Multi-case Study Approach Research Articles

Implementation of IGG in IKMS Based on Entrepreneurship Programs in East Java

The main objective of this research is to gain explanative knowledge regarding the application of IGG in IKMS based on entrepreneurship programs in East Java. This multi-case study approach sets five Micro Waqf Banks and five Islamic Financial Institutions Recipient of Cash Waqf (LKS PWU) as research objects. The results of the study concluded that IGG in IKMS based on entrepreneurial programs was carried out through behavioral characteristics that showed the principles of shiddiq, amanah, fathonah and tabligh. The forms of behavior of the shiddiq principle at IGG include: (1) independence in the management and distribution process; (2) information accountability; (3) The characteristics of the behavior of the principle of trust are: (1) the selection of responsible customers; (2) fair and equal implementation of Standard Operational Procedures (SOP); (3) consistency of Group Endorsement Examination (UPK), Group Compulsory Training (PWK), Weekly Halaqoh (HALMI) and the establishment of Community Business Groups around Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools (KUMPI); In the third principle, the behavioral characteristics of the fathonah principle include: (1) guarantees for providing capital for entrepreneurs; (2) stipulation of policy on ujrah payment as infaq for mauquf 'alaih; (3) stipulation of a policy for depositing a special waqf account; Finally, the tabligh principle is manifested in the following behavioral characteristics: (1) transparency of information and data to all customers; (2) leadership of member managers and customers; (3) implementation of mentoring programs to increase product marketing online; (4) transparency of financial reports, evaluation reports and ZISWAF allocations and (5) competent managers who are nimble in improving customer skills

The impact of industry 4.0 technologies on the environmental sustainability of commercial property by reducing the energy consumption

This research examined the concept of industry 4.0 technologies (IT4) and identified the effects that they have on the environmental sustainability of commercial properties in South African. The extensive literature review revealed that IT4 used to reduce the energy consumption of commercial properties is not widely adopted in South Africa. This could be attributed to South Africa’s energy building regulation, SANS 204, which provides the minimum energy saving specifications for local building requirements. It was discovered that only green buildings implemented industry 4.0 energy-saving technologies to reduce their energy consumption above the SANS 204 standards. Furthermore, it was found that buildings waste large amounts of energy which can be prevented through the use of industry 4.0 energy-saving technologies. The researchers attempted to evaluate the impact of IT4 on the energy consumption of South African commercial properties through an overarching constructivist paradigm. The research was conducted using a multi-case study approach, utilising qualitative and quantitative data on green buildings which have IT4 installed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the quantitative data (energy consumption), while qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews for an in-depth analysis. The research findings revealed that IT4 could reduce a commercial building’s energy consumption by as much as 23%. The study also found that IT4 reduced a building’s carbon footprint and improved employee productivity. This paper would provide value to developers and landlords who have limited information regarding the factors around the implementation of IT4.

Service supply chain resilience: a social-ecological perspective on last-mile delivery operations

PurposeConsidering the last-mile delivery service supply chain as a social-ecological system rather than just a firm-based service system, this research exploit the COVID-19 pandemic disruption to investigate how the supply chain develops resilience from a viewpoint that integrates a social-ecological perspective with the traditional engineering one.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopt a multi-case study approach using qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews with executive-level managers from nine leading UK last-mile delivery companies. Data analysis is guided by a research framework which is developed by combining the social-ecological perspective with the structure–conduct–performance paradigm. This framework aids the investigation of the impacts of external challenges on companies' resilience strategies and practices, as well as performance, in response to disruptions.FindingsThe research identifies three distinct pathways to resilience development: stabilization, focussing on bouncing back to the original normal; adaptation, involving evolutionary changes to a new normal; transformation, involving revolutionary changes in pursuit of a new normal-plus. Three strategic orientations are identified as operating across these pathways: people orientation, digital orientation, and learning orientation.Originality/valueIn contrast to the manufacturing supply chain focus of most current research, this research concentrates on the service supply chain, investigating its resilience with a social-ecological perspective alongside the traditional engineering one.

Assessing health research institutions' knowledge transfer strategies from a developing country perspective: the case of Malawi

The current paper sought to assess health research institutions in transferring knowledge from health research findings into decision and policy making in Malawi. The study employed both a qualitative and a multi-case study approach. Data was gathered through interviews. The study's participants were purposefully chosen directors of research institutions, public universities, and the ministry of health. Few research institutions compile a list of organisations that might benefit from their health research findings, and even fewer libraries have databanks or repositories. Policymakers rarely receive actionable messages from research institutions. Researchers are short on communication skills as well as time to transfer research findings into usable formats. Research centres including libraries should provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of research evidence. Individuals, research groups, institutions must all develop stakeholder interaction structures. Structures should define incentives and advancement opportunities for those working in health research institutions.

