Mixed Methodological Approach Research Articles

Elevating Recycling Standards: Global Requirements for Plastic Traceability and Quality Testing

Globally, we produced 489 million tonnes of plastic in 2023 and we recycled only 8.17%. This study navigates the landscape of recycling practices, highlighting the imperative to reevaluate and upgrade industry-standard protocols. The central focus of this study is on integrating more robust traceability criteria and advanced quality testing methodologies to improve recycled plastics with intrinsic value, particularly in anticipation of future market applications. The investigation examines the prevailing industry standard traceability and quality framework. It then assesses the applicability of those standards using technical datasheets for recycled high-density polyethylene resin grades. This study proposes a paradigm shift toward a more sophisticated analytical approach. This comprehensive framework aims to transcend traditional quality and traceability evaluation. This paper employs a mixed methodological approach, including a thematic analysis of relevant industry standard regulations and an in-depth literature review, to address the need for an operational framework for recycling quality. This study highlights that recycling quality depends on technical attributes determining functionality and application suitability. While some properties are measured, the conventional framework does not address the degradation level of recycled plastic. This study concludes with broader considerations, emphasising the need for a traceability model to disclose material history and composition. This study advocates an industry-wide upgrade in recycling standards, prioritising traceability and quality testing. The proposed enhancements in testing grids and the improved understanding of recycling quality collectively contribute to a holistic framework, unlocking the intrinsic value of recycled plastics for future market applications.

Use of standardized decision support instruments to inform child welfare decision-making: lessons from an implementation study

Research has demonstrated children in out-of-home care have experienced trauma and a significant proportion are in need of behavioral health services (e.g. Casaneuva et al., NSCAW II baseline report: Child well-being, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 2011). Accessing services requires interagency coordination between child welfare and behavioral health professionals; however, challenges to coordination and collaboration may result in lack of service utilization for many youth (Hanson et al. 2016). Utilizing a mixed methodological approach, this paper describes the results of a study conducted five years after full state-wide implementation of processes designed to promote the use of evidence-based practices to inform decision-making for youth dually served by the child welfare and behavioral health systems. Outcomes from the study were used to develop strategies to address programmatic concerns and reinforce implementation supports. Study findings may aid organizations seeking to reinforce data-informed practices and employ strategies for addressing barriers at the worker and agency level.

A Web-based Ticketing and Booking Application for Enhancing Maritime Travel Operations and Services in Siargao Island

Siargao Island is one of the world-class and most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. The island is still in its developmental stage in terms of the tourism industry, which oftentimes face difficulties on its maritime travel services because of inefficiencies on manual ticketing and booking processes. With this, the study aimed at investigating the current services offered by the small-scale local maritime providers. A mixed-methodology approach was employed in the study through online survey and interviews to gather data on respondents’ preferences, challenges, and recommendations. The respondents were selected by convenience sampling method. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean score, standard deviation, and ranking. The findings revealed significant results such as thechallenges related to labour-intensive ticketing processes and lack of real-time information are identified, suggesting the need for digital solutions. There is also a high demand for improved travel services, with preferences for online booking, real-time scheduling, and user-friendly interfaces. The study contributes to the development of a web application by providing insights into passenger preferences and challenges, guiding the design and implementation of a system that enhances maritime travel services in Siargao Island

Design quality assessment and investigation of visitors satisfaction of the Jordan Museum using Post-Occupancy Evaluation

AbstractThe Jordan Museum is the most important modern archeological museum in Jordan. This paper assesses the quality of design and the visitors' satisfaction with the Jordan Museum. Also, it investigates which of the selected performance elements contribute most to visitors' satisfaction. Investigative Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) was used within a mixed methodology approach. A questionnaire was used for the quantitative part, complemented by other qualitative methods. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the design quality and visitors' satisfaction. Stepwise regression was used to detect which performance elements predict overall visitors' satisfaction. The design quality of the museum was rated as good, and its permanent galleries were exceptionally rated as excellent. The visitors were generally satisfied with the museum. Visitors were satisfied with the interior and exterior finish but were not impressed with the heavy use of stone in the façade. The simplicity of the museum layout made navigation easy, and visitors were satisfied with wayfinding. This paper is the first to use POE to assess the Jordan Museum. The findings can be used to enhance the management and operation of the Jordan Museum. Also, important performance elements can be developed into guidelines to guarantee effective museum designs in the future.

