Subunits Of Analysis Research Articles

A call to action: a stakeholder analysis of green logistics practices

PurposeThere is a growing body of literature discussing the green logistics practices (GLPs) that companies could introduce to reduce the logistics environmental impact. Current approaches also identify several influencing factors within firms that could serve as barriers to, or enablers of, GLPs. However, less is known about the role of extra-firm stakeholders, even though these are crucial to operationalizing green logistics effectively. This study merges current theoretical understanding with empirical evidence to provide a detailed stakeholder analysis of GLPs.Design/methodology/approachUsing stakeholder theory as a theoretical lens, the authors aimed at offering a mid-range contribution by conducting multiple embedded case studies examining Italian logistics service providers and shippers. GLPs and the related influencing factors were examined as sub-units of analysis within broader companies' environmental sustainability strategies.FindingsThe authors identified cascading effects among factors influencing the adoption of GLPs (e.g. key economic factors are affected by external factors which also influence organizational and collaboration factors). These effects are moderated by interdependencies between primary and secondary stakeholders, and the study highlights the prominent involvement of secondary stakeholders, such as final consumers.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to better understanding how and why companies adopt GLPs, emphasizing the wide set of stakeholders involved and illustrating how different stakeholders impact on GLPs adoption by affecting a set of influencing factors. By combining insights from the available literature with contemporary empirical data, the authors emphasize how Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) and shippers can no longer address the adoption of GLPs as “focal companies”, but only as part of a “focal network of interconnected stakeholders”, all of them influencing GLPs adoption.

Adapting Dance to Complex Clinical Contexts: A Methodology Model.

This study aimed to document the process of adapting a dance intervention in a complex clinical setting, in order to propose a methodology that could inspire the development of other interventions in specific clinical contexts. While the content of health-related dance interventions is still relatively undocumented in the literature, the processes of adapting dance to specific situations are even less so, and rarely seem to be based on theoretical or practical guidelines. Yet the description of these processes could guide the adaptation of other interventions. The adaptation methodology described in this article is part of an embedded single-case study, where the case unit was the adaptation process of a dance group intervention and the subunits of analysis were the intervention's clinical and theoretical premises, content, and pedagogy. Participants were rehabilitation therapists (n = 21), patients (n = 6), relatives (n = 4), and rehabilitation assistants (n = 4). Data were collected through various techniques (focus groups, situational observation, pilot dance sessions, interviews, critical incidents, research journals, template for intervention description, and replication/TIDieR checklist, and video recordings) to allow an iterative adaptation process. Inductive qualitative analysis revealed that the adaptations were made prior to and throughout the intervention, taking into account relevant scientific and disciplinary knowledge, as well as the different actors' implicit, and explicit experiences. The intervention pedagogy focused on adapting the dance content to meet the participants' needs while inviting them to self-adapt this content. The resulting methodology model includes 4 stages: preliminary design, validation with rehabilitation therapists, specific tailoring, and ongoing tailoring. Optimizing the adaptation of dance and ensuring its complementarity within a complex clinical context requires collaboration with the different disciplinary clinicians in order to offer synergistic coherence and ensure dance's contribution to therapeutic objectives.

Measures to Contain the Transmission of Hepatitis C in a Chronic Kidney Care Hospital Unit in the Triângulo Mineiro in Brazil: A Case Study.

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus elimination is complex. The objective was to analyze measures to eliminate virus transmission in a hemodialysis unit. Methods: Case study composed of multiple units of analysis. The scenario is the hemodialysis unit of a Brazilian public hospital. Population composed of health service records. Descriptive analyzes were performed and the beginning of the event was considered as the moment of increased incidence of HCV. The intentional and purposeful collection of information for understanding the event and implementing interventions. Results: The subunits of analysis were related to: clinical-epidemiological profile, active search, transmission routes, management protocol and results achieved. In August 2019, out of 45 patients, six were reactive for anti-HCV. All received treatment. Patients had exposure to contaminated medical equipment, objects or hands of professionals. Preventive measures were adopted and routine techniques were corrected. Situational Analysis Committee guided the management of the event. No new cases were detected. Conclusions: Strategies for the microelimination of the C virus in a dialysis environment are demonstrated and it shows the multidisciplinary efforts in conducting the event.