Assessing health research institutions' knowledge transfer strategies from a developing country perspective: the case of Malawi

The current paper sought to assess health research institutions in transferring knowledge from health research findings into decision and policy making in Malawi. The study employed both a qualitative and a multi-case study approach. Data was gathered through interviews. The study's participants were purposefully chosen directors of research institutions, public universities, and the ministry of health. Few research institutions compile a list of organisations that might benefit from their health research findings, and even fewer libraries have databanks or repositories. Policymakers rarely receive actionable messages from research institutions. Researchers are short on communication skills as well as time to transfer research findings into usable formats. Research centres including libraries should provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of research evidence. Individuals, research groups, institutions must all develop stakeholder interaction structures. Structures should define incentives and advancement opportunities for those working in health research institutions.

How does a data strategy enable customer value? The case of FinTechs and traditional banks under the open finance framework

The coupling of data and digital innovation opens the way for new business in the financial services sector, where customers are placed at the centre of decisions and data can help to develop customer knowledge. To carry out our research, we adopted a multi-case study approach to explore how a data strategy is developed in the retail banking industry, together with its relationship with customer value, paying particular attention to the heterogeneity between traditional banks and financial technology companies (FinTechs). Two main points emerged from the study. Firstly, there are three possible approaches to Open Finance, which are mainly defined by their different corporate cultures, organisational configurations, technological architecture and data value. Secondly, it is not enough to be a FinTech to be best placed to exploit the market, as some traditional banks share the FinTechs’ approach to Open Finance. Designing new tailored products, customising their prices and offering them over the right channels through targeted communication are all data-driven initiatives that stem from cross- or up-selling potential, core to the retail banking industry for turning a customer into a cash flow, thus enabling value to be created for customers. Our findings additionally revealed that there is a form of external information asymmetry between the customer and the bank, and that there is also an internal asymmetry between bank departments, as their visibility on information about the same customer may differ.

Green Management Orientation in the Supply Chain of the Apparel Industry

The green management orientation practices in supply chain are examined in terms of how green practices improve the supply chain, what is the current nature of supply chain and why green orientation is poor in supply chain. A multi-case study approach is employed based on seven apparel manufactures in Sri Lanka. Cross-case analysis highlights the water, energy, earth conservative practices followed by apparel companies. A key factor identified that has not been highlighted in the literature is green management orientation initiatives in the supply chain which intensifies the development of environmental sustainability. There is a knowledge gap in the existing supply chain literature, especially on sustainable practices followed by manufacturing industries. This study adds to the literature on green supply chain management by identifying the effects of Green Management Orientation (GMO) practices. The concept of green initiatives for apparel manufacturers is discussed. The factors that contribute to green sustainability development are zero land filling, rain water harvesting, sludge drying, reduce CO2 omission and make polyester yarn from recycling pet bottles. Further, three main themes are developed on what are factors affect to the green management orientation involvement in the supply chain. This paper responds recent calls for greater scrutiny of why and how firms decouple with green practices and supports the development of the literature specially on environment sustainability. The findings have implications for the diffusion of green practices into supply chain. Used the purposive sampling method for data collection.

The Effects of Knowledge Spillovers and Accelerator Programs on the Product Innovation of High-Tech Start-Ups: A Multiple Case Study

The knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship (KSTE) explores the effects that new knowledge and proximity have on the exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities and the resultant creation of start-ups. This paper aims to identify the types of knowledge spillovers that affect entrepreneurs in the early stages of start-up development. A conceptual model is proposed, using a multi-case study approach involving high-tech start-ups that have attended accelerator and incubator programs in Greater London, United Kingdom. The research involved 32 semistructured interviews with chief executive officers and cofounders of start-up companies. Our findings suggest that entrepreneurs are influenced by various forms of knowledge spillover which assist in determining the strategic decision of the company, in terms of formation, including partnerships or alliances, allocation of Research and Development budgets, and engagement in product innovation. Further observations confirm that high-tech start-ups focus on a fast pace of constant product innovation to cover identified gaps in the market. One significant finding is that start-ups use various technological platforms to access knowledge spillovers which challenge the ideas of geographical proximity present in existing KSTE understanding.

