Interpretive Case Study Research Research Articles

Social Educators’ initial and in-service training: community projects as promoters of professional development

ABSTRACT Promoting social justice, fighting against social inequalities, and minimizing the risks and dangers faced by society’s most vulnerable groups are the aims of socio-educational intervention actions promoted by Social Educators in community projects. Using a qualitative and interpretative case study research methodology, this study sought to understand, from the perspective of Social Educators (n = 13) who graduated from a university in the north of Portugal between 2018 and 2022, how and if the experience of working in a community project during initial and in-service training enriches and/or alters their work. The results showed that the participation of Social Educators in community projects deconstructs an excessively individualistic view of intervention, with Social Educators highlighting the social and educational conditions that shape the target audiences in an action that is required to be holistic and legitimized by the members of the communities in which they operate.

Japanese midwifery preservice professionals’ journal reflections on practicum experiences working with mothers and infants

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to examine Japanese preservice professionals’ socialization experiences while working with mothers and infants during midwifery practicum experiences. This study utilized an interpretive case study research design (Merriam, Sharan B. 1998. Qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass). Data were collected from reflective journals (Janesick, Valerie. 1999. A journal about journaling: Writing as a qualitative research technique history issues and reflections. Qualitative Inquiry 5(4). 505–524) and electric portfolios. Participants were ten female students enrolled in a midwifery certification program at one private university located in central Tokyo in Japan. A constant comparative analysis method was used to interpret the data, with four themes emerging from the data: (a) struggling to make decisions related to lesson procedures, (b) adjusting lesson content to meet mothers’ and infants’ unique needs, (c) paying less attention to partners’ roles and responsibilities, and (d) applying knowledge and skills to future midwifery settings. Results indicated that the preservice professionals struggled to prepare and plan lessons and activities in a timely manner, and had the challenge of modifying activities based on the infant’s unexpected and unpredictable behaviors. However, the preservice professionals believed that the practicum course was beneficial for their professional learning and development, and applicable to various educational and professional settings. In order to advance the quality of practicum experiences in the midwifery program, instructors, department chairs, and researchers need clear and focused goals related to the status, quality, and relevance of the midwifery program mission and curricula. Due to the paucity of research in this area, it is essential to further explore these issues in Japan.

English Language Teacher Professional Development: Teacher Educators’ Perceptions and Experiences

With rapid changes and advancements in teaching English language education and the needs of learners, it has become essential for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers to be updated periodically by enhancing their attitudes, skills, and knowledge through different teacher professional development activities and strategies. English language teachers are required to keep upgrading themselves to help EFL learners acquire English effectively. This research aims to explore EFL teacher educators’ perceptions of the importance of teacher professional development and identify their experienced activities for teacher professional development. This research is conducted at a university in Nepal with the participation of eight EFL teacher educators involved in individual interviews. The interpretive research paradigm and case study research method are used for the study. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis are used for data collection and analysis. The results show that most of them have positive perceptions towards the importance of EFL professional development and offer suggestions on activities for English proficiency, teaching pedagogy, digital skills, and research skills for teacher professional development that administrators of the university can consult to build skilled teaching professionals who can meet various needs of present learners.

Implementation of Institutional Da'wah Values in the Political Communication Process at the Bandung City General Election Commission

This research finds different points of view in the political communication process carried out by the Bandung City KPU during the selection process for Bandung mayoral candidates. This research was conducted to analyze the good values within the KPU institution from an institutional da'wah perspective. By using a subjective interpretive approach, qualitative methods, and descriptive case study research, this research describes the problems that occurred at the 2018 Bandung Mayor candidate stage as material for improvement for the 2024 Bandung Mayor election as well as mapping political communication da'wah that can be developed by the City General Election Commission Bandung in the framework of finding solutions to problems at the nomination stage. The results of the research concluded that the nomination stage in the 2018 Bandung Mayor election had five issues, so genuine efforts and policies were needed from the Bandung City General Election Commission to improve the nomination stage for the 2024 Bandung Mayor election. One of the efforts that can be made to deal with problems at the nomination stage is developing two political communication da'wah activities, namely the application of the shura method exemplified by Rasulullah SAW in internal political communication, both horizontally and vertically organizational and external political communication between the Bandung City General Election Commission and the citizens of Bandung, especially the prospective candidates for Mayor of Bandung in various forms of da'wah political communication, both face to face and media political communication to realize honest and fair elections.

