Single Case Method Research Articles

Loop Structure Programming in C based on the UbD Model

This paper discusses applying the UbD (Understanding by Design) based model in teaching C language cyclic structure program design. Aiming at the problems existing in the traditional teaching of C language, such as emphasizing theory over practice, single case, and single teaching method, the UbD model, through the concept of reverse instructional design, first determines the expected learning outcomes, and then designs the assessment evidence and specific teaching activities. The article describes in detail the three stages in the instructional design of the cyclic structure of C language using the UbD model: determining the expected outcomes, identifying suitable assessment evidence, and designing learning experiences and teaching activities. Teaching practice shows that instructional design utilizing the UbD model has significant advantages in enhancing students' interest in learning, strengthening classroom interaction, and promoting deep learning.

Exploring Clause Complexity: A Detailed Analysis Within a Specific Text

This study investigates the role of clause complexity in students' academic writing, focusing on the application of Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) symbols to create persuasive and coherent discourse. Employing a qualitative single-case method, the analysis examines a specific text on the dangers of smoking produced by students. The findings showcase the students' effective use of varied clause types and relationships, as well as their ability to present a systematic and logical flow of ideas supported by factual evidence. The results emphasize the importance of mastering multiple elements, such as utilizing diverse clause types and maintaining a strategic narrative flow, for successful academic writing. These insights can serve as valuable information for educators and academic writers alike, offering a deeper understanding of the implications of clause complexity and its role in fostering effective communication in academic writing.

Re-Building of Sexual Intimacy in the Spouse of a Man Who has Become Motor Disabled

Changes in sexuality and sexual intimacy in the couple of a man who has become motorically disabled can present a major challenge for his able-bodied partner, who does not remain passive in the face of her man’s motor and sexual difficulties. This study analyzes the sexual experience of a woman whose partner became paraplegic following a road accident. Using the single-case method, the study attempts to understand how this spouse subjectively and objectively works to reconstruct the couple’s sexual intimacy after such an event. Semi-directive interviews, structured around the life story, were conducted with this single participant. Transcribed and then analyzed using thematic data analysis, they show that the couple’s sexual intimacy was gradually rebuilt around two main drivers: coitus made possible by a gradually manifested virility, and a benevolent attitude on the part of the partner with sentimental and erotic overtones of complicity, kindness, flirtation, seduction, and respect for the now disabled partner, but imagined as strong, robust, and able-bodied. Attitudes that are an integral part of human relationships, but which tend to disappear when trauma strikes. So much so that his work takes up all the psychic space. This highlights the need to set up support programs for the spouses of disabled people.

A Comparative Study of Printed Fabric Product Lines and Design Concepts of Texstyle Ghana Limited

Purpose: This research investigates TexStyle Ghana Limited’s printed fabric design concepts over three decades, focusing on cultural heritage and consumer preferences, aiming to understand trends and patterns.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs qualitative data analysis as the primary approach to investigate design concepts. The research method adopted for this study is a single-case method. The data is collected from TexStyle Ghana Limited (TSGL), a prominent textile printing company in Ghana, with a specific focus on their product lines and historical design trends. The data is analysed based on patterns, and themes within textual or visual data.
 Findings: TexStyle Ghana Limited (TSGL) offers four unique brands of printed fabrics catering to diverse consumer segments. Their design concepts reflect cultural motifs, traditional heritage, and bold African textile utilisation. TSGL's product lines, such as the Adepa Dumas and NuStyle collections, target specific demographics with distinctive design elements.
 Research Limitation/Implications: The study's limitation includes focusing on TSGL, although there are other printing companies in Ghana. However, the findings or implications could apply to other textile printing companies.
 Practical Implication: The research highlights the significance of considering customer preferences and cultural heritage in textile design for Ghanaian companies. These include traditional motifs, vibrant colours, and cultural symbolism that enhances competitiveness and customer satisfaction.
 Social Implication: Preserving Ghanaian cultural heritage through printed fabrics promotes representation, inclusivity, and global promotion of African art and fashion while catering to diverse consumer segments.
 Originality/Value: This industry-specific lens allows for targeted insights into the unique challenges and innovations in textile printing, contributing to a more granular understanding of Ghana's fashion landscape.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Treatment on Maladaptive Personality Traits and Mentalized Affectivity of Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder Comorbid With Depression: A Case Study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic treatment on maladaptive personality traits and mentalized affectivity of patients with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a single case method. The statistical population included people with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression who were referred to counseling centers in Isfahan City, Iran in 2020. From this population, 5 people were selected via purposive sampling and they were intervened with transdiagnostic treatment through weekly sessions held individually. The subjects were assessed at the baseline, third, fifth, eighth, and tenth sessions, and during a 1-month follow-up period using the short version of the adult version of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, personality questionnaire, and the mentalized affectivity scale. To report the data, we used visual analysis, reliable change index, improvement percentage, and statistical and clinical significance. Results: The visual analysis, percentage of improvement, and reliable change index (RCI≥1/96), showed that transdiagnostic treatment created statistically significant changes and improvement in mentalized affectivity components, negative affectivity, and detachment; however, it did not have a significant effect on other personality traits (antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism). Conclusion: Transdiagnostic treatment is an effective treatment to modulate the mentalized affectivity, negative affectivity, and detachment of people with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression.

