Qualitative Case Study Research Method Research Articles

International Kinship Care Arrangement: Ethiopian Children Applying for Australian Orphan Relative Visa

The study is about international kinship care arrangements in Ethiopia, focusing on Ethiopian children who applied for an Australian Orphan Relative Visa. A qualitative case study research method was used. Study participants were nine children between the ages of 13-17 years and nine parents/guardians of those children. Other participants were five experts from the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs, and Federal First Instance Court. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guides. Additional data were also derived from observations and document reviews. Thematic data analysis was used. Data from all sources were triangulated and categorized under the themes that emerged from the data. This study identified two categories of children: those who cannot get proper care either due to the loss of parents or due to incapacity of parents to take care of them, and those children who use international kinship arrangement as a mechanism to access a better life in Australia. Children expressed their expectations to get a better education, employment, material benefits, and living conditions after placement abroad. They also expressed concerns about how well relatives abroad will treat them. The findings further revealed that the Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs was not appropriately documenting pre-placement and post-placement information. Since international kinship care is different from international adoption in its nature, there was a lack of clarity on the legal protection that should be given to children, which puts them in a precarious socio-legal situation. This study can be used as a starting point to understand and consider international kinship care arrangements as one important alternative child care option.

The shift towards democratic governance: System change versus regime change analysis in The Gambia 2017-2019

Democratic governance has been seen as a catalyst for inclusive growth and meaningful development in many countries. Shifting from authoritarian rule to more democratic rule has also been seen as essential for many governments worldwide. Democratic governance is often a problem for developing countries, including most African countries and particularly The Gambia. This paper analyses the shift towards a more democratic governance style that is heated debated in The Gambia. The debate started when one of the coalition government members asserted that they could achieve regime change; however, a democratic system change remains lacking. This paper has sought to analyze whether the shift toward a more democratic leadership style in The Gambia is one of system change or regime change and ascertain what has democratically changed and bad governance in the new government. This article’s main objective is to create political awareness and enlighten the readers on the change’s misconceptions towards democratic governance. The discussion focuses on democratic governance and the collective action theory of governance to explain the democratic process in New Gambia. This study adopts qualitative case study research methods; the research employed a systematic review of the existing scholarly journal articles, books, newspapers, and television interview recordings. The observation used to identify, understand, and interpret the democratic governance situation in The Gambia from 2017 to 2019. The findings show that the coalition government has succeeded in achieving a democratic regime change; however, the democratic system change itself is too slow, or it is not happening. For the first time in The Gambia’s history, a seating president defeat through the ballot box. In conclusion, the democratic governance system change is far-fetched. It is vital to state that there is little or no difference between Jammeh’s regime and the current regime under President Barrow’s leadership. The same problems continue to persist. Finally, the transparency and accountability mechanisms must be enhanced to address the endemic problem of corruption.

Negotiating Quality in Curriculum Development – A Process of Finding a Compromise for Different Stakeholder Agendas

The research article reports on curriculum quality for an ODL setting in the context of a digital era, from a perspective of a broader educational stakeholder environment. The literature research paper ask the question with regards to divergent, dynamic and sometimes conflicting perspectives and agendas of different stakeholders in the broader education spectrum in an ODL setting. The research paper establishes a thought pattern in searching for the best answer or a compromise with regard to stakeholder agendas by illustrating and engaging in an applicable thought pattern on how evaluation and adjustment operate in an ODL curriculum model. The article asks and addresses specific issues about what is so special about ODL and therefore the value of stakeholder agenda and perspectives in curriculum development. The article assumes that there is a natural sequence in which to work in curriculum development and therefore identifies the research questions that has not been addressed sufficiently in literature with regard to the inter-connectedness and alignment of the components of curriculum development. Going through this analysis, the research will allude to the stakeholder agendas and therefore address the specific areas of compromise in curriculum development. The research adopts a qualitative case study research method.

