Single Case Study Design Research Articles

The use of game-based learning to enhance student engagement in the acupuncture programme: South African students’ opinions

Student engagement plays an important role in promoting student success at higher education institutions. It is of profound significance to improve student engagement through the utilisation of effective pedagogical approaches, such as game-based learning. However, there is a lack of study in the South African context focusing on game-based learning at higher education institutions. This study aimed to explore students’ views and experiences on game-based learning at an identified university in South Africa. The constructivism learning theory was anchored in this study as a theoretical lens. In this study, the authors adopted a qualitative single case study design within an interpretivist paradigm. A purposive sampling technique was followed to recruit participants from a public university in South Africa since it is the only university that provides acupuncture programmes in this country. Six participants were recruited for this study. The authors utilised thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings of this study revealed that participants shared positive views and attitudes toward game-based learning. They believed that game-based learning significantly motivated them in the learning process. Furthermore, game-based learning also reduced their stress in learning compared to the learning in normal classrooms. They reported that game-based learning not only improved their engagement in learning but also enhanced their knowledge and skills. This study also highlighted that game-based learning should be well-planned to avoid demotivating students. It can be concluded that game-based learning is an effective approach to improve student engagement. Further studies should be conducted with diverse research approaches at different higher education institutions.

A short review based on the article entitled “Traditional Chinese medicine to improve rural health in South Africa: A case study for Gauteng”

<p align="justify">This article employed a qualitative single-case study design to explore the South African population’s views and experiences on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This study is of profound significance since there is a lack of research focusing on the African population’s views and experiences on TCM. Furthermore, this study was the first research exploring South African patients’ views on TCM in the South African context. The findings of this study revealed that TCM is suggested to be adopted in Africa to promote rural health.</p>

An organizational change perspective on the incorporation of parkour in a gymnastics federation

Over the last decades, sport federations have been confronted with new variants of sports, such as parkour. Parkour is considered a lifestyle sports which embraces a specific culture that often conflicts with the culture of federation-organized sport (Sterchele and Ferrero Camoletto 2017). Participation in lifestyle sports is increasing rapidly, which may pose a threat to the market position of federations regarding leisure sports (Gilchrist and Wheaton 2011). Despite the studies emphasizing the dichotomous relation between sport federations and lifestyle sports, our study explores why and how both can reconcile. In particular, our study examined how and why readiness for change was achieved in the gymnastic federation as well as in the parkour community for integrating parkour into the federation. Applying a single-case study design, drawing on Oakland and Tanner (2007) change framework, our study revealed several key mechanisms to develop a lifestyle sport in a federation context. Organizational learning proved to be an essential determinant to overcome the cultural differences. Furthermore, our results emphasized the importance of leveraging behavioural and technical leadership in the change process. This study enhances sport managers’ knowledge on how they should approach lifestyle sport communities, while delivering insights to lifestyle sport communities on the intentions of federations regarding their sport.

Values of Clinical Observational Learning in Work-Integrated Learning in Health Sciences Education: Students' Views and Experiences

Students' competency is a critical concern in health sciences education. Therefore, work-integrated learning has become an integral part of health sciences programmes at higher education institutions. This study explored students' views and experiences of clinical observational learning to promote work-integrated learning in the acupuncture programme at a South African university. The authors used the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model as a theoretical lens to guide this study, involving five participants who were purposively selected. A qualitative descriptive single case study design was employed within an interpretivist paradigm. Five participants were recruited for this study. The authors employed semi-structured interviews as the data collection instrument. The data were analysed using the six-step thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students agreed that clinical observational learning significantly improved clinical competency. They reported that clinical observational learning assisted them in memorising content knowledge and obtaining practical experience. Furthermore, participants highlighted that a lack of space, insufficient time, and incompetency of observed student practitioners negatively affected their learning experience. This study concluded that higher education institutions should employ clinical observational learning in the curriculum to assist in transitioning students from theoretical knowledge to clinical practice. It is recommended that further research must be conducted at national and international higher education institutions.

Pengembangan Soft Skill Peserta Didik melalui Perpustakaan Berbasis Inklusi Sosial (Studi di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 3 Jombang)

An inclusive school library encourages active and collaborative participation. This means encouraging the involvement of all students in library activities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential for developing students' soft skills through a library that focuses on social inclusion. Through this research, it is hoped that practical strategies and approaches can be found that can be applied in school library management to improve students' soft skills effectively. This study uses a qualitative approach with a single case study design. The participants in this study were 860 grade 7 students at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 3 Jombang in the odd semester of 2022/2023 and were grouped into 7 soft skill development trial groups. The results achieved in this study were success in honing seven types of soft skills (communication skills, collaboration skills, creativity and innovation, leadership, digital skills, time management skills, and problem solving skills) through various activities.

