Qualitative Case Study Research Articles

Community music as health promotion: equity-related insights from urban context in Australia.

Health promotion researchers and practitioners the world over are grappling with how to tackle growing health inequity. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (Ottawa Charter) provides a framework for addressing inequity from an intersectoral, strengths-based, and social justice approach; yet this framework continues to be underutilized. Similarly, evidence suggests creative arts can support positive health and well-being but the potential for the arts to contribute to efforts addressing health inequity is underexplored. In this community-embedded, qualitative case study, we investigate the contribution community-centred music making can have across the five health promotion action areas outlined in the Ottawa Charter. Findings from this study highlight the potential for community music to contribute to personal skill development in relation to maintaining a healthy and well life and engaging in equity-focussed change. Community music can create supportive environments through fostering social connections and activating community spaces. Community music can be a powerful means of strengthening community action by bringing communities together around local issues and activism. When integrated into social services, community music can support the re-orienting of health services by connecting people with services and by encouraging people to share health-related knowledge and resources. Finally, our findings demonstrate that community music can shape public opinion and be a conduit to reach people in positions of power in ways that have the potential to influence healthy public policy. This study demonstrates that health promotion researchers and practitioners can and should look to communities' cultural and creative assets in our efforts towards health equity.

Microlearning and generative AI for pre-service teacher education: a qualitative case study

Microlearning and generative AI for pre-service teacher education: a qualitative case study

‘We are all disabled’: one British Pakistani man’s struggle navigating his hybrid identities

ABSTRACT The case study of Alex that we explore in this paper broadens our knowledge about the notions of ethnicity and disability and their interplay for one British Pakistani man with a diagnosis of epilepsy and his everyday life in Britain. This paper presents indicative findings and qualitative insights based on lived experience, which is particularly valuable for identity-related research. We offer a review of the existing literature around disability, ethnicity, hybrid identity, and South Asian perception of disability and impairment. We provide a note on methodology, including a case study design and thematic analysis, together with participant demographic details. The paper contributes to contemporary debates about how South Asian men with a disability construct new forms of identity and belonging in Britain. A qualitative case study of a self-identifying British Pakistani man, who has a diagnosis of epilepsy, sought to understand how he formulated identity and employed differing practices in navigating belonging in relation to his ethnicity/migrant background on the one hand and his disability/chronic illness on the other. The findings indicate that the intersectionality of ethnicity and disability, racism, and ableism constitutes truly nuanced forms of othering and a ‘hybrid identity’.

Beyond borders: how does the Mevlana Exchange Program contribute to the soft power projection of Turkey?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the Mevlana Exchange Program as a soft power mechanism in Turkey’s higher education system and public diplomacy. Using a qualitative case study approach, interviews were conducted with 25 international students before, during, and after their mobility experience. Findings showed that initial concerns about language barriers and cultural differences were replaced by favorable perceptions of Turkish culture, education, and hospitality. Participants reported improvements in intercultural communication, academic integration, and cultural appreciation. The programme strengthened cross-cultural connections and enhanced Turkey’s international image. These results highlight the Mevlana programme’s potential to foster relationships and advance Turkey’s soft power strategy.

Aiming for survival: a qualitative single case study of support for family members across the care process in outpatient colorectal cancer care

BackgroundAt times of cancer, also family members may need support from healthcare professionals. For support to be relevant it needs to be tailored to a person’s needs. Tailored support is recognized as support co-created through an intangible interaction between the supporter and the supported. Despite this, studies primarily focus on the supporter (healthcare professionals) or the supported (family members). As a result, the co-created dimension is lost. Therefore, the purpose was to describe and compare family members´ supportive care needs with support from cancer nurses across the care process in outpatient colorectal cancer care.MethodsThis study is designed as a qualitative single case study with two embedded units: family members and Contact Nurses. Data consisted of transcribed semi-structured interviews from 23 family members and 21 Contact Nurses. Both within and across units, analyses were undertaken using conventional qualitative content analysis. Reporting adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.ResultsAnalysis generated a main category: Aiming for survival illustrating the common goal of the two units and its implications for support for family members in routine colorectal cancer care. Three subcategories describe family members´ supportive care needs in relation to Contact Nurses´ support for family members across the colorectal cancer care process: (1) The diagnostic phase: Narrowed sight in treatment preparation; (2) The treatment phase: Foregrounding family caregiving while backgrounding family support; and (3) The surveillance phase: An enduring cancer experience despite being considered a co-survivor.ConclusionsSupport tailored to family members’ supportive care needs should derive from the family members’ cancer experiences and include strategies for bringing their needs to light. This could possibly be achieved by strengthening the collaboration between contact nurses and clinical social workers. In addition, family members require preparation for and support during their entire cancer trajectory to enable a healthy family recovery post-treatment. In addition, they need guidance on where and whom to turn to at each stage of the care process.