An evaluation of the effect of interconnectedness and the state of the relationships in a triad: a dynamic approach

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the applicability of Ritter’s (2000) framework of interconnectedness in a triadic relationship between a provider, intermediaries and customers and to extend the framework by considering how the state of the relationships in a triad influences the relationship dynamic.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study research method with multiple sources of evidence was adopted in this study. The case study focusses on a triadic relationship of one of the largest UK-based financial services institutions, Provider XYZ, with independent financial advisers and customers.FindingsThe findings confirm that the synergy effect, lack effect, competition effect and by-pass effect exist in the triadic relationship. The findings also acknowledge that the state of the relationships in a triad, whether they are positive (+), negative (−) or neutral (0), combined with the identified interconnectedness effect determine the dynamic of the triadic relationship network.Originality/valueThis paper extends the existing framework of interconnectedness by considering how the change of the relationship state changes the relationship dynamic in a triad. By evaluating both the effect of interconnectedness and the state of the relationships in a triad, managers can identify and manage possible conflicts in a triad and enhance the effectiveness of the triadic relationship.

Learning from the problems and challenges in blended learning: Basis for faculty development and program enhancement

Blended learning in the Philippines is still considered new and young. However, this growing demand for blended learning possesses problems and challenges that are noteworthy to investigate, specifically in emerging higher education institutions, which hinder effective and efficient delivery of teaching and learning. This paper reflects different lenses of experiences encountered by five purposively selected facilitators teaching National Service Training Program (NSTP) in a certain university in Manila, Philippines. A qualitative case study research method was employed to interview the participants. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview questionnaire, and analyze thematically. There were five themes or “roadblocks” reported in this study: technological, instructional, class size, technical support, and collaboration. Findings were also discussed in the lenses of various literatures, particularly in terms of design and development, implementation, and assessment and evaluation of blended learning. An overarching proposal, which is aligned to the results of this research study, was presented. Nevertheless, it aims to add to the pool of teachers’ voices who are experiencing problems and challenges in the delivery of blended learning. The results of this study can serve as a basis for continuous faculty training and development, as well as for the improvement of the NSTP course, in general.

Problems and Challenges Met by Novice Teachers in Johor

This study aimed to investigate the problems and challenges met by novice teachers in Johor, Malaysia. This study explores the perspectives of the novice teachers on issues related to the problems and challenges and also supports in place to assist them in their transition from pre-service to in-service. Qualitative case study research method was adopted for this study. There are eight participants undergo interview session. The content of the interview was transcribed and analysed using manual analysis. The result show that novice teachers in Johor, Malaysia face challenges in aspect of self, teaching profession, students, school community, and students’ parents Their biggest concern is about classroom management and students. The problems and challenges met by the novice teachers should be concerned in order to reduce problem of leaving and shortage of new teachers in teaching profession.

KELOMPOK MUSIK REJUNG PESIRAH: STRATEGI ADAPTASI PADA MASYARAKAT PALEMBANG

The present phenomenon has clearly brought a change and the influence of the development of traditional music in Palembang society, if this is not carefully addressed, it will experience a shift, alienation and even lose its supporters. The rejung pesirah music group is one of the music groups that still maintains traditional arts in the people of Palembang. This study examines how the adaptation strategy of the rejung pesirah music group in dealing with changes and developments in Palembang society. For this reason, the approach used is cultural anthropology with qualitative case study research methods in Palembang. Data collection is done through observation, interviews and document studies that use triangulation techniques as the validation of the data, while for data analysis through content analysis and interactive models. The results showed that the adaptation strategy undertaken by the rejung pesirah music group was an act and creative ability and had a positive mindset, understanding in responding to changes and needs as an impulse to develop in the face of environmental change and development through learning processes and cultural modification, which resulted a creativity that is the creation of songs, musical arrangements, and musical instruments in the rejung pesirah music group.

Examining Factors that MA Students face while conducting their Theses: The Case of School of Education and behavioral Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University.