Streamlining Document Processing: Basis foran Online Document Management System

This study addresses the critical need for an online document management system aimed at streamlining document submission, approval, and storing processes among the faculty and staff of Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC) located in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. By utilizing a mixed-methodology approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative techniques, the shortcomings and challenges of the current manual system were assessed through online survey and interviews. The research respondents, who were selected by convenience sampling, were primarily college instructors with 1 to 5 years of work experience. The investigation revealed significant inefficiencies in the current system, identifying key issues such as error-prone processes and delayed communication. The weighted mean scores indicated high level of agreement among the respondents for the proposed system that can potentially enhance process workflow, restructure communication channels, and promote transparency within the institution. The recommendations also include prioritizing primary functions such as user authentication, backup and recovery, and user training. Overall, it can be concluded the proposed online DMS can offer substantial improvements in document management practices, aligning with global trends and best practices in educational administration thus providing a potential model for other institutions facing similar challenges

Using Songs to Improve Vocabulary Among Year 3 Learners in A Suburban School in Sabah

Since vocabulary is the fundamental building block of a language, learning it has become crucial in order to become fluent in that language. However, most learners struggle to master vocabulary. This problem has made it challenging for learners to communicate clearly in person and in writing as well as to thoroughly comprehend a book. Using songs for learning vocabulary has been very effective and popular nowadays. Different studies revealed that songs are beneficial in vocabulary learning because they enhance learners’ ability to memorise words, improve their communicative skills and also to enhance their motivation. The mixed-methodology approach is used for this case study. It aims to explore how songs help improve primary school learner’s vocabulary acquisition and also how the use of songs help increase learners’ motivation in learning English as a second language. There are 35 Year 3 learners of a suburban school in Papar, Sabah involved in this case study. Data were collected by using a pre and post-test, interview and a questionnaire to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of songs in vocabulary learning. This study is proposed to create awareness of the benefits using songs in order to make learning and teaching new vocabulary more effective. The main findings have shown that the results from the pre-test and post-test have a significant difference where the learners’ marks in the post-test were higher than the pre-test. Thus, the findings depicted that the use of songs can improve the learners’ vocabulary effectively.

Enhancing active aging through IRAGE: Mitigating social isolation with intergenerational gaming

This paper presents the outcomes of a pioneering study that explores the potential of remote intergenerational communication to combat social isolation among children and older adults, especially under constraints posed by pandemics such as COVID-19. Acknowledging the limited mobility of many older adults, this research aims to provide insights into how digital platforms can facilitate meaningful exchanges between generations. Utilizing a mixed methodology approach, the study first conducted a user interaction analysis to outline guidelines for participant engagement with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based tool called IRAGE (Intergenerational Remote Access to Gaming Experiences) designed specifically for this purpose. Following the development of the ICT tool, three sessions of the remote intergenerational experience were held, during which participants' interactions were recorded and subsequently analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Key findings from the study reveal that remote intergenerational communication can significantly mitigate feelings of isolation among older adults, contributing to their mental health and emotional well-being. Moreover, the study highlights the effectiveness of the web-based platform in facilitating these interactions, with older adults and children finding the user interface intuitive and the overall experience engaging. These outcomes underscore the importance of leveraging technology to maintain social connections during challenging times and offer valuable guidelines for developing ICT tools that cater to the needs of diverse user groups. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of remote intergenerational communication, this research contributes to the broader discourse on active aging and the role of digital technologies in promoting social inclusion and emotional health.