Action research and health system strengthening: the case of the health sector support programme in Mauritania, West Africa

BackgroundAccess to qualitative and equitable healthcare is a major challenge in Mauritania. In order to support the country’s efforts, a health sector strengthening programme was set up with participatory action research at its core. Reinforcing a health system requires a customised and comprehensive approach to face the complexity inherent to health systems. Yet, limited knowledge is available on how policies could enhance the performance of the system and how multi-stakeholder efforts could give rise to changes in health policy. We aimed to analyse the ongoing participatory action research and, more specifically, see in how far action research as an embedded research approach could contribute to strengthening health systems.MethodsWe adopted a single-case study design, based on two subunits of analysis, i.e., two selected districts. Qualitative data were collected by analysing country and programme documents, conducting 12 semi-structured interviews and performing participatory observations. Interviewees were selected based on their current position and participation in the programme. The data analysis was designed to address the objectives of the study, but evolved according to emerging insights and through triangulation and identification of emergent and/or recurrent themes along the process.ResultsAn evaluation of the progress made in the two districts indicates that continuous capacity-building and empowerment efforts through a participative approach have been key elements to enhance dialogue between, and ownership of, the actors at the local health system level. However, the strong hierarchical structure of the Mauritanian health system and its low level of decentralisation constituted substantial barriers to innovation. Other constraints were sociocultural and organisational in nature. Poor work ethics due to a weak environmental support system played an important role. While aiming for an alignment between the flexible iterative approach of action research and the prevailing national linear planning process is quite challenging, effects on policy formulation and implementation were not observed. An adequate time frame, the engagement of proactive leaders, maintenance of a sustained dialogue and a pragmatic, flexible approach could further facilitate the process of change.ConclusionOur study showcases that the action research approach used in Mauritania can usher local and national actors towards change within the health system strengthening programme when certain conditions are met. An inclusive, participatory approach generates dynamics of engagement that can facilitate ownership and strengthen capacity. Continuous evaluation is needed to measure how these processes can further develop and presume a possible effect at policy level.

Interactions dynamics between the performance management system and the quality management system

The purpose of this study is to characterise the dynamics between the performance management system (PMS) and the quality management system (QMS). We conducted a comparative case study between two university medical centres. We interviewed 41 participants from eight sub-units of analysis. We also conducted seven hours of meeting observations, 16 hours of management observations as well as a review of 46 documents that were submitted to us by the workers. Our results show that there are four types of possible interactions between the PMS and the QMS which are independence, antagonism, communication and collaboration. Moreover, there are three realms of interactions being the realms of structure, identities and practices. We found that the PMS and the QMS interact more in clinical units. The support services do not have well-developed performance and quality management. Also, the workers involved in operations are disconnected from the concept of performance.

Interactions Dynamics between the Performance Management System and the Quality Management System

The purpose of this study is to characterise the dynamics between the performance management system (PMS) and the quality management system (QMS). We conducted a comparative case study between two university medical centres. We interviewed 41 participants from eight sub-units of analysis. We also conducted seven hours of meeting observations, 16 hours of management observations as well as a review of 46 documents that were submitted to us by the workers. Our results show that there are four types of possible interactions between the PMS and the QMS which are independence, antagonism, communication and collaboration. Moreover, there are three realms of interactions being the realms of structure, identities and practices. We found that the PMS and the QMS interact more in clinical units. The support services do not have well-developed performance and quality management. Also, the workers involved in operations are disconnected from the concept of performance.

Integration of breast cancer prevention and early detection into cancer palliative care model.

BackgroundBreast cancer is common among Ghanaian women. Late stage presentation has been credited to knowledge deficit and lack of breast cancer prevention and early detection services for women.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a model to facilitate the integration of breast cancer prevention and early detection into cancer palliative careMethodThis study used synthesized concepts emerging from a single case study research. The case was a tertiary health care facility, embedded with sub-units of analysis. Mixed-method approach was used to collect data from 102 participants. The study examined the experiences and views of the participants on breast cancer and screening pathways in Ghana. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics ware used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data respectively. This was followed with a cross-case analysis across the sub-units of analysis. A theory development approach was further used towards the development of a model, following three steps: concept analysis, statement synthesis and theory synthesis.ResultsSix key concepts synthesized from the data were used to develop the model: initiate and sustain breast cancer prevention and early detection program, collaboration of health professionals, patients, families and micro-communities, conducive environment of the health care facility and needed resources, actions, services, and lastly diffusing innovation into the community through agents.ConclusionA model has been developed based on the experiences shared by women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, their first degree relatives, micro-communities as well as clinicians working in a palliative care setting. This model will aid clinicians to provide breast cancer education, teach breast self-examination and offer clinical breast examination to families and micro-communities of advanced breast cancer patients receiving supportive care in a resource-limited setting.