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP STUDENTS: An Online Exercise to Develop Personas Application Manuscript

Using an exploratory multi-case study approach, we examined student perceptions of leadership through analysis of introductory discussion board forums in online undergraduate and graduate leadership courses to formulate leadership student personas. A review of related literature reveals that leadership’s broad application results in a vast array of interests and motivations related to pursuit of a leadership degree. To that end, development of student personas provides leadership program administrators and faculty with a better understanding of their needs and characteristics. In this application paper, we will share qualitative data compiled from four online leadership courses. Our preliminary findings identified data-driven personas that showcase how leadership students with varying backgrounds and aspirations envision knowing our leadership students, as well as recommending future research that can help advance the field of leadership education.

Implementation of the Global Reporting Initiative Social Sustainability Indicators: A Multi-Case Study Approach Using Brazilian Construction Companies

This study aims to assess the applicability and adherence to social sustainability indicators by large and medium-sized construction companies in Pernambuco, Brazil. The study measures the importance and influence of these indicators in companies’ decision-making processes. The social indicators from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) were selected as they come from a globally recognized and widespread organization. The research focuses on nine companies by conducting semi-structured interviews, site visits, and data validation through observations. The results indicate that most of the indicators were considered to have a high level of importance. However, these indicators are not as influential in decision-making as their importance suggests they should be. Currently, only 26% of the indicators are being measured by the companies, covering only three of the 19 GRI categories. The categories reported are occupational safety and health, local communities, and customer privacy. Most companies would be able to report the other 16 categories with minimal additional effort. A prioritization matrix is presented according to the importance and influence of the indicators and the effort to implement them. Overall, this study reveals that companies could easily measure most social sustainability indicators, making it possible to implement more sustainable decisions with less effort.

Supplier absorptive capacity: learning via boundary objects in sustainability-oriented supplier development initiatives

PurposeTo study the learning processes and mechanisms involved in sustainability-oriented supplier development (SSD), including how knowledge is transmitted by the buyer and how it is received, understood and internalised by the supplier.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory longitudinal multi-case study approach is adopted. The research context is a social SSD project focusing on occupational health and safety (OHS) management at four supplier factories. The paper draws on the constructs of absorptive capacity and boundary objects.FindingsThe development of a supplier's absorptive capacity for OHS management is triggered by the transfer of boundary objects that are created by the buyer. Findings suggest that each supplier starts explorative learning in a similar and passive way in order to accept the knowledge, but then each supplier proactively transforms and exploits the knowledge through continuous sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring loops that develop the boundary objects in a way that fits their own needs and contexts, incorporating the objects into organisational structures and routines.Research limitations/implicationsThe research furthers the understanding of the development of supplier absorptive capacity for sustainability via SSD projects, including how it is triggered and sustained. The impact of ostensive and performative aspects of boundary objects on knowledge transfer is presented. Finally, insight is provided into how absorptive capacity and dynamic capabilities are linked in the context of SSD.Practical implicationsBuying firms should seek to develop boundary objects that can trigger and maintain learning momentum for sustainability at supplier organisations in addition to effectively transferring SSD-related sustainability knowledge. There is also a need to allow for sufficient flexibility in the design of the boundary objects, and to pay sufficient attention to how suppliers contextualise and embed them into their own organisations, providing support for this process where necessary. For the supplier, establishing structures and routines for OHS management can help to prepare for future audits, thereby reducing audit fatigue.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the supply chain learning literature by exploring the development of supplier absorptive capacity for sustainability triggered by the focal buying firm. It sheds new light on the role of boundary objects for facilitating knowledge transfer and learning between supply chain members in the context of SSD projects.

How does the power dynamics in the information technology outsourcing supply chain influence supplier's talent retention: a multiple case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the power dynamics between the client firm and the supplier firm in the information technology outsourcing (ITO) supplier chain influence the supplier firm's human resource management (HRM) practices, particularly talent retention.Design/methodology/approachA multi-case study approach was adopted comprising four supplier firms, three client firms and a total of 53 interviews. The transaction cost economics (TCE) is the theoretical lens that guides the interpretation of our findings.FindingsThe power dynamics between client and supplier firms in the ITO supply chain is one underpinned by TCE theory, characterised by an asymmetric client-dominated, transactional relationship, with the client firms controlling the “why”, the “what”, and the “how” dimensions of their collaboration. This “three-dimensional control” led to high talent turnover in supplier firms, which boomerangs to perpetuate the power dynamic, forming “vicious cycles of talent turnover” in the ITO supplier chain. Originality/valueNo previous study has analysed power dynamics as an external factor on ITO supplier firms' talent retention. The construct of the “three-dimensional-control” offers a framework to study power dynamics in the ITO supplier chain. The study’s framework of the “vicious cycles of talent turnover” is the first that explains the mechanisms through which the power dynamics in the ITO influences supplier's talent retention.