Enhancing Reading Comprehension in Young Learners: A Study on The Effectiveness of The Graphic Novel “The Wizard of Oz”

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of using graphic novels for enriching reading comprehension among Year 6 upper primary pupils. The study involved 14 Year 6 pupils from a rural primary school in Sarawak as participants. Employing a mixed-methodology approach, the investigation focused on the effectiveness of the graphic novel "The Wizard of Oz" in enhancing reading comprehension for Year 6 pupils. Instruments such as pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires were utilized to gather comprehensive data. Preliminary findings indicate a positive impact on reading comprehension, supported by the significant increase in the post-test scores. The pupils' responses, gathered through questionnaires, provide valuable insights into their perceptions of the effectiveness of graphic novels in improving their reading comprehension skills.

Democratización de la información. Un análisis de las motivaciones que impulsan a las personas académicas a publicar

Motivations are the framework that drives people’s actions, and according to several research studies, they are the basis for the success of many of the tasks that influence the moment of acting and choosing what one wishes to achieve. This paper investigates the motivations of active academics at the National University (Costa Rica) to publish their research findings financed with public funds. Based on, a mixed methodological approach, and a descriptive and exploratory research, and uses questionnaires, interviews, and content analysis as data collection techniques. At the end of the research, it was concluded that the motivations of academics are both positive and negative, it was determined that there are academically attractive criteria for these researchers, but at the same time, there are criteria that may be linked to inherently discouraging conceptions. Investigating motivations from the perspective of librarianship makes it possible to identify how these trends can influence the democratization of information. In addition to understanding how researchers are motivated by enjoyment and intellectual curiosity depending on the journal in which they publish, this helps to distinguish between intrinsic motivations, fundamental to the commitment and quality of the work, and extrinsic motivations, such as rewards or external recognition.

Mixed-methods approach to investigating the diffusion of FinTech services: enriching the applicability of TOE and UTAUT models

PurposeThe rapid global use of Financial Technology (FinTech), an innovative and advanced technology, is leading to the replacement of traditional financial services. Despite this, consumers in the United Arab Emirates are still not accepting FinTech services as anticipated. This study aims to investigate the barriers preventing consumers from using FinTech services in the banking industry based on the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework and anchored by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).Design/methodology/approachThe current study used an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. A purposive sample was used to conduct preliminary semi-structured interviews with ten banking practitioners. These interviews aimed to explore the obstacles that hinder consumers from adopting FinTech services. To provide further empirical validation, the conceptual model has been systematically examined through a quantitative cross-sectional online survey encompassing a sample of 332 bank customers.FindingsThe qualitative investigation highlighted six new barriers to the usage of FinTech based on TOE’s model attributes. Through quantitative data analysis, the preliminary qualitative findings were primarily verified. It was discovered that self-efficacy, electronic word-of-mouth, system quality and bank image substantially influence consumers to use FinTech services, in addition to performance expectancy and facilitating conditions. Meanwhile, IT features and governmental support were found to have insignificant effects. Yet, government support was found to have a positive moderating role in strengthening social influence and system quality towards customer use of FinTech. Thus, the research supports the UTAUT and TOE models’ fitness for explaining FinTech usage with high predictive relevance.Originality/valueThis study is the authors’ pioneering effort to propose a comprehensive research framework that integrates the UTAUT and TOE models to tackle the limited adoption of FinTech services among consumers. Moreover, the study specifically examined the moderating influence of government support to propose an integrated model. Remarkably, this study is one of the initial attempts to investigate the adoption of FinTech using a mixed-methodology approach by incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods within a single inquiry to yield more comprehensive and insightful findings than research that relies on a single method.

Public Value Creation Through Electronic Human Resource Management in Public Sector: A Mixed Methods Approach

This study sought to evaluate the link between public value creation and e-HRM. The study draws upon public value theory to explore the role of e-HRM in value creation of public organizations. The study was conducted in Kenya in the County Government of Nyeri. A mixed methods approach was adopted, which combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The quantitative research approach involved a cross-sectional survey design. The survey respondents were 209 employees of Nyeri County Government. Data was analyzed by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). Qualitative approach involved conducting interviews. Thematization was used to analyze qualitative data. The study results show a significant relationship between quality public services, achievable desirable outcomes and development of trust and public value creation. In line with study findings, the study recommends that public sector organizations should optimize the use of e-HRM in their operations to create public value. This study is noteworthy for being one of the pioneering works to explore public value creation through e-HRM using a mixed-methodology approach.