Doctoral education and the knowledge triangle: dynamics of linkage to other sectors in doctoral programs in Uganda

Purpose This study aims to explore the dynamics of linking doctoral programs to other sectors constituting future workplaces and fields of public engagement for doctoral graduates in Uganda. This is in light of the current global pressures for universities to contribute more directly to society, and changes in student demographics and career aspirations. In a number of jurisdictions, intentional linkage to other sectors is being pursued to better prepare doctoral graduates for work beyond academia. However, not much is known about the dynamics involved. Guided by the knowledge triangle framework, this paper posits that creating sufficient links between education, research and innovation through linkage to other sectors can offer a window of opportunities for attaining relevant doctoral outcomes for both students and wider society. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative multiple case study design was used to explore mechanisms of linking doctoral programs to other sectors in Uganda. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 45 participants selected across all institutions providing doctoral education in Uganda. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data. Findings The study found no formal mechanisms for linking doctoral programs to other sectors. Lack of institutionalization, narrow focus in program design, cultural mismatch and resource limitations were major systemic constraints to effective linkage to other sectors in doctoral education. Institutionalization of integrated learning in collaborative university-other sector settings in doctoral education in Uganda is recommended. Research limitations/implications The research data is exclusively from higher education institutions, the possibility of not comprehensively reflecting the broader perspectives from other sectors cannot be overlooked. A more comprehensive study of the dynamics of innovating doctoral education in Uganda through coherent collaboration between higher education institutions and other sectors to ensure the success of linking education, research and innovation is recommended. Practical implications Promoting the knowledge triangle approach in doctoral education by creation of synergies between education, research and innovation through linkages to the other sectors would enhance the attainment of relevant doctoral outcomes for students and the wider society. Originality/value This paper offers deeper insights into the dynamics of enhancing the relevance of doctorates and doctoral research outputs beyond the academia.

<b>Digital Authoritarianism and the Erosion of Democratic Norms: A</b> <b>Comparative Study of State Surveillance in Hybrid Regimes</b>

This article examines the growing phenomenon of digital authoritarianism and its impact on the erosion of democratic norms in hybrid political regimes. By comparing state surveillance practices in countries such as Turkey, Hungary, and India, the study identifies how digital technologies are manipulated by governments to monitor, control, and suppress dissent while maintaining a façade of democratic legitimacy. Using a qualitative comparative case study method, data were gathered from official documents, human rights reports, and expert interviews. The findings reveal that digital authoritarian strategies are not only increasingly sophisticated but are also normalized through legal frameworks and nationalist rhetoric. This research contributes to the understanding of how digital governance tools are weaponized in the service of political control, raising critical questions about the future of democracy in the digital age.

Niche accounting firms and the brazilian immigrant community in the U.S.: a study of cultural specialization and inclusive growth

This study investigates the pivotal role of niche accounting firms in facilitating the economic integration and upward mobility of Brazilian immigrants in the United States. Through a qualitative case study approach, the article explores how culturally aligned accounting professionals bridge regulatory, linguistic, and informational gaps faced by immigrant entrepreneurs. Drawing on theories of ethnic entrepreneurship, service differentiation, and digital transformation, the research identifies how bilingual and bicultural accounting services enhance business formalization and financial inclusion. The findings demonstrate that these firms serve not only as technical advisors but also as socio-cultural mediators, contributing to inclusive economic growth in immigrant communities. Policy recommendations include formal recognition of bilingual competencies and enhanced support for immigrant-serving professional firms.

Teaching to Think or Teaching to Pass? Critical Thinking in the Age of Standardized Testing among Universities in Tanzania

This study explores the tension between fostering critical thinking and the prevalence of standardized testing within Tanzania’s higher education system. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected from 75 undergraduate students and 15 lecturers across three public universities: The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and the University of Dodoma (UDOM). Methods included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis of course syllabi and assessments. Thematic analysis revealed four key findings: (1) teaching practices remain predominantly lecture-based, with limited use of interactive methods that promote critical thinking; (2) students perceive their education as overly focused on rote memorization and exam preparation, leaving little room for deep engagement with course content; (3) assessment practices are heavily reliant on standardized testing formats such as multiple-choice questions, which prioritize factual recall over analytical thinking; and (4) institutional and policy pressures contribute significantly to the persistence of these practices. The study concludes that despite curricular intentions to nurture critical thinking, prevailing pedagogical and assessment strategies-driven by exam-oriented cultures impede its development. The research calls for policy reform, lecturer training, and the adoption of diversified assessment methods to better align higher education with the goals of critical and independent thought.

