Multi-case Study Research Articles

Effective Safety and Security Measures in the Prevention of Various Crimes in Selected Ordinary, Public Secondary Schools: A Participatory Framework Approach

Worldwide, various crimes have permeated schools, creating a major challenge when it comes to the maintenance of the safety and security of both educators and learners and, to a large extent, school infrastructure. It is surprising that South Africa is constantly grappling with a burgeoning wave of diverse crimes, a problem that is confined to the broader society but has infiltrated secondary schools. This study examined the types of crimes caused in secondary schools to establish effective safety and security measures for the prevention of those crimes. The study employed a qualitative approach in the form of an explanatory multi-case study of nine Tshwane South District (D4) public ordinary secondary schools in the province of Gauteng, South Africa, entrenched within Borda’s (1987) Participatory Theory. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews which were conducted with 30 purposively selected participants and analysed using thematic content analysis (TCA). The findings revealed the prevalence of various crimes in all the schools under study, and further exposed the lack of efficiency in the preservation of safety and security. To preserve safety and security, community involvement and participation are key because schools cannot rely only on technological advancement. Furthermore, all the stakeholders constituting a school community are urged to methodically consult and analyse all the existing policies for better and informed safety and security measures formulation. The study provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to assess strengths and weaknesses, thereby enabling the development of more effective measures to curtail and minimize the ongoing prevalence of such crimes. Keywords: Safety and Security, Various Crimes, Participatory Framework, South Africa, Ordinary, Public Secondary Schools

‘A Victimless Crime’? Implications of eSports Extensions of Sport Club Brands for Brand Management From a Multi-Actor-Dominant Logic

Adhering to the multi-actor-dominant logic of sport brands, this study examines the influence of eSports extensions on the dynamic branding processes within the ecosystems of sport club brands (SCB). The findings build on a qualitative multi-case study (N = 11 SCB in the German Bundesliga implementing different types of eSports extensions), using 20 semi-structured interviews and netnographic analysis of more than 70.000 social media comments. SCB preserve but also translate brand identity in the context of eSports. The fine line between both strategies is reflected in internal negotiation processes. eSports extensions receive little attention from extant actors. However, ‘relevant’ eSports extensions initiate discursive processes among extant and novel actors and the development of diverging brand meanings. This research contributes to literature on eSports and brand extensions by enhancing the understanding of the effects of eSports extensions on SCB. In addition, this study offers implications for sport managers, developing and implementing eSports extensions.

Teachers’ (evolving) beliefs about critical thinking education during professional learning: A multi-case case study

Previous research suggests that teachers’ beliefs can be in tension with critical thinking pedagogical approaches (Ab Kadir, 2023; Hegazy et al., 2021), however, little is known about how these beliefs vary and change as teachers implement critical thinking pedagogies. This multi-case study investigates twelve teachers’ adaptive and maladaptive beliefs about critical thinking education as they engaged in a sustained professional learning program—'Teaching for Thinking’—over twelve months. The program included foundational workshops on critical thinking pedagogy and action research, followed by three guided action research cycles centred on thinking-related problems of practice with mentoring and research support. Teacher reflections both during and at the conclusion of each cycle show a distinction between adaptive beliefs that facilitate the implementation of critical thinking pedagogies, such as the view that critical thinking enhances student engagement and academic outcomes, and maladaptive beliefs that inhibit this implementation, such as the perceived conflict between critical thinking and content delivery. Teachers’ involvement with action research—through regular reflection, feedback and application— led to an organic transformation from maladaptive to adaptive beliefs. Building on the findings, the authors recommend critical thinking professional learning programs identify maladaptive beliefs early and provide sustained, iterative support to help teachers resolve perceived conflicts with curriculum and assessment demands. Additionally, professional learning should tap into teachers’ intrinsic motivations by highlighting how learning to think critically benefits students beyond the classroom, preparing them to navigate the complexities of academic and civil life in the 21st century.

