Philosophical Stance Research Articles

Assessment Of Problem-Based Learning In Dental Education And Exploring Barriers To Its Implementation: Theory To Reality.

There are 59 dental colleges in Pakistan out of which 17 are in the public sector and 42 in private. However, only a few use problem-based learning methods, though it is a popular strategy in dental education all around the world. This study aims to assess problem-based learning model in dental education and explore the barriers of its implementation in a private dental college of Karachi. Qualitative case-study approach was employed. The philosophical stance used was critical realism. Qualitative data was collected by participant observation, video recorded observation and video elicited semi-structured in-depth interviews of five faculty members and 15 students. Results showed that students were more interested in interactive sessions while faculty members were in favour of problem-based learning sessions. Thematic analysis was done to generate themes. This research applies reproduction method to explain the necessary and contingent relations and causal powers. Lack of motivation among students and lack of faculty dedication are causal mechanisms of barriers in the implementation of problem-based learning.

An Analysis of Karachi Board Papers of English from the Lens of Bloom’s Cognitive Domain

This study aimed to analyze English examination papers of the tenth grade of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Karachi using the cognitive domain as the framework of Bloom's Taxonomy for identifying the reflection of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and lower-order thinking skills (LOTS). The methodology comprised positivism as the philosophical stance and the quantitative research design. The tenth-grade examination papers of English from 2015 to 2019 were the unit of analysis. The five-year papers were obtained from BISE, Karachi. A checklist was designed for analyzing exam items based on the six levels of the cognitive domain. The process of identifying item relevancy with the appropriate level of cognitive domain was grounded in the connotation and denotation meaning-making for exam items. The results reported a predominance of cognitive levels of remember, understand, and apply. Moreover, results informed of the numerousness of the LOTS in all exam papers from 2015 to 2019. The findings suggest baseline modifications in the content and purpose of board exam papers to ensure curriculum goals through student learning outcomes that involve more cognitive resources. Future researchers may consider suggesting techniques for exam-item developers to integrate the curriculum components and cognitive domain of Bloom's Taxonomy for the development of human capital.

Modelling the domino effect of advance payment system on project cash flow and organisational performance

PurposePrevious studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant research has been undertaken to empirically establish the cash flow performance and domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe epistemological design adopted a positivist philosophical stance augmented by deductive reasoning to explore the phenomena under investigation. Primary quantitative data were collected from 504 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registered contractors (within the grade bandings 1–9) in South Africa. A five-point Likert scale was utilised, and subsequent data accrued were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsEmergent findings reveal that the mandatory use of an APS does not guarantee a positive project cash flow, an improvement in organisational performance or an improvement in project performance.Practical implicationsThe ensuing discussion reveals the contributory influence of APS on positive cash flow and organisational performance, although APS implementation alone will not achieve these objectives. Practically, the research accentuates the need for various measures to be concurrently adopted (including APS) towards ensuring a positive project cash flow and improved organisational and project performance.Originality/valueThere is limited empirical research on cash flow performance and the domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance in South Africa, nor indeed, the wider geographical location of Africa as a continent. This study addresses this gap in the prevailing body of knowledge.

Forms of Knowledge Transfer in IT Project Management

This qualitative research study explores the experiences of project managers in IT projects, using an investigative approach to explore the intricacies of knowledge transfer in these contexts. The research framework emphasizes the complexity of social dynamics and the need for a deeper understanding, prompting the use of qualitative methods. Expert interviews were chosen as the primary data collection technique due to their alignment with the research objectives. The study adopts an exploratory perspective, with online interviews conducted using a co-expert approach. The philosophical stance of the study is based on phenomenalist principles and aims to gain insights into the personal experiences of project managers. The experts selected for the study met specific criteria, including certification and experience in IT project management. Thematic analysis revealed key categories: Forms of knowledge transfer, challenges, and opportunities. Personalized spontaneous knowledge transfer emerged as the dominant form, facilitated by informal interactions, and efforts to codify this knowledge in a documented form were observed. Challenges included issues of quantity, distribution, team dynamics, technology platforms, organizational culture, and time constraints. Successful knowledge transfer was associated with increased efficiency, improved quality, faster project completion, and continuous improvement of methods and standards. The study suggests that project-based organizations should develop strategies to improve knowledge transfer, incorporate it into project management standards and focus on facilitating effective communication between team members.

