Exploratory Multiple Case Study Research Articles

Sowing the seeds for sustainability: A business model innovation perspective on artificial intelligence in green technology startups

In today's data-driven era, ubiquitous concern about environmental issues pushes more startups to engage in business model innovation that promotes environmentally friendly technologies. The goal of these startups is to create technology-based products and services that enhance environmental sustainability. In this context, artificial intelligence promises to be a key instrument to create, capture, and deliver value. However, the existing literature lacks a deep understanding of how startups using AI innovate their business models to achieve a positive environmental impact. Therefore, this paper investigates how green technology startups utilize AI from a business model innovation perspective for environmental sustainability. We conduct a qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study using the Eisenhardt methodology, based on interview data analyzed using qualitative content analysis. We derive five predominant manifestations for AI-driven business model innovation and identify archetypical connections between business model dimensions. Further, we establish three overarching archetypical associations among the cases. In doing so, we contribute to theory and practice by providing a deeper account of how green technology startups attempt to maximize their positive environmental impact through AI. The results of this study also highlight how business model innovation driven by AI can support society in securing a more environmentally sustainable future.

Conceptualizing the phenomenon of construction industrialization: linking theory and practice through a cross-sector case study

This study examines the intersection between Practitioner and Academic perspectives on the Construction Industrialization (CI) phenomenon. The goal was to understand the prevailing perspectives of how CI is perceived, how it is performed, and what benefits it is expected to offer. The study begins with a literature review, followed by an exploratory multiple-case study encompassing the Architecture, Engineering, Traditional Construction, and Manufactured Construction sectors. Within-case and cross-case analyses were performed, leading to 10 new insights that elaborate the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. An important conclusion is the criticism of the interchangeable terms of Off-site Production, Modular Construction, or Prefabricated Construction as being insufficient to conceptualize CI across the four sectors. This article proposes a more comprehensive conceptualization that challenges current definitions. It distinguishes between the Constructive System and the Productive System; it redirects the CI theory toward a constant process of technical and sociocultural change; and it emphasizes the importance of societal sustainable development beyond productivity. This article represents the first attempt to conceptualize the CI phenomenon bridging the theory-practice gap. It seeks to stimulate further research and create new debates about the phenomenon.

The meaning of social cohesion in preventive family support: a practitioners’ perspective

ABSTRACT Promoting social cohesion through early childhood services has become a priority on the political agenda. Despite joint academic and political attention, a consensus on what social cohesion is, is lacking. While child and family social work is framed as ideal to foster social cohesion, there is little knowledge on what this may mean. The aim of the current study is to analyse the meaning making of child and family social work practitioners regarding social cohesion in Flanders (Belgium). An explorative multiple case study was performed in child and family social work in three neighbourhoods in Flanders. The Critical Incident Technique was used with practitioners (N = 28) to understand how they conceptualise social cohesion and viewed their role in promoting this community-oriented outcome of early childhood services. The results suggest that practitioners focus on the inter-individual and relational components of social cohesion rather than on the socio-political components, which contrasts with the politicising function that child and family social work is supposed to fulfil.

Logistics 4.0 – digital transformation with smart connected tracking and tracing devices

Tracking and tracing devices can provide real-time information from the supply chain and enable digital transformation in the logistics and supply chain industry. In this connection, Logistics 4.0 refers to the potential for information technology and smart connected assets to be used in logistics in the same way as the Industry 4.0 concept which has been applied in operations and manufacturing. This paper analyses current tracking and tracing-focused applications that can provide value for logistics operations through a case study approach.This study employs an exploratory multiple-case study approach, which is based on interviews with development project stakeholders. The paper analyses three industrial case studies and how tracking/tracing applications are connected to value processes.The findings of this study show that the value of Logistics 4.0, through the deployment of tracking/tracing applications, is delivered in terms of operational efficiency, visibility, transparency, and safety/security. The payback depends on the volume of transactions, the possibility of reusing the tracking tags, the duration of trips, and the supply chain structure. The paper provides insight into how Logistics 4.0 technology can enhance logistics performance value. Based on the analysis, the study proposes the following potential application domains: (1) intermodal tracking of the shipments for operations control, (2) asset management of containers, and (3) certification of the process steps and authenticity.