The purpose of this study was to dig out the root causes for the challenges that MA/or second degree students face while conducting the research(Theses). Hence, to realize and achieve this purpose, qualitative case study research method and design respectively were employed. Both primary sources and secondary sources were employed. The primary sources were 40 regular and summer MA students, and the secondary sources were the Theses materials of 4 years. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 Theses materials out of the 4 year batches. Observation and document analysis were made to collect data. Data were analyzed qualitatively through narration. The findings showed that there was the knowledge gap on the part of the researchers about the fundamentals of research on one hand and on the other hand the concerned bodies gave little attention for capacitating the researchers, and also gave low attention for monitoring the progress of the researchers while conducting research. And it could be concluded that there were a lot of activities that the concerned bodies like school of graduate studies, heads and deans of the departments and schools or colleges, academic vice presidents, and even instructors have to do to capacitate the researchers or MA students. Therefore, it was suggested that statistical courses should be integrated with research courses and also there should be the content regarding advanced analysis of the findings, and also the training for the students should be strengthened and also there should be monitoring and evaluation system developed.

The MyHealthRecord System Impacts on Patient Workflow in General Practices.

Digital health is widely believed to have vast potential in improving patient care. MyHealthRecord (MyHR) is a digital health information system which enables Australian citizens to access their health information centrally, making it available anywhere, at anytime. The aim of this study is to explore the adoption of MyHR in general practices in Victoria and understand its impacts. A qualitative case study research method was used to underpin this investigation. Ten general practices were engaged where MyHR was implemented/used. Detailed interviews with MyHR implementers were held and GPs were engaged in short interviews. Twenty observations were made during GP/patient consultations for health summary uploads. Findings indicate that the practice incentive payment (PIP) funding policy change encouraged the use of MyHR, but the adoption was limited to satisfy funding criteria. Change management was often extemporised. Health summary upload was a quick and easy process but was influenced by clinical system data quality and GP familiarity with the system. Community awareness and GP interest in MyHR was lacking. The conclusion is that MyHR was not well integrated in general practices nor the community. As a result, an improved engagement approach between healthcare organisations, the MyHR system operator and Australians is required.

Preventing identity theft

PurposeKnowledge-sharing (KS) for preventing identity theft has become a major challenge for organisations. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by investigating barriers to effective KS in preventing identity theft in online retail organisations.Design/methodology/approachA framework was proposed based on a reconceptualisation and extension of the KS enablers framework (Chong et al., 2011). A qualitative case study research method was used for the data collection. In total, 34 semi-structured interviews were conducted in three online retail organisations in the UK.FindingsThe findings suggest that the major barriers to effective KS for preventing identify theft in online retail organisations are: lack of leadership support; lack of employee willingness to share knowledge; lack of employee awareness of KS; inadequate learning opportunities; lack of trust in colleagues; insufficient information-sourcing opportunities and information and communications technology infrastructure; a weak KS culture; lack of feedback on performance; and lack of job rotation.Practical implicationsThe research provides solutions for removing existing barriers to KS in preventing identity theft. This is important to reduce the number of cases of identity theft in the UK.Originality/valueThis research extends knowledge of KS in a new context: preventing identity theft in online retail organisations. The proposed framework extends the KS enablers framework by identifying major barriers to KS in the context of preventing identity theft.

Women’s Image in a Polish Magazine: Midrash

Midrash, a Polish social and cultural profile magazine (published since April 1997), is a monthly journal that is a representative of the so-called ‘minor press’. The magazine is connected with the Midrash Library publishing house. Its founder was Konstanty Gebert and the current editor is Piotr Paziński. The articles of Midrash magazine give answers to such questions as: How are women described and treated in modern patriarchal Judaism culture? In what context is it possible to talk about issues connected with women and Zionism. Midrash magazine also deals with a positive interpretation and presentation of women via the multitude of interviews and articles concerning strong, talented, and determined women. Despite their hard lives these women were and are able to create successful careers and wonderful families. Their voices are an important element in discussions that refer to culture, faith, and historical heritage. The image of the woman as presented by Midrash will be confronted with the cultural recognition of the woman in the Jewish community. This article will use quantitative analysis (the linguistic method and literature studies) with help from the qualitative case study research method.

