations, Technologies and Challenges Associated with Transnational Education

Purpose: This study delves into Transnational education, focusing on challenges, technologies, and innovative practices that significantly shaped its landscape from 2014 to June 2024. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study applied the PRISMA framework and bibliographic analysis to synthesise information from 77 articles emphasising the best practices, innovations, technology, and challenges associated with TNE. Findings: The study highlights notable technological tools such as virtual learning environments (VLEs), artificial intelligence (AI), telepresence robots, and other innovations that have transformed how TNE programmes operate effectively. However, the research highlights challenges such as differences in culture and language, quality assurance issues, and the need for more representation from areas in discussions about TNE. Research Limitation: A primary drawback of this review is its temporal scope, as it encompasses only works published from 2014 to mid-2024. Although the study deployed well-defined search methodologies, excluding non-peer-reviewed publications and grey literature may have eliminated significant practical insights. Practical Implication: The results underline the importance of embracing advancements to make higher education accessible while endorsing further exploration into upcoming trends such as AI-powered personalised learning and blockchain innovations. Social Implication: This anticipatory viewpoint is essential for maintaining TNE's relevance and adaptability to the changing requirements of the global education environment. Originality/Value: This is the first systematic review of specific technologies and innovative practices that have been suggested.

Tree burials as undefined spatial alternatives for graves in France: stakes and constraints of nature-based concessions within French funerary regulations

ABSTRACT In line with green and natural death movements, new burial practices have been emerging in France since the turn of the twenty-first century, leading to alternative cemetery typologies, such as wooded cinerary sites dedicated to interring or scattering cremated remains at the foot of trees. Using an architectural perspective, this paper will explore several types of tree burial sites according to their formal spatial characteristics (typomorphologies), linked to the level of design and maintenance of nature, and their specific conditions for the allocation of funerary concessions (plot leasing for grave establishment). As this paper will show, these tree burial grounds reveal tensions within French funerary regulations, providing inconsistent conditions for nature-based practices, whether in terms of their implementation (location, layout, equipment, etc.) or their operation (granting concessions, management, and tree patrimony status for graves, regulations on commemorative practices, etc.). In an inadequate legal framework, innovative tree burial spaces and practices in France highlight contradictions between the environment and mourning culture.

Innovation and diversity in public health team engagement in local alcohol premises licensing: qualitative interview findings from the ExILEnS study.

Evidence suggests that controls on the physical and temporal availability of alcohol can reduce alcohol-related harms. Public health teams in England and Scotland have in recent years been given a statutory role in licensing systems through which premises are granted permits to sell alcohol. The Exploring the Impact of alcohol premises Licensing in England and Scotland study examined public health team efforts to engage in alcohol licensing from 2012 to 2019. We aimed to describe the range of public health team practice in engaging with alcohol licensing across England and Scotland, with a particular focus on unusual or innovative practices. Two sets of interviews were conducted with 20 public health teams in England and Scotland who were actively engaged in alcohol premises licensing. Firstly, representatives of each public health team with experience of licensing activity took part in structured face-to-face or telephone interviews (n = 41) and provided documentation to identify how and when their team engaged with alcohol premises licensing. Secondly, members of public health teams took part in in-depth one-to-one interviews (n = 28) which focused on individual roles and responsibilities. Relevant public health team activity was analysed quantitatively within 19 activities in 6 categories using the 'Public Health engagement In Alcohol Licensing' measure, as well as qualitatively using NVivo (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). Innovative practices were identified using the highest Public Health engagement In Alcohol Licensing scores for specific activity types across single or multiple 6-month periods. Within each of the six activity categories, a range of practices were observed. More unusual practices included having a dedicated post to work full-time on alcohol licensing; developing a standardised reviewer tool allowing the team to respond to applications and provide the most relevant evidence in a consistent and systematic way; committing to additional scrutiny of occasional licences or temporary event notices; maintaining a detailed database recording applications made, whether the public health team decided to object and the outcome of the licensing board's decision; engaging with applicants prior to them submitting an application; visiting proposed/current licensed premises to gather bespoke data; leading the writing of local licensing policy; and working closely with licensing standards officers. Across six categories of public health team activity relating to the local alcohol premises licensing system, public health team practices varied, and some public health teams stood out as engaging in more innovative or intensive activities. The identified examples will be of value in informing public health team practice in what remains a relatively new area of work for many, despite limitations in the system. The inclusion of examples from both England and Scotland and from many public health teams will facilitate cross-fertilisation of ideas and practice across public health teams. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number 15/129/11.

Printable Table of Contents. JITE: IIP, Volume 24, 2025

Table of Contents of the Journal of Information Technology Education: Innovations in Practice, Volume 24, 2025

Driving Asia's Economic Growth through High-Quality Higher Education and Innovation Practices

Driving Asia's Economic Growth through High-Quality Higher Education and Innovation Practices

Building a taxonomy for evidence-based medical eXtended Reality (MXR) applications: identifying best practices for design innovation and global collaboration

Aims: This article aims to create a taxonomy of evidence-based medical eXtended Reality (MXR) applications, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and 360-degree photo/video technologies, to identify best practices for designing and evaluating user experiences and interfaces (UX/UI). The goal is to assist researchers, developers, and practitioners in comparing and extrapolating the best solutions for high-precision MXR tools in medical and wellness contexts. Methods: To develop the taxonomy, a review of medical and MXR publications was conducted, followed by three systematic mapping studies. Applications were categorized by end-users and purposes. The first mapping cross-referenced digital health technology classifications. The second validated the structure by incorporating over 350 evidence-based MXR apps, with input from twenty XR-HCI researchers. The third, ongoing mapping adds emerging apps, refining the taxonomy further. Results: The taxonomy is presented in a dynamic database and 3D interactive graph, allowing international researchers to visualize and discuss developed evidence-based medical and wellness XR applications. This formalizes prior efforts to distinguish validated MXR solutions from speculative ones. Conclusion: The taxonomy focuses solely on evidence-based applications, highlighting areas where VR, AR, and MR have been successfully implemented. It serves as a tool for stakeholders to analyze and understand best practices in MXR design, promoting the development of safe, effective, and user-friendly medical and wellness applications.