Wood Construction Practices of the Dong Ethnic Group (Guangxi Province, China)

This exploratory multiple-case study aims to analyse the ecological design of wooden houses in Dong villages (Guangxi province, China). Residential and public Dong houses were investigated from ecological and cultural perspectives. The results show that topography (i.e., building near the river in a mountainous area) is the main factor influencing the Dong building construction process. It also affects the building layout decisions. The life cycle assessment was applied to collect general information about the exterior and interior design of the Dong settlements. For this, a range of pictures and historical facts (e.g., demand for fire ponds and balconies, ornament usage, etc.) was analysed. The study suggests fir timber as a basic ecological resource for wooden house buildings. Yet, it is highly flammable and increases the fire risk. A brief discussion on the cultural heritage of the Dong people and its influence on their building system was presented. The present findings can be used in future eco-design projects as a brief guideline for creating a traditional-style ethnic wooden house.

Challenges and facilitating factors in interorganizational knowledge acquisition: evidence from the Orange Line Metro Train System and Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

Purpose This paper aims to identify challenges and facilitating factors in interorganizational knowledge acquisition. For this purpose, the interorganizational settings of the Orange Line Metro Train System and Sustainable bus rapid transit (BRT) Corridor in Pakistan are examined. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an exploratory multiple case study approach. The empirical data encompasses semi-structured interviews and archival documents. Within and cross-case analyses are used for analyzing the data. Findings The findings identify challenges such as time pressure, knowledge hiding, finding credible information sources, organizational red tape and facilitating factors such as clear objectives, individual interest and personal commitment, and revisiting the organizational culture and environment in which interorganizational knowledge acquisition takes place. Originality/value By examining knowledge acquisition in interorganizational projects, this study contributes to the literature on knowledge-based theory.

Seeding innovation: the role of internal and external digital data in agri-food product innovation

PurposeSince previous literature provides fragmented and conflicting results about the use of digital data for product innovation, the article aims to comprehensively explore and shed light on how agri-food firms utilise external and internal digital data sources when dealing with different product innovations, such as incremental, architecture and radical innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an exploratory multiple-case study and a theory-building process, focussing on the agri-food industry. We collected primary and secondary data from eight manufacturing companies.FindingsThe findings of this research show an empirical framework of six agri-food firms’ digital data utilisation behaviours: the supervisor, the passive supervisor, the developer, the passive developer, the pathfinder and the conjunction behaviour. These digital data utilisation behaviours vary according to a combination of data sources, such as internal data related to inside phenomenon measures (e.g. data generated by sensors installed in the production plan) or external data (e.g., market trends, overall sector sales), and innovation purposes.Practical implicationsThis article offers guiding principles that assist agri-food companies when utilising internal and external digital data sources for specific product innovation outcomes such as incremental, architectural and radical innovation.Originality/valueThe significance of external and internal data sources in stimulating product innovation has garnered substantial attention within academic discussions, highlighting the critical importance of analysing digital data for driving such innovation. Nonetheless, the predominant approach is to study a single innovation outcome through the lens of digital technology. In contrast, our study stands out by adopting a fundamental perspective on data sources, enabling a more nuanced explanation of the overall product innovation outcomes within the agri-food sector.

Child and Family Social Work as a Space for Promoting Social Cohesion

ABSTRACTPromoting social cohesion is frequently mentioned as an objective for child and family social work from a policy perspective. However, it is unclear how policies shape concrete child and family social work practices. The aim of the current study is to analyse how early childhood services in Flanders (Belgium) commit to the promotion social cohesion. An explorative multiple case study in Flanders, using (non)participatory observations (N = 40), was performed in child and family social work practices to answer the following research question: What is going on in child and family social work regarding the promotion of social cohesion? The research indicates that in the context of child and family social work, it is important to pay attention to the meaning of these light encounters as a possible way to foster social cohesion. Given the importance of light encounters in child and family social work, a reflection on the role of the infrastructure should be made. To end, a clear need and challenge became visible regarding the diversity in child and family social work practices. It is necessary to reach a diversity of families, but this implies that practitioners have the knowledge and know‐how in approaching and dealing with diversity issues.

Music facilitation styles and behaviours across the health-care continuum: explanatory multiple case studies

ABSTRACT Background Understanding how music group facilitators work across the health-care continuum has received sparse research attention. Methods An explanatory multiple case study design was used to identify approaches employed by experienced facilitators. Five music facilitators working in contrasting areas of practice were interviewed and video recorded engaging with the same groups at three timepoints. Results All facilitators demonstrated four common behaviours: applying a consistent structure for each session; creating a positive and relaxing atmosphere for the work; engaging with varying musical repertoire and activities; and offering clear instructions for the participants. Their styles of practice were found to be shaped by their personality, educational background, as well as the size of the group, health conditions, and cultural identities of their music participants. Conclusion These skilled facilitators showed flexibility, always aiming to accommodate participants’ needs, and revealing new evidence of a common approach to music facilitation across different types of participant groups.