Digital records management practices in the public sector in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe

The paper assesses the digital records management practices in government ministries in Manicaland province. The study employed a qualitative and interpretive multiple case study research design in the assessment of digital records management practices in the ministries. The study established that most of the digital records management practices in government ministries in Manicaland province do not meet the measure of best practice as envisaged by several international records management standards, particularly the generic standard ISO 15489-1 2016. The lack of clear provisions for digital records in the NAZ Act, absence of policies for digital records and failure to implement international records management standards for digital records, as recommended by NAZ, is having a negative influence on the management of digital records in government ministries in Manicaland province. The performance of digital records management processes such as records creation and capture, classification, access and security control, storage, preservation, and digital records disposal is not adhering to international standards for digital records management. It was further revealed that personnel managing digital records lack the critical competencies required for digital records management work. The study recommended the review of the NAZ Act to include specific provisions for digital records, formulation of digital records management policies and the implementation of standards recommended by NAZ, improvement of records officers’ competences through short courses on digital records management and adherence to international standards for records management in the performance of digital records management processes.

Appropriate Frameworks for Understanding Educational Change and Culture to Use in Socio-Technological Innovation Studies in the Field of Information Management in Sri Lanka: A review of literature

Information is considered a fundamental resource for improving the quality of governance and promoting socio-economic development in developing countries. In Sri Lanka, under the government’s vision of higher education, Information Management (IM) education is seen as important for fostering the development of a high quality market-oriented and knowledge-based society. However, a number of barriers currently restrict access to IM education by Sri Lankan information workers: the provision of education is limited to face-to-face teaching at three institutions in the Colombo (capital city) area, and the country’s physical infrastructure makes it difficult for full-time workers to attend classes without missing substantial work time. This results in IM employer reluctance to support education. Hence there is a growing need to provide equity of access to IM education. In response to World Bank reports (2007, 2009) the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC) of Sri Lanka aims to foster transformative change in IM education with the goal of increasing equality of access to IM education through the use of e-learning. A number of early attempts to implement e-learning in Sri Lanka have already failed (Anderson, 2008). There is no rigorous research that investigates what factors have an impact on the introduction and use of e-learning in tertiary-level IM education in the Sri Lankan context and what the barriers or enablers to doing so might be. Understanding of the cultural context is known to be critical for the success of e-learning. Major research project has been carried out to fill these gaps in the literature. It was guided by two research questions: (i) what are the contextual factors that affect the introduction and use of e-learning in tertiary-level IM education in Sri Lanka? and (ii) how do these factors affect the introduction and use of e-learning? An interpretive case study research was conducted. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with information management education providers, existing e-learning providers and relevant stakeholders, and three focus group discussions were conducted with information workers and academics. Relevant documents were also analyzed. This paper presents how appropriate frameworks have been selected for understanding said educational change and culture to use in socio-technological innovation studies in the Field of Information Management in Sri Lanka by reviewing extensive literature. Accordingly, Fullan’s (1991) educational change theory and Hofstede, Hofstede, and Minkov’s (2010) cultural dimensions provided a basis for a conceptual model to guide the process of data collection and analysis in this study to gain an understanding of factors affecting the introduction and use of e-learning in tertiary-level IM education in Sri Lanka.