Implementation of Hidden Curriculum in the Formation of Religious Character (Multi-Case Study at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 and SMA Negeri 1 Gresik)

The formation of religious character is the key to the success of educational institutions in producing graduates with integrity in the midst of global challenges. This success is not only determined by the formal curriculum, but also the implementation of a *hidden curriculum* that includes values, norms, and good practices in the school environment. This study aims to analyze the implementation model of *hidden curriculum* in the formation of religious character through a multi-case qualitative study with the Miles and Huberman analysis approach. The results of the study show three main findings. First, the concept of "Interconnective-Habitualization of Character" (CPI) which integrates religious values, Pancasila, and national culture holistically in religion-based schools to form a generation of ulama-intellectuals. Meanwhile, in public schools, the *hidden curriculum* is more adaptive, emphasizing the values of honesty, discipline, and tolerance in a plural environment. Second, the implementation is carried out through three channels: formal in Islamic Religious Education, boarding school culture for habituation of religious values, and extracurricular activities as a stimulus for the application of these values. Approaches such as example, habituation, advice, punishment, and technology support implementation. Third, the implication is to increase the religiosity of students, such as worship discipline and involvement in religious activities. This study formulates the "Interconnected-Hidden Curriculum in The Formation of Religious Character" (I-HC) model, which integrates religious education to strengthen the holistic image in faith-based schools and create an inclusive environment in public schools. This model is relevant in building religious characters with integrity in diverse social contexts.

Enhancing Radiologist Efficiency with AI: A Multi-Reader Multi-Case Study on Aortic Dissection Detection and Prioritization.

Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening condition in which early detection can significantly improve patient outcomes and survival. This study evaluates the clinical benefits of integrating a deep learning (DL)-based application for the automated detection and prioritization of AD on chest CT angiographies (CTAs) with a focus on the reduction in the scan-to-assessment time (STAT) and interpretation time (IT). This retrospective Multi-Reader Multi-Case (MRMC) study compared AD detection with and without artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. The ground truth was established by two U.S. board-certified radiologists, while three additional expert radiologists served as readers. Each reader assessed the same CTAs in two phases: assessment unaided by AI assistance (pre-AI arm) and, after a 1-month washout period, assessment aided by device outputs (post-AI arm). STAT and IT metrics were compared between the two arms. This study included 285 CTAs (95 per reader, per arm) with a mean patient age of 58.5 years ±14.7 (SD), of which 52% were male and 37% had a prevalence of AD. AI assistance significantly reduced the STAT for detecting 33 true positive AD cases from 15.84 min (95% CI: 13.37-18.31 min) without AI to 5.07 min (95% CI: 4.23-5.91 min) with AI, representing a 68% reduction (p < 0.01). The IT also reduced significantly from 21.22 s (95% CI: 19.87-22.58 s) without AI to 14.17 s (95% CI: 13.39-14.95 s) with AI (p < 0.05). The integration of a DL-based algorithm for AD detection on chest CTAs significantly reduces both the STAT and IT. By prioritizing urgent cases, the AI-assisted approach outperforms the standard First-In, First-Out (FIFO) workflow.

Finding vitality in equity-oriented leadership: principals contending with professional stress and burnout

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine the ways in which equity work enhances professional and personal vitality by analyzing the experiences of four urban principals. This year-long, qualitative multi-case study utilized data from interviews, observations, and time diaries of four K-12 principals characterized as equity-oriented leaders employed in the same urban, public school district. Data was analyzed using a ‘vitality’ framework, which is currently underutilized in the field. This study’s key findings included: 1) principals fostered a sense of vitality in their own careers by empowering others, especially in ways that brought about greater equity; 2) despite the time and attention that change initiatives required, principals’ overall sense of vitality was enhanced through various forms of equity-oriented work; and 3) principals labored to take action to reimagine inequitable practices by leading changes to curriculum and instruction; addressing disciplinary matters in a more constructive, restorative manner; and empowering others, like students, staff, teachers, and future leaders. By helping to understand the sources of principal vitality, this study provides lessons for fostering positive coping and mitigation strategies to address stress and decrease feelings of burnout for equity-oriented leaders.

Enhancing Human Resource Quality in Lombok Model Schools: A Culture-Based Leadership Approach with Tioq, Tata, and Tunaq Principles

This research explores the role of culture-based leadership in enhancing the quality of human resources in Sekolah Penggerak (model schools) in North Lombok, Indonesia. The study specifically focuses on the cultural wisdom of Tioq, Tata, and Tunaq (3T) inherent to the Sasak community and its integration into the leadership practices of elementary school principals. Employing a qualitative multi-case study approach, the research investigated how 3T influenced the leadership styles and effectiveness of principals in five selected elementary model schools. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and societal outcomes. The research underscores the importance of local cultural values in shaping effective leadership and promoting sustainable educational development. The study contributes to the literature on educational leadership by presenting a new model of leadership that integrates local cultural wisdom. This model can serve as a valuable reference for other regions in Indonesia and similar cultural contexts. The implications suggest that educational leadership development programs should incorporate local cultural values to address contextual challenges and improve the quality of education holistically.

