Successful Change Research Articles

The roles of history in accomplishing digital transformation: a dynamic capabilities perspective

ABSTRACT Strategy research on the uses of history in organisations have mushroomed in the recent years. While one of the main uses of history is to accommodate strategic change, little is known about the historical dynamics underpinning this process. In this study, we used the dynamic capabilities theoretical perspective to argue that the managerial ability to strategically use history is a factor related to successful strategic change. A case study of the digital transformation of a multinational ICT company was carried out to explore the strategic use of history. The company's history portrays a series of critical events which served as a basis to theorise the narrative of these past events in accomplishing digital transformation. We provided in-depth discussion of the organisation behaviours that preceded this strategic change. We contribute to literature by discussing the role of specific history-oriented practices in accomplishing digital transformation and their relationship with two emerging history-based managerial abilities.

Evaluating the impact of an incentive scheme to encourage pregnant people to set a quit-smoking date

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate the evaluation of an incentive scheme to encourage pregnant people to set a quit-smoking date.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines a collaborative approach, working with pregnant people, clinicians, tobacco dependency practitioners and academics to gain insights into their perspectives and experiences. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed.FindingsThe incentive scheme and appropriate support from clinicians have been shown to encourage pregnant people to set a quit date. The tobacco dependency practitioners helped remove barriers, such as the perception of the stigmatisation of smoking when pregnant. The practitioners also helped pregnant people make informed decisions to support successful behaviour change. The impact of the scheme resulted in improved infant health indicators. The scheme’s evaluation also supported establishing stakeholder knowledge exchange and learning processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a single-site study among a relatively small group of people designed to achieve a specific evaluation objective. Caution in generalising to wider settings should be exercised.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the efficacy of an incentive scheme, complemented with support from clinicians, and the significance of knowledge exchange and collaboration between stakeholders in health care with significance in similar settings.Originality/valueThe paper details the incentive scheme input, actions, output, outcomes and impact involving a wider range of stakeholders, including the emotional consequences for participants, clinicians and academics.

Managing Change: Love or Hate Relationships

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the latest developments in change management worldwide and to identify practical implications arising from leading-edge research. The methodology for this briefing involves an independent writer adding impartial comments and contextualising the articles. The article examines the importance of having a high-quality management team in evaluating, designing and executing successful change strategies; specifically, the team’s capability to structure the organisation in a way that is responsive and progressive is crucial for successful change management. The article also discusses creative problem-solving and its limitations, and indicates that an independent facilitator could promote creative problem-solving. The authors opine that business leaders must have a better understanding of the different roles they can assume to make sure that initiatives are sustainable and successful. Successful change leaders attribute their success to leading change rather than managing it. This article offers deep insights into newest developments in change management and underscores the importance of effective leadership in achieving successful change initiatives.

Transition to battery-electric and fuel cell heavy-duty trucks: A multi-level, multi-dimensional approach

Battery electric (BE-HDT) and fuel cell heavy-duty trucks (FC-HDT) as niche products have the potential to decarbonize road freight transportation, but widespread introduction is challenging. Scientific research on this transition remains scarce, and studies including hydrogen are very limited. Successful changes in long-established regimes require multiple processes, and therefore, the multi-level perspective (MLP) is extended with the PESTLE analysis. Through this multi-level, multi-dimensional approach, the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental dimensions underpin a systematic identification of factors in niches, socio-technical regimes, and exogenous landscapes. The research design draws on 40 high-level expert interviews, highlighting the complex change process through 27 indicators. Identified opportunities, barriers, and recommendations for action assist in formulating transition strategies. Conflicting expectations require a cooperative approach, as cost-neutrality to internal combustion engine heavy-duty trucks (ICE-HDT) is frequently debated and range extension a relative factor. Policymakers need to create optimal framework conditions for investing, profit-oriented companies.

Dynamic Evolution of Repetitive Elements and Chromatin States in Apis mellifera Subspecies.

