Realism Approach Research Articles

Implementing a remote self-screening programme for atrial fibrillation using digital health technology among community-dwellers aged 75 years and older: a qualitative evaluation

ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility of implementing remote atrial fibrillation (AF) self-screening among older people supported by a remote central monitoring system.DesignProcess evaluation of the Mass AF randomised clinical trial (ACTRN12621000184875)...

Behavior of Verval Violence in Online Game Players (Mobile Legend: Bang Bang)

Verbal violent behavior in the online game mobile legend: bang bang for some online game players is normal and has become a habit. The purpose of this study was to explore the behavior of verbal violence in online game players: mobile legend bang bang. This study uses a qualitative research design with a construct realism approach. The research respondents totaled 188 online game players: mobile legend: bang bang. Data was collected using an open question questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out in three stages, namely open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results of the study show that there are five types of verbal abuse that occur in online games: mobile legend: bang bang, i.e. swearing by demeaning one's abilities, using animal names, harsh words, sexual harassment, and swearing by insulting one's condition. The causes of individuals getting verbal violence are lack of skills, experiencing defeat in games, poor communication, and network disturbances. Individuals also verbally abuse other individuals due to anger, bad playing players, game atmosphere, habits, and game strategies. The individual goals of verbal violence are expressing frustration, motivating players, self-satisfaction, game strategies, and player habits. The impact of verbal violence is the psychological impact such as hurt, fear, giving resistance, provoked anger, and retaliating. Non-psychological impacts such as stopping playing, reporting to game parties, disabling communication features, and motivating players. Efforts to minimize verbal violence in the legendary mobile game: bang bang, namely reminding each other, playing seriously, calming down, stopping playing, venting on other things, ignoring other players. The implication of this research is as a source of literacy regarding verbal violence that occurs in the mobile game legend: bang bang.

Pragmatic critical realism and Mixed methods in Inter-disciplinary Research—Management and Information systems

Mixed methods research traditionally follows one paradigm based on established typologies. However, this study deviates from conventional research paradigms by combining two paradigms in one study. Specifically, it employs a critical realist method to analyze data, complemented by a pragmatist approach. This combination allows for the exploration of various phenomena in multidisciplinary research, such as cyber risk management, which intersects with management and information systems. By delving into the causal mechanisms underlying observed social and organizational phenomena, the pragmatic critical realism (PCR) approach, in conjunction with mixed methods research (MMR), offers a valuable framework for understanding the study's findings. Importantly, PCR has not been widely discussed or adopted in a multidisciplinary context for examining mixed data and advancing theory using MMR. This approach can be applied to multidisciplinary research in different contexts, enabling a deeper understanding of research participants' perspectives, the observable events resulting from those perspectives, and their causal relationships. The study systematically reviews the literature on pragmatism and critical realism in the field of management and information system; compares and combines these two research paradigms to identify common ground and explore their potential for developing a new framework to address interdisciplinary research questions. As a result, a new multiparadigm conceptual model has been established that integrates pragmatism and critical realism, making an original contribution to the field of mixed methods research. The study suggests that academics and researchers in management and information systems should broaden their use of methodologies and embrace interdisciplinary thinking in order to advance theoretical debates within their discipline.

Increasing the EBITDA of private equity portfolio company through digital enablement

The study of the role of digital implementation in increasing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in portfolio companies of private equity funds is a topical issue for the development of strategies and competitiveness. Thus, the main purpose of the study was to determine how private equities increase EBITDA in the portfolio companies via digital enablement. For the purpose of understanding the role of digital enablement strategies in value creation, the critical realism research paradigm was identified as the best-fit philosophy. The critical realism approach was chosen because it advances research methodologies through the development of a qualitative theory of causality. A sample of 26 respondents was used with semi-structured interviews being conducted. The data analysis process involved the identification of 3 themes through thematic analysis. Three themes were identified, namely new digital capabilities to improve top-line growth, driven by the Head of Strategy/Head of Department, and transformative initiatives. The results from all three themes indicate that digital enablement is useful in improving private equity firm revenue and EBITDA levels through digital transformation, improved customer engagement, and identification of market opportunities towards digital data capabilities. The findings show that redefinition is critical to improving EBITDA, as it challenges the existing model and provides a forward-looking approach to strategy formulation. Digital enablement strategies are an unexplored area in the context of private equity firms. The strategies are momentous in improving revenue levels and competitiveness while accentuating the EBITDA rates by cost reduction. The results of this study will be of practical use to both businesses and other economic entities

An offensive realism approach to navigate the changing dynamics of summit-level dialogue between the AU and great powers

An offensive realism approach to navigate the changing dynamics of summit-level dialogue between the AU and great powers

Fragmented mass ornaments: academic image, aesthetics, and brand cohesion of commercially-partnered international branch campuses