Linking corporate social responsibility to sustainability performance: a multicase study approach in Qatari companies

Linking corporate social responsibility to sustainability performance: a multicase study approach in Qatari companies

The Efficacy of Motivational Enhancement Therapy in Enhancing Readiness to Change Among Individuals with Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders: A Multi-Case Study

Substance use disorders (SUDs), encompassing alcohol and drug dependency, pose significant global health challenges. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) has emerged as a client-centered intervention to enhance intrinsic motivation for behavioral change, particularly among individuals with ambivalence or resistance to conventional treatment approaches. This study examines the efficacy of MET in enhancing readiness to change in seven male patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation for alcohol and substance use disorders through a multi-case study design. Each patient was evaluated using the Stages of Change Model (Prochaska &amp; DiClemente, 1983) to assess motivational shifts over the intervention period. Results indicated that MET facilitated progression to advanced stages of change for most participants, with notable improvements in readiness to change for five of the seven cases. However, variability in outcomes highlighted the influence of individual factors such as baseline motivation and co-occurring conditions. Findings suggest MET’s utility as a tailored approach to addressing substance use, emphasizing its importance in clinical practice.

Challenges in the Implementation of EU Risk Minimisation Measures for Medicinal Products in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Mixed Methods Multi-Case Study.

Risk minimisation measures (RMMs) aim to ensure safe use of medicines, but their implementation in clinical practice is complicated by the diversity of stakeholders whose clinical decision making they seek to inform. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are considered integral in clinical decision making. To determine the extent to which RMMs are included in the relevant CPGs and to describe factors that determine RMM inclusion. A multi-case study design using quantitative document analysis of CPGs combined with qualitative interviews with informants from organisations that issue CPGs. Cases from five therapeutic areas (TAs) with a regulatory requirement for further RMMs were studied individually in six EU member states (Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia). Clinical practice guidelines were analysed using pre-defined coding frameworks. Interviewees were sampled purposively for experience and knowledge about CPG development and RMM inclusion. Verbatim interview transcripts were analysed inductively. In total, 136 CPGs were analysed, and RMM information about TAs was included in 25% of CPGs. Based on 71 interviews we found that factors that determine RMM inclusion in CPGs include clinicians' low awareness of RMMs despite awareness of RMMs' safety concern, low expectation of RMMs' clinical utility, and unfamiliarity with pharmacovigilance data supporting RMMs and perceived incompatibility of CPGs' scope and purpose and RMM information. The inclusion of RMM information in relevant CPGs is remarkably limited. It may be explained by characteristics of CPGs and of RMMs as well as lack of connection between national regulators and organisations and authors developing CPGs. More collaboration between stakeholders, national regulators and the EMA may advance implementation.

Universal Crisis Information Design: A Multi-Case Study.

This paper presents a multi-case study on universal crisis information design, focusing on individuals with communication disorders, the elderly, and immigrants. Using a research-through-design approach and various qualitative data collection methods, the study explores accessible information solutions by examining the accessibility of crisis information design and developing universal crisis information design guidelines based on the findings. The findings highlight the necessity for simplified crisis messages, multimodal communication, and the involvement of community facilitators. This leads to a set of guidelines for universal crisis information design, including integrating adaptive technologies and multiple communication channels to enhance trust and inclusivity in crisis management. The study underscores the importance of community-based strategies and the role of personalized, clear, and trustworthy information in improving crisis preparedness and response among vulnerable groups.

Examining Macro-Level Barriers and Facilitators to Scaling Up Integrated Care from a Complexity Perspective: A Multi-Case Study of Cambodia, Slovenia, and Belgium.

The 'Scale-Up diaBetes and hYpertension care' (SCUBY) project provides evidence on scaling-up integrated care (IC) in Cambodia, Slovenia, and Belgium. This paper examines macro-level barriers and facilitators to scaling up IC in these settings. We used a multi-case study design, with each country being a case. Document review, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews were conducted. The WHO health system building blocks guided the thematic analysis. We then visualised and examined the interlinkages between barriers in each country. Common challenges to scaling up IC across the three health systems relate to: governance and leadership; health workforce; inadequate health financing system; and fragmented health information systems. In Cambodia, access to non-communicable disease (NCD) services and medicine are important issues. IC scale-up is facilitated by its strong governance and public health service model in Slovenia but health workforce shortages risk progress. In Belgium, the fragmented governance system and predominant fee-for-service provider payment are important barriers. A common response to health workforce and workload challenges was task shifting: to primary care nurses in Belgium, peer supporters in Slovenia, and community health workers in Cambodia. Examining differences and similarities between barriers in each health system stimulated reciprocal learning. Interactions between health system barriers in specific contexts require further attention to move complex health systems forward.

