Participatory Model Research Articles

A systemic approach to identifying sustainable community-based interventions for improving adolescent mental health: a participatory group model building and design protocol

BackgroundThe deteriorating mental health of children and young people in the United Kingdom poses a challenge that services and policy makers have found difficult to tackle. Kailo responds to this issue with a community-based participatory and systemically informed strategy, perceiving mental health and well-being as a dynamic state shaped by the interplay of broader health determinants. The initiative works to explore, define and implement locally relevant solutions to challenges shaping the mental health and well-being of young people. Kailo unfolds in three stages within each locale. These stages encompass: “early discovery”, “deeper discovery and co-design” and “implementation”. This document delves into the participatory group model building and design protocol occurring in the “deeper discovery and co-design” stage of the project.MethodsParticipatory methods, such as group model building, are effective in articulating and building consensus on complex issues like the social determinants of adolescent mental health. This paper describes the protocol for application of group model building within the Kailo design process to develop causal loop diagrams and pinpoint leverage points for improving adolescent mental health. It also suggests a method for considering modifications to delivery within a unique project context and in alignment with participants’ needs. This paper sets out to define the approach and clarify the objectives these engagements aim to fulfil. The method adapts existing group model building (GMB) protocols for use in a community setting. The engagements will involve groups of local young people and existing community members. To assess the success of the session’s implementation post-delivery, the study utilizes existing frameworks for fidelity evaluations, which define a core and flex model.DiscussionThe method described enables an integration of diverse local understandings of complex processes which provides a platform for creating co-designed interventions. This protocol can be used to further strengthen research and design through incorporating complexity and participation into the formulation of contextually relevant policies and practices. The strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed.

Strengthening The Competence of Writing Scientific Articles for Indonesian School Teachers in Bangkok to Improve The Quality of Education

One of the complaints faced by teachers at the Indonesian school of Bangkok was writing scientific articles and then publishing them in academic journals. The complaint was based on various considerations faced by teachers at the Indonesian school of Bangkok, namely (1) the absence of a socialization program for publishing articles from research activities; (2) lack of understanding related to the procedures, techniques, and methods of publishing scientific articles in reputable national and international journals; (3) lack of motivation, self-confidence, and experience to publish in reputable national and international journals. Participants in this community service activity were academics at the Indonesian School of Bangkok. This service was carried out using a participatory training model through socialization and training. After that, it continues with assistance in writing and publishing scientific articles. The socialization and training materials covered the basics of writing scientific articles until the publication process; methods, techniques, and methods of scientific publication. The success of the training process and results were measured using questionnaires and evaluation sheets from the participants. The results of this community service were an increase in the teacher competence of Indonesian school of Bangkok in the skills and understanding of writing until the publication of scientific articles in reputable national and international journals.

Tomatoes Die: A Design Fiction for Grassroots Climate AI

This design fiction proposes a panel session in the near future having environment and climate advocates share their stories of using artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. This work explores how the development of an embodied river persona, a farming assistant app, and a community hazard mapping tool could pose challenges and aid successes to respective local communities. Our design fiction highlights issues of design and development challenges that local organizations might face in a varied AI development for the environment. We explore questions around incorporating traditional knowledge, ethical participatory design models, and challenges of implementing and sustaining tools. Our work demonstrates how design fiction might be used to imagine AI for the climate challenge that considers people, place, and community.

Reflexiones y desafíos sobre la importancia de la ética en la investigación socioeducativa

This article aims to address a theoretical-reflexive work that facilitates understanding the state of the ethical question in socio-educational research from a qualitative perspective. Faced with the predominance of quantitative research in universities at both the international and national level, we are committed to qualitative research from the perspective of Critical Pedagogies. In this way, it is understood that education and research can transform reality and a fundamental aspect of analysis is the ethical question. Firstly, key ideas about research in the socio-educational field from a qualitative perspective at the University will be addressed. Secondly, the historical view of ethics in socio-educational research will be analysed. Thirdly, it will point out key ethical issues in socio-educational research from a qualitative perspective. Fourthly, it will reflect on research competence in education, including both challenges and opportunities that we are currently facing in universities. Challenges such as the collective construction of knowledge; the need to consider the intersectionalities of gender, race, social class, etc.; the care of all the people involved in research processes. In conclusion, the political and ethical relevance of any socio-educational research process is highlighted, underlining the need to continue reflecting on this issue in relation to the construction of a participatory model that focuses on the care of the people involved.