Improving Student Classroom Teachers’ Content Organization Skills Through Practicum

The process of learning and teaching involves the organization of the interaction among teachers, students, and content. The focus of this study was to enable the student teachers’ experience of deliberate practice to improve their organization of specific content and develop practice skills in classroom environments. This study, which adopted a holistic single-case method, examined fourth-year student classroom teachers’ content organization skills in a teaching practicum course. The study was conducted with 11 fourth-year student teachers, who were attending a teaching practicum course, and data were collected through an open-ended test, a semi-structured interview form, and lesson plans. The student teachers were provided with four weeks of training on the components of concepts and generalizations, and with information selecting-organizing-integrating (SOI) techniques. The participants were asked to prepare lesson plans and implement them in the classroom environment. Over six weeks, the researchers provided the participants with feedback and corrections for the lesson plans they prepared. The findings showed that the participants could not reflect the SOI techniques and the components of the concept and generalization in the lesson plans they prepared at the desired level. When the findings from this study were evaluated, we can state that organizing the content in lesson plans and the application of it is indeed a challenging process for student teachers. To efficiently carry out the said task, they need effective and well-structured support from teacher educators.

LOAFING: A CASE OF EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE ISSUE

Employees are expected to be at work on time and perform their tasks to be productive. Otherwise, it is a performance issue, unauthorized absenteeism, or loafing. It is not only prevalent in private entities but also in government agencies. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Philippine context is a government agency that discouraged loafing during work hours and limits the use of official time for non-related government tasks. The study utilized an observational research technique using a single case method where the participant was closely observed in the most natural settings in the workplace. The study investigates the performance of the employee and shows solutions to how the management addressed the issue. This case study presents an instance wherein an employee was reported by his co-employee (an informant) who committed loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during office hours. Three alternative solutions are offered. First, refer the case to the Human Resource Management Officer who is a trained adjudicator, mediator, and conciliator. Second, determine the root cause of the problem and suggest an alternative course of action; and third, instead of imposing a harsh penalty of suspension or dismissal as the case may be, it would be appropriate for the management to subject the problem employee to an intervention program. There is a need to act with compassion and justice to ensure no repetitive action that may happen in the future.

ENHANCING INDONESIAN SCIENCE TEACHER PERSPECTIVE OF AND BELIEF IN STEM THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A perspective on STEM education drives the teachers' conceptual for developing a design material in STEM approach. Lack of understanding of STEM education is becoming a challenge to implement STEM approaches in the classroom for the teacher. The purpose of this study was to describe the science teachers' perspective on STEM educational approach after following the professional development in STEM education, which was conducted including in the theoretical of STEM education and implementation in the classroom. This study used a single case method that focused on changing a teacher's attitude on STEM education. The professional development was conducted in a relationship program with the Fulbright specialist in 20 hours for training in STEM education. The result described the interview process between the researcher and the teachers that there was a shift a teachers' perspective more integrated into STEM education. They believe that STEM education can be implemented in Indonesia to address the real-world problems which students experience.