Rare Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Lesions: A Multi-case Study.

To present clinical experiences in managing sphenoid sinus lesions at Al Nahdha Hospital, Oman with a focus on diagnostic challenges and surgical outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on six cases of sphenoid sinus lesions treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Diagnostic modalities included contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by histopathological confirmation. Six cases were included, of which four were diagnosed with inverted papilloma, with squamous cell carcinoma transformation in one of them, the fifth one was a case of sphenoid angiofibroma and the sixth one was sphenoid hamartoma. Malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was observed in one case. All patients underwent ESS without significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Long-term surveillance is recommended. Sphenoid sinus lesions are rare but require early intervention due to the potential for malignant transformation and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. High-resolution imaging, combined with endoscopic surgery, provides effective treatment. The recurrence risk for inverted papillomas, particularly with malignant transformation potential, necessitates prolonged follow-up.

Exploring the Mechanisms of the Development of Social Welfare Policies for Vulnerable Children in China—A Multicase Study

ABSTRACTWith China's shift from its planned economy to a market economy in the early 1980s, followed by the tremendous socioeconomic changes in the 1990s and beyond that were initiated by the reform and opening‐up, vulnerable children have emerged as a growing population. In response to the rising needs of those vulnerable children, the Chinese government has developed a series of social welfare policies (SWPs). However, few studies have examined the policymaking processes and the mechanisms for forming and changing China's SWPs for vulnerable children. Therefore, to bridge that research gap we have focused in this study on the agenda‐setting of SWPs for vulnerable children in China. We selected the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) as our conceptual framework, and we used the process‐tracing approach to analyse the mechanisms of China's SWP development for vulnerable children. Using a multicase study, we found that a specific ‘focusing event’ formed a problem stream in each case. Then, helped by the media and the Internet, those focusing events triggered the national mood and shaped public opinion, which in turn formed a politics stream. Feeling growing pressure from the public, political leaders assigned tasks via written instructions intended to solve the problems and ensure that local governments act immediately. Hence, written instructions became a policy stream, and political leaders were the policy entrepreneurs. This article contributes to the theory by examining the MSF with China's cases and then modifying the framework with Chinese characteristics.

The mirage of diversity, equity, and inclusion: Exploring career development professionals’ pedagogy and praxis

AbstractDespite the importance of students exploring career options, developing career readiness, and experiencing a successful transition to the workforce, historically excluded populations’ participation in career development remains low. Additionally, career development professionals continue to feel unsupported in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and in incorporating DEI in their respective roles. This multicase study uncovers a mirage approach to the work of career development professionals, providing opportunities to engage in this work, yet largely leaving DEI work unsupported in their quest to incorporate it into their spaces. Results indicate the larger impacts of navigating a lack of support as well as the oppressive intuitional structures that persist while engaging in DEI pedagogy and praxis.

Exploring the development of past and future episodic memory in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary longitudinal study

Adolescence is a critical period where individuals build their identity and consolidate how they interact with others. However, for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the development of identity and social bounds is at stake. These challenges with the development of identity and social bonds could be linked to difficulties in autobiographical memory (AM), whether recalling past events (past episodic memory; past EM) or imagining future scenarios (episodic future thinking; EFT). To date, developmental patterns of AM over time remain poorly understood in ASD. Eleven adolescents with ASD or typical development (TD) completed an assessment of past EM and EFT once per year for three years. Preliminary results show that past EM becomes more detailed over the years for adolescents with ASD, while there is no change for TD adolescents. Interestingly, only the content elements of the narrated events are increasing, not the context elements. Furthermore, EFT evolves in the TD group but remains stable in the ASD group. This first multi-case longitudinal study of AM needs to be replicated with more participants, but it seems to indicate a heterogeneous evolution of AM in ASD. For future studies, these results will lead us to explore the hypothesis of developmental delay and the factors influencing AM development in ASD. Finally, understanding these developmental pathways highlights the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches to support social integration, identity construction, and future projects for adolescents with ASD.