Unraveling Governance Issues in Global Sourcing of Accounting Services

As global accounting services continues to increase; firms need to be equipped with proper governance framework. The need for governance of global sourcing activities is being emphasized practically as well as academically. This study aims to understand governance issues along with the mechanisms used to overcome such issues in a global sourcing of accounting services by using the migratory governance path framework. The study employs interpretive case study research approach. The fundamental issues of governance in global sourcing of accounting services were found to be related to coordination and communication aspects. Findings show that several governance mechanisms were implemented to overcome such issues. Theoretically, this study enhances the understanding of governance issues in global sourcing by providing further evidence on the importance of governance in global sourcing of accounting services. The study has practical implications in terms of offering best practices of good governance for global sourcing.

“Why I Don’t Teach As I was Trained”: Vietnamese Early Career ESOL Teachers’ Experience of Reality Shock

Trained intensively in teaching English for communication, beginning Vietnamese ESOL teachers still follow the traditional approach in their classroom, i.e., teaching for grammar-and-vocabulary exams. This contrast in pedagogical practices is caused by “reality shock”, which happens for most teachers during the first few years into teaching. The current study aims to explore how reality shock influences and transforms early career ESOL teachers’ teaching methodologies. It employs an interpretative case study research design to outline both external and internal factors that characterize reality shock. The results show that besides English education policy, students’ cooperativeness and professional support, the participants were also affected by their own pedagogical competence, beliefs, and attitudes. Recommendations for assessment policies, professional development and further research have also been put forward.

Micro-theory on knowledge transfer to foster disaster resilience: A grounded theory approach

Although recent literature suggested that knowledge generation and dissemination in social networks influence resilience, research in knowledge transfer and social capital domains have shown a low tendency to integrate into theoretical frameworks. This paper discusses the process of building a micro-theory, which explains the dynamics of knowledge transfer in social networks of disaster responders in Sri Lanka. The proposed theory suggests the association among knowledge transfer, dimensions of social capital, and resilience in a disaster context. This study employs an interpretive case study research design, with an exploratory approach and uses grounded theory driven constant comparison method for data analysis. The transcriptions from 21 semi-structured interviews and participant observations of two disaster drill exercises used as the primary data source for the data analysis. The analysis of this study generates a coding pattern with six categories of concepts and proposes the theory of KTinSSC with the theoretical consensus from the two case studies. The proposed theory explains the knowledge transfer among responders who are focused mostly on the immediate survival and discusses the effect of knowledge transfer interactions on their normative beliefs. The study also suggests ways to attain higher levels of resilience among such survival-focused social groups.

Using an inquiry-based approach to enhance grade 3 learners’ basic science concepts development

This study explored Grade 3 teachers’ use of an inquiry-based approach to mediate the development of basic science concepts among learners within the socio-cultural theory. This study adopted interpretive case study research of the qualitative type, using a sample of four (4) female teachers who use the home language of learners as the language of instruction. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and observational schedule which was properly validated. Analysis of data was achieved through thematic data analysis. The result of the study revealed that the foundation phase teachers are aware of the importance of the use of the inquiry-based approach in mediating the development of basic science concepts by the learners, but only one out of the four participants implemented it. Thus, it was recommended that there should be a provision of further professional development spaces that promote a community of practice in using an Inquiry-Based Approach in the Foundation Phase.
 
 Keywords: Basic science concepts, Grade 3 teachers, Foundation Phase, Inquiry-Based approach

Expanding Public Participation in Science Practices Beyond Data Collection

This study was conducted in a museum-based lab setting where scientists research the genetics of taste. Unlike academic labs with graduate students, the museum lab model trains volunteers (community scientists) who are (in true citizen science fashion) primarily responsible for enrolling museum guests into clinical studies; thus, they collect the bulk of the data for the research. Like most public participation in science research, the non-professional contributions have historically been largely limited to data collection; however, this study shows the power of invitations and structured opportunities for expanded participation among citizen scientists in a wider range of science practices. Through interpretive case study research, we examine how community scientists exercise agency and respond to opportunities for expanded participation in scientific practices including study design, data analysis, and dissemination of scientific findings through work on scientific articles. The case study research findings show that providing opportunities for involvement is only part of what accounts for community scientists’ expanded participation. Dialogic negotiation of participation is also necessary, through bids and responses to bids, and through proffered guidance and scaffolding. Committed involvement thus entails deep cultivation and nurturing by both the museum staff, and at times, other more knowledgeable volunteers. Expanded participation is also bolstered by one’s capacity, motives for, and satisfactions from pursuing those opportunities that align with past, present, or future interests and identifications. Such interests and identifications contribute to community scientists’ willingness to overcome barriers and time constraints when they arise.

