Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Socio-spatial exclusion in housing: unpacking market trends in Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Purpose Increasing number of residents in rapidly urbanizing cities of sub-Saharan African are experiencing growing exclusion. This study aims to examine socio-spatial exclusion in housing markets and seeks to understand policy and market-based trajectories of exclusion in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used, combining primary and secondary data. Interviews, document reviews and housing price data were gathered. Tender-based data for 1,927 plots over a 10-year period was obtained from the city’s land development department. In addition, 120 Global Positioning System-based housing price data points were randomly collected, considering location in X-Y coordinates, housing types, distance from the central business district (CBD) and sale repetition. Data were analyzed thematically, and spatial patterns of housing prices were mapped using techniques like inverse distance weighted interpolation and Moran’s clustering in ArcGIS. Findings The study revealed a growing trend in housing prices driven by policy and market forces, leading to spatial exclusion. Gaps in housing policy drove demand for peri-urban areas, fueling black markets and gentrification, which exacerbated socio-spatial exclusion over time. Housing prices in formal and informal markets show a converging trend, driven by neoliberal policies and market forces prioritizing urban land values. Housing prices exhibit spatial disparity, with significant hikes observed at 4 km from the CBD, reflecting the impact of location and policy. The findings demonstrate an evolving polycentric urban hubs driving socio-spatial exclusion in housing markets. Research limitations/implications Based on the findings, this study calls for further research on viable housing policies to promote a socio-spatially inclusive housing market in rapidly urbanizing sub-Saharan African cities. This requires analyzing robust housing market data (both spatial and nonspatial) across inner-city and peri-urban areas, exploring innovative land management approaches and understanding the housing realities of low-income urban residents using ethnographic approaches, including deeper socioeconomic and political forces. Practical implications The study has implications for promoting inclusive housing policies and market options in rapidly urbanizing cities of sub-Saharan Africa, supported by robust housing/land market data, primarily targeting on the housing realities of households at the lower end of the market. Rapidly urbanizing cities could also promote urban entrepreneurialism by advocating policies that create markets to drive socio-spatial inclusivity. Originality/value This manuscript presents a scientific case on the social and spatial dimensions of housing markets within the context of embedded housing policy frameworks and market forces in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on a case study from Hawassa, Ethiopia, it also provides empirical data and sheds light on the exclusion/inclusion literature and urban rent theory. Based on the findings, the study also emphasizes the emerging implications – growing gentrification and socio-spatial exclusion – reflecting neoliberal urbanism in the housing markets of Hawassa City.

A causal configurational analysis of knowledge hiding from a conversational constraint perspective: evidence from China

Purpose Drawing on Conversational Constraint Theory (CCT), this study aims to examine the causal relationships between constraint elements in knowledge-request conversations (i.e. request directness, request politeness, public versus private requests, affective relationships, the requestee’s gender and negative affective states), and knowledge hiding. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 386 knowledge employees from different companies in China was conducted. Event reconstruction principles were applied to reduce potential recall bias. Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) were used. NCA and fsQCA were used to perform necessary causality analyses (“No Y without X”), whereas fsQCA was used to conduct sufficiency analyses (“If X, then Y”). Findings The results show that no single factor in knowledge requests serves as a necessary condition for either high or low knowledge hiding; four pathways with different configurations lead to high knowledge hiding; and no consistent pathways leading to low knowledge hiding were identified, highlighting causal asymmetry in comparison to pathways leading to high knowledge hiding. Originality/value First, this study advances research on the antecedents of knowledge hiding by verifying the complex causal relationships between conversational constraints and knowledge hiding. Second, it offers new insights by proposing an integrated framework based on CCT. Third, a mixed-method approach, combining NCA and fsQCA, is used to provide a detailed analysis of the antecedents of knowledge hiding.