A multi-case study exploring the effect of interventions on food safety culture maturity

In each food business, a food safety culture (FSC) with a certain maturity level prevails. Previous research has demonstrated that the maturity level of the prevailing FSC can be assessed, but empirical proof of FSC maturity improvement remains limited especially in food processing companies. This study aimed to zoom in on the food safety culture improvement trajectory of four food processing case studies, focusing on human-organizational dimensions of food safety culture. First, a pre-assessment of the maturity of the prevailing food safety culture was executed in each case company (assessment time 1) by application of a validated mixed-methods methodology which includes three different tools (the food safety climate questionnaire, management interview, and on-site evidence collection visits). Based on this pre-assessment, underdeveloped dimensions or gaps in the prevailing food safety culture were identified to find improvement needs. In each of the 4 included distinct case companies, an intervention was implemented. In the first case company, case 1, a food safety key performance indicator (KPI) system was implemented as the intervention, with shared monitoring and shared responsibilities for KPI improvement. Coincidentally, case company 2 and case company 4 selected the same intervention. Case 2, as well as case 4, decided to implement structured group discussions with operators to collect input for collaborative action point selection, aiming for their active involvement in food safety. In case 3, a food safety culture check system was implemented for systematic reward and recognition. After intervention implementation, the post-assessment was conducted (assessment time 2), applying the exact same methodology as the pre-assessment. To investigate the extent of improvement, comparison of the pre- and post-assessment in each of the four cases was first done descriptively by comparing the means. Next, data collected via the food safety climate questionnaire was compared statistically via Mann-Whitney U tests. Analyses showed a substantial objective and subjective (employees’ perceptions) improvement of the targeted food safety culture gaps in companies 1 and 2, demonstrating that food safety culture improvement was achievable through a science-based and cocreated intervention process and implementation plan compliance. In cases 3 and 4, marginal improvements and unchanged scores were revealed. Comparison of cases’ trajectory characteristics and resulting success rates demonstrated that senior management involvement was essential for interventional success, as well as implementing culture interventions on an organizational or group level, instead of only including selected employees.

Data-Driven Agile Leadership: The Impact of Business Intelligence Solutions on Transformation Outcomes

This article examines the integration of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions in empowering leadership teams during Agile transformations within organizations. As businesses increasingly adopt Agile methodologies to enhance adaptability and efficiency, leaders face unique challenges in monitoring and steering these complex transformations. Through a multi-case study approach, we investigate how BI tools provide real-time insights into key performance indicators such as sprint velocity and team capacity, significantly enhancing leadership's ability to make informed decisions and identify bottlenecks in the Agile process. Our findings reveal that the implementation of BI solutions fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, enabling leaders to navigate the intricacies of Agile transformation more effectively. The article contributes to the growing body of literature on Agile leadership by highlighting the symbiotic relationship between data-driven decision-making and successful organizational change. We conclude that the strategic use of BI in Agile environments not only improves visibility into transformation progress but also enhances overall organizational performance in response to dynamic market demands.

Development of Preliteracy in Preschool Education in the Czech Republic

The level of reading competency in children makes a difference in their academic progress, and subsequently such progress influences their quality of life. The excellence of pre-primary education is based on curricular and procedural quality. The aim of the research was to find out how preschool teachers develop reading literacy in preschool children in the Czech Republic and how they understand the concept of preliteracy. Data were collected using a qualitative multi-case study by semi-structured interviews with participants, repeated semi-structured observations of their teaching work, and analysis of reports of teaching implementation (N = 8). The results show that teachers have insufficient knowledge about the content of literacy development. In practice, they tend to focus on the development of areas related to the acquisition of reading and writing, while the area of comprehension development is inadequately covered. Findings can contribute to improve curricula on national or institutional level, not only in the Czech Republic but also internationally.

Exploration of Strategies and Learning Experience Process of Mompreneurs: Case Studies in the Halal Certification

This study aims to explore the strategies and learning experiences process of mompreneurs. The halal certification process was chosen as the point of this because the process of obtaining halal certification is a process that requires preparation and time. In addition, obtaining halal certification is a legality that is considered to reflect the needs of Muslims. This study uses a multi-case study methodology. Data were obtained through observation and interviews. Meanwhile, data triangulation was carried out by digital tracking. This study reveals that the learning experiences process of mompreneurs is utilizing programs from various government agencies to overcome cost challenges and build a network through which to obtain halal certification. Certification experience increases the mompreneur’s ability in good production processes but does not directly impact sales. Momprenaurs' commitment is built on the motivation to protect the family heritage. In all cases, they did not apply a low-cost strategy, so they prioritized the sales channel for souvenir centers and did not take advantage of the online market because prices could not compete in the online market.