Managing the supply chain during disruptions: Developing a framework for decision-making

Business-to-business firms have traditionally encountered disruptions, but the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic was extraordinary as it interrupted global supply chains by causing unprecedented shocks to supply and demand. Firms experienced extraordinary pressure and struggled to minimize the immediate and long-term impact of supply chains disruptions. Applying chaos theory, this study employs a single-case method to understand the disruptions to the business-to-business oil and gas supply chain. We make three major contributions. First, we examine firm decision-making during significant disruptions. Second, we use chaos theory to better understand the decision-making process. Finally, we develop a framework to explicate the decision-making process and provide guidelines for decision-making during disruptions. Our findings provide theoretical insights and have important implications for practitioners addressing supply chain disruptions during crises.

Database and Application Migration in the Financial Services Industry Sector in the Acquisition Environment and Environmental Science

Financial Services Industry (FSI) is a sector with day-to-day business transaction operation dealing with numbers of classified information owned by its customers. It can be managed by the private sector or other institutions pointed by the government, either it is a bank or an insurance company. Aiming to improve services, acquisitions between companies can occur. There will be a migration of applications and databases in the acquisition process. This process will present certain constraints and challenges and prone to data fraud. Improper handling will also have a negative impact on the environment, especially e-waste generation of IT components from financial sector due to company’s acquisition case. So, study on database and application migration is important to be conducted. This research aims to identify constraints and challenge factors behind application and database migration in the FSI during a company acquisition. It uses a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach that examines as much data as possible regarding the subject under study. The case studies use a single-case method, considering that the cases studied are unique and essential. The migration methodology used in this study combines application migration and databases from previous research journals and is added to the processes that occur in the field. Two factors become obstacles and challenges in the migration process, namely technology and non-technological factors. Database migration strategy uses a big-bang strategy based on joint decisions between the business and IT teams. The organizational challenge is the approval process for the transfer of membership management and data conditions that require validation and confirmation before migration. This research suggests using a mature migration strategy to anticipate technical and organizational constraints applying clear and scheduled policies and regulations.

The ‘Silent Guardians’ in the Fight against Corruption: The Case of North Macedonia

Impartial public administration is a key gatekeeper against corruptive practices and the necessary condition for the process of democratisation. Yet, in the case of North Macedonia, there is an ongoing challenge in addressing the problem of politicisation of public administration. On one hand, the ombudsman holds the normative position to safeguard citizens in front of state administration bodies, to act upon the impartiality biases or other deviances of norms, and to annually report to the National Parliament. On the other hand, the parliament should be able to hold executives and institutions accountable for their actions and to act upon the ombudsman’s recommendations. However, there is a limited understanding of the role that these two institutions can play in an effective fight against corruption as part of the democratisation processes. The purpose of the article is to examine the institutional gaps where the opportunities for corruption and social traps are encouraged. Based on theoretical, empirical as well as comparative observations, within single case method analysis, this article aims to examine the compliance of the theoretical fingerprints with the actual practice and provide a different angle on the institutional opportunities for social traps, in the context of unconsolidated democracies. The findings show that there is a causality between the institutional ‘silent guardian’ of the citizens and the prevalence of corruption. It also encourages further discussion on the factors that undermine the positions of the ombudsman and the parliament to take active engagement in rooting out the corruption from societies.

COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF OIL RESOURCE OWNERSHIP AND CLIMATE CHANGE DYNAMICS IN THE NIGER DELTA

The objective of this paper was to investigate and document perception of locals on oil wealth ownership and artisanal refining and their implications on climate change. In addition, the paper explored the local understanding of climate change and willingness for mitigation and adaption in relation to ownership differences between communities and the state. Relying on a single case method triangulated with secondary sources, the research focused on Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, through direct observation and surveys. This was analysed with the aid of simple percentage and the Nvivo qualitative method of data analysis. The findings showed that community perception of resource ownership undermines climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts

Actualités de la méthode de l’étude de cas. Proposition d’une méthodologie hypothético-processuelle et traductive pour les recherches référées à la psychanalyse