Trust by Design: An Ethical Framework for Collaborative Intelligence Systems in Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 highlights human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience. This article presents a novel Trust by Design framework applicable to collaborative intelligence systems within Industry 5.0, addressing the need for collaborative systems to be reliable by design, incorporating ethical principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness, and privacy throughout the entire system lifecycle. The framework is grounded in select ethical philosophies applied to practical design requirements for human-AI collaboration, identifying key ethical challenges that threaten to damage trust and restrict the adoption of collaborative systems. The authors employ a qualitative, literature-driven method, conceptual modeling, and scenario-based case study analysis, synthesizing best practices and ethical policies from the EU AI Act, GDPR, and more. Trust by Design suggests a structured set of principles and implementation measures to embed ethics into every phase of the system’s lifecycle. The applicability and suitability of the framework are demonstrated through representative real-world application scenarios across industries. The results indicate that trust in collaborative intelligence systems is not static but dynamic, context-dependent, and controlled by transparency, fairness, and user experience. The framework includes instruments and methods to measure ethical performance, including trust metrics, override rates, fairness indicators, and incident tracking.

The Role of Administration in Enhancing the Efficiency of Human Resource Management at the Tax Office

This study examines the strategic role of administrative functions in enhancing the efficiency of Human Resource Management (HRM) in Indonesian tax offices. Using a descriptive qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and direct observation at two regional tax offices. The findings reveal that structured and digitized administrative systems significantly improve the performance of key HR functions, including recruitment, payroll, training, and employee data management. Efficiency scores in administratively supported environments were consistently higher—averaging 27.9% more—than in settings lacking such support. Notably, digital tools reduced processing time, minimized errors, and strengthened transparency and accountability. The study concludes that administration must be reframed from a support function to a strategic enabler within HRM. Strengthening administrative capacity is essential for improving institutional effectiveness, especially in the public sector context.

‘Intersectional othering’ and the minoritisation of ‘Malay/Muslim’ identities in Singapore’s multicultural education

ABSTRACT Singapore’s multiculturalism has been recognised as a successful model for the preservation of harmony across racial differences in its society. Despite this, outstanding complexities still exist between groups, but are often minimised in public discourse. While there is vast literature on multiculturalism and race relations in Singaporean society, there is also a lack of scholarship assessing how they have been enacted or learnt in schools. This paper questions how Malay/Muslim identities, in particular, have been viewed through Singapore’s multicultural education. Findings from a qualitative case study conducted showed how the curriculum has largely constructed Malay/Muslims as minorities and ‘Others’ in terms of: (i) race; (ii) religion; and (iii) socioeconomic status. The intersection of these identities compounds ‘Malay/Muslim’ minority status, giving rise to ‘intersectional othering’ which then sustains their continued and perceived minoritisation. It concludes by suggesting how multicultural education in Singapore can attend to issues surrounding intersectional identities today. This paper is part of a larger doctoral study looking into racial identity formation within multicultural education in Singapore.

Challenges and Solutions in Administrative Management in Educational Institutions in Labuhanbatu Regency

This study investigates the administrative management challenges faced by educational institutions in Labuhanbatu Regency and explores strategic solutions adopted by selected schools. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and observations involving 15 stakeholders from ten institutions. The findings reveal systemic issues, including an absence of local policy guidelines for principal tenure, political interference in leadership appointments, inadequate digital proficiency among administrative staff, and a lack of structured performance evaluation. These challenges have led to frequent leadership turnover, inefficiency in school operations, and employee burnout. However, several high-performing schools have implemented effective solutions, such as internal training workshops, Total Quality Management (TQM) practices, and participatory leadership, resulting in measurable improvements in administrative efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. The study concludes that while administrative problems are multifaceted, they can be addressed through targeted institutional reforms supported by policy and capacity-building initiatives.