Merchandising doubt in the periphery: some lessons from the glyphosate debate in Colombia

ABSTRACT This paper relies on the center–periphery division in the production of science and technology to discuss the glyphosate debate in Colombia as an instance of Oreskes and Conway’s tobacco strategy. The paper highlights some particularities in the implementation of the strategy in a peripheral context. Specifically, it shows that the debate here does not revolve around a product’s science and risks, but mainly around the results, consequences, and legal status of a government peace policy. To achieve this, the paper appeals to a mixed methodological approach integrating intensive methods to analyze traditional mass media and extensive methods to analyze social media.

Digitalization of cultural industries: Evidence from the official Spider-Man movie TikTok account

The digitalization of culture and creative industries has presented both challenges and opportunities. To effectively engage audiences and ensure their constant interest, these industries must continually adapt their circulation strategies. The objectives of this study are threefold: 1) analyze the strategies employed by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to engage with the fan community; 2) examine the interplay between fiction and reality based on the relationships between characters and actors, as shown in social network posts; and 3) determine how the discourse in the film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is reconstructed on TikTok, leveraging its particular ‘affordances’ (Gibson, 1979). A mixed methodology approach was utilized, combining the use of Analisa.io software to provide a comprehensive view of the Spider-Man official account’s activities and user engagement with a detailed analysis of the thematic, multimodal, and discursive aspects of TikTok videos published by the account. The findings reveal that the MCU employs TikTok as a marketing tool for the new movie, utilizing three main strategies that align with the characteristics of transmedia storytelling and enhanced audience engagement: 1) strategic selection of publication moments for the growth of follower engagement; 2) extensive use of teasers; and 3) leveraging the presence of actors as a key element to facilitate fan identification.

Men are victims of violence: Social representations, machismo and gender stereotypes

Background: Violence, as a phenomenon, affects both men and women in Colombia. According to reports from The National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 51% of violence cases are concentrated in men without this translating into specific government actions or investigations focusing their attention on this group. Background usually focuses its attention on the man as the perpetrator, hiding his role as a victim and diminishing his value as a subject of study, which is why there is little research literature on this phenomenon. Objective: This research analyzes the social representations of men regarding their role as victims of violence and its implications in the perpetuation of gender and machismo stereotypes, as well as their main knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding violence against men. Method: Through a mixed methodological approach, interviews and polls were conducted in order to understand this construct. Results: It was found that men silent the fact that they are victims of violence in order to satisfy social expectations regarding the role that they must play in patriarchal structures. 82% of the participants feel pressured to exercise masculine roles, and a 79% have suffered sexual assault from another person. Conclusion: There is a formal understanding of machismo and the negative implications of its practice; however, its practices are admitted as valid and even as justifiable, so they are maintained and perpetuated with the associated stereotypes.

Web‐based corporate social responsibility disclosure practices: A systematic literature review and research directions

AbstractThe current paper aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature on web‐based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure practices and introduce suggestions for scholars in this research area. To achieve this main objective, a systematic literature review technique was adopted, consisting of the content analysis of 119 papers from different scientific databases utilizing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of the study show that scholars have a strong and continuing interest in a variety of web‐based Corporate Social Responsibility disclosure (CSRD) aspects. Moreover, the investigation revealed that stakeholder, legitimacy, institutional, and Media‐Richness theories were more prevalent in the online CSRD literature. According to the investigation, the two key determinants of online CSRD are firm‐ and country‐level characteristics. The results further confirm that content analysis is the most common research methodology. Furthermore, the bulk of online CSRD studies are from Spain, Malaysia, and the United States. Moreover, findings indicate that samples of 91 up to 200 entities from listed companies from multiple industries and banks are the most common sample sizes and sectors. The review suggests that there is a gap in the use of mixed methodological studies. The current work has some limitations. In more detail, this study limited the search to reviewing 119 papers published in English peer‐reviewed journals that focused on web‐based CSR disclosure practices until February 2023, so there might be other academic studies accidentally missed. Future studies will require a mixed methodological approach, including quantitative (e.g., document analysis) and qualitative research methods (i.e., interviews and case studies), to examine, for example, the determinants (e.g., corporate governance mechanisms, cultural dimensions, ESG performance scores, and prosperity status like country governance, investment environment) and consequences (i.e., corporate cash holdings, credit ratings) of web‐based CSR disclosure in various sectors such as the banking sector, Universities, SMEs, and MNCs. The study reveals a strong interest in web‐based CSR aspects, emphasizing its significance in fostering societal relationships among businesses and their stakeholders. Furthermore, the study suggests that professional bodies, regulators, and policymakers should establish effective standards for CSRD on websites to ensure the quality, quantity, and type of information available. The originality of this paper derives from its being one of the first papers to date that analyses comprehensively and systematically all the articles related to internet CSR disclosure practices and brings out interesting directions for future research.