Synergy as the Highest-Level Participatory budgeting Model

Synergy as the Highest-Level Participatory budgeting Model

Key Aspects of Implementation of Participatory Budgeting Model in Georgian Municipalities

The article, based on the latest literary sources and factual materials, consistently studies such an important issue of financial theory and economic practice as the key aspects of implementing participatory budgeting in Georgian municipalities. The factors affecting the effectiveness of the implementation of the participatory budgeting model are discussed: the urban structure of the municipality, the size of the budget of the municipality, and the development of civil society. It is determined that any model of participatory budgeting should adhere to the following principles: model design and implementation procedures should be based on good management principles; The selected procedures should take into account the specific context of a particular municipality, including urban structure, budget size, and population participation; At the planning stage, active actors of the model, interested parties should be identified and their rights and duties defined; The model should fully comply with the legislation of Georgia and the established forms of citizen participation. Based on the international experience and the reality of Georgia, the factors affecting the effectiveness of the implementation of the participatory budgeting model are discussed: the urban structure of the municipality, the size of the municipality’s budget, and the development of civil society. It stands to reason that any participatory budgeting model should have, as a minimum, the following working procedures: population group meetings, information campaigns, development and submission of project proposals, voting, and final decision, and Evaluation of participatory budgeting process and work procedures.

Participatory Budgeting in the EAEU Countries: Regulatory Framework and Practical Experience

Aim. The article defines the common features and specifics of the policy and practical experience of participatory budgeting in five post-Soviet member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).Tasks. The assessment of the current situation in these countries by international organizations is used.The effectiveness of the legal framework for open budget and participatory budgeting in each analyzed country is revealed. Participatory budgeting models specific to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union are analyzed.Methods. First of all, we analyze the legislation and strategic documents, as well as the responsible bodies. Secondly, we provide an assessment of the practice of the EAEU countries by international organizations. Thirdly, we analyze the participatory budgeting models specific to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. Finally, we draw conclusions on similar problems in the EAEU countriesResults. It was revealed that the model of convergence democracy is more typical for Russia and Kazakhstan, multilateral participation is more or less specific for Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, participatory modernization is suitable for Belarus. Moreover, we see that there is no model of participatory budgeting that is specific to all EAEU countries.Conclusions. It can be concluded that the EAEU countries differ significantly in their participatory budgeting policies and practices, as well as in the ratings of international organizations. At the same time, a number of common points are noted.

Integrating Scientific and Stakeholder-Based Knowledge to Simulate Future Urban Growth Scenarios: Findings from Kurunegala and Galle, Sri Lanka

The promotion of sustainability and resilience within urban environments is widely recognized as an essential approach to educating urban communities through innovative strategies and tools. This paper presents a process for integrating stakeholders into urban growth simulation, thereby enhancing sustainable decision-making. Currently, most urban growth models fail to incorporate the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, leading to reduced equitable participation in the decision-making process. To achieve long-term sustainability, it is imperative to include the input and viewpoints of stakeholders. This study follows a four-step approach: identifying relevant stakeholders, developing the framework, evaluating its effectiveness, and documenting lessons learned. The framework involves key steps, including initial participatory modeling, analysis of development pressures and suitability with stakeholders, and technical urban growth modeling. A unique combination of modeling tools and an innovative approach was employed, incorporating the default FUTURES (GRASS-GIS) model alongside the CA-Markov Chain, Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) (NetLogo), the Cellular-Automata-based Python model, and MOLUSCE-QGIS. This integrated approach facilitates the inclusion of stakeholder-based knowledge into conventional urban growth modeling, providing novel local lessons in science, technology, and innovation initiatives. Validation was conducted through both technical and stakeholder mechanisms, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Islamic Social Welfare in DK Jakarta: Addressing Inequality and Promoting Social Cohesion

This research paper examines the role of Islamic social welfare in addressing inequality and enhancing social cohesion in Daerah Khusus Jakarta (DKJ). Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study analyzes official statistical data from DK Jakarta in 2022-2024 through the theoretical framework of Putnam's social capital, Crenshaw's intersectionality, and Foster-Iaione's urban commons. Key findings reveal the effectiveness of the zakat-waqf network in mitigating the impact of inflation, reducing it from 3.30% (2022) to 1.98% (2024). Mosques act as centers of socio-economic innovation through programs such as "Jumu'at Berbagi" and "Digital Sharia Cooperatives". The intersectional approach in the "Ta'lim Muyassar" program effectively addresses the complexity of educational inequality. The concept of Islamic-based urban commons creates a participatory city governance model. This study produces an adaptive Islamic social welfare model, introduces "Urban Fiqh", and develops an "Islamic Urban Well-being" index. Limitations of the study include a limited geographic focus and a lack of longitudinal data. Further research is suggested to conduct comparative studies across cities and explore blockchain integration in the zakat-waqf system.