Teachers’ experiences of technology-based teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase

ABSTRACTThis paper presents one aspect of a larger scale doctoral study, namely the teachers’ experiences of technology-based teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase. Technology is a huge driver of change and South African education has to change regularly to meet the requirements set out by the Department of Education, including the development of learning outcomes for the 21st century. This study therefore explored teachers’ experiences of technology-based teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase. Qualitative case study research methods such as photo voice, semi-structured interviews and field notes were conducted within two cases of technology-rich schools and examined through the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge framework. Data yielded results that correlated with the theoretical framework namely: technological knowledge; pedagogical knowledge; and content knowledge, as well elements such as technological tools, 21st century skills and technology-based teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase. Finally, the significance of this study was that the data gathered proved worthwhile in producing a framework in order to understand Foundation Phase teachers in context as well as provide a robust contribution to the way in which technology-based teaching and learning occurs.

A Case Study: Technology Education Internationalization

Abstract This paper investigates the internationalization of education, specifically technology education in National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU). Through a conducted case study of a course in a Master of Information Technology (MIT) program development, it investigated the challenges that TPU faced and how they could overcome the challenges in internationalizing their programs and curricula. The research adopted a qualitative case study research method. It used survey, observation and documentations as the data collection techniques, as they are best suited for this research. Ten students were involved in a delivery of a course in a developed internationalized MIT program. The research team observed how the students learnt, whether there were challenges and difficulties in the delivery of course learning and how they were overcome. The results showed that the students were highly satisfied with the course developed and they believed they greatly benefited from the developed course.

Internationalization of Technology Education in National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University

This research investigates the internationalization of Master of Information Technology (MIT) education in National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU). Through a conducted case study about a course (also known as a subject or a unit) specially developed and delivered by a foreign researcher-teacher for the internationalized MIT program, it investigated how TPU approached internationalization of MIT education, why the approach was adopted and how TPU overcame the challenges in internationalizing their MIT programs (offered in two languages) and curricula. The research adopted a qualitative case study research method, which involved the data collection techniques such as survey, observation and documentations. Ten MIT program students were involved in the course delivery. The research team observed how the MIT program worked, how the students learnt from the specially provided course by a foreign researcher-teacher in the MIT program, the challenges and difficulties in the delivery of course learning, and how they were overcome. The results indicated that the students were highly satisfied and greatly benefited from the specially developed course in their internationalized MIT program.

Innovative Interpretive Qualitative Case Study Research Method Aligned with Systems Theory for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Research: A review of the methodology

The aim of this paper is to review the methodology for interpretive qualitative case study research method using systems theory. The paper also addresses the underlying assumptions of this research methodology and how these affect the way research questions are answered. In reviewing this methodology, an example is provided so that more physiotherapy researchers and clinicians can adopt this approach in their work. KEYWORDS : qualitative, interpretive, case study, systems theory, methodology

Innovative Interpretive Qualitative Case Study Research Method Aligned with Systems Theory for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Research: A review of the methodology

The aim of this paper is to review the methodology for interpretive qualitative case study research method using systems theory. The paper also addresses the underlying assumptions of this research methodology and how these affect the way research questions are answered. In reviewing this methodology, an example is provided so that more physiotherapy researchers and clinicians can adopt this approach in their work.KEYWORDS: qualitative, interpretive, case study, systems theory, methodology