Approaches to Developing the Manufacturing Industry of Small and Medium Enterprises for Readiness Towards Large Businesses in Thailand

This research aims to 1) study the structure and operational characteristics of the manufacturing industry in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand for readiness towards becoming large-scale businesses; 2) investigate the components of development approaches for the manufacturing industry in SMEs for readiness towards becoming large-scale businesses; and 3) develop a structural equation model (SEM) for the development approaches of the manufacturing industry in SMEs for readiness towards becoming large-scale businesses. The study employed a mixed-methodology approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research. The qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with a sample of 9 experts from 3 different groups: 3 entrepreneurs or executives in the manufacturing industry, three from the government sector, and three academics. For quantitative research, data was collected via surveys from 500 entrepreneurs or executives and analyzed using frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, and structural equation modeling (SEM) with the advanced statistical analysis software AMOS. The research on the general characteristics of organizations found that they have been operating for 10-15 years, are predominantly Thai-owned, use financial institutions for funding, are established as limited companies, and mostly have offices located in Thailand. In terms of structure and operational characteristics, the research revealed that the most suitable business strategy for these organizations is creating a product advantage, emphasizing mentorship systems from knowledgeable employees, and key leadership qualities, including treating colleagues with kindness and generosity and developing leadership at various levels focusing on experience, comprehensive knowledge, and business expertise.The study on the importance of different components indicated that all aspects were highly important, with the order of importance from highest to lowest being digital technology, entrepreneurial leadership, knowledge management, and innovative organization. The results of the analysis of the structural equation model for small and medium-sized enterprises management for sustainable strength found that the chi-squared probability (CMIN-r) was 0.128, the relative chi-squared (CMIN/DF) was 1.126, the GFI was 0.955, and the root mean squared index of error estimation (RMSEA) was 0.015. It can be concluded that the model is consistent with the empirical data.

Can you credit it? Towards a process for ascribing credit to apprenticeships in England

PurposeApprenticeships in England, while defined by level and typical duration, are not quantified regarding the number of learning hours required to achieve the outcomes specified, as with other regulated qualifications and accredited programmes. This paper proposes an approach to ascribe credit to apprenticeships recognising both on-and-off-the-job learning to remove some of the existing barriers to accessing higher education (HE) and the professions.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodological approach resulting in a total learning hours/credit value was proposed.FindingsThere is significant HE-wide confusion regarding the amount of learning/training that is required to complete apprenticeships in England. Whilst sector guidance made it clear that there was no prescribed method to ascribe credit to qualifications, programmes, modules, units or apprenticeships by drawing out the core principles within current practice, a key outcome of this project was the development of a method to ascribe a credit value to apprenticeships.Research limitations/implicationsThere is potential to support further research into the recognition of prior learning as a specialised pedagogy and for reflecting on apprenticeship practice in other roles and sectors.Practical implicationsWhilst the project underpinning this paper focused on the healthcare sector, the method used to ascribe credit to the level-3 healthcare support worker apprenticeship was not sector specific and can therefore be applied to apprenticeships within other contexts providing more widespread benefits to workforce development.Social implicationsPolicy makers must ensure that employers and providers are clear that the minimum statutory off-the-job hours constitute an apprentice employment entitlement, which must not be conflated with total apprenticeship learning hours requirements. This recommended policy clarification could assist in simplifying the process required for ascribing credit to apprenticeships and at the same time support a move towards better and more consistent recognition of the value of apprenticeship learning.Originality/valueIt is a first attempt to ascribe a credit value to an apprenticeship in England for the specific purpose of facilitating progression to HE.