Establishing psychological safety in online design-thinking education: a qualitative study

Design thinking, an approach traditionally used to develop or improve products, services, or processes within design and engineering sectors, has emerged as a novel pedagogical approach. As design thinking becomes more widely established within education contexts, it is important to gain deeper insight as to how such learning environments operate. The aim of this study was to explore online design thinking through the lens of psychological safety. We used a qualitative single-case study design to investigate nine students’ experiences across a nine-week design-thinking project. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and reflective journal entries, and analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Our findings suggested that psychological safety is a valuable consideration in the design and implementation of online design-thinking learning environments. Facilitators of psychological safety included having collaborative environments, encouraging leadership, and a focus on team formation. Barriers to psychological safety included difficulties connecting, fear of speaking, and cultural considerations. Our findings also highlighted several outcomes of psychologically safe team climates, including creativity, collaboration, and the development of approaches to working with uncertainty.

Comprehensive emergency management of obstetric and newborn care program implementation at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: an evaluation study

BackgroundMaternal healthcare service is the care given for the woman during her gestation, delivery and postpartum period. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was remains high and a public health problem in Ethiopia. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries account two-thirds of the global total maternal deaths. To curb such high burden related with child births, comprehensive emergency obstetric care is designed as one of the strategies for maternal healthcare services. However, its implementation status was not well investigated. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric and new born care program in terms of Availability, compliance and acceptability dimensions at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA single case study design was employed from 01 to 30 April 2021. A total of 265 mothers who gave birth at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH) during the data collection period for acceptability, 13 key informant interviews (KIIs), 49 non-participatory observations (25 observations during C/S performance and 24 assisted spontaneous vaginal deliver) and 320 retrospective document review were conducted. Availability, compliance and acceptability dimensions were evaluated using 32 indicators. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with acceptability of the services. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were also used to identify associated variables with acceptability. The qualitative data were recorded using tape recorder, transcribed in Amharic and translated to English language. Thematic analysis was done to supplement the quantitative findings.ResultsThe overall implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) was 81.6%. Moreover, acceptability, availability and care provider’s compliance with the guideline accounted 81, 88.9 and 74.8%, respectively. There were stocked-out of some essential drugs, such as methyldopa, nifidipine, gentamycin and vitamin K injection. CEmONC training gaps, inadequate number of autoclaves, shortage of water supply and long-distance delivery ward to laboratory unit were also the barriers for the CEmONC service. Short waiting time of clients (AOR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.16, 4.90) and maternal educational level (AOR = 5.50, 95%CI: 1.95, 15.60) were positively associated with acceptability of CEmONC services.ConclusionThe implementation status of CEmONC program was good as per our judgment parameter. Compliance of healthcare providers with the guideline was fair and needed improvement. Essential emergency drugs, equipment and supplies were stocked-out. The University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was therefore had better to give great emphasis to expand maternity rooms/ units. The hospital had better to avail the resources and provide continuous capacity building for healthcare providers to enhance the program implementation.

Managing risk and information asymmetry in cross-sector networks: The case of the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion.

Technological hazards threaten public safety, and related risk cuts across jurisdictional boundaries, requiring a multiorganizational effort to mitigate. Yet, for those involved, ineffective risk recognition inhibits appropriate action. Using an embedded single-case study design, this article examines the 2013 West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion and the networks of organizations responsible for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response. Aspects of risk detection, communication, and interpretation and a series of self and collective mobilization efforts were analyzed. Findings demonstrate that information gaps between key actors, ie, information -asymmetry--particularly the company, regulators, and local -officials-hindered effective decision making. The case reveals the limitations of contemporary bureaucratic structures for the collective management of risk and the need for network governance that takes a more flexible and adaptive approach. The discussion section concludes with an outline of essential steps to improve the management of similar systems.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS- A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Electronic health records are a healthcare quality improvement strategy. Healthcare organizations in middle-income countries face significant challenges in adopting and implementing electronic health records. In Jordan, implementation challenges delayed achieving the objective of a national initiative titled Hakeem. The initiative’s objective was to implement the Hakeem electronic health record system in all healthcare sectors by 2020. Lack of clear implementation guidelines may have hindered some healthcare organizations’ efforts to adopt and use the system in Jordan. A successful pioneering implementer of the Hakeem system in Jordan is the King Hussein Cancer Center, which fully used it in all departments. This study used a single case study design to explore and codify the center’s strategies for system implementation. Data sources included a review of organizational documents related to the Hakeem system implementation at the center and individual interviews with six healthcare leaders involved in the implementation process. Thematic data analysis included manual analysis and verification using NVivo 12, QRS International software. The emerging themes included (1) phased approach and continuous planning, (2) stakeholders’ active involvement, (3) collaboration with the vendor, (4) training and continuous support, (5) managing resistance, and (6) recommendations for other organizations. The findings of this study may lay the foundation to lead healthcare organizations into successful implementation and effective use of electronic health records.