Barriers to the measurement of return on investment (ROI) for training interventions in the South African higher education context

This article aimed to investigate the barriers to the measurement of return on investment (ROI) for training and development interventions provided to academic staff in the South African public higher education context. The study adopted an interpretivist philosophical stance, and it was grounded on qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to select 14 participants who were interviewed. The participants represented various cases (institutions) and these included six universities, and government institutions comprising the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDPSETA). Thematic analysis was applied via ATLAS.ti to analyse the interview data. The complexity of the process, lack of capacity, lag between training and improved performance, lack of will, financial constraints, lack of processes, fragmentation of training and development interventions, interventions yielding non-financial benefits, and lack of adequate data were found to be the factors that are barriers to the measurement of ROI. The study contributed to the body of knowledge of Human Resource Development and practice by highlighting the barriers to the measurement of ROI and it also provided recommendations for practice and future studies. Keywords: Return on investment; Training and development; Higher education sector; Public universities; Academic staff; Training evaluation.

Transition to the Role of Family Caregiver of Older Adults After a Stroke: A Specific Theory

Introduction: Nursing professionals develop situation-specific theories to describe, explain, and provide comprehensive care during a family member’s transition to the caregiver role. Objective: To develop a situation-specific theory about the transition to the role of family caregiver of older adults after a stroke. Methodology: The integrating approach by Meleis and Im was applied, which consists of five stages: 1) Description of the context and target population, 2) Verification of assumptions regarding the philosophical stance, 3) Exploration of multiple sources, 4) Theorization of concepts, and 5) Proposal of empirical indicators for validation and verification. Results: The prescriptive theory was developed in the light of Afaf Meleis’ Theory of Transitions and was supported by an exhaustive literature review, with four underlying concepts: Situational transition to the family caregiver role, Care-related knowledge and skills, Self-confidence and coping in adopting the caregiver role, and Nursing therapeutic education. The following assumption emerges from these concepts: a healthy transition to the family caregiver role is directly dependent on the care-related knowledge and skills provided by Nursing therapeutic education to develop self-confidence and coping in adopting the caregiver role. Conclusions: The proposal provides a conceptual framework that identifies the transition challenges and needs faced by family caregivers to adopt the role of caregivers of older adults after a stroke.

Tarmo Thorström: A forward-thinking lace artist

Finnish lace artist Tarmo Thorström redefines the conventional understanding of lace, conceiving it as an absence rather than a presence – a philosophical stance that permeates his innovative bobbin lace creations. His artistic repertoire interlaces disparate themes, transgressing the boundaries of traditional lace artistry. The city of Rauma, located on Finland’s western coast, serves as both muse and canvas, showcasing Thorström’s evocative works in its urban landscape and holding annual bobbin lace festivals to commemorate this living tradition. Thorström’s engagement extends beyond artistic production, encompassing pedagogical and research endeavours that traverse the fields of craft education and studying materials. This multifaceted involvement is underscored by his publications, notably a work on bobbin lace crafting, highlighting its significance within the continuum of cultural heritage. Moreover, Thorström’s artistic praxis embodies sustainability imperatives, evident in his repurposing of discarded materials, such as reclaimed bobbins and threads. This ethos aligns with broader discourses on sustainable crafting practices and material ecologies. Beyond craft, Thorström’s artistic output serves as a locus for profound philosophical contemplation on the nature of existence and humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. This portrait article situates Thorström’s original approach within the larger discourse on materiality and artistic practice, shedding light on the transformative potential of lace as a medium for philosophical and artistic expression.

