Single Case Study Methodology Research Articles

Educator capacity for online global collaborative learning: developing a framework

ABSTRACT Despite recent moves to online learning, online global collaborative learning does not seem to have been taken up as a daily practice by most educators in the K–12 context. Yet it is evident that early adopters are seeing the benefits of such practice, not only for students but for their own professional learning. The research described here uses single case-study methodology to investigate a small group of educators, located in a range of countries and with varied teaching experiences, who have identified the potential of global interactions. Data analysis, using manual and software-supported coding, identified three key influences on the educators’ personal pedagogies: their disposition to online learning, their approach to professional learning, and conceptual change. The findings were used to construct an online global collaborative learning framework, which has the potential to inform considerations about building educator capacity in digital pedagogical knowledge.

Frugal innovation and entrepreneurial university: a case study of African first development university in Africa

The concept of frugal innovation has gained significant traction in low middle-income countries due to its potential to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study examines the role of universities in promoting frugal innovation and their capacity to drive socio-economic development through entrepreneurial initiatives. The objective is to explore how universities can serve as both entrepreneurial and development-focused institutions and to develop a conceptual framework to guide their efforts. The study utilizes an exploratory single case study methodology, focusing on the American University of Nigeria (AUN), a leading institution in Nigeria known for its development and entrepreneurship programs. Drawing on data from the AUN THE global impact ranking 2024, the results of the study indicate that the ability of a university to effectively manage technology and skills transfer in frugal innovations is influenced by six university capabilities, and the generation of frugal innovations is moderated by policy and innovation ecosystems involving government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by initiating a discussion on how development and entrepreneurship can support frugal innovation, and offers practical insights to inspire other universities to develop their own models for societal and economic impact. The study underscores the necessity of integrating “development” into the vision of universities, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, and emphasizes the significance of universities embracing both entrepreneurial and development-focused roles. The findings highlight the potential of universities in advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, as they work towards meeting the global SDGs by 2030.

Biodiversity disclosure in the cruise industry: empirical research challenges

ABSTRACT This study aims to discover the sustainable initiatives and practices adopted on-board cruise ships to protect and preserve marine biodiversity. Specifically, it focuses on waste issues to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 of the UN 2030 Agenda for mitigating marine biodiversity loss. Using a single-case study methodology, Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability behaviour has been investigated through both automated and manual content analysis of its sustainability reports (2020–2021–2022) and website. The results outline the waste management systems (SDG12) adopted on-board cruise ships to overcome marine biodiversity loss. At the same time, the extent of the benefits of these systems on marine biodiversity remains unquantified in the biodiversity disclosure within the Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability reporting according to international environmental standards. This study contributes to the cruise tourism literature focusing on the under-investigated positive impact of waste management systems on biodiversity.

The evolution of digitalization capabilities during strategic renewal: A case study based on the ecological restoration enterprise practice

While existing literature acknowledges the development of digital capabilities as essential for enterprises to achieve digital transformation, it falls short in offering comprehensive theoretical insights into the dynamic evolution of these capabilities, especially in the field of environmental and sustainability issues. This paper addresses this gap by employing an exploratory single-case study methodology to investigate the intricate process through which an ecological restoration enterprise in China updates its digital strategy, facilitating the dynamic evolution of its digital capabilities from a resource orchestration theory perspective. Our findings reveal a sequential evolution from digital strategy renewal to resource orchestration and, ultimately, the advancement of digital capabilities. Specifically, the enterprise engages in a co-adjustment and co-creation process, aligning its resources with a digital strategy refresh and fostering the emergence of digital integration and innovation capabilities through effective resource management. This includes the accumulation and divesting of resources as part of the construction process, alongside the enrichment and bundling of resources. This research bridges the gap in the current literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that drive the evolution of digital capabilities, and it offers a theoretical framework that integrates strategic renewal with resource orchestration for environmental and socio-economic sustainable development. Furthermore, the insights gained provide vital managerial implications for the governance, corporate social responsibility and policy of industrial digitalization towards global environmental practice and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

An assessment of barriers to integrate lean six sigma and industry 4.0 in manufacturing environment: case based approach

ABSTRACT The integration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has numerous advantages for the organization. LSS and I4.0 integration in manufacturing environments face some challenges, including data integration, a lack of understanding of the strategic implications of integrating LSS and I4.0, security and data privacy issues, return on investment, and a shortage of consultants and trainers. This paper aims to analyse the barriers and their interrelationship that could hinder the manufacturing organisation from embracing LSS with I4.0. Fifteen potential barriers were identified from the literature review and by taking the opinion of experts and decision-makers. The grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was applied to find the influence of each barrier on other barriers. The cause–effect relationship between the barriers was identified and later validated by experts. Using a single case study methodology, this study prioritises the identified barriers that hinder the automotive component manufacturing industry from integrating LSS with I4.0. The top three barriers were ‘lack of long-term vision’, ‘timely and accurate data availability’, and ‘lack of automation’. This paper will help the managers to better understand which barriers could affect the integration of LSS with I4.0.