CEFR Informed Development of Digital Expository Text Resources for High School Students in Cirebon, Indonesia

Indonesia's English Proficiency Index (EPI) has declined significantly over the past 11 years, according to Education First's annual report. The country's latest ranking is 81st out of 111 countries, indicating poor English performance. One of the contributing factors is the conventional pedagogy that focuses mainly on grammar, while the disregard of various forms of English literature, such as expository texts, impedes students' writing ability. Developing digital learning resources that provide new insights is crucial. So in this study investigates the key creative processes employed in the development of digital expository text resources for high school students in Indonesia and how these processes inform the characteristics of the product prototype. The research design is a qualitative approach, specifically a single-case study design, with the author being the only participant. Data collection methods included document analysis, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the key creative processes involved in the development of digital expository text resources include lesson plan analysis, text analysis, and CEFR analysis, among others. These processes informed the characteristics of the product prototype, including its visual design, interactive features, and pedagogical strategies. The study suggests that the development of digital expository text resources should be informed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to align with the language proficiency levels of the target audience. This study provides valuable insights into the creative processes involved in the development of digital expository text resources and how these processes can inform the characteristics of the product prototype.

How boundary spanners wield influence by involving a third person: an exploratory study grounded in social control theory

PurposePower is one of the single most critical concepts for understanding industrial relations management. Yet, despite having been subject to much scholarly attention, existing research often implicitly assumes an organizational level of behavior or examines influence tactics within the confines of an individual-level dyad. This has led to a limited understanding of influence exercises involving a third person. Motivated to advance the understanding of this phenomenon, this study aims to explore how boundary spanners from a buying organization influence supplier representatives by involving a third person.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a longitudinal single case study design grounded in social control theory. Data consist of interviews, observations and documents collected over a period of 27 months in a global sourcing context.FindingsThe findings demonstrate how the influence agent from the buying organization can invoke a third person’s mediated and nonmediated social power base through either direct or indirect social control mechanisms. With these findings, this paper makes a novel theoretical contribution by developing a deeper understanding of underexposed social influence tactics unfolding in individual-level triads.Practical implicationsThis study offers boundary spanning managers with practical insights into subtle and indirect forms of social influence with which they can influence external exchange partners.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to draw on social control theory to examine interpersonal influence tactics in buyer-supplier relationships. By integrating this theoretical perspective with extant research on social power, this study emphasizes the importance of considering how the influence agent mobilizes a third person’s social influence base.

Framing biases and language choices: how the Japanese media broadcast foreign aid policy for Africa

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how the Japanese media conveyed the country’s foreign aid policy and analyse how framing biases in the news differ depending on which language (either Japanese or English) was used in the broadcasts.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative single case-study design and conducts a content analysis. The study uses news videos about the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development aired on YouTube by the Japanese media using Japanese and English.FindingsThe findings reveal subtle but notable differences in the patterns of the framing biases in the Japanese media’s news aired in Japanese intended for the domestic audience, and in the news on the same topic broadcast in English to the international audience.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the study is the rather small data set used for the single case study of one event.Social implicationsFraming biases could lead the general public in a monolingual society to a more skewed view of their government’s policy and its activities abroad. This could be an obstacle to developing a common ground for global issues and cross-border policy agendas.Originality/valueThe study explores an under-researched function of language in international affairs. It highlights how the mass media in a non-English-speaking country uses a dual approach to framing news while addressing different audiences. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the context that this paper deals with is novel because there are limited studies on the nexus between the influence of language choices and media logic in the field of international business.

Characterizing the implementation of performance management interventions in a primary health care system. A case study of the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative in El Salvador.