Peran Orang Tua terhadap Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SDN Gadang 2 Banjarmasin

This study is motivated by the limited research on parental involvement in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, despite its significant impact on students’ academic achievement and character development, especially in elementary schools with limited resources. The study aims to explore the effects of low parental involvement on student learning and to identify its underlying causes at SDN Gadang 2 Banjarmasin. A qualitative case study approach was employed with 10 purposively selected participants, including parents, teachers, and the vice principal. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis, and examined using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that low parental involvement is primarily due to economic hardship, limited education, and social norms that perceive schooling as a mere formality. These results highlight the importance of strong collaboration between families and schools. The study concludes that raising parental awareness and reinforcing synergy among schools, families, and communities are essential to support the success of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research contributes theoretically to the literature on family roles in primary education and practically by recommending continuous parenting programs and intensive curriculum outreach by schools.

Strategi Guru dalam Menerapkan Model Problem Based Learning ( PBL ) Kelas 6 di SDN 02 Tanjung Balit Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota

Critical thinking skills and student-centered learning are primary focuses in elementary education to enhance learning quality. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is one learning model that can meet these needs. The PBL model encourages students to participate more actively in the learning process by solving everyday life problems. The purpose of this research is to provide an explanation of the methods used by teachers to implement the problem-based learning model in grade 6 of SDN 02 Tanjung Balit, Lima Puluh Kota Regency. It also aims to identify the problems faced by teachers and how the implementation of this model impacts student engagement and understanding. In this research, a qualitative case study method was used. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the sixth-grade teacher, observations of learning activities, and documentation of learning tools and student work. The main focus of this research is how teachers use the PBL model, particularly in mathematics learning, to design, implement, and evaluate learning. The research results indicate that teachers use various strategies in implementing PBL. These strategies include identifying contextual learning problems, preparing learning plans based on PBL steps, providing relevant teaching materials and student worksheets, and assessing student work processes and outcomes. Teachers also face several challenges in implementing PBL, such as a lack of student participation in group discussions and limitations in students' critical thinking skills at the initial stage. Nevertheless, the implementation of the PBL model has proven to increase student engagement in the learning process and help them understand the material better. Thus, the teacher's strategies in managing the stages of PBL are an important factor in the successful implementation of this model at the elementary school level.

Strategi Komunikasi Inovatif dalam Mengeliminasi Tuberkulosis di Wonogiri: Studi Kasus Mentari Sehat Indonesia

This study examines communication strategies used in tuberculosis control and increasing treatment compliance in Wonogiri Regency, by highlighting the implementation of community-based health services such as free sputum examination, TB treatment, integrated health post services, patient assistance, and cultural approaches. The communication strategies implemented include door-to-door visits, group communication in integrated health post forums, and local culture-based counseling involving community leaders as trusted communicators. Communication techniques are used to build trust and increase patient involvement in the treatment process. Verzosa's Strategic Communication for Development theory, which emphasizes the importance of systematic communication planning based on community needs. Using a qualitative case study method, data were obtained interviews with purposive sampling and participatory observation, then analyzed using data condensation techniques, data presentation, and drawing/verifying conclusions. Researchers used source triangulation by comparing information from various informants. The results of the study showed that the success elimination program was highly dependent on the active involvement of health cadres, interpersonal communication, and cultural sensitivity in delivering health messages. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of continued cross-level communication and periodic evaluation. Although this program was successful in Wonogiri, its implementation in other areas needs to be adjusted to local demographic and socio-cultural conditions, so further research is needed that covers a wider area for comparative evaluation and formulation of more adaptive health communication strategies.

Public financial management in crisis: a policy analysis of Morocco’s 2023 earthquake response and recovery

This research analyzes public finance management about the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, emphasizing the obstacles and concerns faced by the Moroccan government in mobilizing financial resources for disaster relief and recovery. This research used a qualitative case study technique to investigate the tactics utilized, focusing specifically on the function of the established special treasury account, long-term recovery plans, and urgent financial responses. The need of efficient resource allocation in crisis scenarios is one of the primary topics highlighted. The findings underscore the need for proactive, comprehensive strategies in disaster management to enhance resilience and mitigate adverse economic impacts. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights for improving public finance management techniques in Morocco and other nations experiencing similar challenges.