Embrace or Resist: Public Opinion of AI Art in the Age of Sora

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the art world, fostering new avenues for creativity and challenging traditional notions of artistic authenticity. In 2024 February, the release of Sora by OpenAI symbolized a major breakthrough in the quality of AI-Generated Content (AIGC), calling for new study of up-to-date technique advancement. The aim of this study is to examine how public perceptions of AI art have evolved in the context of Sora's release and to identify the possible contributing factors, such as the release of Sora and media framing. A mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative tools (MDCOR and SENA) and qualitative analysis (digital ethnography), was employed to draw insights from YouTube comments. Findings indicate that Soras release contributes to a broader range of public opinion and a trend of positive sentiment. Topics discussed by the public shift from the use of AI in the artistic creation process to the multidimensional applications of AI art products across diverse industries and their consequent social impacts. The majority of people hold a more positive attitude, particularly in terms of trust, towards AI art, while some artists express fear of job replacement and ethical issues. Media framing of political preference and professional interests also plays an important role in shaping public opinion of AI art. This study carries several implications for policymakers, artists, and technologists, and advocates legislative protection for human creators while fostering innovation.

Leveraging Wikipedia for educational innovation: a higher education course model for enhancing students’ competencies and collaborative knowledge creation

The integration of Wikipedia into higher education has remained sporadic, often limited to isolated assignments rather than systematic curriculum integration. This study addresses this gap by examining an innovative university-level Wikipedia course designed to enhance student learning through active knowledge production and community engagement. Originating from a medical-focused initiative, the course represents the first for-credit, interdisciplinary Wikipedia course accessible to undergraduates at Tel Aviv University. Through three iterations involving 88 students, the course facilitated the creation of 260 new articles, garnering over 21 million views, demonstrating its broad societal impact. The course’s design, structured around peer and self-assessment, active collaboration with the Wikimedia community, and scaffolded skill development, significantly contributed to students’ academic performance, digital literacy and reflective learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, including statistical analysis of assessments and qualitative feedback, the study found a strong correlation between peer/self-evaluation and final instructor scores, underscoring the reliability of the assessment model. The findings highlight Wikipedia’s potential as a scalable educational tool, fostering open knowledge production and bridging knowledge gaps, particularly in gender representation. Future research should explore the long-term impact of Wikipedia-based learning on students’ academic and professional development, as well as the integration of emerging digital tools, such as Generative AI, to enhance collaborative learning experiences. This study contributes to the discourse on digital pedagogy, emphasizing Wikipedia’s role in transforming higher education through open-source, participatory learning.

Embracing human centric marketing for enhanced firm performance: the role of innovation strategy in India

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide valuable insights to academics as well as practitioners looking for ways to improve their firm performance by judiciously focusing on marketing strategy, i.e. Marketing 5.0. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-method approach, a cross-sectional survey is conducted using 396 responses from an emerging economy setting. Analysis was conducted using a sequential research design, where qualitative interviews are conducted before the quantitative phase. Findings The findings suggest that firms should focus on building the right strategies using Marketing 5.0, thereby enhancing technology capability and absorptive capacity to promote open and eco-innovations. Originality/value This paper offers integrative and holistic implications to firms looking for ways to improve their overall performance using open and eco-innovations.

Impact of the optimal minimum velocity threshold on the accuracy of one repetition maximum estimation-based on a mixed model

Abstract Purpose This study aimed at developing two mixed methods approaches for 1RM prediction (generalized equations together with the individual load–velocity relationship—LVR). The validity of such equations was explored and compared with the validity of individual LVRs. Methods The submaximal LVRs of seventy-six males was obtained for the free-weight back squat. Theoretical load at zero velocity (LD0), the slope of the individual LVR, and the individual (ModelIND) and optimal minimum velocity thresholds (MVT) (ModelOPT) were selected to develop the equations. Prediction accuracy was determined through mean differences, absolute percent errors and Bland–Altman plots. Results ModelIND was predictive of 1RM (p < 0.0001), explaining 89.7% of its variance. ModelOPT increased the prediction power of 1RM to 98.7% (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in the absolute percent errors were found (4.7 and 3.9%, for ModelIND and ModelOPT, respectively). The mean difference between actual and estimated 1RM was nearly zero for both models, while individual LVRs relying on the individual MVT displayed the contrary. The limits of agreement were 15.1 and 11.4 kg for ModelIND and ModelOPT, respectively. Conclusion The individual and optimal MVTs add predictive value to LD0 and the slope of the individual LVR for 1RM estimation on a group level and avoid error trends over the entire muscular strength spectrum. However, only ModelIND increased the accuracy of estimations when compared with the more direct approach. From a practical standpoint, practitioners are encouraged to rely on the individual LVR instead of ModelOPT, when using the optimal MVT for estimation purposes.