ObjectiveThe single case method – after a period of expansion beyond the field of medicine into clinical psychology and into psychoanalysis – has been the subject of much criticism. We wish to show its relevance and its specificity in transmission and research on psychoanalysis. MethodAfter a history of the use of the case study method and the presentation of the main criticisms and limitations, we will highlight the specific access to the knowledge it permits, in particular through psychoanalytical derivation in research on the concept of translation. ResultsThe case method in research mobilizes the tension between the position of researcher and the position of clinician. It underlines the persistence of a gap between theory and practice while opening up an understanding of the hypercomplexity of psychological functioning. In addition to interpretation, this method requires intuition, guessing, and translation as a way of accessing psychological processes. It is an essential tool for the teaching of the clinical work, especially at the university level. DiscussionIn the clinical domain, the case method comes with certain particularities, especially when it refers to psychoanalysis. It illustrates what we call hypothetico-processual and translational research methods. These methods are derived from psychoanalysis as a specific process of research and knowledge production. Like the case study, these research methods are clinical methods in which observation is central but does not summarize all the processes of access to psychological functioning. Beyond the interpretation already used in hypothetico-deductive methods, intuition and guessing (whose use is more secondary), as well as an epistemological use of translation (here not limited to its linguistic definition) constitute its essential axes. The procedural approach at the very heart of research in alternating translation, “detranslation”, and “retranslation”, as well as the maintenance of a theoretico-practical gap, particularly in the formulation of hypotheses and the analysis of results, complete the main characteristics of these hypothetico-processual and translating research methods. ConclusionThe case study is both a teaching tool and a research method which, while criticized, retains its relevance. It has its place in the wider field of hypothetico-processual and translational methods. These are derived from psychoanalysis but open to exchanges with other disciplines, such as the epistemology of sciences and sociology, in order to promote modalities of access to knowledge and research other than those derived from the so-called hard sciences.

Méthode de recherche hypothétique et processuelle

The current multiplicity of research methods in the field of clinical psychoanalysis runs the risk of advocating the superposition of models by abolishing antagonisms to better accentuate complementarities, sometimes giving the illusion of a methodological profusion expanding the field of possibilities. GoalThis article proposes to return to the epistemological foundations of these models, which invariably questions the adequacy of the selected scientific criteria. It aims to get rid of a syncretic drawdown that would otherwise contribute to the impoverishment of this structuring heterogeneity. The methodological principles derived from the experimental model are now becoming established in the field of human and social sciences. Far from challenging this model, this article nevertheless aims to question this hegemonic risk, or at least an increasing and imperative homogenization linked to the standardization of scientific publication, by examining the passageways that would allow a fruitful dialogue at the borders of psychoanalysis. MethodThe article questions the epistemological foundations, first, of two methodologies regularly encountered in the clinical field — the single case method and the hypothetical-deductive method — and then, of models historically derived from anthropology and sociology — grounded theory model and extended translation model. The latter share with our approach the concern for the defense and enhancement of qualitative research. ResultsThe tension between these different models is used to identify the contributions and limits likely to shed light on the specific epistemological issues, the choices of methodological operationalization, and the choices of exposure of clinical research results related to psychoanalysis. The article encourages psychoanalysts to find opportunities to structure their work around the maintenance of a homomorphism between psychoanalytic and research processes. These considerations lead us to focus attention on the conditions required to inscribe processuality and the maintenance of a theoretical-clinical gap at the heart of the clinical research method. In this way, the paper lays the foundations for a modeling of a hypothetical and process-oriented research method. This method is based on taking the complex and necessarily asymptotic apprehension of the unconscious into account. From this perspective, the writing phase has a dual function: on the one hand, it doubles the effects of processuality and of the “après-coup” of research; on the other hand, the choice of methodological exposure of the results must propose common conditions for debate within a controversial field. ConclusionThis article proposes a first step in the formalization of a “hypothetical and processual research method.” This method is likely to offer a narrative that integrates both the constraints related to the dynamics of the singular production of knowledge in psychoanalysis's clinical field and the constraints promoting a broader scientific debate.

The alignment of organizational structure and R&D management in internationalized public company

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the organizational structure and R&D management alignment in an internationalized public company. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a descriptive qualitative research using the single case method of EMBRAPA. Findings The results indicated that EMBRAPA organizational structure provides a structural framework for R&D management, promoting knowledge and infrastructure sharing. The internationalization, especially through LABEX, allows researchers to interact with research centers of excellence abroad. This makes strategic planning (Sistema de Inteligência Estratégico da EMBRAPA – Agropensa, portfolios and project arrangements) results in R&D projects, through macro programs, generating innovations for Brazilian agriculture. Research limitations/implications It should be noted that this study presents some limitations, among them, the fact that only one company is being analyzed. Practical implications Therefore, EMBRAPA’s organizational structure provides a structural framework for R&D management, promoting knowledge sharing and infrastructure. This makes the strategic planning (Agropensa, portfolios and arrangements) to result in R&D projects, via macro programs, generating innovations for the Brazilian agriculture. On the contributions to the advancement of knowledge with regard to the professional management of public research institutes, it is worth synthesizing, therefore, the following practical evidence in the field and that they were key to the successful management of R&D activities in EMBRAPA. Originality/value The choice of this company is due to its importance for the Brazilian agricultural development, to the innovations generated for the modernization of agriculture and due to it being a public, internationalized R&D company, and with a trajectory of four decades of existence.