In this study, we elucidate the contribution of repetitive DNA sequences to the establishment of social structures in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of honeybee castes, primarily associated with Notch signaling, the comprehensive identification of specific genomic cis-regulatory sequences remains elusive. Our objective is to characterize the repetitive landscape within the genomes of two honeybee subspecies, namely A. m. mellifera and A. m. ligustica. An observed recent burst of repeats in A. m. mellifera highlights a notable distinction between the two subspecies. After that, we transitioned to identifying differentially expressed DNA elements that may function as cis-regulatory elements. Nevertheless, the expression of these sequences showed minimal disparity in the transcriptome during caste differentiation, a pivotal process in honeybee eusocial organization. Despite this, chromatin segmentation, facilitated by ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data, revealed a distinct chromatin state associated with repeats. Lastly, an analysis of sequence divergence among elements indicates successive changes in repeat states, correlating with their respective time of origin. Collectively, these findings propose a potential role of repeats in acquiring novel regulatory functions.

Short-term middle Eocene (Bartonian) paleoenvironmental changes in the sedimentary succession of Olivetta San Michele (NW Italy): the response of shallow-water biota to climate in NW Tethys

This study focuses on the paleontological content of the middle Eocene (Bartonian) carbonate–siliciclastic sediments of the Capo Mortola Calcarenite Formation from Olivetta San Michele (Liguria, Italy). Along the succession, there are significant paleoecological changes triggered by the variation in neritic input as a consequence of tectonic and climatic instability. Among microfossils, nummulitids prevail, followed by orthophragmines, smaller benthic, and planktonic foraminifera, whereas mollusks and ichnofossils are the most abundant macrofossils. The sudden changes in the benthic communities due to the progressive increase in fluvial input are recorded throughout the sedimentary succession. An increase in water turbidity caused stressful conditions for autotrophic taxa, reducing their size and abundance. In contrast, filter feeders became dominant, suggesting an increase in dissolved and suspended nutrients. Ichnological analysis shows environmental fluctuations controlled by the transport of neritic material offshore, thus confirming the general deepening trend of the studied succession. In the upper part of the succession, we recorded an alternation between gravity flows and marly sediments that are interpreted as short-term alternations between low and intense precipitations. The gravity flows yield taxa such as larger benthic foraminifera (LBF), smaller benthic and planktonic foraminifera, mollusks, and corals. In turn, marls display only a few LBF and abundant smaller benthic and planktonic foraminifera. In these intervals, the increase in planktonic foraminifera also suggests a deepening of the carbonate ramp coinciding with a reduction of light that did not favor the development of LBF. These changes are probably related to the climatic dynamics that occurred in the Bartonian in the western Tethys.

Variation in understorey floristic composition regeneration and fire hazard under Acacia invaded forest canopy in New Zealand

Acacia species are considered invasive exotic species in many regions globally, and influence the floristic composition and fire hazard of ecosystems they invade. Managing such species requires an understanding of their invasion capability, and persistence through succession in the community. New Zealand is one of the countries that have experienced Acacia invasion in the forest canopy, however, the potential long-term successional trajectories and future fire hazards of these communities have rarely been studied impeding management. We investigated the variation in woody plant species composition that was regenerating at different height tiers, and the comparative flammability of constituent species, under the canopy of Acacia-invaded forest sites in New Zealand, and evaluated the likely long-term changes in vegetation succession and fire hazards. From the floristic survey of 24 10 × 10 m plots in Acacia-invaded sites, we found a significantly higher number of native species (7.33 ± 0.67) than exotic species (4.83 ± 0.38) regenerating under Acacia-invaded canopies. While exotic stems dominated the lowest height tiers (<0.3 m), native stems outnumbered exotics at other understorey height tiers (0.3–2 m, 2–5 m and 5–12 m) and were recruiting successfully. We also found that invaded Acacia species and other exotic species at the sites were comparatively higher in flammability than most of the native species in the area, and can potentially increase the flammability of the invaded forest area if not managed appropriately. The successful regeneration and recruitment of natives in all height tiers under the Acacia canopy indicates a potential native succession in the longer term. Thus, the Acacia invasion can be managed through passive restoration where the dominant Acacia-invaded canopy in the forest area is replaced by native species, while also likely decreasing the fire hazard of the vegetation. This study provides evidence for the regeneration potential of native species in the understorey of Acacia-invaded forest sites and the knowledge helps forest managers make appropriate decisions to manage this woody exotic invasion and fire hazard of the invaded forest sites in New Zealand as well as other Acacia-invaded sites globally.