The roots and blossoms of 4E cognition in Chile: Introduction to the Special Issue on 4E cognition in Chile

4E cognition (embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive) is a growing, open and pluralistic research tradition that offers new philosophical and scientific avenues to study the mind. Both its origins and current expansive movement are theoretically and geographically diverse. Chile, the mother country of the influential biologists Francisco Varela and Humberto Maturana, represents one of its roots, but also, as the variety of contributions in this special issue shows it, one of its fields of new blossoms. In this editorial introduction, regarding the roots, we focus on the enactive approach developed by Francisco Varela and its relationship with Maturana’s autopoietic theory. We discuss the way in which the particular theoretical and historical horizons of these two research programs conditioned, to a large extent, their philosophical stances regarding cognition. Regarding the new blossoms, we introduce the seven articles composing the present special issue and briefly comment on their contributions in terms of methodology, practical applications, theoretical extensions, and conceptual reflection.

Driving Digital Transformation in Insurance Firms: Unleashing the Power of Identifying Adaptive Challenges Behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of identifying adaptive challenges behavior on the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. Guided by the research question on the relationship between identifying adaptive challenges behavior and digital transformation, the study employed an adaptive leadership theoretical framework and a postpositivist philosophical stance. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted, and data were collected from a target population of 392 through a self-administered questionnaire. A sample of 127 supervisors was drawn from the 56 insurance firms listed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. The ordinal logistic regression results indicated a good model, which explained 59.7% of the variance in digital transformation and significantly predicted digital transformation β2 = -4.787, p ≤ .05. Hence, identifying adaptive challenges behavior has significant influence on the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. The research recommended that identifying adaptive challenges behavior is emphasized in driving digital transformation in the insurance industry.

Realist Approach to Qualitative Data Analysis.

A realist approach has gained popularity in evaluation research, particularly in understanding causal explanations of how a program works (or not), the circumstances, and the observed outcomes. In qualitative inquiry, the approach has contributed to better theoretically based explanations regarding causal interactions. The aim of this study was to discuss how we conducted a realist-informed data analysis to explore the causal interactions within qualitative data. We demonstrated a four-step realist approach of retroductive theorizing in qualitative data analysis using a concrete example from our empirical research rooted in the critical realism philosophical stance. These steps include (a) category identification, (b) elaboration of context-mechanism-outcome configuration, (c) demi-regularities identification, and (d) generative mechanism refinement. The four-step qualitative realist data analysis underpins the causal interactions of important factors and reveals the underlying mechanisms. The steps produce comprehensive causal explanations that can be used by related parties-especially when making complex decisions that may affect wide communities. The core process of realist data analysis is retroductive theorizing. The four-step qualitative realist data analysis facilitates this theorizing by allowing the researcher to identify (a) patterns, (b) fluctuation of patterns, (c) mechanisms from collected data, and (d) to confirm proposed mechanisms.

Human resource analytics revisited: a systematic literature review of its adoption, global acceptance and implementation

PurposeThis systematic literature review aims to explore the adoption, global acceptance and implementation of human resources (HR) analytics (HRA) by reviewing literature on the subject. HRA adoption can assist HR professionals in managing complex procedures and making strategic human resource management (SHRM) decisions more effectively. The study also aims to identify the applications of analytics in various disciplines of management.Design/methodology/approachThe review is conducted using a domain-based structured literature review (SLR), emphasizing the diffusion of innovative thinking and the adoption process of HRA among early adopters. The philosophical stances are analyzed with the combination of research onion model and PRISMA protocol. Secondary data are gathered from published journals, books, case studies, conference proceedings, web pages and media stories as the primary source of information.FindingsThe study finds that skilled professionals and management assistance can significantly impact adoption intentions, enabling professionals to deal with analytics. The examples and analytical models provided by early adopters allow managers to manage complex processes and make SHRM decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests that the lack of use of quantitative techniques is a key limitation and should be considered in future studies. Despite the rise in the number of research papers on HRA, its application in the workplace remains limited.Practical implicationsThis research can assist managers in implementing HRA and help resolve complex and inefficient processes, making SHRM decisions.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing body of knowledge on how HRA can aid a company's efficacy and performance and can be considered one of the first to link adoption and HRA.