KONTEKSTUALISASI GAMELAN JAWA DI GEREJA BAPTIS INDONESIA (GBI) NGEMBAK

This thesis aims to examine contextualization of Javanese gamelan in the liturgy of the worship at the Indonesian Baptist Church (GBI) Ngembak Tembalang. The approach used is interdisciplinary, using qualitative research methods, and interpretative case study research design. The research data was collected by observation technique, interview, and document study, and source triangulation technique to maintain its validity. Data analysis technique is done through the process of reduction, presentation, and conclusion (verification). The results of this study show that, the form of Javanese gamelan accompaniment music in liturgical worship at GBI Ngembak Tembalang is composed of two elements, namely the element of time and melody. Contextualization of Javanese gamelan in the liturgy of the worship at the Indonesian Baptist Church (GBI) Ngembak Tembalang consists of one model, namely model translation. On the model of translation is done through the efforts of Christian identity preservation, keeping mindful of the culture, history and social change, which is owned by the Baptist Church Indonesia (GBI) Ngembak Tembalang.

Evaluating qualitative research in management accounting using the criteria of “convincingness”

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge claim of management accounting research using qualitative research methods, in particular, the interpretive case study, and its evaluation using “convincingness” criteria demonstrating the textual authenticity, plausibility and criticality of case study findings.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research in the management accounting field considers both context and function (Burchell et al., 1980). This study sets out the rationale for adopting qualitative methodologies such as interpretive case studies in which rich, contextual and detailed data were collected and analyzed (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Mason, 2002). Methodological issues related to research design, analysis and evaluation are discussed by drawing on frameworks of social science research design. The paper sets out the procedures of an interpretive case study essential to ensuring the procedural validity of research which can be evaluated more accurately using the criteria of “convincingness” rather than positivist measures of the reliability, validity of data and the generalization of results. Textual authenticity, plausibility and critical interpretation, and how these hallmarks of “convincingness” can reflect the procedural validity of accounting research are described.FindingsQualitative research strategies such as the interpretive case study, which consider the complex settings of accounting change and practice, are found to offer deep understandings and convincing explanations of accounting change. Affirming that accounting is firmly established as a social science, the paper finds that the authenticity, plausibility and criticality of research in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe relevance of qualitative research to contemporary accounting research is considered as an effective method to explicate theory and inform practice, which suggests that new measures to evaluate related research are required to develop the potential of selected qualitative research methodologies in accounting domains.Originality/valueQualitative research in management accounting focuses on the interpretation of meanings found in people and organizations that are subject to the influence of contextual variables. Human attributes underpin accounting conventions and change resulting from continuous technological and regulatory advances. This paper’s comprehensive account of interpretive case study research emphasizes the significance of evaluative criteria that relate, beyond reliability, to the richness of the text. This, thus, encourages and supports new and emerging researchers to seek qualitatively coherent and critical interpretations in management accounting research.