Experimenting with the generalized binomial distribution

The standard binomial distribution is based on a sequence of Bernoulli trials. The probability of success is the same for each trial. In the Generalized Binomial Distribution (GBD), the probability of success changes by the history of successes up to that point. For example, if a student correctly answers a large proportion of the first few questions, the probability of correctly answering the next question increases because the history of successes may indicate skill. The Bernoulli events are correlated. Alternatively, the standard binomial distribution does not consider the history of successes, and assumes that successes are not correlated. In this paper we prove some new properties of the GBD and apply the concept to five new areas in sport competition, finance, biology, meteorology, and testing pseudo-random number generators. We prove that the GBD predicts the results in the collected data significantly better than the standard binomial distribution thus proving that the events are indeed correlated. We provide an R code, and a supplementary Excel file that provide users with an easy way to analyze any collected data set based on Bernoulli processes.

Learning to relocalize: institutional entrepreneurs as transformative agents in public food services

ABSTRACT We explore purposive institutional change and the role of institutional entrepreneurs in initiating and driving relational learning processes. Supplementing new institutionalist theory with an institutional learning lens and using a longitudinal set of rich qualitative interview and observation data, we investigate how institutional entrepreneurs engage in transformational work to effectuate change in dominant institutional logics, thus transforming the institutional field. We propose that institutional entrepreneurs, by skilfully utilizing discursive and material practices to catalyze reciprocal learning processes, can introduce a new institutional logic and ensure its adoption and internalization by pivotal actors and stakeholders. We illustrate these dynamics using a municipality situated in Northern Finland as an example. The municipality has successfully managed to transform its food services as part of efforts to develop more sustainable regional economies and communities. It offers a rare case of successful purposive institutional change and an interesting best practice example both nationally and internationally.

Zooperiphyton on Anti-Fouling Coatings and Changes of Its Coenotic Structure

The features of the zooperiphyton communities' forming on experimental substrates - protective coatings with antifouling properties, based on industrial alkyd enamel PF-167 modified by cationic biocides 1-dodecylpyridine oleate and 1-dodecylpyridinium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate in the bay of the Kaniv reservoir (the Dnieper river) have been studied. Some features of successional changes in the Zebra mussel and Bryozoans' (pearlwort) communities were discussed. On the contrast to the previous years, when the water temperature in August (time of high development of bryozoan colonies) was lower, the continual succession of communities with &lt;i&gt;Dreissena'&lt;/i&gt;s dominance was not interrupted by the bryozoan's development. The protective coatings containing 8&amp;#37; of cationic biocides demonstrated high antifouling activity. In this study, no connections between the cenotic structure and nature of antifouling coatings were found.

Succession and climatic stochasticity induce long-term decline of a forest browser.

Removal of predators and creation of early seral habitat have, in many systems, caused substantial population growth of herbivores. Hyperabundant herbivores, in turn, induce cascading ecosystem effects, but few studies have investigated long-term browser density trends in relation to succession and stochastic climate events. Here, we use annual, empirical population estimates of a forest browser to relate forest succession to long-term decline of an herbivore that prefers early seral habitat. From 2007-2021, concurrent with reduced timber harvest, we used line-transect distance sampling to document annual changes in Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) density on a mid-sized (17.3km2) predator-free island. We documented successional changes associated with forest aggradation and decreased forage quality for deer: early successional shrub/scrub habitat declined 3.8%/year; timber volume increased 4.5%/year; and canopy coverage increased 2.5%. In 2007-2008, deer densities were the greatest observed (~44/km2), but then an historic snowstorm reduced deer density by 39%. From 2010-2021, as forests continued to mature, deer density decreased 4.0%/year, declining to 20 deer/km2. Using a multivariate approach to combine habitat variables (i.e., early seral coverage, timber volume, and canopy closure) into a measure of forest maturation, we found a significant negative relationship between deer density and forest aggradation. Thus, consistent with predictions for bottom-up limited browsers, we observed significant annual declines in a deer population throughout an extended period of forest regrowth. Despite declines, deer density on the island exceeds mainland densities, and overbrowsing likely continues to disrupt ecosystem processes.