Psychiatric Social Work Interventions in Schizophrenia: A Case Report

Background: The chronic mental illnesses constitute substantial difficulties to person affected and the family. The difficulties could arouse due to the symptoms, functional disability, and stigma attached with the mental illness. Method: Using a single case method, we qualitatively evaluated the effectiveness of psychiatric social work interventions in a case of person with chronic schizophrenia. The interventions were psychoeducation, social skill training, activity scheduling, supportive work and family interventions. Result and Conclusion: In the qualitative assessment, we have found that these interventions were helpful in improving functional status and family environment. Keywords: Psychiatric social work, schizophrenia, case work

Quantitative Data Analysis for Single-Case Methods, Between-Groups Designs, and Instrument Development

We are pleased to bring you this special issue ofBrain Impairmenton quantitative data analysis, an area of increasing complexity and sophistication. In planning the special issue, our intention was to bring together a set of articles covering diverse and topical areas in the field, with the idea of having the volume serve as a ‘go-to’ resource. The special issue is aimed at researchers, clinicians engaged in research, and advanced students all of whom may have passing familiarity with a particular data analytic technique, but wish to know more about it and how to apply it. Accordingly, our aim is to equip the reader with concrete, hands-on information that can be applied in the day-to-day world of research. The authors of the articles comprising the special issue, each of whom is an expert in his/her field, were charged with the task of writing a practical guide and providing worked examples to illustrate the application of their selected technique/s. The papers in the special issue cover three domains: the single-case method, between-groups design, and psychometric aspects of instrument development.

Inter-industry Knowledge as a Source of Business Model Innovation -- A Case Study on 7 Days Inn

Based on upper echelons theory and knowledge spillover theory, this paper adopts single-case method to study how inter-industry knowledge fosters business model innovation during entrepreneurship. The result shows that entrepreneurs from other industries can transfer their prior knowledge to new industry, thus breaking existing industry rules and designing a novel business model. In theory, this research puts forward a new perspective to explain the formation of business model. In practice, this study provides useful guidelines to entrepreneurs, investors and managers.

Dissociating oral motor capabilities: Evidence from patients with movement disorders

Abnormal articulation rate is a frequent symptom in neurogenic speech disorders. Performance rates in speech-like or nonspeech tasks involving the vocal motor apparatus are commonly accepted predictors of speech motor function in general and of articulation rate in particular. However, theoretical arguments and behavioral observations in populations with disordered speech indicate that different oral motor behaviors may be governed by distinct mechanisms. The objective of the present study was to expand our knowledge of the relationship between speech movements, on the one hand, and speech-like and nonspeech oral motor behaviors, on the other, by using a rate paradigm. 130 patients with neurological movement disorders of different origins and 130 neurologically healthy subjects participated in the study. Rate data was collected in a speech task (oral reading/repetition), in speech-like tasks (rapid syllable repetitions), and in nonspeech tasks (rapid single articulator movements of the tongue/lips). The main analyses involved a multiple single-case method, by which we tested for differences among each patient's performance rates on the three task types. The results disclosed statistically significant (classical and strong) dissociations between movement rates obtained from the speech task and those obtained from speech-like and nonspeech oral motor tasks in a number of patients. The findings can be interpreted as reflecting major differences in task demands and underlying control mechanisms. The validity of diagnostic indices for speech obtained from speech-like or nonspeech tasks must thus be called into question.

Does Delivery Format Make a Difference in Learning About Global and Cultural Understanding?

ABSTRACTThis study assessed a learning outcome for nontraditional seniors who were in accelerated degree programs in both online and on-site formats. Using items from the National Survey of Student Engagement, researchers explored engagement with global understanding and cultural awareness. A quantitative, single-case analysis method was used to determine significance with the items. Results indicated 50% of the items were significant, and for all of the significant items, means were higher for the on-site senior group. Implications are explored, including pedagogical ideas for online programs in teaching global and cultural themes.