Performance management (PM) reforms have been introduced in health systems worldwide to improve accountability, transparency, and learning. However, gaps in evidence exist regarding the ways in which PM contributes to organizational-level outcomes. Between 2015 and 2017, the government of El Salvador and the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative (SMI) introduced team-based PM interventions in the country's primary health care (PHC) system including target setting, performance measurement, provision of feedback, and in-kind incentives. The program's evaluation showed widespread improvements in performance for community outreach and service timeliness, quality, and utilization. The current study characterizes how the implementation of team-based PM interventions by SMI implementers contributed to PHC system performance improvements. We used a descriptive, single-case study design informed by a program theory (PT). Data sources included qualitative in-depth interviews and SMI program documents. We interviewed the members of four PHC teams (n=13), ministry of health (MOH) decision makers (n=8), and SMI officials (n=6). Coded data were summarized, and thematic analysis was employed to identify broader categories and patterns. The outcomes chain in the PT was refined based on empirical findings that revealed the convergence of two processes: 1) increased social interactions and relationships among implementers that enhanced communication and created opportunities for social learning; and 2) cyclical performance monitoring that generated novel flows of information. These processes contributed to emergent outcomes including the uptake of performance information, altruistic behaviors in service delivery, and organizational learning. Through time, the cyclical nature of PM appears to have led to the spread of these behaviors beyond the teams studied here thus contributing to system-wide effects. Findings illustrate the social nature of implementation processes and describe plausible pathways through which lower-order implementation program effects can contribute to higher-order changes in system performance.

Assessing Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL) as an Innovative Teaching and Learning Approach.: A Case Application in Albania

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to assess the implementation of a Virtual Collaborative Learning model (VCL) applied at a university level course/module with students of the bachelor cycle in a HEI in Albania. Study design/methodology/approach: A single descriptive case study design has been used. At the end of the pilot VCL-based course activity deployment, an open-ended survey was conducted, and the response transcripts were analysed and elaborated. Course instructor and E-tutor first-hand observation has been also utilized. Findings: Data obtained from the survey shows that the implementation of the VCL model alongside its challenges, is generally well-acknowledged and considered a positive experience. The majority of respondents, 93% of the students who participated in the survey highly recommend VCL as a new approach in learning. Communication issues are noticed particularly at first when students are trying to get accustomed to this model. Originality/value: The expected novelty of this pilot project was the development of the teaching and learning processes through alternative innovative approaches such as through virtual collaborative learning.

Action research in initial EFL teacher education: emerging insights from a CAR project

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore what insights pre-service EFL teachers developed through engaging in a collaborative action research (CAR) project which was embedded into an e-practicum course in Turkey. Using a qualitative holistic single-case study design, this study involved seven fourth-year pre-service teachers at a state university in the west of Turkey during the 2020–2021 academic year. After the CAR project was completed, we asked the pre-service teachers to write their reflections on the CAR experience and then we conducted follow-up interviews to elaborate on the points that needed further exploration. We first identified the in vivo codes in the data set and then discussed the deeper meanings they evoked and their interrelationship. The findings revealed that the pre-service teachers’ engagement in CAR enabled them to gain new perspectives on research, their teacher selves, and teacher professional development. Sustained dialogic interaction, collective scaffolding, more symmetrical power relations, a shared goal and ownership of research within the CAR community were the key elements highlighting the pre-service teachers’ new insights into these concepts. Practical implications of these findings for initial EFL teacher education are also discussed.

Benefits and Barriers of Digital Procurement: Lessons from an Airport Company

Implementing a well-integrated procurement system and applying uniform practices to achieve the strategic goals of any company is a complex phenomenon. Navigating the digital procurement systems in achieving supply-chain resilience remains a predicament. Framed within the technology acceptance model (TAM), which is a key model in understanding the predictors of human behaviour toward the potential acceptance or rejection of the technology. This study explored the benefits and barriers of digital procurement at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). A qualitative approach in a form of a single holistic case study design was adopted. The sample involved 18 employees and individuals who were supply chain management (SCM), information technology (IT), and programme management office (PMO) professionals. Semi-structured interviews conducted focused on those with extensive experience on procurement, digital technologies, procurement automation or the implementation of transformation programmes. Digital procurement is a value-adding function at ACSA with the possibilities of providing cost reduction in the supply chain. However, the participants highlighted job losses, cyber security, lack of interoperability, lack of skills and system downtimes as obstacles affecting the adoption of digital procurement and as organizational barriers. The infusion of digital technologies into various aspects of organisational processes and outcomes remains a complex, dynamic, fluid, and volatile phenomenon. A framework highlighting critical focus areas when it comes to the adoption of digital procurement of digitalization is presented.

The Impact of a Virtual Environment for Intergenerational Learning

Few intergenerational programs have focused on virtual learning. This paper explores the impact that a virtual intergenerational learning program had on primary school students and older adults at a residential aged care home. This study reports on the findings from a single case study design involving interactions across two sites, consisting of primary school students (n = 41), teachers (n = 2), a principal (n = 1), plus elders (n = 9) and staff (n = 4) from an aged care home. Questionnaires were completed by all participants, except for the school principal. Observations of the program interactions were captured via video ethnography. Data were also evaluated from semi-structured interviews of students (n = 16), parents (n = 2), teachers (n = 2), a principal (n = 1), elders (n = 9) and staff (n = 5) from the aged care home. The findings reveal that intergenerational programs must pay close consideration to the planned activities, participant characteristics, learning environment, equipment, and facilitator interactions and skills, particularly in a virtual space. In addition, this study finds continued evidence for the success of virtual intergenerational practice programs to reduce social isolation and exclusion, especially when we practice social distancing.