Teaching English Writing at the Secondary Level in Vietnam: Policy Intentions and Classroom Practice

The need for writing is undoubtedly pervasive in our lives, especially in modern societies of the 21st century. When examining the everyday world, one finds people engaged in many varieties of writing such as sending a text message, writing a covering letter or a scholarship application form, composing a research paper, etc. In short, writing not only is an integral part of our social and professional activities but also determines our life chances. The growth of English as a lingua franca makes English writing more important than ever before, which results in more attention paid to teaching English writing in non-English speaking contexts. This paper reports on part of the findings of a study that investigated practices of teaching English writing at the lower secondary level in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam. The research employed a qualitative, multi-case study approach. The findings revealed a significant gap between the English education policies of the Vietnamese government and classroom practice. The teaching of secondary English writing did not prepare learners well for the 21st century language skills as expected.

Business model framework for education technology entrepreneurs in South Africa

Background: Education technology (EdTech) has been proven to make a positive impact on education outcomes in developed economies. There is an immense untapped opportunity to introduce more EdTech into the basic education ecosystem to help with the education crisis in South Africa.Aim: This study aimed to develop a framework that can be used to identify key considerations for EdTech entrepreneurs to create sustainable ventures.Setting: The South African Government issued a clear e-Education policy white paper in 2004, but not enough progress has been made to improve education. The EdTech entrepreneur is the entity in the education ecosystem with the highest level of agility to take on this opportunity, if properly positioned and supported.Methods: A multi-case study approach explored inputs from small business EdTech entrepreneurs. Qualitative analysis compared empirically based results, as identified themes with three predicted propositions.Results: Four themes emerged: mature product, complex support network, multiple infrastructure considerations and multiple sources of revenue. The findings confirmed teacher distrust as having the greatest impact on value creation, mobile networks as only one of the key impacts on value delivery and both private and public sectors providing value capture opportunities.Conclusion: Education technology entrepreneurs should develop mature products that teachers can endorse; build a support network, which would include an advisory board and low-cost infrastructure providers; and source multiple revenue streams from the private and public sectors. Better government policy and procurement implementation would also enhance the provision of simpler and predictable revenue streams to EdTech providers.

Implementation of circular economy approaches in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector: Barriers, enablers and policy insights

Circular economy business models (CBMs) are identified as important levers in the transition to a circular economy (CE). In recent years, a growing body of research has examined the barriers and enablers to these models, however, the available empirical evidence is still limited while sector-specific assessments are lacking. Our study aims to enrich the research in this field by identifying barriers and enablers to the implementation of a variety of CBMs in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector. Based on this analysis, we provide several policy insights. The EEE sector has been chosen as the focus of this study as a sector with large untapped potential in implementing circularity practices. The study adopts a multi-case study approach and uses a sample of 31 cases developed through the CIRC4Life EU-funded project and the snowball sampling method. To our knowledge, this represents the largest case study sample used to examine CE approaches in the EEE sector. Our findings show that despite the various policy instruments in place to boost the CE transition in this sector, there exist gaps which require policy attention. These include lack of rules for transparency across supply chains, weak enforcement of EU waste legislation rules, limited use of circularity criteria in public tenders and lack of CE standards. Inconsistent requirements stemming from different policy domains can also pose challenges for companies adopting CE practices. Among the suggested actions that can facilitate CE practices include knowledge sharing platforms and business partnerships, R&D project grants, product CE labels, financial incentives and awareness-raising campaigns.

The transformative and evolutionary approach of omnichannel in retail companies: insights from multi-case studies in Portugal

PurposeOmnichannel implementation in retail requires business transformation and faces several operational barriers. This research discusses how omnichannel has been implemented, in a managerial perspective, and how integration of operations has overcome the identified transformative barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors followed a multi-case study approach, with observation and interviews with managers of four big retail companies in Portugal.FindingsThe results suggest that retail companies have overcome the barriers to implement omnichannel models through the integration of information technology (IT), the accomplishment of organisational changes and the optimisation of customer feedback, achieving positive business indicators, namely increased sales.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusions of the paper provide valuable information to help companies to design the process of channel's integration in order to overcome the transformative constraints of omnichannel. However, those conclusions emerge from Portuguese case studies of retail companies, and a generalised discussion should consider the contextual diversity of consumer expectations, cultural user experiences in retail and the maturity of digital transformation and omnichannel implementation stage in each country.Originality/valuePrevious studies had characterised the items of omnichannel retail, fulfilment processes, the benefits of channels' integration in customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty and had identified barriers for its implementation. Considering the existence of different stages of omnichannel implementation, this paper explores how retail companies increment omnichannel operations, overcome transformative barriers and achieve the omnichannel benefits, through the whole involvement of the organisation system, the customer approach and the business model, besides the technology integration.