How the fine arts create the finest students: A design thinking study

AbstractThis study addresses the problem of insufficient emphasis on art courses in helping students develop 21st‐century skills. As globalization continues, industries increasingly interconnect, creating a necessity for 21st‐century skills. Universities are responsible for equipping the next generation of scholars with the soft skills needed to succeed, such as creativity, adaptability, innovation and collaboration. However, universities disservice students and their future employers by isolating departments and overlooking collaboration opportunities. Rather than this narrow‐minded approach to education, academia must challenge the status quo and reflect on the needs of an increasingly globalized world. This research study used a qualitative single case study methodology based on constructivist learning theory and design thinking to analyse the effect of art education courses taken by non‐art majors on students' development of 21st‐century skills. The literature examines why a lack of emphasis on the arts exists and what skills students gain through arts exposure.

Using a comprehensive DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC and importance–performance analysis to study sustainable service quality features

PurposeTo gain and differentiate competitive advantage, the sustainable service quality is a determining factor that railway companies can use. The purpose of this study is to identify both the importance and performance of rail transportation service quality factors in a case study as well as determine the most influential quality features.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive approach namely importance–performance analysis (IPA) technique and decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) techniques was utilized.FindingsThe relative position of each attribute is specified on the IPA matrix proposing four strategies of concentrate here, keep up the good work, low priority and possible overkill. This study reveals that attributes of “the company cares about having a good society” are the most influential factor, and “having good business relations with shareholders” is the most permeable factor. Actually, consumers pay attention to how companies act toward society and maintain communication with shareholders. Through ISM technique and by summing the row and column of the consistency matrix, the attributes were partitioned into four levels. Also, MICMAC analysis identified the four clusters of linkage, independent, autonomous and dependent status of the attributes in terms of the driving power and dependence power.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the nature of single case study methodology, caution should be taken into consideration regarding the generazability of the obtained results.Originality/valueThe hybrid DEMATEL-ISM technique is used to analyze service quality factors in Iran’s transportation industry, which can be utilized in other industries as well as other countries.

An exploration of women entrepreneurs “doing context” in family business in the Gulf States

PurposeDrawing on indigenous theory of Ibn Khaldun, the rise and fall of States, this paper explores the agency of women entrepreneurs in family business in Bahrain and the underlying enablers in supporting and facilitating the exercise of this agency. This study attempts to move beyond the Western-centric studies to reflect and bring to light the unique institutional settings of the Gulf States.Design/methodology/approachThe research builds on a rich qualitative single case of a family business based in Bahrain. The single case study methodology was motivated by the potential for generating rich contextual insights. Such an approach is particularly valuable to gain a more holistic and deeper understanding of the contextualized phenomenon and its complexity.FindingsIn this study the authors show how women entrepreneurs take two different paths to enter and become involved in the family business, the barriers they are subjected to and the active role they play in dismantling the challenges to the extent that they become the main mediators between the family business and central institutions in society.Originality/valueBy incorporating indigenous theory with Western family business concepts, the study extends existing understanding of women entrepreneurs in family business by underscoring the agency that women entrepreneurs have in “doing context” and the role that women play in strengthening common cause and destiny within the family and the business by building and drawing on different forms of loyalty.

The Role of Sport in the Realization of the UN 2030 SDGs: A Review of World Sailing Sustainability Education Programme

World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030 outlines how the sport will contribute to the SDGs. The Agenda is split up into World Sailing’s six main operational areas with a total of 56 different targets. They are committed to youth education, reduce plastic use, equipment recycling, and marine protection through educational projects, public welfare activities, international forums. A single case study methodology was used in this study to provide an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. In this study we found that the World Sailing and World Sailing Trust play an exemplary and leading role in the field of sustainable development. The Sustainability Education Program materials will ensure the next generation of sailors learn about wider environmental issues that can affect the sport as well as those areas where the sport can make a positive impact. However, it is obvious that the appeal and action of international sport federation is limited, and it is difficult to form a wider group of participants. More is to arouse people’s awareness of protecting the earth through sailing sport.