ABSTRACT This study explores neo-liberal marketisation aspects of commercially-partnered international branch campuses (IBCs), focusing on perceptions of university brand image, aesthetics, and cohesion. Commercially-partnered campuses refer to transnational (TNE) universities that are entered into private equity or for-profit partnerships in a branch’s host country. The present study is focused on Anglo-Western universities with for-profit IBC partnerships located in the economic free zones in the United Arab Emirates. Often, publicly available information on these partnerships is obscured to emphasise the home campus brand. Thus, the research aims to provide insight into how IBC academics and student service workers perceive IBC branding and its relationship to academic image and, to a certain degree, academic practice. Data collection instruments include semi-structured interviews and participant reflective responses to social media platforms, which are examined theoretically using a critical realism approach. Through a critical thematic analysis of qualitative accounts, the findings suggest two significant emergent themes which influence participant experience on IBCs: (1) institutional fragmentation, (2) limited authenticity. The study identifies a need for more genuine branding to increase the perceptions of the academic legitimacy of IBCs.

Legal Protection of Health Workers Against Alleged Acts of Abortion that Have Been Committed: A Legal Realism Approach

Dewasa ini, para tenaga kesehatan yang membantu melakukan aborsi atas permintaan ibu/orang tua selalu didakwa dan dijatuhi hukuman berdasarkan KUHP, padahal tenaga kesehatan sifatnya adalah lex spesialis yang mana memiliki peraturannya sendiri. Kenyataanya, setiap orang termasuk tenaga Kesehatan yang membantu melakukan aborsi selalu dibawa ke jalur hukum untuk langsung diamankan.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perlindungan hukum tenaga kesehatan terhadap dugaan tindakan aborsi yang telah dilakukan: pendekatan realisme hukum.Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan yuridis normatif, Penelitian ini secara yuridis akan dikaji aspek normatif tentang perlindungan hukum pasien berdasarkan asas kepastian hukum dan peraturan perundang-undangan yang menitikberatkan pada konseptual approach, dan statute approach. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik analisis kualitatif.Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gerakan realisme hukum ini memberikan kesempatan kepada tenaga kesehatan sebagai terduga pelaku tindakan aborsi untuk tidak dilakukan penahanan sebelum terbukti bersalah. Sebab, belum tentu yang dilakukan karena persekongkolan dengan ibu/orang tua. Ada kewenangan dari organisasi profesi tenaga Kesehatan untuk meninjau kebenaran dari kasus ini. Polisi tidak boleh langsung menahan tenaga kesehatan karena hal itu akan mengganggu jalannya pelayanan kesehatan yang diberikan dan mencederai konsep realisme hukum. Upaya untuk tidak menahan tenaga kesehatan merupakan solusi perlindungan hukum tenaga kesehatan atas kasus dugaan tindakan aborsi agar tidak mencederai pelayanan kesehatan yang akan dilakukan oleh tenaga kesehatan tersebut.

Cultural Explanation of Space Geometry in Architecture with Critical Realism Approach

Cultural Explanation of Space Geometry in Architecture with Critical Realism Approach

Non-ideal Critical Realism Analysis on the Ethical Positions of Secular Doctors Towards Human Genome Editing

Human genome editing could be used to improve human intelligence, appearance, and physical strength. The ethical issues posed by the technology are causing public concern. Secularism views efforts to find moral truth do not depend on supernatural authority. The existence of a secular minority in Indonesia is considered an anomaly in public discourse and is left behind in the morally critical policy-making deliberations on genome editing regulations. The research explored Indonesian secular doctor’s view of human genome editing. This qualitative research used a non-ideal critical realism approach through in-depth interviews and literature review. Secular doctors say that human genomic editing has no different weight from other artificial selection. After conducting a risk-benefit analysis through moral calculus, secular doctors generally have positions and attitudes that support the research and implementation of human genomic editing technology.

On benefits of new legal realism for international tax scholarship

ABSTRACT Specialists in international tax law tend to adopt a legal positivism perspective. Although not without merit, legal positivism alone offers an incomplete understanding of international tax law for the purposes of legal theory, law-making and practice. In comparing new legal realism with legal positivism, this article will demonstrate how analytical frameworks that incorporate a new legal realism approach can enhance our understanding of international tax law and its concepts, by viewing it through the real-world lens. It will also outline some issues for future empirical analysis that could help to advance legal positivism theory and connect law-making and the practice of international tax law to the real world.

The magical realistic world of the virtual recreation

The aim of the study is to seek an answer to the question of whether the concept of virtual recreation can be considered in the context of the magical realism. The study prepared for this purpose has been carried out from a conceptual point of the view. The data required for the research have been obtained by reviewing the relevant literature. The reviewing process has been carried out in the context of the concepts of “virtual recreation” and “magical realism” and the study has been limited to these concepts. The data obtained as a result of the reviewing the literature have been analyzed conceptually. The analyzes have been made by first evaluating the concepts of virtual recreation and magical realism, and then comparatively examining the findings obtained from these evaluations. After the evaluations, it has been concluded that the magical realism approach is compatible with the structure of the virtual recreation and it is possible to evaluate the virtual recreation experience in the context of magical realism approach.