Towards an explanatory framework for national level maternal health policy agenda item evolution in Ghana: an embedded case study

BackgroundUnderstanding decision-making processes that influence the fate of items on the health policy agenda at national level in low- and middle-income countries is important because of the implications for programmes and outcomes. This paper seeks to advance our understanding of these processes by asking how and why maternal health policy agenda items have fared in Ghana between 1963 and 2014.MethodsThe study design was a single case study of maternal health agenda evolution once on a decision pathway in Ghana, with three different agenda items as sub-units of analysis (fee exemptions for maternal health, free family planning and primary maternal health as part of a per capita provider payment system). Data analysis involved chronologically reconstructing how maternal health policy items evolved over time.ResultsThe fate of national level maternal health policy items was heavily influenced by how stakeholders (bureaucrats, professional bodies, general public and developmental partners) exercised power to put forward and advocate for specific ideas through processes of issues framing within a changing political and socioeconomic context. The evolution and fate of an agenda item once on a decision pathway involved an iterative process of interacting drivers shaping decisions through cycles of ‘active’ and ‘static’ pathways. Items could move from ‘active’ to ‘static’ pathways, depending on changing context and actor positions. Items that pursued the ‘static’ pathway in a particular cycle fell into obscurity by a process that could be described as a form of ‘no decision made’ in that an explicit decision was not taken to drop the item, but neither was any policy content agreed. Low political interest was exhibited and attempts to bring the item back into active decision-making were made by actors mainly in the bureaucratic arena seeking and struggling (unsuccessfully) to obtain financial and institutional support. Policy items that pursued ‘active’ pathways showed opposite characteristics and generally moved beyond agenda into formulation and implementation.ConclusionPolicy change requires sustaining policy agenda items into formulation and implementation. To do this, change agents need to understand and work within the relevant context, stakeholder interests, power, ideas and framing of issues.

A significação do conceito função quadrática por estudantes do 1º ano do ensino médio: uma abordagem histórico-cultural

O presente estudo objetiva ampliar entendimentos acerca da significação do conceito função quadrática por estudantes de uma turma do 1º ano do ensino médio, considerando ideias e conceitos da abordagem histórico-cultural. Os dados empíricos foram produzidos a partir de aulas de matemática ministradas por uma acadêmica do curso de matemática ao cursar a disciplina Estágio Curricular Supervisionado: Matemática no Ensino Médio. Como dados empíricos considera-se: registro das aulas apresentados em um relatório analítico-reflexivo que se constitui como diário de campo; recortes dos planejamentos desenvolvidos. Elementos como conceitos científicos e espontâneos, relações conceituais e zona de desenvolvimento proximal (ZDP) estruturam o texto em unidade e subunidades de análise. Caraça (1998) e Vygotsky (1991), entre outros, ampliam as condições de análises propostas. Dentre as considerações finais apresentadas destaca-se a ideia de que os conceitos podem ser elevados a um nível maior de significação pelos estudantes, por meio do estabelecimento de relações conceituais, e que o professor interfere no plano interpsicológico da formação dos conceitos.

Structural variations, quantitative differences and similarities between maternal and paternal infant-directed speech

ABSTRACTWe compared systematically the structure, the focus, the thematic sequences, the complexity and the syntactic properties between maternal and paternal infant-directed speech in engagements of infants with their mothers and fathers. Eleven mother–infant and 11 father–infant dyads were video-recorded during their natural interactions at home from the second to the sixth month after birth. Micro-analysis of maternal and paternal infant-directed speech within well-defined units and subunits of analysis revealed: (a) structural variations that gave a higher index of more and shorter in duration units and subunits in father–infant, compared to mother–infant, interactions; (b) quantitative differences that favour mother–infant interactions in the content of focused infant-directed speech; and (c) quantitative similarity of maternal and paternal references to infant emotions and ‘sharing’. These results are discussed in the frame of the theory of innate intersubjectivity and of the company and care both parents give to developing infants.