The objectivist critique of Hermann Helmholtz's theory of perception: The case of Ramón Turró (1854-1926).

In this article, we look into the development of the Helmholtz theory of perception in the light of Spanish biologist Ramón Turró's objectivist critique of the theory. In the first part, we explain the decisive role that Helmholtz's theory of perception played in the evolution of his own general philosophical stance. Through the work of Helmholtz, we show how the dialectic between philosophical surmises and models of perception was an ongoing, fundamental part of the period that saw the formation of scientific psychology. In the second part of the article, we examine Turró's original, unique contribution to the discourse. Early on in his theoretical work, Turró defended a model of perception closely resembling Helmholtz's, but, because of his objectivist philosophical convictions, Turró eventually elaborated an original theory of perception based largely on the trophic experience. His proposal rested on his own research as a physiologist and featured the elimination of all mentalistic components, in contrast to the voluntaristic leanings he detected in Helmholtz's work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Diversity of 'simple' multicellular eukaryotes: 45 independent cases and six types of multicellularity.

Multicellularity evolved multiple times in the history of life, with most reviewers agreeing that it appeared at least 20 times in eukaryotes. However, a specific list of multicellular eukaryotes with clear criteria for inclusion has not yet been published. Herein, an updated critical review of eukaryotic multicellularity is presented, based on current understanding of eukaryotic phylogeny and new discoveries in microbiology, phycology and mycology. As a result, 45 independent multicellular lineages are identified that fall into six distinct types. Functional criteria, as distinct from a purely topological definition of a cell, are introduced to bring uniformity and clarity to the existing definitions of terms such as colony, multicellularity, thallus or plasmodium. The category of clonal multicellularity is expanded to include: (i) septated multinucleated thalli found in Pseudofungi and early-branching Fungi such as Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota; and (ii) multicellular reproductive structures formed by plasmotomy in intracellular parasites such as Phytomyxea. Furthermore, (iii) endogeneous budding, as found in Paramyxida, is described as a form of multicellularity. The best-known case of clonal multicellularity, i.e. (iv) non-separation of cells after cell division, as known from Metazoa and Ochrophyta, is also discussed. The category of aggregative multicellularity is expanded to include not only (v) pseudoplasmodial forms, such a sorocarp-forming Acrasida, but also (vi) meroplasmodial organisms, such as members of Variosea or Filoreta. A common set of topological, geometric, genetic and life-cycle criteria are presented that form a coherent, philosophically sound framework for discussing multicellularity. A possibility of a seventh type of multicellularity is discussed, that of multi-species superorganisms formed by protists with obligatory bacterial symbionts, such as some members of Oxymonada or Parabasalia. Its inclusion is dependent on the philosophical stance taken towards the concepts of individuality and organism in biology. Taxa that merit special attention are identified, such as colonial Centrohelea, and a new speculative form of multicellularity, possibly present in some reticulopodial amoebae, is briefly described. Because of insufficient phylogenetic and morphological data, not all lineages could be unequivocally identified, and the true total number of all multicellular eukaryotic lineages is therefore higher, likely close to a hundred.