Implications of a critical realism approach to chemistry research and education.

Implications of a critical realism approach to chemistry research and education.

Why Did Southeast Asia’s Military Expenditure Increase During a Recession?

The world is in recession, Covid-19 and the Ukraine Crisis are two important events that have made the world economy worse. The World Bank predicts an increased risk of a global recession in 2023. A recession will impact many aspects of life, including the military. This is reasonable because efforts to overcome them are prioritized in the main sectors. Something is fascinating about Southeast Asia, namely that its military expenditure has increased. Why did Southeast Asia's military expenditure increase during a recession? This pattern of contradic- tion is not only important but also interesting to study. Using qualitative methods with data analysis techniques, and borrowing a structural realism approach, it is found that the in- creasing competition between the U.S.A. and China has triggered an increase in military ex- penditure in the region. At the same time conflicts and potential conflicts between countries in the Southeast Asian region, although not directly, are permanent causes. The recession does not seem to affect efficiency in military expenditure, this shows that tensions in Southeast Asia are a priority of countries in the region. These findings close a gap in previous studies which were relatively dominated by efforts to link military expenditure to economic growth using quantitative methods

Practical and social interaction justice of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

<span lang="EN-US">The implementation of learning in the current situation can be carried out using online learning as part of the methodology to answer the educational challenges caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of technology in the online learning process in previous research studies has made it a major and important factor for successful learning in this emergency situation. This study aimed to investigate a philosophical perspective using the critical realism paradigm regarding the role of technology in online learning practices based on e-learning systems and justice in social interaction in aspects of learning implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a qualitative method with a critical realism approach. The results indicated that several critical arguments exist to rebalance the role of technology back to its origin, which is not a major factor, but a factor that still requires support from personal factors, personal behavior, and teacher readiness in facing technological developments. The findings of the study can be used to implement technology-based online learning while keeping practical and social justice in mind for both students and teachers.</span>

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Towards Turkey During and After Arab Uprising: A Defensive Realism Approach

The Arab Uprisings in 2011 have led to redistribution of power in the Middle East. It has brought challenges and opportunities for regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. While Turkey has perceived the developments as an opportunity to increase its influence in the region, it has created threat perceptions for Saudi Arabia’s hegemony in the Middle East. Especially, due to Turkey’s rising influence in Egypt and Syria it has been perceived as a second rival, after Iran, by Riyadh. This article argues that due to Turkey’s rising power in Egypt and Syria, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Turkey has been shifting by supporting local actors in Egypt and Syria in order to maintain the status quo. The paper aims to analyze shifts in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Turkey during and post-Arab uprisings in the Middle East in the framework of defensive realism through the regional level of analysis.

Returning to work: a qualitative study of the experiences of head and neck cancer survivors.

UK head and neck cancer incidence and prevalence in working-age people are increasing. Work is important for individuals and society. Head and neck cancer survivors return to work less than other cancer survivors. Treatment affects physical and psychological functioning long-term. Evidence is limited, with no UK qualitative studies. A qualitative study was conducted, underpinned by a critical realism approach, involving semi-structured interviews with working head and neck cancer survivors. Interviews were conducted using the Microsoft Teams communication platform and interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Thirteen head and neck cancer survivors participated. Three themes were drawn from the data: changed meaning of work and identity, return-to-work experiences, and the impact of healthcare professionals on returning to work. Physical, speech and psychosocial changes affected workplace interactions, including stigmatising responses by work colleagues. Participants were challenged by returning to work. Work interactions and context influenced return-to-work success. Head and neck cancer survivors want return-to-work conversations within healthcare consultations, but perceived these as absent.

Complying with Idealistic and Realistic Approaches: The Challenge for UK Aid to the Global South in the Post-Brexit Era

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) gave rise to its associated batch of uncertainty about the direction of this country foreign policy. With this in mind, state and non-state actors attempt to predict the role and trend of UK aid deemed the main instrument of state diplomacy. In this vein, the body of work found in the literature addresses outstandingly the nature, mission, target, significance and size of UK aid to the global south in the post-Brexit era. This paper goes beyond this prediction and establishes that the challenge for the allocation of UK aid to the global south is to balance two approaches that defray the chronicle: one is to respond to poverty-related issues, this is to say idealism approach, and the other one relates to the UK economic and strategic interests, namely, the realism approach. The combination of these two approaches is continual, UK policymakers abiding by this trend. It is then a challenge for UK aid to the global south to concur with this reality. Keywords: Idealistic and realistic approaches, UK aid, global south, post-Brexit era. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/127-07 Publication date: December 31 st 2022

