Proposed Research Agenda Research Articles

Migration communication campaigns: towards a research agenda and open database

ABSTRACT Every year, government agencies, international organisations, and civil society associations produce public communications campaigns designed to inform, persuade, and motivate behaviour regarding numerous facets of migration. Despite their increasing ubiquity, resources, and – possibly – impact, as well as the profound scientific relevance in understanding them, such campaigns remain relatively understudied and existing research is disjointed across various disciplines. This article takes three steps to propose and initiate a unified, interdisciplinary research agenda on migration communication campaigns (MCCs). First, we overview the need for a research agenda based on their increased substantive importance and scientific interest. Second, we outline what such a research agenda should look like, proposing six research themes. Third, we contribute to this proposed research agenda in two ways: with a typology of MCCs and by presenting our open-access, collaborative database to kick-start more systematic research in this field, including theoretical justifications for each variable. The database includes 301 MCCs conducted in 32 European countries between 2012 and 2022. We invite submissions of all types of MCCs globally to create a bridge between communities of academics, policymakers, and communicators.

Private equity involvement in primary care: the case of Ireland.

Private equity (PE) firms play an increasingly important role in healthcare. Yet, existing research remains uneven, mostly focused on the United States and on certain sectors such as nursing homes. Some geographical areas and health specialties remain under-explored. This brief paper outlines a research agenda focusing on three key issues: (1) PE's significance and (2) business strategies in healthcare, and (3) PE's impacts on health and healthcare. The paper uses primary care in Ireland as an example. The proposed research agenda should improve our understanding of the nature of PE in healthcare and serve as a basis for policy-makers to explore appropriate and effective regulation of PE to reduce its negative impacts if and when they exist.

Reassembling and generating cultural networks

This paper proposes a research agenda to study cultural networks that assumes their role both in making meaning and as adaptative tools for humans and their communities. First, the agenda grounds the study of cultural networks in Whitehead’s (1861–1947) metaphysics of process, posing that cultural networks emerge during human’s production of relations with the world of phenomena. Then, the paper identifies two approaches to studying cultural networks, reassembling them or generating them. Thirdly, it contextualizes the importance of understanding cultural networks vis a vis the consolidation of the digital humanities in the academic domain, and the productivity of networks as tools to explore the cultural in networked domains of human experience. The final remarks locate the proposed research agenda within the context of multidisciplinary research on cultural analytics.

Large language models: Expectations for semantics-driven systems engineering

The hype of Large Language Models manifests in disruptions, expectations or concerns in scientific communities that have focused for a long time on design-oriented research. The current experiences with Large Language Models and associated products (e.g. ChatGPT) lead to diverse positions regarding the foreseeable evolution of such products from the point of view of scholars who have been working with designed abstractions for most of their careers - typically relying on deterministic design decisions to ensure systems and automation reliability. Such expectations are collected in this paper in relation to a flavor of systems engineering that relies on explicit knowledge structures, introduced here as “semantics-driven systems engineering”.The paper was motivated by the panel discussion that took place at CAiSE 2023 in Zaragoza, Spain, during the workshop on Knowledge Graphs for Semantics-driven Systems Engineering (KG4SDSE). The workshop brought together Conceptual Modeling researchers with an interest in specific applications of Knowledge Graphs and the semantic enrichment benefits they can bring to systems engineering. The panel context and consensus are summarized at the end of the paper, preceded by a proposed research agenda considering the expressed positions.

An integrative model of enterprise architecture value: a grounded theory study to position its artifacts

PurposeDespite the relevance of how enterprise architecture (EA) contributes to organizational performance in contemporary digital technology-driven strategic renewal, little is known about the position of EA artifacts. Therefore, this study aims to build an integrative model of EA artifact-enabled EA value supplemented with a research agenda to enhance our understanding further.Design/methodology/approachThis study leveraged grounded theory techniques and a systematic review approach to develop the integrative model and research agenda.FindingsWe inductively build a model of the position of EA artifacts in EA value creation. Additionally, we elaborate a research agenda that proposes (1) an investigation of the role of an EA practice in successful strategic change, (2) an examination of how to manage EA practice value generation and (3) longitudinal research to gain insight into the evolution of value creation by EA practices.Originality/valueThis study presents a model of EA artifact-enabled EA value, thereby contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms, inhibitors and success factors associated with EA value. Following our model, the proposed research agenda contains future research areas to help us better understand the mechanisms and interrelatedness of EA practices in highly dynamic environments.