Influence of Parental Perception on Pupils’ Participation in School Extracurricular Activities: A Case of Selected Primary Schools in Mbulu Town Council, Manyara, Tanzania

Aims: This study explored the influence of parents’ perceptions on pupils’ participation in extracurricular activities in primary schools. Study Design: A convergent parallel design was employed in this study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Mbulu Town Council, Tanzania; and it lasted for the period of twelve months. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methods approach, whereby quantitative and qualitative data was collected at the same time and analyzed separately. Data for this study were collected using questionnaires that included both closed- and open-ended questions, as well as through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. To ensure the validity and reliability of the research instruments, a pilot study was conducted using subjects with similar characteristics. Items with a Cronbach’s alpha value below 0.7 were excluded from the final instruments. The study involved 132 respondents from four primary schools, using a stratified sampling technique to select 68 students and 60 parents. Additionally, a purposive sampling technique was adopted to select four chairs of the school committees. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data were analysed using Content Analysis method, where patterns, themes, and trends were identified. Results: Findings revealed that parents recognize the benefits of students’ participation in extracurricular activities, particularly issues related to students’ retention, talent development, and practical skill acquisition. However, the findings discovered that pupils receive limited parental support in terms of facilities, tools, guidance in activity choices, and financial assistance, which limits students’ participation rate in different extracurricular activities. Conclusion: To enhance pupils’ participation, the study recommends that schools should collaborate more actively with parents by establishing communication channels, organizing parents’ education programmes, as well as involving them in decision-making.

Exploring the Psychosocial Benefits of Medicinal Plants in HIV Care

The intersection of medicinal plants and psychosocial well-being in HIV care represents an emerging area of interdisciplinary research. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains the cornerstone of HIV management, individuals living with HIV (PLWH) face significant psychosocial challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and mental health distress. Traditional healing systems have long incorporated medicinal plants, not only for their pharmacological properties but also for their role in emotional and community support. This paper explores the historical, cultural, and psychosocial dimensions of medicinal plant use in HIV care, highlighting their potential in alleviating psychological distress and enhancing social cohesion. A mixed-methods approach integrating ethnobotanical research with biomedical studies is recommended to validate the efficacy of medicinal plants in this context. Incorporating traditional healing knowledge into modern healthcare strategies may provide a more holistic approach to HIV care, fostering better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life for PLWH. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Psychosocial well-being, HIV/AIDS care, Traditional medicine, Ethnobotany, Holistic health, Stigma and discrimination.

Research on the Impact of Elon Musk's Business Empire on Global Macroeconomy

In the context of accelerating technological disruption and global energy transition, Elon Musks enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX, have emerged as pivotal forces reshaping industries and macroeconomic dynamics. This paper investigates the impact of Musks business empire on the global macroeconomy, focusing on its role in driving structural changes in the energy, transportation, and aerospace sectors. The study aims to elucidate how Musks innovations reconfigure industrial landscapes, alter geopolitical economic power, and generate new growth drivers. The research employs a mixed-methods approach: case studies of Tesla and SpaceX are analyzed to assess their industry-level disruptions and uses some data for analysis. Primary data sources include corporate financial reports, industry datasets (e.g., International Energy Agency), and government publications (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Comparative analysis is utilized to contrast Musks vertically integrated model with traditional industries. The findings reveal four key outcomes: First, Musks industries reshape traditional industries. Second, geopolitical economic power shifts, raising resource-rich countries' status. Third, they have a huge impact on employment. Last but not least, Tech giants' vertical integration brings problems, urging an international governance framework.