Guiding the health and social care integration cross health organizations in Milan: from theory to practice

Nearly 20 years of initiatives to join up health and social care...have not led to system-wide integrated services”(Glasby, 2017). Whilst the national and local governments are investing funds and promoting policies for encouraging health and social care integration(HSI), there is a paucity of experience that put this integration into practice. Having a supporting policy that facilitates HSI is not enough for implementing that change. The challenges of integration can also arise from internal factors(e.g. communication, power, learning) and increase when dealing with actors outside the healthcare system with different financial incentives, working culture, legal requirements and tools for information sharing. 
 To overcome these challenges, this research investigates how practitioners and policy makers can foster HSI at meso level in the presence of a supporting policy. This paper supports healthcare practitioners in designing new effective strategies for HSI and advances the academic literature by investigating the internal and external drivers of HSI in the presence of a supporting policy. 
 This paper adopts a single exploratory case study methodology and studies the change management strategy that the Local Health Authority(LHA) of Milan implemented for promoting HSI in the eight healthcare organizations(HOs) of its area. This case was considered suitable because the Italian Government recently passed a policy on the HSI that has forced the integration at meso level between HOs and social organizations(such as municipalities and cooperatives). The data collection process followed sequential steps, whose aims were:
 •Studying the as-is level of HSI in each HO through an ad-hoc datasheet that was sent to the Health and Social Care Directors(HSCDs) of the eight HOs. This step helped the HOs to rethink their data using an unusual scheme and to raise awareness of their internal practices and resources;
 •Investigating the willing level of HSI(to-be) in each HO with eight in-depth interviews with the eight HSCDs and at least one member of their staff. Each interview was held by researchers and one representative of the LHA;
 •Informing HSCDs on the as-is and to-be HSI practices and encouraging the discussion about to-be scenarios through two informative and participative workshops, whose participants were the eight HSCDs and the eight members of their staff.
 Results revealed at least three interesting enablers of HSI. 
 First, the adoption of a participatory approach facilitated the exchange and comparison between HOs. During the debate, the HSCDs with low levels of HSI pinpointed their willingness to increase the level of HSI. Thus, this approach created a positive sense of competitiveness between HSCDs, generating bottom-up changes.
 Second, giving HSCDs the possibility to share and discuss the possible options of integration, which take into account the potential constraints of HOs(e.g. limited space or staff available), with each other guided them in choosing the most suitable changing strategy. 
 Third, giving HSCDs the possibility to adopt flexible piloting HSI solutions allowed them to adapt the process of change management according to the specific context: one HO that has to collaborate with many Municipalities and one Municipality that has to collaborate with many HOs.

Bob’s Productive Task Engagement in Fractional Reasoning: A Case Study

Productive engagement in fractional reasoning is essential for abstracting fundamental algebraic concepts vital to college and career success. Yet, data suggest students with learning disabilities (LDs), in particular, display pervasive shortfalls in learning and mastering fraction content. We argue that shortfalls in understanding are in fact issues of access in terms of opportunities that students have to productively engage with learning objects (i.e., tasks) that meaningfully bring forward and promote students’ fractions understanding. In this study, we define engagement as a state and take up a single case study methodology to illustrate behavioral, affective, and cognitive engagement of Bob, a student with a LD, as he works with a series of fraction tasks designed to support his engagement. Results reveal patterns of productive engagement as regards this student’s fractional reasoning as they relate to the tasks he was given over time. Contributions of this work include insights into Bob’s engagement within tasks and provide considerations for teaching practice seeking to promote productive engagement by design.

Using Google Classroom as Assistive Technology in Universally Designed Classrooms

This study focuses on the use of Google Classroom as assistive technology in inclusive classrooms. Findings were based on data collected through single-case study methodology in semi-structured formal and informal interviews with eight teachers and a focus group with six students at one junior high school in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. This study is designed to better understand the benefits and challenges associated with the use of Google Classroom within the framework of universal design for learning. The findings showed that Google Classroom was perceived by both teachers and students as effective classroom technology in meeting the needs of each learner in the classroom.