Differential roles of seed and sprout regeneration in forest diversity and productivity after disturbance

Natural regeneration after disturbances is a key phase of forest development, which determines the trajectory of successional changes in tree species composition and diversity. Regenerating trees can originate from either seeds or sprouts produced by disturbed trees with sprouting ability. Although both regeneration strategies often develop and co-occur after a disturbance, they tend to affect forest development differently due to significant functional differences. However, the origin of tree regeneration is rarely distinguished in post-disturbance forest surveys and ecological studies, and the differential roles of seed and sprout regeneration in forest productivity and diversity remain poorly understood. To address these research gaps, we explored the role of sprout and seed regeneration in the formation of woody species diversity and above-ground biomass (AGB) productivity in early-stage forest development. Data were collected in two experimental forest stands in the Czech Republic, where trees were cut with varying intensities with the density of residual (uncut) trees ranging from 0 to 275 trees per hectare. All trees were mapped and their sizes were measured before cutting and then, either as a stump with sprouts or a residual tree, remeasured 11 years later. In addition, all tree saplings were mapped and measured 11 years after logging, and their origin (sprout or seed) was identified. To assess abundances and productivity, we estimated AGB of all 2,685 sprouting stumps of 19 woody species and 504 generative (i.e., seed origin) individuals of 16 woody species, using allometric equations. Mixed-effects models were used to analyze the effects of each regeneration strategy on woody species diversity and the total AGB under varying densities of residual trees. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to evaluate the effect of regeneration strategies on species composition. AGB and diversity of sprouts were significantly higher than those of seed regeneration. Sprouts formed on average 97.1% of the total regeneration AGB in Hády and 98.6% in Soběšice. The average species richness of sprouts was 4.7 in Hády and 2.2 in Soběšice, while the species richness of seed regeneration averaged 2.1 and 1.1 in Hády and Soběšice, respectively. Increasing density of residual trees reduced AGB and diversity of both sprouts and seed regeneration, but seed regeneration was affected to a greater extent. Residual trees had an especially strong inhibitory effect on the establishment of seed regeneration. Consequently, seed-originated saplings were nearly absent in plots with high residual tree density, and abundant sprouts accounted for most of the AGB and diversity. However, unlike sprouts whose species composition resembled that of the original stand, seed regeneration brought in new species, enriching the stand's overall species pool and beta diversity. Our results demonstrated differential roles of sprout and seed regeneration in the early stage of forest succession. Sprout regeneration was the main source of woody AGB productivity as well as species diversity, and its importance increased with the increasing density of standing mature trees. The results indicate the crucial yet previously underestimated role of sprout regeneration in post-disturbance forest dynamics. They suggest that the presence of residual mature trees, whether retained after partial cutting or undisturbed, can substantially suppress seed regeneration while the role of sprout regeneration in early succession becomes more distinctly evident.

Пероксидазы бактерий в биоремедиации

As a result of the work of industrial enterprises, agricultural production and other types of human activity in the world, the problem of environmental pollution with difficult-to-degrade toxic compounds is becoming increasingly acute. Various physical and chemical methods of recultivation and remediation have serious limitations, such as high cost, labor intensity, as well as disruption of the ecological-trophic structure and successional changes in ecosystems. The catalytic decomposition of pollutants using enzymes can compete with classical methods of cleaning the environment from pollutants. Peroxidases are widespread enzymes belonging to the class of oxidoreductases that can destroy the carbon backbone of complex organic compounds. This review presents recent research on the application of bacterial peroxidases as environmentally friendly catalysts for the bioremediation of contaminated ecosystems.

Cardiac computed tomography in infective endocarditis: "bridging the detection gap".

Infective Endocarditis (IE) remains a significant health challenge. Despite an increasing awareness, mortality is high and has remained largely unchanged over recent decades. Early diagnosis of IE is imperative and to assist clinicians several diagnostic criteria have been proposed. The best known are the Duke criteria. Originally published in 1994, these criteria have undergone significant modifications. This manuscript provides a timeline of the successive changes that have been made over the last 30 years. Changes which to a large degree have reflected both the evolving epidemiology of IE and the proliferation and increasing availability of advanced multi-modality imaging. Importantly, many of these changes now form part of societal guidelines for the diagnosis of IE. To provide validation for the incorporation of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in current guidelines, the manuscript demonstrates a spectrum of pictorial case studies that re-enforce the utility and growing importance of early cardiac CT in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected IE.