Exploring French venality in the seventeenth century: Insights from a new database on offices

Venality was the French system of sales of public positions called offices. It was a stable and central institution within the French Old Regime. Though widely studied by historians, the topic lacks large-scale quantitative analysis. In this article, we fill this gap by presenting a novel and comprehensive database of 17th-century French offices, which includes more than 15,000 offices and large information about their characteristics, the institution they depended on, and their geographical jurisdiction. We also propose three quantitative examples of how this database could be used. Following the proposed research agenda, our database could be used for quantitative empirical studies and for multidisciplinary work, including history, political sciences, economics and administration.

Delving into disengagement as a distinct construct: A proposed research agenda for public relations scholars

Public relations scholars have greatly impacted the understanding of employee engagement in terms of definitions, theory development, antecedents, outcomes, and progressing scholarship to explore changes in the modern workplace. Yet, understanding the nuances around being disengaged is absent from most of the public relations literature. In addition, although much is known about the connection between employee engagement and internal communication, little has been identified about how internal communication contributes to or ameliorates the experience of being disengaged. Therefore, public relations researchers have the chance to move scholarship on disengagement forward by examining it as a unique concept separate from engagement and exploring the function of internal communication with disengagement.

Quantifying BIM investment value: a systematic review

Purpose Perceived benefits of building information modelling (BIM) have been discussed for some time, but cost–benefit benchmarking has been inconsistent. The purpose of this paper is to investigate BIM feasibility and evaluate investment worth to elucidate and develop the current understanding of BIM merit. The aim of the study is to propose a research agenda towards a more holistic perspective of BIM use incorporating quantifying investment return. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth examination of research patterns has been conducted to identify challenges in the assessment of the investment value and return on investment (ROI) for BIM in the construction industry. A total of 75 research articles were considered for the final literature review. An evaluation of the literature is conducted using a combination of bibliometric analysis and systematic reviews. Findings This study, which analysed 75 articles, unveils key findings in quantifying BIM benefits, primarily through ROI calculation. Two major research gaps are identified: the absence of a standardized BIM ROI method and insufficient exploration of intangible benefits. Research focus varies across phases, emphasizing design and construction integration and exploring post-construction phases. The study categorizes quantifiable factors, including productivity, changes and rework reduction, requests for information reduction, schedule efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability and operations and facility management. These findings offer vital insights for researchers and practitioners, enhancing understanding of ’BIM’s financial benefits and signalling areas for further exploration in construction. Originality/value The ’study’s outcomes offer the latest insights for researchers and practitioners to create effective approaches for quantifying ’BIM’s financial benefits. Additionally, the proposed research agenda aims to improve the current limited understanding of BIM feasibility and investment worth evaluation. Results of the study could assist practitioners in overcoming limitations associated with BIM investment and economic evaluations in the construction industry.

Retailing in the metaverse: A framework of managerial considerations for success

Despite substantial buzz about the Metaverse—a computer-mediated environment in which people act in real-time as avatars in virtual worlds—retailers remain unclear about whether and how they should integrate the Metaverse into their business. Nor has academic research offered clear answers. The current research therefore explores the phenomenon of Metaverse retailing from a managerial perspective, using three qualitative studies involving top- and mid-level managers to understand key managerial considerations for entering the Metaverse in the short- and long-term, as well as one survey of Metaverse users to understand important design factors for the customer experience. A proposed research agenda also offers guidance for generating further insights into areas of strategic importance for managers.

Sustainability performance disclosure and family businesses: a perspective article

PurposeThe deeper understanding of the disclosure of external and internal dynamics of family firms necessarily places the issue of sustainability as one of the most pressing needs from both a research and managerial perspective. Therefore, this perspective article contributes to the debate of sustainability performance disclosure in family firms, proposing a research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThis study has organized the discussion around those elements that most significantly impact the propensity to disclose, with a specific focus on the interconnections and interrelations within them. The proposed research agenda is developed around three key elements: “how” firms disclose, “the reason why” they do it and “what” disclose of their performance(s).FindingsTo better understand “how” family firms should disclose their performance, it is suggested to engage in proactive stakeholder engagement to preserve long-term socioemotional wealth. “The reason why” for disclosure is still associated with the legitimization of family firms from an economic, social and environmental point of view. Finally, the “what” depends on several factors, such as the regulatory framework and the market involved.Practical implicationsThis paper contains suggestions for family firm managers, consultants and policymakers that are approaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-financial reporting or sustainability disclosure overall, providing an overview of relevant factors influencing this transition process.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a logical framework to combine these three elements of the debate as strictly interrelated to foster the sustainability performance disclosure of family firms.