Stakeholders' perspectives on facilitative supervision implementation in north-western Ghana: an exploration of adherence and quality of primary healthcare.

Following growing concern about healthcare quality in many developing countries, this article analyses the relationship between facilitative supervision (FS) and the quality of primary healthcare (PHC) services in north-western Ghana. While adherence to the tenets of FS aims to trigger improvement in the quality of PHC services, research has seldom explored this relationship to facilitate effective planning and implementation of PHC services, particularly in deprived areas. Based on the implementation of FS in primary health facilities in a district and a municipality in north-western Ghana, a multi-case study approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. Specifically, 52 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the two study settings and the data were analysed using a thematic framework. Observation and secondary analysis were also employed to generate data to triangulate and supplement the interview data. The results reveal that health facilities in the Wa West district are relatively under-resourced, and this impedes the regularity of supervisory visits compared to the Wa Municipality. This notwithstanding, adherence to the prescriptions of FS is rated by the study participants as moderately satisfactory in both districts, culminating in improvement in the quality of PHC. This finding has implications for innovation in the mobilisation of health resources to increase the regularity of facilitation supervision in deprived settings. We advocate further research to establish whether the marginal improvement in the quality of PHC achieved in the two districts has resulted in an increase in uptake of PHC services to improve the health of the population or not.

Characteristics of Effectively Farmer Groups to Manage Agricultural Machinery Rental Business: A Multi-Case Study Approach

The Ministry of Agriculture provides machinery grants to farmer groups to accelerate agricultural mechanization and rental business capital. Therefore, this study aims to identify the characteristics of farmer groups that were effective in managing agricultural machinery rental businesses. This study used qualitative methods, a multi-case approach, and thematic analysis. The locations were the farmer groups in Kebakkramat District. The Informants from agricultural extension civil servants were selected according to their place of duty. Informants from the chairpersons and members were determined using the snowball sampling method. The data collection techniques used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. There were two stages of data analysis. The first was to assess the effectiveness of each farmer group. The second was to compare the characteristics of the effective and less effective farmer groups. Only one of the nine farmer groups was effective. The characteristics of farmer groups that were effective in managing the machinery rental business were: (1) have relatively several members who are willing to involve in management, (2) have members who are willing to become loyal customers, (3) choosing a certain form of business entity, (4) requires members to deposit capital, (5) distribute profits to members, (6) give members ownership rights to the grant, (7) requires management to run farmer group operations, manage business units, and make financial reports, and (8) give the management salary rights. Farmer groups that manage businesses with business entities had more effective farmer group characteristics than groups without business entities.

Business Excellence Models and External Stakeholders Influencing the Late Adoption of Quality Management Systems in Zimbabwe Hotel Industry

The main objective of this paper was to determine business excellences and stakeholders influencing the late adoption of quality management systems in Zimbabwe hotel industry and suggest recommendation that encourages adoption of quality management systems. The study followed a multi case study approach, with 9 hotels from Harare chosen purposively to represent the hotel industry in Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to get data from hotel managers, key stakeholders and staff members. Directed content analysis was used to analyse data. The results revealed that hotels in Zimbabwe do not follow internationally recognised business excellence models. Five key external stakeholders – banks, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, tourists and Standard Association of Zimbabwe were identified to be influencing adoption of quality management systems in the hotel industry. The study recommended for the establishment of local business excellence models that are specific to hotels in Zimbabwe and for the government to avail accessible revolving bank loans for the hotels to invest towards quality management systems. The determination of the external stakeholders influencing late adoption of quality management systems in the hotel industry and use of business excellence models will help improve the adoption of QMSs under Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS) to realise Vision 2030 "Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society".

Implementing Vertical Integration in the Industry 4.0 Journey: Which Factors Influence the Process of Information Systems Adoption?

One of the key principles of Industry 4.0 is the implementation of vertical integration, which considers the integration of information systems from different hierarchical levels in a company to support decision-making with real-time data flows. Companies face challenges when they want to implement vertical integration, which is not trivial due to the risks inherent to the decision stages of adoption. We investigate the main factors influencing the different stages of adoption of vertical integration to provide a clearer view of what managers should consider at each stage. We adopt a multi-case study approach based on the investigation of ten companies that followed this adoption process. We develop a framework with 22 factors deployed in the three stages of decision (knowledge, persuasion, and final decision) and three main dimensions of analysis: technology, organization, and environment. We analyze the potential tensions between these factors and show how managers should balance such factors during the decision stages.