Student Reactions to Just-in-Time Formative and Summative Feedback in a Tablet-Based Family Medicine MCQ Exam

(1) Background: While the benefits of digital assessments for universities and educators are well documented, students’ perspectives remain underexplored. (2) Methods: This study employed an exploratory mixed-methods approach. Three examination cohorts were included (winter semester 2022/23, summer semester 2023, and winter semester 2023/24). Written emotional responses to receiving just-in-time summative or formative feedback were analyzed, as well as examining the impact of formative feedback on learning attitudes. All cohorts completed qualitative open-ended research questions. The responses were coded using Kuckartz’s qualitative content analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated using jamovi. (3) Results: Students generally responded positively to formative and summative feedback. The majority expressed a desire to receive feedback. The categories created for formative feedback indicate a tendency toward self-reflection and supported the learning processes. In contrast, the summative feedback categories suggest that students primarily value feedback’s transactional aspect. (4) Conclusions: Integrating formative and summative feedback in digital just-in-time assessment offers the potential to capitalize on the “sensitive periods” of study reflection that occur during assessment. This approach enables assessment for learning while simultaneously reducing emotional distress for students.

A Study on Work-Life Balance and Its Influence on Employees Performance in Tafe Access Limited

In the modern workplace, the concept of work-life balance has emerged as a key factor influencing employee performance, well-being, and organizational success. This study investigates the dynamic relationship between employees’ ability to balance work and personal life and how it affects their productivity, motivation, job satisfaction, and overall performance. With increasing job demands, technological advancements, and blurred boundaries between professional and personal spaces, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly challenging for employees across various sectors. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires and qualitative insights gathered from in-depth interviews. The sample includes employees from diverse industries and organizational levels to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Key variables such as working hours, flexibility, organizational support, stress levels, personal well-being, and performance metrics are analyzed to draw correlations between work-life balance and employee output. Findings indicate that employees with better work-life balance exhibit higher job satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and greater commitment to organizational goals. In contrast, imbalances often lead to stress, absenteeism, low morale, and decreased performance. The study also highlights the role of organizational policies—such as remote working options, paid leave, wellness programs, and flexible schedules—in promoting a healthy balance and boosting employee outcomes. This research contributes valuable insights for employers, HR professionals, and policymakers, emphasizing the strategic importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Promoting work-life balance not only enhances individual performance but also drives organizational efficiency, retention, and long-term sustainability.

Enhancing Public Administration at the Union Council Level: A Pathway to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hub

Public administration at the Union Council level is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations by ensuring efficient governance and service delivery. Union Councils in the Hub area encounter financial restrictions, administrative challenges, and limited public interaction. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, to examine the role of local governance in SDG implementation. Results indicate that while public officials demonstrate a good understanding of the SDGs (72%), community awareness remains low (38%). Officials rate policy creation and service provision higher (means = 4.2 and 3.8) compared to citizens (means = 3.1 and 3.2). Key challenges include financial limitations (25 percent), bureaucratic inefficiencies (27 percent), and limited public involvement. The study emphasizes the necessity for financial sustainability, administrative efficiency, and participatory governance to advance SDG development. Experts advocate for utilizing digital governance systems and public-private partnerships to improve transparency and funding. Well-designed reforms, the integration of technology, and the promotion of collaboration can help Union Councils foster sustainable development in the Hub area and significantly enhance sustainable social, economic, and environmental growth.

The Impact of Digital Marketing Strategies on Consumer Behavior: A Comparative Study of Emerging and Developed Markets

Business-consumer interactions have changed fundamentally because of the digital age. This research examines how digital marketing strategies affect consumer behavior by comparing the differences between emerging markets and developed markets. The research used a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to identify consumer trust factors and their impact on purchase decisions as well as brand loyalty. Research findings indicate that emerging markets prioritize budget-friendly campaigns and social proof, whereas developed markets emphasize personalized experiences and data privacy. By analyzing data from 2024 and preceding years, the study elucidates the evolution of digital marketing effectiveness across diverse economic landscapes. Global businesses can leverage these research insights to optimize their marketing strategies, aligning them with regional preferences and emerging trends.