Exploring Digital Technology Adoption among Brazilian Evangelicals: A Survey and Research Agenda

The influence of faith on users’ adoption and use of digital technologies is a relevant aspect explored in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In the Brazilian context, a religious segment that has experienced significant growth in recent years is the evangelical community. Understanding how evangelical members have adopted and utilized digital technologies, including their experiences during religious practices such as evangelical services, is of fundamental importance. In this work, we present an exploratory study conducted in Brazil, aiming to characterize the use of digital technologies among evangelicals. We conducted a survey through a questionnaire from 107 participants from all regions of Brazil. The results revealed that digital technologies are crucial in engaging religious services and facilitating Bible reading. However, they also highlighted challenges related to spiritual experiences arising from using these technologies. Furthermore, the research identified a series of questions and promising areas for future investigations in the field of HCI and its intersection with religion. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interaction between technology and faith and enriches discussions about the use of digital technologies in the evangelical religious context. Additionally, by presenting a detailed research agenda, we identify topics deserving deeper investigation, such as technology-mediated spiritual experiences and the cultural implications of technological adoption in religious settings. The combination of these results and the proposed research agenda provides valuable insights for researchers, HCI professionals, and members of religious communities interested in comprehending and enhancing the intersection between technology and faith.

Humor in professional coaching: a literature review and research agenda.

Extensive research has explored the incorporation of humor in therapy, revealing its potential positive effects on clients' mental well-being and personal growth. However, limited research exists on how coaching could benefit from humor as an intervention and how its utilization impacts the interaction processes and outcomes for both the coachee and coach. Therefore, our research focuses on the use and effects of spontaneous humor within professional dialogues. This paper aims to extract insights from academic literature on humor in adjacent fields and apply these insights to the context of coaching. This paper offers implications for coaching theory and practice, alongside a proposed research agenda. The initial phase involves analyzing reviews on humor in professional contexts, and coaching. Secondly, following the PRISMA guidelines for review, we identified 13 empirical studies, which address the role of humor in counseling, psychotherapy, and mentoring. Our findings suggest that humor serves as a valuable tool for establishing and deepening the working alliance, fostering adaptive coping mechanisms in clients, and enhancing the cognitive and behavioral process. Moreover, humor is shown to be advantageous for professionals in navigating challenging client relationships. These findings hold significance for the realm of coaching practice as well. In light of these insights, we propose the integration of humor use in education toolkits for coaching professionals.

Blurring Boundaries: A Proposed Research Agenda for Ethical, Legal, Social, and Historical Studies at the Intersection of Infectious and Genetic Disease.

Contemporary understanding of the mechanisms of disease increasingly points to examples of "genetic diseases" with an infectious component and of "infectious diseases" with a genetic component. Such blurred boundaries generate ethical, legal, and social issues and highlight historical contexts that must be examined when incorporating host genomic information into the prevention, outbreak control, and treatment of infectious diseases.

A Proposed Research Agenda for Ethical, Legal, Social, and Historical Studies at the Intersection of Infectious and Genetic Disease.

Over the past two decades there has been a rapid expansion in our understanding of how human genetic variability impacts susceptibility and severity of disease. Through applications of genome-wide association studies, genome and exome sequencing, researchers have made thousands of discoveries of genetic variants that impact risk of common and rare disorders affecting millions of people. Although these techniques have been primarily applied to highly prevalent chronic disorders such as diabetes1 and cardiovascular disease2, infectious diseases have proven to not be immune to genome-wide association, with studies of Tuberculosis3, HIV4 and SARS-CoV25, to name but a few, identifying host susceptibility loci across the genome. Unlike non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases have the unique element of impacting not only the affected the host, but those who may be most vulnerable to acquiring the infection. Thus, genetic variants that impact one individual's susceptibility to and severity of an infection may also have broader implications to public health, as was brought into keen focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, as we begin to apply the knowledge gained from genomic studies in the clinic or into policy, there are unique ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) at the intersection of infectious diseases and human genomics. In this issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, Jose et al attempt to address this need by proposing a research agenda for ELSI studies at what they term the "blurred boundaries" of infectious and genetic diseases.6.