Paternal questioning as a component of innate intersubjectivity in early infancy

ABSTRACTI investigated the emotional coordination (matching, synchrony, completion and attunement) between infant and paternal facial expressions of emotion in the course of paternal questions addressed to infants during their spontaneous dyadic interaction. Eleven infant–father dyads were observed during their natural interactions at home from the second to the sixth month of life. Within well-defined units and subunits of analysis, microanalysis of infant and paternal facial expressions of emotion according to the type, the frequency, the valence and the intensity of them provided evidence of emotional coordination accompanying paternal questions to preverbal infants. These results will be interpreted in the frame of the theory of innate intersubjectivity.

A systematic review of the complex organization of human cognitive domains and their heritability

Models of cognition propose a hierarchical structure for human cognitive processes, in which the sequences of human action are organized into parts or subunits of analysis that can be grouped into progressively more complex, inclusive higher-order functions. This organizational structure from partial to whole may be reflected in the neural representations that underlie human behaviour, and in its genetic underpinnings. The objective of the present study was to explore a putative hierarchical organization of the genetic influences underlying cognitive domains. Thirty four studies of the heritability of cognition on population-based samples were reviewed, which included measures of intelligence, verbal and performance abilities, memory, working memory and processing speed. Specific cognitive domains showed diverse proportions of genetic underpinnings such that higher-order cognitive functions present high heritability estimates, whereas lower-order functions respond to small/moderate heritability estimates. Based on current understanding of the developmental processes of the neurobiological substrates of human cognition, the genetic contributions to cognitive abilities seem to be organized in line with the ontogenic maturation of the brain. We discuss the large genetic control of the combinatory capacity of basic cognitive functions, and its interaction with environmental influences.

NILAI KEARIFAN LOKAL RUMAH TRADISIONAL JAWA

Java has the values that can be taken in relation to the value of the benefits of ethics and aesthetics. One farm of those values are joglo art that have the local knowledge of Javanese culture. Model approach in this research is leading to a descriptive qualitative ethnographic, in which the empirical reality a result, demanding researchers go directly to the location of the study, to be able to live up to their tradition, and the symptoms of everyday life that is full of social phenomena local culture. This research firms a single case study stuck. In the context of this case study, a traditional Javanese home visits as a sub unit of analysis, but its existence still viewed/reviewed as a place that is part of the social system of the larger society around Surakarta. Java house building structure is one that reflects the composition of space like typical building pendhapa, pringgitan, dalem, kitchen, or gadri gandhok. The relation between this structure is a structure which is strongly influenced by the manifestation process mythology and cosmology Java). This means that the traditional Javanese house is not just a place to shelter (practical function), but also understood as a manifestation of the ideals and outlook on life or a symbolic function. In this case the traditional Javanese houses are not only placed as an autonomous element, a separate stand alone, but being seen in context, particularly relevant to the context of allied Javanese cosmology that underlie the view that the Javanese philosophy of Iife.

Decision making and co-operation between stakeholders within the process of sick leave. A case study in a Danish municipality

The study addresses how recent reforms of the Sickness Benefit Act in Denmark are put into practice. A single case study embedded with five subunits of analysis based on “real life” cases has been conducted in a Danish municipality. Five “sick-listed” citizens and their respective municipal case manager and general practitioner (GP) were interviewed. Two key persons within the municipality were interviewed as background informants. The GPs and case managers ability to co-operate was hampered by lack of time, frequent staff turnover, lack of financial resources, and low accessibility. The motivation for co-operation was low due to low status of social medical issues, lack of feedback and lack of trust. The co-operation was characterized by sequential task integration. The stakeholders encountered difficulties when reciprocal task integration was needed. The decision making was affected by legal constraints and conflicting paradigms of key stakeholders. Rather than forcing co-operation, policymakers should increase the stakeholders' abilities and improve the conditions that create the low level of trust and hamper the willingness to co-operate.