Field, Habitus and Capitals from Narratives of Unemployed Men with Families

This article proposes as a transversal axis the analysis of masculinity in unemployed men with families. The aim of this article is to analyse the connotations of field, habitus and capitals based on the narratives of unemployed men with families. In order to answer this question, an interpretative paradigm research with an exploratory multiple qualitative case study design with seven lower middle-class men from Bogotá, Colombia, is proposed. By means of a semi-structured biographical interview in which categorical analysis was carried out after axial coding. In the results, the hegemonic expectations of the male gender are recognised as explicit, which are linked to the ideal of well-being that cannot be fulfilled. Social class is dynamic, maintaining constructed fields and hegemonic gender habitus apprehended and stripped of symbolic capital. These conditions together reveal that masculinity is constructed on the basis of hegemonic expectations of what is expected of men within the social structure. It generates tension to assume the change of the field, habitus and capitals at the moment of unemployment.

Sustainable development through quality management: a multiple-case study analysis of triumphs, trials and tribulations

PurposeIn a highly competitive and globalised era, agile organisations proactively steer towards sustainability. This situation persuaded the organisations to align Quality Management (QM) initiatives to achieve sustainable outcomes. This study aims to explore quality–sustainability linkage, explicitly focusing on attaining the prestigious IAQ Quality Sustainability Award. Further it investigates, the impact of QM as a strategy for promoting sustainability to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachDue to the lack of substantial literature connecting QM to sustainability, the current research adopted an explanatory multiple-case study. Six cases were purposively chosen for the study. Three cases of those who have achieved the prestigious IAQ Quality Sustainability Award and remaining have been selected that have fallen short of receiving the award. A detailed within-case and cross-case examinations involving six cases that reported their QM achievements aligned with SDGs.FindingsThe findings demonstrate the significant role of QM adoption in achieving positive results from the perspective of SDGs, such as reduced environmental impacts, improved operational efficiency and enhanced quality of life. Effective stakeholder collaboration, proficiency in analytical tools and strategic alignment with SDGs emerged as critical success factors. Conversely, weak linkage with sustainability and unclear approaches were crucial challenges in attaining the IAQ Quality Sustainability Award.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper outlines essential commandments for organisations actively seeking to promote sustainability. It offers valuable insights for decision-makers, facilitating a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in pursuing sustainable performance.Originality/valueThe distinctive nature of this study lies in its dedicated exploration of the intricate relationship between QM deployment and its true impact on the achievement of the SDGs.

Fostering circular economy through open innovation: Insights from multiple case study

AbstractThis study represents an empirical, comprehensive investigation of two different inter‐organisational collaborative approaches, offering a novel perspective on collaborative circular business models in the modern economy. In this vein, we explore how open innovation strategies foster the implementation of circular economy practices within a circular supply chain and a circular ecosystem. In addition, we identify and characterise stakeholders' roles in facilitating the translation of circular principles into a viable business. An inductive theorising approach was employed, leveraging an explorative multiple case study methodology. Data were collected from 13 organisations involved in two collaborative networks, designed to establish upcycling practices to recover waste from the food and beverage industry. A critical realist philosophical positioning underpinned researchers' data collection and analysis. As a result, we outline the nature of two different collaborative approaches to pursue a regenerative production system through open innovation strategies: a circular supply chain and a circular ecosystem architecture. The characterisation of the coordinator and orchestrator of collaborative circular business models is also highlighted in our findings. In sum, this study contributes to the literature on circular economy by unveiling the role of open innovation in fostering circular business development. From a practical standpoint, it offers insights for managers of sustainability‐oriented companies willing to implement upcycling practices.

Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions: Levers and Tensions Related to Multilevel Governance for Community Integrated Pathways, A Multiple Case Study.

Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions (IPPIs) are considered an innovative response to the challenges and complex issues faced in disadvantaged areas where traditional institutional services have difficulty reaching people in vulnerable situations. IPPIs are an innovative approach to the delivery of in services, conceived as an original community-based local care and service pathways. However, these intervention practices require adaptive modes of governance. In this article, we explore how and to what extent the mode of governance of IPPIs influences the performance of community-integrated pathways. To this end, using a qualitative exploratory multiple-case study design (observation and semi-structured interviews), we describe 4 IPPIs in 3 territories in Quebec. This includes an examination of the levers of action and tensions related to their governance and the performance levels of the community-integrated pathways. We conclude that collaborative and shared multilevel governance, despite its demanding nature, appears to contribute to the longevity of the actions and benefits of IPPIs and could prevent their relevance from being questioned.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? Integrated services for people with SMI and SUD - The importance of good leadership and management.

Introduction: Better services for people with mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) can be looked at as a Mission Oriented Innovation (MOI). People with severe mental illness (SMI) and SUD are often in the need of a range of different services, and different service models for coordinating such services have been introduced through the years.
 Aim: This study explores what inhibits and promotes integrated services for people with SMI and SUD in the service model FACT – Flexible Assertive Community Treatment.
 Methods: This is a qualitative explorative multiple-case study with the use of focus group interviews and reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) of team members in three different FACT-teams in Norway.
 Results: In team A the themes ‘Poor and lacking communication’, ‘Culture & Attitude’ and ‘Some resources are missing’ inhibits integrated services. And ‘A holistic and open work environment’, ‘Systemic assertive’ and ‘Focus on social recovery’ promotes. In team B ‘Lack of resources’, ‘Incorrect focus or problem focused practice’ inhibits, and ‘Function recovery advocacy & practice – Function FACT’ and ‘Good triple Management’ promotes. In team C ‘Administration & Management matters’, ‘Segregation & Prioritizing’ and ‘External interaction’ inhibits, and ‘Skilled, creative & dedicated team members’, ‘The FACT service model’ and ‘Internal & external cooperation’ promotes.
 Conclusion: Will be presented at the conference.
 The study also has PPI - Personal and Public Involvement with the engagement of three peer co-researchers contributing to the research project INNOFACT from start to end. The next step is to summarize and conclude regarding the importance of good leadership and management that will be presented at the conference. Later on the peer co-researchers will interview the patients about the same research questions.
 There are to our knowledge no studies about what inhibits and promotes integrated services for people with dual (and multiple) diagnosis in the service model FACT. 

Exploring the impact of institutional forces on the social sustainability of logistics service providers: insights from a high terrorism-affected region

PurposeAchieving social sustainability has become a critical challenge in global supply chain networks, particularly during complex crises such as terrorism. The purpose of this study is to explore how institutional forces influence the social sustainability approaches of logistics service providers (LSPs) in high terrorism-affected regions (HTAR). This then leads to investigating how the key factors interact with Institutional Theory.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory multiple-case study research method was used to investigate six cases of different-sized logistics LSPs, each in an HTAR. The data was collected using semistructured interviews and triangulated using on-site observations and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used in iterative cycles for cross-case comparisons and pattern matching.FindingsThe findings interact with Institutional Theory and the three final-order themes. First, management processes are driven by coopetition and innovation. Second, organizational resources, structure and culture lead to an ineffective organizational design. Finally, a lack of institutionalization creates institutional uncertainty. These factors are rooted in many other first-order factors such as information sharing, communication, relationship management, capacity development, new process developments, workforce characteristics, technology, microlevel culture and control aspects.Originality/valueThis study answers the call for social sustainability research and enriches the literature on social sustainability, Institutional Theory and LSPs in HTARs by providing illustrations showing that institutional forces act as driving forces for social sustainability initiatives by shaping the current management processes. Conversely, the same forces impede social sustainability initiatives by shaping the current organizational designs and increasing institutional uncertainty.

Outcomes of District-Led Professional Development Embedded within Biology Professional Learning Communities Among Three High Schools in a Single School District

District-led Professional Development (DLPD) holds great promise for cost-effective and sustained PD for K-12 faculty but is often enacted as whole-group, one-shot meetings on topics (e.g., 21st-century learning) non-specific to teachers’ grade levels and content areas. Alternatively, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide on-site and ongoing collaborative support to teachers by common grade levels or content areas. To best leverage DLPD and PLCs, an exploratory multiple case study was conducted to examine how three separate high schools’ biology PLCs had received and enacted DLPD in teaching 21st-century skills. Desimone and Pak’s five core features of effective PD were used as the theoretical framework to explore teachers’ perceptions of the semester-long DLPD through interviews, lesson plans, PLC agendas, and classroom observations. Case analyses found that participating biology teachers perceived that the coherence and content focus was the greatest affordances of having 21st century focused DLPD in their PLC. Collective participation, active learning, and duration were revealed respectively. Results suggested teachers had incorporated the 21st-century skill of communication the most and creativity the least in their practice. Findings suggest that DLPD embedded within PLCs provide contextualized PD opportunities to high school biology teachers when there is sufficient time and opportunities for translating knowledge into practice.