A systematic review of the linkages between corporate governance systems and procurement practices in public procurement entities

Purpose – Corporate governance and procurement corruption has long been recognized as a social problem, but the subject has received scant academic attention in prevailing literature on the management of procurement in Ghana. A systematic review conducted explores how the relationship between corporate governance and procurement could contribute to the effective management of public resources to maximize social welfare and augment Ghana’s economy. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing extensively on existing literature as a secondary data source, this research adopts an interpretivist philosophical stance and inductive reasoning to explore corporate governance and procurement corruption. The approach underpinning this overarching epistemology, adopts a three-step sample selection strategy to identify the range and scope of publications on the phenomena under investigation. Scientific papers were searched manually from Scopus and carefully screened for analysis. Findings –Analysis suggests that corporate governance and procurement require a degree of coordinated change across governmental departments, such as planning, legal and procurement to implement a robust policy and related support systems. Furthermore, it was observed that a portfolio approach to inter-organizational collaboration with different partners (such as the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as State Owned Enterprises and Corporations) was not coordinated sufficiently to effectively generate public interest. Albeit each partner has individual own objectives, they ultimately complement one another. A portfolio of different, inter-organizational arrangements enables several complementary instruments and various logics to be used in achieving overall organisational goals and objectives. Originality/value – Novel insight presented provides an invaluable opportunity to: further expand future research into corporate governance and procurement in Ghana; and consequently, provide the premise upon which to build meaningful empirical analysis such as comparing the extent of corruption practices in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Constructs of leading indicators: A synthesis of safety literature

Introduction: Leading indicators represent an invaluable tool that offer organizations the capability to: track health and safety performance, not just failures and accidents; measure effectiveness of safety efforts adopted; and focus on undesired precursors, rather than undesired occurred events. Despite these palpable advantages associated with their adoption, leading indicator’s definition, application, and function are mostly ambiguous and inconsistent within literature. Therefore, this study systematically reviews pertinent literature to identify the constructs of leading indicators and generates guidance for leading indicator implementation (as a conceptual model). Method: The overarching epistemological design adopted interpretivism and critical realism philosophical stances together with inductive reasoning to analyze 80 articles retrieved from the Scopus database, plus 13 more publications supplemented by the snowballing technique. Analysis of the safety discourse within literature (as secondary data) was undertaken in two stages, namely: (1) a cross-componential analysis identified the main features of leading indicators in comparison to lagging indicators; and (2) content analysis revealed prominent constructs of leading indicators. Results and conclusion: Analysis results identify that the definition, types, and development methods represent the main constructs for understanding the concept of leading indicators. The study identifies that ambiguity around the definition and function of leading indicators is due to the lack of differentiation of its types, namely passive leading indicators and active leading indicators. Practical application: As a practical contribution, the conceptual model, which introduces continuous learning through a perpetual loop of development and application of leading indicators, will help adopters create a knowledge repository of leading indicators and to continuously learn and improve their safety and safety performance. Specifically, the work clarifies their difference in terms of the timeframe passive leading indicators and active leading indicators take to measure different safety aspects, the functions they serve, the target they measure and their stage of development.

Journeying with Ken Plummer through radical constructionism, critical humanism and intimate counterpublics

Ken Plummer’s life work has had a major impact on the development of the sociology of sexuality. While being firmly rooted in and committed to the traditions of pragmatism and symbolic interactionism – which chimes nicely with his philosophical stance of critical humanism – Ken Plummer openly engaged in a critical dialogue with many theoretical perspectives. This renders his work a rich resource for researchers working on sexualities from within different paradigms. This paper engages in a critical appraisal of some of Plummer’s most significant concepts through autobiographical reflection on my personal experience of working with Ken Plummer as a PhD student, further tracing the influence his work has had on my own writing on consensual non-monogamies, LGBTQIA + activism and queer film festivals. Using autoethnography and memory work, the essay highlights the powerful potential residing in Plummer’s path-breaking contributions to social constructionism (script theory and narrative power), methodology (personal documents), narrative sociology (sexual stories), critical humanism (dialogical ethics and cosmopolitan sexualities) and political sociology (intra-movement conflict, intimate citizenship, counterpublics and age standpoints). The essay argues that these ideas – and Plummer’s overall legacy as a scholar and theorist – bear a strong significance for future research in sexuality studies.