РОЛЬ КОМУНІКАЦІЇ В УПРАВЛІННІ ЗМІНАМИ ТА ФОРМУВАННІ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ

In the modern business environment, managing change and fostering an innovative corporate culture are essential tasks for organizations. This article examines the role of communication in these processes, highlighting its impact on change perception and innovation climate. Key aspects of communication contributing to successful change management and innovation culture formation in organizations are explored. In this article we explore the importance of effective communication in the process of change management within organizations. It discusses key aspects of communication such as building trust, engaging employees, and achieving common goals. It highlights the role of communication in supporting successful change implementation and creating a positive impact on organizational culture. This article delves deeper into the nuanced strategies and tactics of effective communication within the context of change management. It examines how transparent and open communication channels foster trust among employees, thereby mitigating resistance to change and facilitating smoother transitions. Additionally, the article emphasizes the role of communication in aligning diverse stakeholders towards common goals and objectives. It discusses how clear and consistent messaging helps in creating a shared vision for change, fostering collaboration across departments and levels of hierarchy. Moreover, the article discusses the transformative potential of communication in nurturing an innovative corporate culture. It highlights how effective communication practices not only stimulate creativity and idea generation but also cultivate a supportive environment where experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged. Furthermore, the article explores the role of communication in engaging employees throughout the change process, ensuring their active participation and commitment. It discusses techniques such as regular updates, feedback mechanisms, and interactive forums that empower employees to contribute ideas and concerns, ultimately enhancing the quality and sustainability of change initiatives. In conclusion, the article underscores the profound impact of communication on shaping and nurturing a supportive organizational culture conducive to innovation and adaptation. Through comprehensive analysis and practical insights, it sheds light on the significance of communication as a linchpin for successful change implementation and organizational resilience in dynamic environments.

Wildfire-induced increases in photosynthesis in boreal forest ecosystems of North America.

Observations of the annual cycle of atmospheric CO2 in high northern latitudes provide evidence for an increase in terrestrial metabolism in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems. However, the mechanisms driving these changes are not yet fully understood. One proposed hypothesis is that ecological change from disturbance, such as wildfire, could increase the magnitude and change the phase of net ecosystem exchange through shifts in plant community composition. Yet, little quantitative work has evaluated this potential mechanism at a regional scale. Here we investigate how fire disturbance influences landscape-level patterns of photosynthesis across western boreal North America. We use Alaska and Canadian large fire databases to identify the perimeters of wildfires, a Landsat-derived land cover time series to characterize plant functional types (PFTs), and solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) as a proxy for photosynthesis. We analyze these datasets to characterize post-fire changes in plant succession and photosynthetic activity using a space-for-time approach. We find that increases in herbaceous and sparse vegetation, shrub, and deciduous broadleaf forest PFTs during mid-succession yield enhancements in SIF by 8-40% during June and July for 2- to 59-year stands relative to pre-fire controls. From the analysis of post-fire land cover changes within individual ecoregions and modeling, we identify two mechanisms by which fires contribute to long-term trends in SIF. First, increases in annual burning are shifting the stand age distribution, leading to increases in the abundance of shrubs and deciduous broadleaf forests that have considerably higher SIF during early- and mid-summer. Second, fire appears to facilitate a long-term shift from evergreen conifer to broadleaf deciduous forest in the Boreal Plain ecoregion. These findings suggest that increasing fire can contribute substantially to positive trends in seasonal CO2 exchange without a close coupling to long-term increases in carbon storage.

Organizational and Economic Conditions of Development and Components of Market Success of Enterprises in the Context of Digitalization, Innovation and Socialization of the National Economy