The Development of Pedagogical Tasks and Evaluation of Computer Mediated Communication for Using GRA Method

In the ever-evolving realm of education, the incorporation of technology into teaching methodologies has become imperative. This investigation delves into the creation of instructional assignments and the assessment of computer-mediated communication (CMC) within the framework of the Group Research and Analysis (GRA) method. The GRA method, renowned for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative teamwork among students, is the focal point of this research. Nonetheless, there exists a gap in knowledge regarding its effective implementation in a technologically-enhanced setting. This research aims to address this knowledge gap by pursuing two primary objectives: firstly, designing and formulating pedagogical tasks tailored to harness the advantages of CMC while implementing the GRA method, and secondly, evaluating the efficacy of these tasks in enhancing students' educational experiences and achievements. The development of these pedagogical tasks necessitates a comprehensive examination of existing literature on both the GRA method and CMC tools. These tasks are designed to make the most of the collaborative and communicative capabilities offered by digital platforms, thereby enhancing group dynamics, information sharing, and knowledge construction. The evaluation stage employs a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative assessments of student performance and qualitative analyses of their experiences and perspectives. This research contributes to the dynamic field of educational technology and pedagogy by shedding light on the potential synergy between the GRA method and CMC. The insights gained from this study will benefit educators, instructional designers, and policymakers by demonstrating the value of incorporating technology into collaborative learning environments. It will also provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing the GRA method in the digital era. Ultimately, this research aims to advance our comprehension of how technology can enhance pedagogical methods, ultimately benefiting students and their educational outcomes. Virtual Peer Discussion (A1), Synchronous Online Quizzes (A2), Collaborative Document Creation (A3), Asynchronous Discussion Forums (A4), Video-based Concept Explanation (A5), Individual Reflective Journals (A6), Debate-style Online Sessions (A7), Case Study Analysis in Groups (A8), Simulated Real-world Scenarios (A9) and Role-playing Activities (A10) there are alternatives. Enhancement of Learning Outcomes (E1), Engagement and Participation (E2), Critical Thinking Development (E3), Technical Accessibility (E4), Workload Manageability (E5) and Peer Interaction Quality (E6) there are evaluation parameter. According to GRA methods are Asynchronous Discussion Forums is first ranked and with Virtual Peer Discussion being lowest ranked

Regulatory Impacts on the Development of Solar Industry in China: A Policy Analysis

Traditionally, China's energy structure has been dominated by coal, but China is trying to make transition towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Among these energy, solar energy plays a crucial role due to its scalability and reduction of cost. This study explains the impact of government policies on the development of solar industry and how China become a global leader in this sector, and strategies employed to fix the problem of overcapacity. By employing a mixed-method approach, including current status of the solar industry, case studies, and policy analysis, this paper examines the impact of policy frameworks, both historical and contemporary policies. It aims to provide insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders through evidence-based recommendations designed to optimize policy frameworks, support industrial growth, and promote sustainable development. Lastly, this research seeks to give a broader understanding of how government policies can nurture a resilient and competitive solar industry, thereby promote the development of renewable energy technologies and environmental management.