Exploring environmental policy adoption enablers for indoor air quality management in higher educational institutions in South Africa

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the extent to which the indoor air quality (IAQ) management of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in South Africa could be improved through the appropriate implementation of environmental policy adoption enablers. Multiple challenges have been documented to the improvement of IAQ standards in HEIs. However, an alternative to the management of IAQ is possible through environmental behavioral change.Research Methodology: A philosophical stance of post-positivism influences the adoption of a quantitative research approach for this study. Primary data on the views shared by various academic and administrative staff employed by HEIs across South Africa were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire survey. A literature review uncovered 16 influential environmental policy adoption enablers that could further the objective of the study. A four-phase data analytical approach was adopted to interpret the empirical data through screening and reliability assessment, together with descriptive and inferential statistical evaluations, to ascertain the influence held by the surveyed policy adoption enablers on improving the management of IAQ in HEIs.Results: The inferential statistical evaluation using exploratory factor analysis revealed three crucial environmental policy adoption metrical approaches (stakeholder dialogue, institutional commitment, and policy composition) to the management of IAQ in HEIs.Discussion: From a practical perspective, the administrative council of HEIs could consider the identified policy adoption enablers as a catalyst for pro-environmental behavior and the management of IAQ in all respective institutions. Theoretically, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing factors associated with environmental policy adoptions for IAQ management and laying the groundwork for future research in environmental behavior, this has been lacking in previous IAQ studies and current environmental management discourse. As an instrumental enabler, the identified policy adoption approaches could inform any existing or new institutional policy adoption initiative aimed at improving current individuals’ perception of workplace comfort, satisfaction, and performance directly associated with their indoor environmental conditions.

No Irish, No Behavior Analysts, No Dogs

Questions about human behavior and diversity have captured the attention of scientists from a wide range of philosophical stances for centuries. While behavior analysts would argue that natural science is an enlightening perspective when applied to the understanding of human behavior, at times visceral arguments within anti-ABA campaigns are reminiscent of discrimination practices experienced by immigrant communities in Britain after World War Two. In this paper we discuss the root cause of this discrimination and suggest a way forward based on what are basically complementary views on the goals enshrined in evidence-based practice.

The Positive Argument Against Scientific Realism

Putnam coined what is now known as the no miracles argument “[t]he positive argument for realism”. In its opposition, he put an argument that by his own standards counts as negative. But are there no positive arguments against scientific realism? I believe that there is such an argument that has figured in the back of much of the realism-debate, but, to my knowledge, has nowhere been stated and defended explicitly. This is an argument from the success of quantum physics to the unlikely appropriateness of scientific realism as a philosophical stance towards science. I will here state this argument and offer a detailed defence of its premises. The purpose of this is to both exhibit in detail how far the intuition that quantum physics threatens realism can be driven, in the light also of more recent developments, as well as to exhibit possible vulnerabilities, i.e., to show where potential detractors might attack.

Creating Agile Institutions with Organizational Trust in the Finance Sector of Turkey: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment in Times of COVID-19

The study aims to evaluate the way for creating agile institutions with organizational trust. Besides that, the understanding of the mediating role played by psychological empowerment during COVID-19 pandemic is one of the major objectives of this study. The way psychological empowerment affects the creation of agile organizations is another major aspect that the study investigated. The philosophical stance that the research has adopted is the positivism philosophy. The study was done by collecting and analyzing quantitative data. The approach for the study is deductive whereas the design of the research is descriptive. The study used a survey method for collecting information. Structural equation model was used for analyzing quantitative information. The study was done on 325 samples who are working at the finance sector of Turkey. All the samples have a residence in Turkey. It was identified that the leadership approach of a company has a huge impact on the psychological construction of the samples. Descriptive statistics and t-test for inferential statistics were done by the researchers. There is a strong positive relationship between the centricity of the organization towards the workforce or customer and employee performance. It was identified that the leadership approach helps employees to address and adopt the change in the marketplace. It was also found that an agile organizational structure has more possibilities to modify the processing based on the change in the marketplace. The structural equation model was used to represent the relationship between the variables.