The aim of the article is to study the organizational and economic conditions of development and the components of market success of enterprises in the context of digitalization of the economy on the basis of the computed impact of significant attributes on the market success of different types of economic entities (large, medium, small and micro enterprises) in 2010 and 2022 using a multi-attribute model. The authors present the dynamics of changes in the market success of different types of economic entities in 2010–2022 under the influence of significant attributes according to the multi-attribute model. The article analyzes the current state of digital transformation in the context of regions of Ukraine. In 2023, we have a group of regions in which digital transformation has slowed down, namely: Sumy (?0.356), Zaporizhzhia (?0.081), Kherson (?0.184), Donetsk (?0.11), Odesa (?0.051), Cherkasy (?0.044) regions. Digitalization accelerated in Lviv (?0.092), Volyn (?0.111), Kyiv (?0.096), and Khmelnytskyi (?0.01) regions. Pursuing the goal of digital transformation of business processes in enterprises, there should be no gaps in innovation, as digital technologies are developing much faster than the government and public institutions can define and present policies to regulate digital technologies and use the benefits that technology brings to enterprises, businesses, individuals. The relevance of digitalization of the economy is substantiated. Digital business must become socialized due to flexibility to the needs of the client, quick response to his requests. A modern virtual business must be ready to produce goods and provide not only «today for tomorrow», but also «today for today» services. It is proposed to include the development of a new product and the expansion of the customer base to the effective organizational and economic conditions of business adaptation in the face of modern challenges. For a digital enterprise, expand the line of digital services to retain established customers but provide them with a wider range of digital services. The authors take the position that it is necessary to expand virtual business opportunities, namely the search for new markets through work on digital online platforms with round-the-clock consultations of managers.

АНАЛИЗ СТРУКТУРЫ ПРОМЫСЛА И ДИНАМИКИ РОСТА СТАДА СЕВЕРНОГО МОРСКОГО КОТИКА (CALLORHINUS URSINUS) ОСТРОВА ТЮЛЕНИЙ В ПЕРИОД ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ И ПОСЛЕ ЕЁ ЗАВЕРШЕНИЯ

Based on a long time series providing biological monitoring data of the Northern fur seal population on Tyuleny Island and detailed information on the harvesting characteristics of this population, we have analyzed trends in its growth. The research results of changes in the average reproductive success of bulls and the age structure of Northern fur seal males on Tyuleny Island are presented as indicators of harvesting impact on the reproductive potential of the population. Evidence has shown that selective harvesting was practiced, where most productive bulls were removed from the population. This led to a significant change in the age structure of the population and a significant reduction in the population growth. Despite a slight increase in the natural survival of almost all age groups, the population growth slowed down sharply. The proximity of the growth potential indicator to the critical unitary value revealed in recent years leads to a bleak forecast. Further growth in the Northern fur seal population, if any, will not be rapid. To accelerate it, it is necessary to provide a new natural restructuring of the population structure, improving its qualitative composition and increasing the proportion of males with high reproductive success.

Managing Strategic Change in Business World

The execution of organisational transformations requires a systematic strategy, which is known as managing strategic change. It ensures that staff members have the assistance and resources they need during the transition. Strategic change managers use models to enable deliberate change, ensuring that it is in line with the aims and objectives of the business. The change management strategy encourages openness and direction, improving coordination between important stakeholders and staff members during the change process. It emphasises the value of transformational leadership in fostering an environment that is conducive to change, as well as the necessity for change agents to possess specific traits and abilities in order to successfully manage the change process. The article also covers the ADKAR change model, a potent tool for managing change and reducing opposition. The essay finishes by outlining typical obstacles to successful organisational change and tactics for overcoming them. The research emphasises the significance of comprehending and controlling the human side of change, in addition to the technical components, in order to achieve successful organisational transformation.

A problem-based learning activity for enhancing inquiry skills and facilitating conceptual change in a biological chemistry course

When teaching STEM courses, it is important to introduce state-of-the-art techniques. Students need to learn how to conduct experiments, analyse data and choose the most effective approaches to address meaningful situations. Here we present the assessment of the implementation of a structured inquiry-based activity aimed at teaching students about protein mass and size. This activity emerges as an intervention in our educational module, designed to create a cognitive conflict that effectively drives a conceptual change. To evaluate the efficacy of this module, we collected data on students’ perceived and actual knowledge through pre- and post-class surveys (n = 36 and 34, respectively, mean age 26 ± 2). Additionally, we evaluated lab reports using a detailed rubric. Results indicate that the practical innovation we propose is a challenging activity that promotes the accomplishment of our learning objectives. The activity led to improvements both in confidence and in actual mastery of theoretical concepts and techniques. After completing the activity, students were able to choose the most appropriate technique to solve specific problems. Furthermore, we found that the use of a structured questionnaire in lab reports helped students to accurately analyse and process experimental data. It also allows them to demonstrate understanding of technical limitations, while integrating the knowledge and skills acquired during the module. Overall, this activity provides notions that are conceivable and profitable, thus leading to successful conceptual changes.