The Intellectual Structure of Esports Research

We aim to map the intellectual structure of eSports research in social Science to understand its evolution and status. This article uses a cocitation analysis focused on eSports scientific literature, which identifies the main clusters, intellectual turning points, and burst papers, showing research priorities, trends, connections and dissemination paths in this research field. This methodology allows us to examine the dominant theories and expands the scientific knowledge of eSports, detecting the main research areas and sources of knowledge. The results show 1) how sportification can be the key to achieving the desired fit between traditional sport and eSports; 2) the existence of eleven different research areas that analyse eSports; and 3) the emerging research topics in this field linked to management, audiences and fan engagement, which are vital issues to be addressed by academia, such as the proposed research agenda outlines.

AI in tertiary education: progress on research and practice

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact in tertiary education for practitioners and researchers during 2023. We review the way in which academics have made sense of generative AI, revisit our proposed research agenda and reflect on our changing roles as academics in relation to learning, teaching, design and policy.

Preoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical decision-making in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Surgical resection combined with systemic chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Upfront surgery is considered suboptimal in cases with extensive vascular involvement, which can be classified as either borderline resectable pancreatic cancer or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In these patients, FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy is currently used as preoperative chemotherapy and is eventually combined with radiotherapy. Thus, more patients might reach 5-year overall survival. Patient selection for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and subsequent surgery is based on anatomical, biological and conditional parameters. Current guidelines and clinical practices vary considerably regarding preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, response evaluation, and indications for surgery. In this Review, we provide an overview of the clinical evidence regarding disease staging, preoperative therapy, response evaluation and surgery in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In addition, a clinical work-up is proposed based on the available evidence and guidelines. We identify knowledge gaps and outline a proposed research agenda.

Relational drinking geographies: Towards vital flows and ‘open’ methods

Jayne and Valentine offer opportunities to engage with alcohol, drinking, and drunkenness in ways that do not unreflexively reproduce ‘alcohol studies’ ontologies and epistemologies, which are infused with moralising, disciplining, and normalising discourses. I expand their contribution by proposing two ways to account for the complexities of alcohol, drinking, and drunkenness. First, I argue that the concept of ‘vital flows’, drawing on the work of Stern, can contribute to the proposed research agenda, giving agency to an array of more-than-human actants. Second, I contend that a participatory research design, including ‘open’ novel methods, can allow insight into relational geographies. I illustrate this through a proposed empirical account with young people in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, who have been underexplored in relation to drinking geographies and beyond.

Healthcare analytics-A literature review and proposed research agenda.

This research addresses the demanding need for research in healthcare analytics, by explaining how previous studies have used big data, AI, and machine learning to identify, address, or solve healthcare problems. Healthcare science methods are combined with contemporary data science techniques to examine the literature, identify research gaps, and propose a research agenda for researchers, academic institutions, and governmental healthcare organizations. The study contributes to the body of literature by providing a state-of-the-art review of healthcare analytics as well as proposing a research agenda to advance the knowledge in this area. The results of this research can be beneficial for both healthcare science and data science researchers as well as practitioners in the field.

Towards a Sustainable Social Law: What Role for Legal Scholars?

This article outlines an initial research agenda for legal researchers who intend to contribute to the shaping of a ‘sustainable social law’. This notion refers to a social law system that continues to meet the challenges of social justice, without transgressing planetary boundaries and endangering ecosystems. The development of the research agenda is based on two observations. First, the transformation of social law into a sustainable discipline will require its emancipation from the productivist ideology according to which human well-being depends on constant increase in production. Second, social law is pluralist and therefore contains, at its margins, mechanisms that deviate from productivism and can help frame a sustainable future. On this basis, the proposed research agenda is centred on the comparison and classification of non-productivist time-spaces that are already protected by social law, or could become so, through the unfolding of creative legal interpretations. Social law is also approached as a category for analysing equality issues in times of ecological transition, according to the distribution of non-productivist time-spaces it institutes between individuals. Finally, legal scholars could investigate, in empirical studies, whether resistance to the productivist imperative could explain the uses, illegal or not, and non-uses of social law measures by individuals. Sustainable Social Law, Productivism, Non-productivist Time-Spaces, Non-Take-Up of Social Rights; Welfare Fraud; Global Warming, Ecological Transition, ; Eco-social Policies