The Paradox of the Regional Centres Unit: The Case of eThekwini Municipality

Municipalities have been operating without the unit or departmental strategic plans aligned to the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). This has led to the fragmentation of their organograms or structures. The resultant to silo-ed organisational structures are characterised by inefficiency and ineptitude caused by cadre deployment, which has directly paralysed service delivery. The primary purpose of this study was to reveal the root causes of poor customer service and delivery in municipalities by interrogating the eThekwini Municipality’s Regional Centres Unit operational activities. A qualitative case study research method was employed in this study. Data was collected through indepth interviews with a population size of 56 employees, as well as through focus groups constituted of 24 employees. A notable finding of this study was the unavailability of the approved unit’s strategic plan which has resulted to the unaligned silo-ed structure, and unclear roles and responsibilities; and ineptitude of employees. The unaligned and silo-ed structures to the approved strategic plan within eThekwini Municipality’s Regional Centres Unit have the potential value add to the literature in public administration on the ways to detect the hidden municipal administrative bottlenecks in improving the efficiency, effectiveness and acceleration of the municipal services to its customers.

Revisiting English Language Teaching (ELT) Curriculum Design: How Appropriate is Bangladesh Higher Secondary Level National ELT Curriculum as a Learner-Centred One?

ELT curriculum design has seen several transformations overtime, especially with the changing views on the educational ideologies and philosophies in the western world. As far as teaching English in an English as a Second/Foreign language (ESL/EFL) context is concerned, it is often suggested that the ESL or the EFL education should be acculturalized as to be responsive to a particular group of people, and that again refers to the need for a national curriculum for ELT in an EFL country. Thus, in designing an ELT curriculum in an ESOL context, the designers need to examine not only whether the curriculum is responsive to the needs of a group of learners but also if it is ‘culturally appropriate’ in that context or not. Following a qualitative case study research method, this paper examines the extent to which the Higher Secondary ELT national curriculum in Bangladesh is responsive to the socio-cultural needs and the needs of the learners.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12494 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 283-296

Socialising employees’ trust in the organisation: an exploration of apprentices’ socialisation in two highly trusted companies

We present here our investigation into how corporate employers deliberately seek to foster and build employees’ trust in the organisation through socialisation tactics. Interestingly enough, such deliberate development of employees’ trust in the organisation has hitherto rarely been addressed in academic research. Using qualitative case study research methods, we have closely observed the trust socialisation process experienced by entrant employees, namely apprentices in two separate and highly trusted German companies. Our findings are consistent with former trust socialisation research in that they indicate the importance of high levels of perceived organisational support and of a convincing communication of organisational values and principles. However, our research emphasises further aspects of trust socialisation, such as psychological empowerment, the efficacy of formal organisational rules and especially sensegiving activities.

Identification of the Malay Vernacular Spatial Features within Malay Vernacular Houses

Contemporarily, the quality of residential functional spaces has been mostly based on style and modernity rather than the tradition of that particular regional context. With the rapid modernization of Malaysia, the kampong house (Malay vernacular houses) and other pre-existing vernaculars have been replaced by modern architecture. Moreover, the consideration of vernacular architectural factors during the modern design process has been decreased. Accordingly, various aspects of kampong, which identified it as a major vernacular value, have been lost inside contemporary functional spaces. Therefore, the neglected fundamental features of functional spaces during the design process are thought to be these vernacular functional spatial features. In this research, a qualitative case study research method will be utilized to study those vernacular architectural features of Malaysian vernacular houses. The study is limited to studying the spatial characteristics of functions and spaces based on local needs, which will influence the quality of functional spaces. The Salinger house which is a unique symbol of Malaysian vernacular architecture has been selected as a single case study for this research. The data which will be collected from direct observation will be analyzed through pattern matching to corroborate with literature findings. The study is limited to vernacular architectural features of Malaysia which can be utilized for contemporary residential functional spaces during the design process. This research contributes toward the identification of vernacular architectural features that could be integrated successfully in the design process. Hence, the integration of these vernacular architectural aspects during the design process will influence the quality of functional spaces. Correspondingly, functional spaces will be intertwined with vernacular functional spatial features that will address the local needs in terms of their vernacular features.