Worldview Communication by Ritual Counsellors. An Explorative Multiple Case Study on Funeral Rituals

This contribution explores the question how ritual counsellors shape their hermeneutical-communicative role and how they use worldview communication in the preparation and performance of a funeral. Data were collected from a group of six ritual counsellors with a questionnaire and a group interview. The data were interpreted through the lens of three hermeneutical models. I come to the conclusion that respondents are aware of worldview aspects of their work, while they differ in the role they take. Some are more guides, others more witnesses. The role of priestess which some of the counsellors adopt deviates from the available professional theory. More reflection is needed to develop such a theory about worldview communication outside the church.

A cross-cultural study on the career counseling service ecosystem: implications for higher education marketing

ABSTRACT A career counseling service (CCS) provides an important measure of student satisfaction and contributes to the shaping of a higher education marketing strategy. However, the body of knowledge in the higher education domain is scant on how a CCS is created and delivered to suit the needs of students and the wider society. This study uses an explorative multiple-case study of the CCS across three different cultural contexts: UK, Italy, and China. The study adopted a service ecosystem perspective, building on contingency theory (i)to analyze the CCS as a tri-level scheme – that is to say, at the micro, meso, and macro levels – and identify the themes and underlying constructs in the co-creation of the CCS at each level and (ii)to highlight the disparities in CCSs across different cultural contexts. Six dominant themes in CCSs emerged – namely, quality assurance, a student-centered approach, mental health, industry collaboration, promotion of service, and digital platforms. The findings revealed that the role of the CCS is transitioning from a mere job placement service to a strategic and administrative function, which interacts with and influences various actors in the higher education ecosystem. Across the different cultural contexts, disparities in the identified themes were ascertained and explained.

Family physicians partnering for system change: a multiple-case study of Ontario Health Teams in development

BackgroundThe Ontario Health Team (OHT) model is a form of integrated care that seeks to provide coordinated delivery of care to communities across Ontario, Canada. Primary care is positioned at the heart of the OHT model, yet physician participation and representation has been severely challenged at planning and governance tables. The purpose of this multiple case study is to examine (1) processes and structures to enable family physician participation in OHTs and (2) describe challenges to family physician participation.MethodsWe chose a qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study approach following Yin’s design and methods. The study took place between June and December 2021.We conducted semi-structured interviews with OHT stakeholders in four communities and carried out an analysis of internal and external documents to contextualize interview findings. Thematic analysis was applied within case and between cases.ResultsFour OHTs participated in this study with thirty-nine participants (17 family physicians; 22 other stakeholders). Over 60 documents were analyzed. Within-case analysis found that structures and processes should be formalized and established to facilitate physician participation. Skepticism, burnout, heavy workload, and the COVID-19 pandemic were challenges to participation. Between-case analysis found that participation varied. Face-to-face communication processes were favoured in all cases and history of collaboration facilitated relationship-building. All cases faced similar challenges to physician participation despite regional differences.ConclusionsThe implementation of OHTs demonstrates that integrated care models can address critical health system issues through a collective approach. Physician participation is vital to the development of an OHT, however, recognition of their challenges (skepticism, burnout, COVID-19 pandemic) to participating must be acknowledged first. To ensure that models like OHTs thrive, physicians must be meaningfully engaged in various aspects and levels of governance and delivery.

Navigating tensions between value creation and capture in ecosystems

While scholars have recognized the importance of balancing value creation and capture for ecosystem success, achieving a balance between the two remains a challenge for focal firms. Based on this, we draw on exploratory multiple case study to examine four industrial firms in China and the ecosystems to which they are affiliated. We identify three important processes to balance value creation and value capture: (1) restatement of the value proposition; (2) refinement of the value co-creation process and (3) optimization of the value configuration mechanism. Moreover, we find that achieving a balance between value creation and value capture hinges on aligning the individual interests of ecosystem actors with the collective interests of the ecosystem, which requires simultaneous adjustments in the value proposition, value creation, and ecosystem governance and incentive. Our model contributes to the ecosystem literature while explaining the process of balancing value creation and value capture, as well as providing managerial insights for managers of firms in the ecosystem.