Implementation and performance barriers in Iran’s breast cancer screening program: a qualitative case study

IntroductionCancer screening programs (CSPs) are essential for early detection and improving survival rates; however, they often encounter barriers to effective implementation. This study aims to identify the key challenges faced in implementing the Breast Cancer Screening Program (BCSP) in Iran, with the goal of providing insights to enhance the program’s effectiveness and accessibility.MethodsThis study was conducted as an observational and qualitative research to assess the implementation status and identify barriers within the Breast Cancer Screening Program (BCSP). Data were collected through a combination of interviews, process observations, and document reviews. A purposive sample of 37 participants was interviewed, including individuals involved in the management, implementation, or evaluation of the screening program. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the data, with saturation achieved to ensure comprehensive coverage of the study’s objectives.ResultsThe study identified several key barriers to the effective implementation of breast cancer screening programs, which were categorized into three main dimensions: infrastructural, managerial, and healthcare service delivery. The most critical issues in infrastructural category were a lack of trained healthcare personnel, insufficient screening facilities, inaccurate registration systems, fragmented databases, and poor data quality control. Key barriers in the managerial dimension include the absence of a mechanism for identifying and inviting women eligible for cancer screening, as well as inadequate monitoring of non-responders to follow-up. Overcrowding during peak times, long waiting periods, inaccurate triage, and lack of general practitioners (GPs) at the primary level of public healthcare were the identified barriers in service delivery in cancer screening. Additionally, interviews with women revealed several barriers, such as low perceived risk, fear and anxiety, lack of family support, and cultural or religious objections, all of which further hindered participation in breast cancer screening.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical barriers to the implementation of breast cancer screening programs in Iran, most of which appear to stem from systemic failures. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, strategic approach that targets the identified obstacles at multiple levels. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to improving the accessibility, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of breast cancer screening programs, ultimately enhancing early detection and patient outcomes.

Disparities in the access and provision of mental health services as part of primary health care: a case study of Ga-South district in the Greater Accra region

Mental illness can be as debilitating as physical ailments, yet many mental health patients lack access to quality mental health care in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify and characterize disparities in access to mental health care, as well as challenges in service provision, in the Ga-South district of Ghana. A qualitative case study design was used, employing purposive and snowball sampling to recruit participants. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants, which included one interview with 2 participants. The participants were mental health patients, caregivers of mental health patients, mental health advocates, health promotion officers, and psychiatric nurses in the Ga-South district of Ghana. The findings reveal that stigma, inadequate support, deficiencies in diagnosis and referral, and high treatment costs create substantial disparities in mental health care access. Stigma around mental health constrains both the provision of mental health care by nurses and healthcare-seeking efforts by patients. Diagnosis and referrals of mental health cases are sometimes deficient in the district, with some medical officers and midwives diagnosing mental health conditions inadequately before referrals to psychiatrists. Nurses on the wards also struggle to manage mental health cases, even after receiving mental health training from their facilities. Findings also reveal that some healthcare professionals sometimes exhibit apathy toward mental health issues. The cost of services and medications for patients is also high which prevents patients from seeking care. Additionally, a critical shortage of psychiatrists results in inadequate patient follow-up. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in mental health care delivery to promote inclusion and address disparity issues. It is necessary to ensure equitable access to quality mental health services by addressing workforce shortages and financial barriers, as well as enhancing awareness, training, and efforts to reduce stigma. Prioritizing these reforms will help to create a healthcare system that effectively supports mental health, promoting healthier communities and improving overall health outcomes.

Student and educator experiences of a student-led clinic in general practice.

Giving students more responsibility for patients during medical school may help prepare them for their transition to clinical practice. Student-led clinics (SLCs) could facilitate this. Within SLCs, students take the lead role in delivering patient care, with support and supervision from clinicians. A general practice SLC was established in Dundee, Scotland, with four final-year medical students and one general practitioner (GP) involved in each clinic. Our qualitative case study aimed to explore students' and educators' (GPs') experiences and perceptions of this SLC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 students and three educators, and 18hrs of observation were conducted over six clinics. Interview transcripts and fieldnotes were integrated and thematically analysed, revealing five main themes. Overall, students' and educators' experiences and perceptions were positive. Students thrived in their lead role in patient care, gaining a sense of empowerment and developing confidence in their abilities. Both students and educators felt comfortable with students having this level of responsibility due to students' seniority and the supervision provided by educators. Teaching in the SLC involved individual discussions and group debriefs. Students developed a sense of belonging as a result of their positive relationships with peers and educators and the environment of the Student Hub. Challenges arose when the clinic ran behind schedule due to unexpectedly complex patients or lengthy individual discussions. Our findings suggest that giving students responsibility for real patients is beneficial and feasible when adequate support is provided and that it is possible for one GP to supervise multiple students successfully.