Integrating Scenario Analysis and Participatory Modeling to Generate Plausible Future Narratives for Water Resources: A Case Study in the Middle Rio Grande River Basin

In addressing complex water management issues, participatory modeling (PM) and scenario analysis (SA) have emerged as pivotal tools for fostering stakeholder engagement, social learning, and collaborative decision-making. This study explores the efficacy of integrating PM and SA within a series of online workshops focused on the Middle Rio Grande River Basin. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, workshop transcripts, and participant outputs from workshop activities. Through these workshops, participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in collaborative scenario-building exercises, interactive discussions, and hands-on simulations using the SWIM 2.0 model, fostering shared learning and deeper insights into regional water challenges. Our findings highlight the importance of group-level activities in enhancing participants’ understanding, engagement, and trust in modeling tools, which can lead to more informed decision-making processes. The workshops demonstrated significant improvements in SA completion and a deeper connection between participants and policy discussions. However, challenges remain in bridging the gap between SA and active decision-making, particularly in contexts where participants do not perceive themselves as decision-makers. This study underscores the potential of participatory approaches to address complex environmental issues, while also identifying areas for further refinement to enhance stakeholder empowerment and tool usability in collaborative settings.

Carbon removal potentials in agricultural systems – participatory scenario modelling with farmers in Sweden

Estimates of theoretical climate change mitigation potentials in agriculture need to be complemented with investigations of factors that influence deployment. This study introduces a framework for landscape-level assessment of climate change mitigation in agriculture that accounts for existing land uses, soil carbon stocks, and farmers’ preferences concerning specific mitigation options. The framework is used in an assessment of the deployment potentials for selected mitigation options in an agricultural landscape in Sweden, in which arable land covers approximately one-third of the land area. Three options were found to be preferable by farmers: biochar as soil amendment, cover crops, and (an increased) cultivation of ley crops in crop rotations. Cultivation of cover crops and leys was found to increase SOC stocks by 1.9 and 1.6 MgC ha−1 over three decades, respectively. About 10.2 MgC ha−1 is sequestered in soils over three decades when biochar is added as a soil amendment, if 50% of available residues are collected and utilized. This can be compared with GHG emissions from agriculture from the studied area, estimated at 1.6 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1 (GWP100). The framework was found useful for assessing mitigation options in the agriculture sector, underlining farmer involvement to identify actionable strategies.

Exploring the role of a social carrier in advancing agroecology and territorial autonomy

ABSTRACT The practice of agroecology has been promoted as a promising pathway to improve environmental and human well-being. Previous research has shown that farm size is often related to factors that can help or hinder agroecological practice use, but context is key. Here, we examine the relationship between farm size and the use of agroecological practices by assessing 596 management plans for farms associated with the Brazilian participatory agroecology network Rede Ecovida. In contrast to other studies, we found that the probability of using agroecological practices generally did not differ by farm size. We draw on interviews with agroecological actors to contextualize these findings and characterize the relationship between farm size and agroecology, both as a set of practices and a social movement. We suggest that, in this case, the lack of a relationship between farm size and agroecological practices might be explained by Rede Ecovida’s role as a “social carrier” that advances agroecological principles and practices in the pursuit of territorial, or actual, autonomy. This study highlights the importance of the socio-organizational dimensions of agroecological transitions and suggests that increased support should be directed to social networks and participatory certification models to encourage scaling agroecology across diverse farm types and sizes.