Enhancing STEM learning with ChatGPT and Bing Chat as objects to think with: A case study

This study investigates the potential of ChatGPT and Bing Chat, advanced conversational AIs, as “objects-to-think-with,” resources that foster reflective and critical thinking, and concept comprehension in enhancing STEM education, using a constructionist theoretical framework. A single-case study methodology was used to analyze extensive interaction logs between students and both AI systems in simulated STEM learning experiences. The results highlight the ability of ChatGPT and Bing Chat to help learners develop reflective and critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and concept comprehension. However, integrating AIs with collaborative learning and other educational activities is crucial, as is addressing potential limitations like concerns about AI information accuracy and reliability of the AIs’ information and diminished human interaction. The study concludes that ChatGPT and Bing Chat as objects-to-think-with offer promising avenues to revolutionize STEM education through a constructionist lens, fostering engagement in inclusive and accessible learning environments.

New Media and Green Behaviour Campaign Through Corporate Social Responsibility Collaboration

This research delves into the role of new media in promoting green behaviour campaigns as part of community development programs supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. In particular, the program under investigation involves a collaboration between the community and the CSR division of Indaco Warna Dunia Company. Employing the sociology of communication analysis, this study aims to reveal the importance of new media platforms in disseminating environmental messages that resonate with the younger generation. In the current age of rapid communication and information exchange, new media has the potential to overcome the challenges posed by traditional channels and engage young people, who play a crucial role in driving social and environmental change. By leveraging new media, environmental messages can be effectively communicated to the youth, fostering a generation that is conscious of sustainable practices and environmental issues. To investigate the impact of new media on promoting green behaviour, this research utilised a single holistic case study methodology. The findings of this study indicate that social media, as a form of new media, can serve as a contemporary and effective means of disseminating environmental education. By utilising these platforms, green behaviour campaigns can reach a wider audience, inspire young people to adopt eco-friendly habits, and ultimately contribute to the development of environmentally-conscious communities through strategic CSR collaborations. Keywords: CSR, green behaviour, new media, Indaco, sociology.

Orchestrating an Open Innovation Ecosystem in low-tech industries: the case of Barilla’s Blu1877

ABSTRACT The study explores Open Innovation practices adopted by large firms in low- and medium-technology industries to foster innovation when the integration of distant knowledge from far scientific and technological fields is required. The study performs an explanatory single case study methodology. It focuses on the Italian food producer Barilla and its Blu1877 corporate venture capital fund to explore innovations in the food and agri-tech domains. It emerges that, with the intent to create and orchestrate an Open Innovation Ecosystem, Barilla moves across two main trajectories: (i) the search for external knowledge and expansion of network for new markets and technology exploration, and (ii) the support and mentorship of innovative start-ups that explore and develop novel ideas and technologies. The resulting Open Innovation Ecosystem has become the locus where innovations are developed by sharing knowledge, competencies, and capabilities among diverse actors and where companies can promote a transition toward the opening of their organisational boundaries.

Luxury branding in B2B

ABSTRACT While there is burgeoning literature on luxury branding in B2C, there is a complete dearth of research vis-à-vis the relevance of luxury strategy in B2B. This paper uses a single case study methodology to examine Brembo, the global leader in the design and manufacturing of braking systems for the automotive industry, as a luxury B2B brand. Based on findings from the case study, we identify and discuss similarities and differences between luxury branding in B2C and B2B. We argue that the concept is more complex in B2B as the salience of luxury brand dimensions varies across stakeholders. Some dimensions such as quality are in line with the B2C literature, while other dimensions such as elitism and uniqueness are different in B2B. The interpersonal dimensions of luxury such as self-identity are found to be relevant in the BBC domain. This is the first study to discuss the luxury concept in B2B.

Getting organizational adaptability in the context of digital transformation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore what organizational adaptability means in the digitized context and to discuss how manufacturing companies achieve organizational adaptability during the digital transformation process.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting semi-structured interviews and acquiring archive data from a typical Chinese manufacturing company, this paper gathers extensive data. Based on this, a single-case study methodology is used to investigate organizational adaptability in digital transformation.FindingsThis study identifies the process by which companies achieve organizational adaptability during digital transformation and deconstructs organizational adaptability into three dimensions: structural adaptability, operational adaptability and governance adaptability. This study also explores how organizational adaptability is affected by digital capabilities.Originality/valueThis study proposes a process model to demonstrate how organizational adaptability may be attained during digital transformation and redefines organizational adaptability in the context of digitization.