Education for Syrian Refugees: The New Global Issue Facing Teachers and Principals in Turkey

This study addresses the educational status and needs of Syrian school-age children at Turkish public schools and the perspectives of teachers and school principals who work with Syrian refugee students. Data was collected from an ongoing qualitative interpretive case study research project using semistructured interviews with teachers and principals who worked with Syrian refugees in 2 inner-city elementary schools in Istanbul, Turkey. The findings of this study indicate that state schools provide many Syrian children with access to education that addresses the needs and challenges associated with the refugee school-age children. For example, Syrian children are thought to have rights identical to Turkish children regarding access to a free education in the Turkish public school setting, and the government has allowed Syrian students to enroll in universities without examinations or without having to show proof that they had attended universities in Syria. However, language barriers with respect to speaking and understanding Turkish must be mitigated to integrate Syrian refugees into Turkish culture. The results of the study also indicate that Syrian students are in a constant state of depression and trauma due to war and migration. Because of language-related issues and limited access to everyday necessities, Syrian children are often in need of comprehensive psychological support. Thus, this study recommends that teachers and principals participate in professional training and development programs to be able to provide psychological support to students.

Technology in the Classroom: Teachers’ Technology Choices in Relation to Content Creation and Distribution

Aim/Purpose: Teachers are being asked to integrate mobile technologies into their content creation and distribution tasks. This research aims to provide an understanding of teachers taking on this process and whether the use of technology has influenced their content creation and distribution in the classroom. Background: Many claim that the use of technology for content creation and distribution can only enhance and improve the educational experience. However, for teachers it is not simply the integration of technology that is of prime concern. As teachers are ultimately responsible for the success of technology integration, it is essential to understand teachers’ viewpoints and lived technology experiences. Methodology: The Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model was used to guide interpretive case study research. Six teachers were purposively sampled and interviewed from a private school where a digital strategy is already in place. Data was then analysed using directed content analysis in relation to TTF. Contribution: This paper provides an understanding of teachers’ mobile technology choices in relation to content creation and distribution tasks. Findings: Findings indicate that teachers fit technology into their tasks if they perceive the technology has a high level of benefit to the teaching task. In addition, the age of learners and the subject being taught are major influencers. Recommendations for Practitioners: Provides a more nuanced and in-depth understanding of teachers’ technology choices, which is necessary for the technology augmented educational experience of the future. Recommendations for Researchers: Provides an unbiased and theoretically guided view of mobile technology use with content creation and distribution tasks. Impact on Society: Teachers do not appear to use technology as a de facto standard, but specifically select technology which will save them time, reduce costs, and improve the educational experiences of their learners. Future Research: A mixed-method approach, including several diverse schools as well as learners would enrich the findings. Furthermore, consideration of hardware limitations and lack of software features are needed.

Digital transformation strategy making in pre-digital organizations: The case of a financial services provider

The formulation and implementation of a digital transformation strategy (DTS) has become a key concern for many pre-digital organizations across traditional industries, but how such a strategy can be developed remains an open question. We used interpretive in-depth case study research to study how a European financial services provider has formulated and implemented a DTS. By focusing on the underlying processes and strategizing activities, we show that digital strategy making not only represents a break with the conventions of upfront strategic information systems (IS) planning, but reveals a new extreme of emergent strategy making. Specifically, we conclude that a DTS is continuously in the making, with no foreseeable end. By building on theory from IS strategizing and strategy-as-practice literature, we theorize an integrated process/activity model that characterizes DTS formulation and implementation in pre-digital organizations. Our model shows that the crafting of a DTS is a highly dynamic process involving iterating between learning and doing.

Physical Activity for Disabled Youth: Hidden Parental Labor.

Locating suitable, inclusive community physical activity programs for disabled children can be challenging for parents. The aim of this study was to uncover everyday hidden labor experienced by parents, as they sought inclusive physical activity opportunities for their children. Focus group interviews with eight families of youth aged 13-19 years were completed using an interpretative phenomenological case study research approach. Four themes, interpreted through the framework of relational ethics, captured their experiences: (a)inclusion is immensely effortful; (b)judged by their impairments, not their possibilities; (c)ongoing education needed to open doors and sustain participation; and (d)the guilt of staying home. Reliance on hidden parental labor highlighted an exclusion agenda in community, accentuated by ableist belief systems.

User Needs in the Development of a Health App Ecosystem for Self-Management of Cystic Fibrosis: User-Centered Development Approach.