Blame Gabriel: Acute Grief Following Death Of a Loved One a Study 0f Self Empowerment Therapy

Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Self Empowerment Therapy in the treatment of acute grief following the death of a loved one. Design Study is a single case study and questionnaire administration design. Method A 26 year old patient diagnosed with acute grief following the death of her partner of 10 years was seen for therapy for 1.50 hours per week for 18 months. Intervention consisted of Self Empowerment Therapy within the framework of the universal psychotherapy modality, using rapport as a barometer to test the effectiveness of interpretations. Results Following the death of a loved one, utilizing a structured approach in establishing and maintaining a satisfactory level of functioning in the life domains of health, family, relationships, profession, education, finances and self, yielded significant outcomes in the treatment of acute grief. This study demonstrates that following the death of a loved one, to establish and maintain an integrated self, a person needs to reduce the discrepancies between actual, ought and ideal selves, whilst at the same time reducing their undesirable behaviors and tendencies. Conclusions Confronting the death of a loved one is one of the most traumatic experiences in life and brings us face to face with our own mortality. Maintaining an integrated self is challenging as the death of a loved one forces the person left behind to redefine their sense of self. An integrated self is achieved by reducing discrepancies between actual - ought self and actual - ideal self, whilst at simultaneously reducing congruency between actual - undesirable self life domains. Self Empowerment Therapy provides a structured approach in managing acute grief following the death of a loved one. This study provides high efficacy for Self Empowerment Therapy in treating acute grief but requires further investigation

Mothers' Involvement in Pediatric Postoperative Pain Care in a Tertiary Healthcare Setting in Saudi Arabia.

Background Many children feel moderate to intense pain in the hospital following surgery. Untreated pain can have deleterious physical and psychological effects. Mothers' involvementin child pain care and management postoperatively has been shown to be important in improving the outcomes and experiences of children, mothers, and health professionals. Aims To explore mothers' involvement in postoperative pain care and management of their children during hospitalizationand following discharge and identify approaches to improve management and participation activities. Methods We used a qualitative single case study design with thematic analysis. The analysis included 20 mother-child dyads and 21 nurses, involving observation of participants and semi-structured interviews of mothers and nurses. The analysis also incorporated a review of documents from the pediatric surgical department (hospital policies and forms). Findings The following main themes and sub-themes were generated from the data: (i) provision ofpain information (expected type, frequency, and duration of pain after surgery, pain intensity score, pain relief medication, and pain management methods), (ii) communication deficiency (language barrier and breakdown in communication between health professionals), (iii) emotional and physical support (family support, environmental comfort, and sleep and meal requirements), (iv) social and cultural influences (patriarchal society, cultural and religious beliefs, and work status), and (v) hospital facilities, provisions, and services (entertainment, follow-up programs, education courses on pain management for nurses, and materials and services). Conclusions The study examined mothers' participation in postoperative pain care and management in a cohort of children admitted to a tertiary care setting in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key factors that influence involvementand suggesting approaches for improving participation.

Reducing air travel emissions in academia: an exploration of universities’ manoeuvring room

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the manoeuvring room of higher education institutions to take action to reduce emissions from academic flying. In particular, this study investigates how university staff and central actors in university management evaluate potential measures in this area.Design/methodology/approachThe authors applied a single case study design encompassing an online survey directed at staff (N = 338) and 11 semi-structured interviews with key actors from management at an Austrian university. The authors used descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis to examine the data.FindingsThis study found considerable support among university staff in principle for implementing measures to reduce academic flying, but also serious concerns about the fairness and viability of some restrictive measures, especially disincentives and caps on flying. However, bans on short-haul flights were largely supported. Actors from university management saw their manoeuvring room limited by the potential resistance and non-compliance of staff, as well as by framework conditions external to the university.Practical implicationsDedicated leadership is needed to facilitate broad commitment within the university and to avoid shifting the responsibility between different governance levels. Restrictive measures to reduce academic air travel will be more readily accepted if perceived as fair and viable.Originality/valueAlthough several papers have addressed the behavioural and institutional factors that sustain extensive flying in academia, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first contributions to investigate the potentials and challenges of introducing measures to reduce air travel in higher education institutions.