‘I hope I haven’t run over you’

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore how user participation is practised in two courses at a local Learning and Mastery Centre with regard to the process of planning, implementation and evaluation of the courses and from these two cases to further discuss how user participation might be facilitated or hindered. Design: A descriptive embedded multiple-case study design with one main unit and three subunits of analysis was chosen. Setting: A local Learning and Mastery Centre in Norway. Method: The main unit of study was how user participation was practised at a local LMC in Norway. Data were collected by means of observations, interviews and documents. In the analysis, content analysis was used. Results: None of the courses were in line with the understanding of the concept of user participation in health promotion when participation was practised as ‘taking part’ and not as ‘having an influence’. The funding system for the courses probably influenced the opportunities for user participation. The evaluation system proved to be of limited value for improving the quality of forthcoming courses. Conclusion: Detailed and standardized guidelines like the Standard Method seemed not to be a guarantee of user participation. Guidelines such as the Standard Method might neglect the complexity of user participation, and could be a straitjacket for both professionals and users. They should include a requirement of documentation of how participation is ensured and practised in the specific context of each single course.

Collaborative corporate social responsibility

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to examine how two, American‐based, international public relations agencies came to participate in the United Nations Global Compact. The global compact is an initiative which brings together more than 4,000 member organizations in over 100 countries to address some of the world's most pressing issues. Specifically, this paper seeks to identify: the events that prompt these senior‐level executives, as members of their agency's dominant coalition, to initiate participation in the global compact; what obstacles within the agency present challenges to joining the global compact; and how each agency integrates the compact principles into its work.Design/methodology/approachGrunig's situational theory of publics is used as a framework to create a single, embedded case study which integrates three subunits of analysis: in‐depth interviews, and primary and secondary document analysis. In‐depth interviews are conducted with one senior‐level executive/counselor from each of the two agencies that are examined. Primary document analysis focuses solely on the Communication on Progress reports which must be submitted on a bi‐annual basis by every global compact participant. Secondary document analysis includes any agency‐produced materials, such as speeches/presentations, as well as articles written for business publications.FindingsOverall, results indicate that both agencies have yet to fully integrate the compact principles into their own internal functions, and primarily use the global compact as a tool for counseling clients. However, both agency executives reveal that it is going to become necessary for their agency to involve themselves in the global compact, within and across the entire agency – particularly in terms of confronting issues such as ethics and diversity.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the existing scholarship in a few, important ways. First, it incorporates and encourages the continued use of qualitative methods to examine contemporary issues that face the practice of public relations. Second, this research establishes an argument for furthering the idea that public relations professionals can be advocated for social change and can be influenced through the work they do. Finally, this paper stresses the continued importance of public relations work in facilitating global citizenship initiatives.

The process of knowledge retrieval

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the individual employee's role in the process of knowledge retrieval in a US high‐technology research, engineering and consulting company, using a constructivist perspective.Design/methodology/approachA case study design was used and employed three methods of data collection: interviewing, observation, and document analysis. Using these data gathering methods provided data triangulation and supported the validity of the study. The unit of analysis is individual action. This is an embedded strategy because it involves more than one subunit of analysis. Data are collected across five practices (sections) of one division of this company.FindingsThis study found that people generally followed five steps to retrieve knowledge and that the type of work to accomplish and structure of the team were critical to what knowledge was retrieved and shared. Explicit and tacit knowledge retention structures were identified and revealed that three or fewer individuals were usually involved in the search process of tacit knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThis study does not focus on the process of knowledge storage but only on the process of knowledge access and retrieval. This study only looks at the process of knowledge retrieval during decision‐making or problem‐solving activities. It collects data through individual interviews at the consultant level. It does not focus on other hierarchical levels, e.g. managerial level, which might have given different perspectives or results.Practical implicationsThis finding suggests the need to promote a culture to support knowledge sharing through the help of managers. Leaders should thus focus on strengthening the attitudes of employees to share tacit knowledge, making their own knowledge accessible to other coworkers not only through one‐to‐one communication but also through the use of explicit knowledge retention structures such as electronic databases. This will be essential for those organizations where employees' day‐to‐day decisions are not routine decisions and people's expertise represents a decisive source of knowledge to best accomplish a work task. Another implication is that, when an organization wants to preserve its memory, rules and templates should be implemented to teach employees how to convert their own tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge to make it available to the other members. In addition organizations must integrate this activity into work structures, i.e. billing for hours.Originality/valueThis research develops a framework for conceptualizing structures and processes of knowledge retrieval among individuals in organizational contexts. It also identifies and classifies which factors are likely to influence the knowledge retrieval process.