BackgroundDigital self-management in cystic fibrosis (CF) is foreseen as a means toward better understanding of the disease and its treatment and better adherence to the treatment. Mobile apps hold the potential to provide access to information, motivate, and strengthen compliance. However, to deliver high-quality apps, the development should be based on thorough knowledge about user needs. Empirical research on the user-centered development of mobile apps for health care is, however, still limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this research is to develop and evaluate an app ecosystem for self-management in CF. It targets not only those directly affected by CF but also parents and health care professionals involved in the treatment. This paper covers the first step of the design process that aims to analyze the context and the user requirements. The primary research question is as follows: what digital support has the potential to usefully support persons with CF and their caregivers in the CF care? To answer this question, we address two preliminary questions: what important factors in everyday life affect the care of persons with CF? and how is the CF care delivered today and what are the limitations of CF care services?MethodsThe overall research adopts a user-centered design approach in which future users are involved in the development process from the very beginning to ensure that the apps developed best suit the potential users. The research presented in the paper follows an interpretative case study research strategy seeking to understand the concerns and needs of persons with CF and their caregivers. Data were collected through semistructured qualitative interviews involving 74 participants in seven European countries and from internet forums.ResultsThe results of the analysis phase show a strong need for individuality of the digital support, as well as for its adaptability to different contexts. The paper presents the concerns and needs of the participants in the study and extracts a set of relevant features for a self-management app ecosystem. Education, enzyme dosage calculation, nutrition management, treatment organization, health diary, treatment follow-up, practical guidelines for treatment, communication with doctors, and communication with peers are foreseen as useful features.ConclusionsThe results indicate the readiness for self-management in the CF care even in countries that provide well-functioning health care services for CF care. The large diversity of user requirements identified reflects the crucial role user integration plays in developing apps for a chronic condition such as CF. The need for personalization stemming from the individuality of the patients and the need for communication with health care professionals support the idea of an app ecosystem for the self-management of CF.

Digital collaborative consumption and social issues: The clash of taxi and Uber driver in Surabaya and Taipei

Since the occurrence of application-based taxi, phenomenon and resistance have emerged in metropolitan cities around the world. One of the main issues highlighted is digital collaborative consumption which emerges as the consequences of globalization. As an interpretive case study research, this paper aims to analyze the use of Uber as an alternative to public transportation in Taipei and Surabaya. Authors discuss the issue by comparing the reaction toward the occurrence of Uber and Taipei and Surabaya. Authors apply the theory from Hegre, Gissinger, & Gledtisch (2002) about globalization and social conflict to explain social issues as the consequences of digital collaborative consumption as the new consumption model. According to the theory, globalization creates a deprivation which makes the struggle to access source of capital become more intense. Poverty is the main generator of radical action and violence. Analyzing the phenomena of Uber usage and the resistance from traditional taxi businessmen in Taipei and Surabaya, the authors argue that globalization reflected on digital collaborative consumption could lead to social unrest for parties who cannot adapt to the changes in economic practice. As shown by many cases of app-based rejection taxi in public places such as airport, train station and bus station; the traditionalists show resistance towards globalization and the economic shift of public transportation business model.

Initial Perceptions of Open Higher Education Students with Learner Management Systems

Learner management systems (LMS) are used in open education as a means of managing and recording e-learning facilities as well as improving student engagement. Students benefit from them to become active participants in the decision-making process of their own learning. This study aims to investigate the initial perceptions of students experiencing the LMS for the first time in the Open Education System of Anadolu University with the purpose of identifying the effective and ineffective aspects of it from their perspective and their demands and suggestions for how to improve their the engagement in the system. To do this, an interpretive qualitative case study research design was used in order to focus on individual contexts and perceptions formed within those contexts. According to the findings, students were found to have highly personalized and customized user habits and engagement levels with the LMS depending on their varying ages, occupational statuses, IT capacities, and educational backgrounds. In terms of their satisfaction with the LMS, the quality, quantity and variety of content in LMS was found to have a major influence on their initial perceptions of satisfaction.