Factors and Manifestations of Resilience in Graduate Students: A Multidimensional Perspective

In the current environment of higher education, universities face the challenge of fostering resilience in graduate students, a crucial element for their academic success and personal development. This study focuses on analyzing the factors that contribute to resilience in graduate students at the State University of Milagro (UNEMI). A mixed-methodological approach was used, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected through questionnaires applied to students from three different master's programs. The research, exploratory and descriptive in nature, adopted a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, which allowed for data collection at a specific point in time, without altering variables. The sample consisted of 733 students, utilizing a detailed questionnaire and qualitative analyses for in-depth interpretation. The electronic distribution of the questionnaires facilitated broad participation. The results, structured into seven subscales, revealed significant variations in student experiences across different disciplines. These differences underline the need for educational policies tailored to the specific characteristics of each field of study. Subtle but important differences in the perception of resilience and well-being between genders were observed, highlighting the importance of more inclusive educational approaches. Factorial analysis provided a detailed view of how various factors impact aspects such as health, well-being, motivation, and student satisfaction. It is concluded that this holistic approach is key to understanding the complexity of the university experience and developing educational strategies that promote comprehensive and enriching learning. Received: 17 January 2024 / Accepted: 6 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Digital Media and Secondary Education Students: Inclusion or Exclusion?

Inclusion of students with marginalization tendencies has been one of the demands in the field of education over the last decades, but it remains unrealized. At the same time, our daily lives appear to have changed rapidly because of extensive use of digital media. This fact may have both positive and negative consequences. So, we were inspired to investigate the relationship between teenagers who may be marginalized and the use of digital media, as well as the degree to which they promote or prevent inclusion, by the foregoing considerations. We chose mixed methodological approach as the most appropriate. Specifically, sequential exploratory strategy was used to collect the data, while grounded theory was used for their analysis. The quantitative part sample consists of 600 Secondary Education students. Accordingly, the sample of the qualitative part of the research was 138 Secondary Education students. The survey was conducted over a period of three months (from October 2019 to December 2019). By completing the research project, we concluded that the use of digital media and especially the engagement of adolescent students who show marginalizing tendencies with social media, digital games and distance education leads to their inclusion.

Using Latent Class Analysis to Identify Need Typologies and Recidivism Likelihood Among Women Who Perpetrate Violence.

Understanding the heterogeneity of women who engage in violence is critical to provide effective treatment and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Existing typologies of women who engage in violence have been created using mixed methodological approaches; the field would benefit from replication using a quantitative clustering method-latent class analysis (LCA)-as it is arguably more objective than methods used to date. A LCA was conducted using archival data involving 3,773 justice-impacted women in Western Canada to identify unique subgroups of women who perpetrate violence. Three distinct profiles emerged: (a) intimate partner violence (IPV)-only (40.5%), wherein almost all women reported only perpetrating domestic violence and had zero or only one previous violent conviction, (b) patterned (19.1%), wherein violence was perpetrated toward domestic partners and unknown victims, and the majority had two or more previous violent convictions, and (c) isolated (40.4%), wherein very few perpetrated domestic violence, some perpetrated violence toward unknowns, and the majority had either zero or only one previous conviction for a violent offense. Need profiles and recidivism outcomes were further analyzed as a function of group membership. As hypothesized, the group with the greatest criminal history and use of violence reported the greatest needs. Recidivism also increased as the number of dynamic needs increased. Notably, 80.9% of the sample was predominantly low risk/low need and were identified as IPV-only or isolated women. Implications of these findings may be used to inform risk classification, treatment targets, and treatment intensity required to reduce the likelihood of recidivism among women who perpetrate violence.