Transcending Linearity in Understanding Green Consumer Behaviour: A Social–Cognitive Framework for Behaviour Changes in an Emerging Economy Context

Awareness and understanding of green consumer behaviour (GCB) in emerging economies can increase consumer participation in green initiatives, leading to better product and behavioural choices and protecting scarce resources. Therefore, consumers should actively change their daily habits, lifestyle, and behaviour choices. A transdisciplinary critical realism approach can complement current knowledge on green consumer behaviour theories, which can layer behaviour change as a circular feedback process. Our approach could surpass linearity and rational decision-making—embracing the power of sustainable daily habits. We reviewed green consumer behaviour theories and identified the social cognitive theory (SCT) to support our approach. Hence, we employed an integrative review of applied SCT and green consumer behaviour. Findings suggest GCB as a reciprocal process with behaviour not only the outcome but an integral part of the process, as are personal and external determinants, existing in laminated layers of meaning that transcend the obvious. Finally, we propose a novel adapted framework that considers critical constructs that warrant investigation of an emerging economy context to identify consumers’ challenges that impede behavioural change. Recommendations include segmenting consumers through pro-environmental self-identity, consumer personalities, and daily habits, which can help target consumers with appropriate messages and interventions to encourage greener lifestyles.

Teaching a Lean masterclass in the metaverse

Purpose This paper reports exploratory findings about teaching in the metaverse using a virtual reality (VR) platform and head-mounted displays. This paper addresses three research questions: Is the metaverse an appropriate platform for teaching Lean? What are the benefits and problems of this approach over traditional classroom methods? What are the future implications for teaching Lean in the VR-enabled metaverse? Design/methodology/approach The research presented in this paper is exploratory. A critical realism approach is adopted using action research through the preparation, delivery and review of the first four masterclasses entitled Leading Intelligent Lean offered by Gemba (formerly The Leadership Network). The data collection methods included a pre-workshop questionnaire, participant observation, focus groups and end-of-course surveys. Findings It was found that Lean can be taught successfully in the metaverse. There are many related benefits, particularly in terms of the high levels of immersion and the “wow” factor. Remaining technological limitations are reduced by continually improving the metaverse platform and the course content and delivery. The authors conclude that the metaverse is a useful addition to teaching Lean – and is especially promising when used in a blended teaching approach. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of teaching Lean in a VR-enabled metaverse and one of the first of teaching and learning in the metaverse regardless of topic. The respective problems and benefits of this approach versus teaching in a traditional classroom setting are discussed.

AQI revisioned: a critical realism approach to transforming air pollution

PurposeThis paper aims to present the case for critical realism (CR) as a framework in steering the anticipatory and participatory activities an appropriate analysis of complex problems, aiming toward a transformative change.Design/methodology/approachThrough observation, interview and facilitation for Circular Design Lab and Thai Clean Air Network, this paper unpacks their foresight activities, their key findings and subsequently connects to the Morphogenesis analysis based on an alternative foresight epistemology of CR.FindingsForesight based on CR philosophy provides a deeper understanding of the complexity and invisibility of air pollution issues in Thailand. Acknowledging the transitive reality beyond this study’s perception, the activity design applies the iceberg models to investigate problem framing and illustrate the stratified reality in three domains: the empirical based on emission reports and legislative regulations; the actual based on patterns of farmers practice and industrial development, activated by causal mechanisms; the real based on structural and mental models, driven by cultural and belief systems in Thailand. At the bottom layer of the iceberg, the real lies the generative mechanisms of pre-existing structural and cultures that constrain Thai citizen from acting on social change.Research limitations/implicationsCR’s emancipatory theory provides an immanent critique towards social improvement by illustrating comprehensive causal explanations of complex problems such as air pollution; while morphogenesis theory elaborates on the unconscious domination of the existing social structures, agencies, and cultures. Thus, the ethical inquiry of CR research is committed to the emancipation of false beliefs and creating conditions for “human prosperity”. However, this non-neutral value commitment is debated in the futures studies field.Practical implicationsThe anticipatory activities on air pollution in Thailand bring to light the reality of power and oppression beyond human perception and illustrate the connection to the belief systems and its consequential action or lack thereof in dealing with the issues. The insight to power relationship provides an unconventional way to empower citizens in creating transformative change.Originality/valueModern foresight practice has developed under western cultures and societies. Recent efforts are made to investigate the epistemology underlying this field, for the future issues are ever more complex and interrelated across multiple sectors. This requires this study’s consideration of the meaning of knowledge and knowing, influencing the research paradigm. This paper proposes CR as a suitable foresight approach to emancipate this study from the widely accepted epistemologies and examine this study’s presupposition about social reality by a philosophical explanation based on the elements of ontology, causation, structure and persons.