A Genre Analysis of a Non-Academic Genre: The Obituary

This paper presents a genre analysis of the contemporary obituary. Following a literary review, a mixed methods approach is employed to analyse a sample of obituaries of the same deceased person but from a variety of UK sources. The intention is to carry out a pilot project to explore the possibilities of some analysis techniques for genre description. Bhatia’s (1993) seven steps for genre analysis are employed with special attention given to step 6, the analysis of the texts for discourse patterns. For this step corpus tools are employed to identify discourse patterns that characterise the sample texts and that could potentially indicate markers for obituary genre characterisation. This method has been employed both to investigate differences between the texts in the sample and also to identify common characteristics among the sample texts that could potentially distinguish the obituary genre from other genres. The texts are analysed for lexical density, readability, clause complexity, phrase complexity, and syntactic sophistication, among other things. Then a qualitative analysis is carried out to investigate the wider discourse aspects of the genre, also considering multimodal aspects of the contemporary obituary genre. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the discourse patterns of the obituary genre and could be replicated in further research activity to increase the reliability and generalisability of the findings, as well as furthering knowledge of discourse distinctions between different genres.

Research on the Construction of the Evaluation System of Occupational Competence from Vocational Colleges in PRC-based on Big Data Technology

This study constructs an Occupational Competency Assessment System (OCAS) for vocational colleges through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis (Analytic Hierarchy Process, AHP) and qualitative techniques (literature analysis, expert interviews, and Delphi method). Quantitative results indicate that specialist knowledge (32.63%) and teamwork skills (13.23%) are the highest-weighted indicators, while practical skills (5.65%) and critical thinking (1.72%) show relatively lower contributions. Qualitative data collection involved four rounds of Delphi consultations with 30 participants (experts, students, graduates, and industry professionals), followed by grounded theory coding to identify 15 core competency categories. Findings reveal that the proposed system effectively integrates vocational methodological and social competencies, with a strong correlation (r > 0.7) among practical skills, teamwork, and workplace adaptability.However, limitations of traditional OCAS persist, including overreliance on subjective evaluations, fragmented data sources between schools and industries, and insufficient feedback mechanisms for personalized student development. To address these gaps, the study recommends strengthening practice-oriented teaching models, enhancing industry-education collaboration for real-time data integration, and incorporating dynamic AI-driven adjustments to improve assessment accuracy.

Experiencing difficulty in internships as a catalyst for improvement in pre-service teachers’ reflective writing skills

ABSTRACT Internships are perceived by pre-service teachers as significant activities in their training and, for some, as a test of endurance, given the difficult realities of the field. To support trainees in improving practical performance, internships often involve writing reflective texts, such as a self-evaluation report. In this study, the authors investigated the links between trainees’ performance and their writing of a report concerning that performance. They analysed 100 reports written by 20 pre-service primary school teachers. They used a mixed-methods approach to examine changes in the text itself and in the quality of their reflexivity over three years of training, for each practical performance-related profile. Their study suggests that practical performance influences the quality of reflective writing in the self-evaluation report. Results revealed that students improve their writing when they experience stronger internship difficulties, which require them to provide justifications, evaluate effects of their practice, and highlight strengths to build on.

Artificial intelligence in language learning: biometric feedback and adaptive reading for improved comprehension and reduced anxiety

This study investigates the efficacy of an AI-enhanced reading platform in enhancing reading comprehension and influencing psychological variables such as motivation, anxiety, and cognitive load among second language (L2) learners. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analyses of reading comprehension scores and psychological measures with qualitative exploration through focus group discussions. A total of 300 participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which used the AI platform, or the control group, which used traditional digital resources. Quantitative results revealed significant improvements in reading comprehension, motivation, anxiety reduction, and cognitive load management among participants using the AI platform compared to the control group. Effect sizes indicated large to moderate impacts of the intervention across all measured variables. Biometric data analysis, including heart rate variability (HRV) and eye-tracking metrics, provided objective evidence supporting the platform’s efficacy in reducing stress levels and promoting more efficient reading behaviors. Qualitative findings illuminated participants’ experiences, highlighting enhanced engagement, reduced anxiety, development of improved reading strategies, and appreciation for the user-friendly platform design. The study underscores the potential of AI-driven educational technologies to optimize language learning outcomes by providing personalized, adaptive, and supportive learning environments.

Incorporating Nondiet and Weight-Neutral Principles in a University Dietetics Curriculum.

Incorporating Nondiet and Weight-Neutral Principles in a University Dietetics Curriculum.