Participatory modelling across Kenyan villages facilitates insights into the complexity of human–elephant interactions

Abstract Negative human–wildlife interactions are a growing problem, particularly for people living near protected areas and wildlife refuges. In Kenya, African savannah elephants Loxodonta africana threaten food security for subsistence farmers by crop foraging, which can jeopardize conservation efforts if farmers retaliate against elephants. To inform conservation and management, this study had three objectives: (1) to evaluate stakeholder participatory models of human–elephant conflict; (2) to note any novel or underrepresented variables in the models; and (3) to determine if there were indicators for assessing the success of mitigation programmes using a biocultural approach. We conducted participatory modelling sessions in six villages in rural Kenya using fuzzy cognitive mapping (n = 206 participants). Farmers created group visual models with variables related to conflict with elephants. A total of 14 variables were common across all six villages, with the two highest centrality scores (a measure of importance to overall dynamics) associated with income and feelings of security. Most variables fell into two categories: environmental interactions, and policy and management. Multiple variables such as road infrastructure (drivers) and soil compaction (consequences) were identified as aspects of conflicts that are under-reported or absent in scientific literature, as well as potential socio-cultural indicators. The participatory method used is a tool for gaining more refined insights into interactions with elephants, with implications for other complex conservation issues or wildlife interactions. A more holistic view of the impacts of human–elephant interactions as demonstrated here can lead to sustainable, co-developed programmes that benefit both farmer livelihoods and elephant conservation.

Sexual violence mitigation in realizing a violence-free campus

Sexual violence occurs in higher education institutions. Sexual violence mitigation studies have a theoretical novelty using Giddens' structuring of the problem of sexual violence. The research aims to determine the relationship between policy stakeholders, lecturers, students, and education staff; know the obstacles and challenges; and know the model of sexual violence mitigation in higher education. The research used qualitative with case studies of three higher education in Indonesia. The informant consisted of 27 respondents: students, lecturers, and education staff. Data collection through interviews, documentation, observation, and focus group discussion (FGD). Data processing using the NVivo 12 Plus application; Publish or Perish; and VOSviewer. Data analysis using: data reduction; present data; and conclusion. This research shows that the relationship is very important between policymakers and lecturers, students, and education staff in efforts to prevent and handle sexual violence. Cooperation of all parties in facing challenges in handling and prevention of sexual violence on campuses that have obstacles, to realize a campus free from violence. This study concludes that realizing a campus that is free from sexual violence can be implemented on campuses in Indonesia. Recommendations for participatory and gender-responsive sexual violence mitigation policy models are applied in higher education in Indonesia.

Considerations for using participatory systems modeling as a tool for implementation mapping in chronic disease prevention.

Effective chronic disease prevention requires a systems approach to the design, implementation, and refinement of interventions that account for the complexity and interdependence of factors influencing health outcomes. This paper proposes the Participatory Implementation Systems Mapping (PISM) process, which combines participatory systems modeling with implementation strategy development to enhance intervention design and implementation planning. PISM leverages the collaborative efforts of researchers and community partners to analyze complex health systems, identify key determinants, and develop tailored interventions and strategies that are both adaptive and contextually relevant. The phases of the PISM process include strategize, innovate, operationalize, and assess. We describe and demonstrate how each phase contributes to the overall goal of effective and sustainable intervention implementation. We also address the challenges of data availability, model complexity, and resource constraints. We offer solutions such as innovative data collection methods and participatory model development to enhance the robustness and applicability of systems models. Through a case study on the development of a chronic disease prevention intervention, the paper illustrates the practical application of PISM and highlights its potential to guide epidemiologists and implementation scientists in developing interventions that are responsive to the complexities of real-world health systems. The conclusion calls for further research to refine participatory systems modeling techniques, overcome existing challenges in data availability, and expand the use of PISM in diverse public health contexts.

Regional Government Public Relations Communication Model in Handling Hoax Information during the Pandemic

This research aims to describe the management of regional government public relations messages and communication media in handling information hoaxes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread spread of COVID-19 pandemic hoax information has increasingly increased public panic and anxiety, especially in Kendari City. For this reason, the Kendari City Government, through the public relations department, has made various communication efforts to prevent the spread of hoax information. Research data was collected through interviews, observation, and documentation and analyzed using descriptive qualitative data analysis methods to provide a comprehensive picture of the object under study. Research informants were determined using purposive sampling. The results of the research show that the communication model implemented by Kendari City Government Public Relations in preventing COVID-19 pandemic hoaxes is carried out using a participatory communication model using all available communication channels as information media that can be easily accessed by the public. First, by carrying out a thorough identification of the information and hoax news that is being spread. Second, utilizing all types of communication channels available, such as outreach with Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) and the community, billboards, collaboration with online news media, partner information service institutions (Kominfo and the Pandemic task force), installing billboards and standing banners, and developing its official website.