Do they see eye to eye? Managing customer experience in phygital high-tech retail

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically investigate the typologies of phygital (synaeresis of “physical” and “digital”) customer experiences (CXs) that can arise in high-tech retail based on the intensity of consumers' responses and reactions to the stimuli triggered by firms. Moreover, it explores how firms attempt to shape the architecture of the phygital CXs. Notably, this article identifies the flexible and agile strategies implemented by firms to enhance the several typologies of phygital CXs, with the intention of better exploiting physical and digital features to respond to the differences in customers' needs, preferences and expectations.Design/methodology/approachThis study performs an in-depth exploratory single-case study based on semi-structured interviews with the customers, managers and employees of the Webidoo Store.FindingsThis study develops a framework illustrating the main typologies of ordinary (“hostile”, “controversial” and “disappointing”) and extraordinary (“passionate” and “explorative”) CXs that can arise in phygital contexts. Also, it identifies some key flexible and agile strategies (“decompressive strategy”, “mentoring strategy”, “prompting strategy” and “entertaining strategy”) that companies might follow to adjust their offerings and respond quickly to the different forms of phygital CXs to create a more compelling experience tailored to customers' needs, preferences and expectations.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the study's limitations are the single-case study methodology and a specific setting like the Italian one. As a result, future studies could broaden the study to include other research contexts and countries. The paper offers significant managerial insights based on the many forms of CX across ordinary and extraordinary CXs. Thus, it provides critical takeaways for businesses to meet customer demand.Originality/valueThis paper analyzes the different typologies of ordinary and extraordinary CXs that could occur in phygital contexts based on the intensity of consumers' responses and reactions to firms' stimuli. Also, it explores how firms attempt to shape the architecture of the phygital CXs through flexible and agile strategies. From this paper, managers and decision-makers can reflect on successful strategies they could use to affect the stimuli to which customers respond in an agile manner, thus enhancing phygital CXs.

There's no "I" in Research Data Management: Reshaping RDM Services Toward a Collaborative Multi-Stakeholder Model

Objective: This article examines a reshaped service model for research data management (RDM) founded on centralized and cohesive collaboration between multiple stakeholders at a large research university in Canada. This initiative, along with a newly formed team dedicated to RDM service provision, is a joint effort by the institution’s Vice-Principal Research and Innovation (VPRI), Library, IT Services, and Research Ethics units.Methods: This article presents a single case study methodology. The authors reflect on services such as “query the panel” sessions where researchers across all disciplines bring their questions to representatives from the Library, IT, Research Ethics, and VPRI. This case study also highlights the use of Jira’s service desk software as a user management system. The authors also present descriptive statistics representing engagement with this new unit and our services.Results: Support for RDM requires expertise from multiple domains. With a collaborative approach as a guiding principle and a focus on establishing a small, but agile team comprised of a librarian along with stakeholders from IT and VPRI, it is possible to leverage resources and support for RDM from a broad range of units across an institution. Conclusions: At many institutions, RDM services are siloed within the library or an adjacent campus unit. New digital technologies have profoundly transformed academic research across all disciplines, necessitating the evolution of corresponding research data-related services. The authors will conclude by outlining specific lessons learned in reshaping digital research infrastructure-related services at their institution.

Addressing the baby and atypical maternal behaviour in psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy

ABSTRACT This paper aims to further our understanding of the process of therapy in psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy (PPIP). Using a single-case study methodology, it examines the emergence of atypical maternal behaviours in the sessions and considers direct therapeutic work with the baby. The research material for this study consists of video tapes and verbatim transcripts of two sessions from different time points in one good outcome PPIP treatment. The Atypical Maternal Behaviour Instrument for Assessment and Classification (AMBIANCE) coding system is used as a basis for identifying atypical maternal behaviours, as they manifest in the sessions. In addition, the therapist’s intervention in moments of interactive disruption are analysed discursively, with a focus on the utterances that directly address the infant. Findings suggest that the mother exhibited a high frequency of disruptive behaviours, as coded in the AMBIANCE, in the beginning of therapy. These decreased considerably by the end of treatment. In addition, the therapist was seen to respond consistently and flexibly to maternal disruptive behaviours, employing different interventions. Furthermore, the therapist talked directly to the baby for a significant amount of the session time, especially early on in treatment, addressing several different issues. Disrupted maternal behaviours can be discerned and systematically observed in PPIP sessions; these may be addressed in psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy through the therapist’s verbal and nonverbal interactions with the mother and baby. Using different coding systems to examine patterns of interaction in detail, it is possible to gain insight into the therapeutic process, furthering our understanding of change mechanisms in psychoanalytic work with infants and their parents.