Empowering farmer groups in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, through a participatory development communication model

The Participatory development communication model is a form of communication process among farming actors to achieve empowerment. In the era of openness and democratisation, participatory communication is an appropriate approach to encourage farmer groups to be fully empowered. With that, the objective of this research are as follows: formulate and develop participatory development communication models and strategy for empowerment. This study uses a positivistic paradigm with a survey method. The objects of farmer groups are scattered in various places and their characteristics are heterogeneous and widespread, making it suitable for a positivistic approach. The results of the study are: (a) Implementation of participatory development communication model for empowerment and influenced by the characteristics of farmer groups, the quality of information, the role of development agents, environmental support and the use of social capital; (b) strategy for increasing the implementation of participatory development communication: the quality of the characteristics of farmer groups, information, development agents, environmental support and social capital.

Participatory Method to Business Model Innovation for Students

The past few years have been a period of intense transformation. Pandemics, innovative technology like chatbots, and the ever-evolving needs of society serve as a powerful illustration of the world's constant evolution. Equipping students with business model innovation (BMI) skills across disciplines is crucial as it fosters their ability to innovate not just products and processes, but entire businesses, which is essential in an everchanging environment. Furthermore, integrating remote participative modelling (PM) into the curriculum is essential as it enhances students’ online collaboration skills, vital in today's modern team dynamics. A previous study at a research-intensive university explored the usability of online platforms during BMI within a Business Engineering module focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. MURAL, a virtual whiteboard software application, was used in this study to facilitate remote PM sessions utilising the Business Model Canvas (BMC). While this study found that MURAL is easy-to-use within this specific context, a key limitation emerged. The built-in BMC template within MURAL was found to be insufficient for guiding students through a systematic transformation of a traditional business model into a new iteration. To address this limitation, this current study focuses on enhancing a well-established Business Model Development Tool (BMDT), the BMC, within the context of undergraduate engineering education. We propose a method, called EDU-BMI, specifically designed to support students during PM sessions focused on BMI activities within the MURAL platform. Drawing inspiration from PICO, an educational personal ideation companion, EDU-BMI incorporates features that address educational, social, and motivational aspects. The method is embedded within MURAL and validated through a two-group participant study. Observations of the modelling sessions were used to gather valuable insights into the method's effectiveness and will inform future teaching practices. Integrating EDU-BMI into MURAL has the potential to improve the effectiveness of remote PM sessions for students engaged in BMI activities. Accessibility for modellers will also be ensured by leveraging a free, online tool like MURAL. Future research will focus on evaluating the method in an undergraduate engineering education context, refining EDU-BMI based on the feedback received from participants.

The Use of Blockchain for Water Rights in Irrigation Management

The increasing pressures of climate change, population growth, and water scarcity necessitate innovative solutions for efficient water management, particularly in agriculture. This paper explores the application of blockchain technology in the management of water rights for irrigation, presenting a novel approach to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in water allocation. Traditional water rights systems are often hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of real-time data, and disputes among stakeholders. By leveraging blockchain's decentralized ledger system, this study illustrates how water rights can be tokenized, enabling farmers to trade water rights in real-time while ensuring compliance with legal and environmental regulations. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining case studies from regions where blockchain has been piloted for water management with qualitative interviews from stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The findings reveal that blockchain can significantly reduce transaction costs, mitigate conflicts over water rights, and facilitate better allocation based on real-time water availability. The technology fosters a participatory governance model by enabling stakeholders to engage in decision-making processes through smart contracts, which automate and enforce water allocation agreements without the need for intermediaries.

I like participatory museums but, how much? Embedding demand-side value in assessing strategies

In contrast to traditional models of unidirectional management, new governance strategies of cultural institutions based on participatory models –grounded on the active involvement of multiple actors in management, programming, production and innovation– have gained importance over the last few years. Our aim is to evaluate a participatory approach action programme for a sample of museums, embedding the value allocated by the museum community (users and beneficiaries) to the whole model and to the different participatory strategies. We first identify four main areas of participation (collaborative co-governance, creative co-production, social co-innovation, and technological co-innovation), which in turn are divided into four specific options ranked from the highest to the lowest degree of engagement. We also add a fifth dimension –a price vector– which serves as a payment vehicle to estimate the willingness to pay for the model and options. Non-market goods valuation techniques –contingent valuation and discrete choice experiment– are used to estimate the value allocated by the museum community to participatory strategies. Results show that citizens still rely more on cultural management and programming led by museum managers, rather than being involved in their design and guidance, although they do appreciate the possibilities of being involved in the dimensions of social actions and technological innovation.