Transformational Change Research Articles

Breaking the Barriers of Inequalities in Education: The Influence of Mass Media Among Adivasis in Wayanad, Kerala

This article investigates the role of mass media in the education of Adivasi communities in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. This study, part of ethnographic research, collected data from three Adivasi communities through in-depth interviews, observations and key informant interviews. The article focuses on how mass media technologies have influenced the awareness and educational attainment of the communities. The study proves that the worldview of the Adivasi communities in Wayanad has widened with the introduction of radio, television, mobile phones and the internet. Mass media has facilitated transformative changes in Anganwadi and post-Anganwadi education, including improved parent–student communication, overcoming language barriers, and increasing informed participation in decision-making. A positive correlation was observed between the diffusion of mass media technologies and educational performance. These technologies also contribute to building social networks and, consequently, employment opportunities. The study further notes that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the diffusion of mass media technologies in Adivasi hamlets.

Beyond the endpoint: the report of the Belgian commission on colonial injustice and the wider tapestry of truth initiatives

ABSTRACT In recent years, Europe has witnessed a surge of truth initiatives to address the legacy of its colonial past as well as the enduring consequences thereof in the present. In the summer of 2020, Belgium became the first European country to establish a historical (truth) commission to investigate the historical and ongoing injustices related to its history of overseas colonialism. In this article, I analyse the report of the Special Parliamentary Commission on the Socio-Economic Impact of Colonialism in Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, to assess its contribution to broader debates on accountability and transformative change through the lens of disruptive accounts of the past. Additionally, the article explores Belgium’s truth initiatives ecosystem – of which the Commission was part of – to highlight the interplay between official truth-seeking processes and alternative narratives in confronting historical injustices.

Appreciating dyslexic thinking in qualitative research: reflections and recommendations for culturally competent, neuro-inclusive academia

AbstractDyslexia and its associated learning challenges are often misconstrued as intellectual deficits, leading to erroneous assumptions that individuals with dyslexia cannot thrive or contribute meaningfully to academic institutions. However, this article contends that the unique thinking patterns associated with dyslexia are complementary to and can substantially enrich the professional practice of qualitative research. The social model of disability emphasises how Higher Education Institutions, rooted in ableist and neurotypical norms, often marginalise and fail to accommodate dyslexic cognitive profiles. Conversely, cultural competency, as an actionable conceptual framework, calls for transformative changes that promote understanding, build meaningful relationships, and ensure effective communication with neurodivergent individuals. Drawing on my experience as a dyslexic academic, I examine critical discussions on disability, neurodiversity, higher education, and qualitative research. Adopting an autoethnographic methodological approach, I highlight my professional strengths within this context, and propose an adaptable cultural competency framework aimed at cultivating neuro-inclusive—and specifically dyslexic-friendly practices, at the individual and organisational levels within academia.

Revolutionising the ready-made garments firms in Bangladesh: strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation

ABSTRACT Ready-Made Garments (RMG) firms, particularly in developing economies such as Bangladesh, struggles to integrate sustainability into its operations and product innovation. Limited supportive policies and institutions exacerbate this challenge, hindering the industry's ability to produce high-standard and globally competitive sustainable products. Drawing on case studies of Bangladesh’s RMG firms, this qualitative paper aims to identify potential strategies and commitments to drive transformative change in the RMG firms towards sustainable product innovation. It addresses the main questions on the drivers of transformative change in sustainable product innovation, as well as firm leadership responses to sustainable development. Key findings from key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) indicate drivers and strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation in five dimensions: sustainability practices, market demands, firms’ commitments and initiatives, policy and regulatory framework, and technology and innovation. The findings of the paper highlights policy insights and leadership roles that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the crucial factors and guidelines for initiating transformative changes in the RMG firms towards sustainable products. Also, a framework with insights from stakeholders is developed based on the findings to provide leadership guidance and recommendations for companies in the RMG sector and other related industries.

EVOLUTIONARY TRANSFORMATION OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM OF DEFENSE GOODS, SERVICES AND WORKS IN UKRAINE

It is inadvisable to limit the quality assurance system for defense-related goods/services/works solely to a set of mechanisms; it must necessarily encompass vertical and horizontal connections both among the relevant functional blocks (subsystems) and between the entities involved in their operation. In the context of not only geopolitical challenges but also the ongoing daily struggle against an aggressor state, it is critically important to establish an effective and efficient system for controlling the quality of defense-related goods/services/works. This article is dedicated to the systematization of the characteristics of transformational changes and the outlining of methodological foundations for the effective functioning of the quality assurance system for defense- related goods, works, and services in Ukraine. A conceptual three-level model of the quality assurance system for defense-related goods, services, and works has been formulated by distinguishing the essential parameters of their operation at the global, national, and micro levels. The peculiarities of forming a quality assurance system for defense-related products at both the micro and macro levels have been justified. It has been emphasized that the effectiveness of the evolutionary transformation of the quality assurance system for defense-related products at all levels of its representation should be characterized by the penetration of market forces into the mechanism of its operation. Attention has been drawn to the substantive directions for implementing the requirements of NATO standards in the AQAP series (AQAP 2110) within the framework of a corporate quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001. Since there are no legal or legislative requirements mandating the implementation of quality management systems, the enhancement and improvement of the efficiency of internal business and production processes should be a direct concern of the enterprise itself, driven by market forces. At the same time, the state should create stimulating mechanisms, for instance, by employing soft regulation; in military procurement specifications, it should mandate the presence of a certificate of compliance with AQAP requirements for the enterprises involved. The expected effects of the transformation of the studied system include economic, organizational, and worldview effects. A comparative analysis of the evolutionary transformation of the quality assurance system for defense-related goods, services, and works has been conducted based on the following criteria: the object and subject of control; the function performed by the control subject; the breadth of the controlling institution’s functionality; the perimeter of the controlling institution’s authority; the level of depth of control; and the level of subordination of the controlling institution to the Ministry of Defense. Despite the complexity of the task declared at the state level regarding the functioning of the state guarantee system for the quality of defense-related products, which is influenced not only by objective factors but also by worldview factors, its implementation has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of Ukraine’s defense products and substantially improve Ukraine’s rankings in terms of transparency, institutional maturity, and the ecological soundness of economic relations in the defense sector.

Examining the Effect of Disorders upon Impulsive Behavior in Criminal Actions and its Legal Implications in Emergency Department: Systematic Review

Abstract: Background: There are significant concerns regarding the relationship between mental health and criminal culpability since impulse control problems have long been linked to the genesis of criminal behaviour. In trying to clarify the complex legal ramifications that result from this link, this study explores the close link between diseases that inhibit impulse control and their possible role in criminal behaviour in patients coming to the emergency department. Aim: This research aims to explore how impulse control disorders contribute to criminal actions, emphasizing significant correlations and calling for transformative changes in emergency help for psychiatric patients and in the criminal justice system. Methodology: This study utilized Bullion Words for a literature review, identifying 24,400 hits, and narrowing down to 24 papers after rigorous selection. The systematic review explores the interplay between impulse control disorders and criminal actions, emphasizing legal implications. Ethical considerations ensure confidentiality. The study concludes with key findings, relationship insights, legal discussions, and future research suggestions. Result: This systematic review reveals a nuanced understanding of how impulse control disorders contribute to criminal actions. Identifying specific disorders like kleptomania and intermittent explosive disorder emphasizes the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. The legal implications highlight the need for a paradigm shift in the criminal justice system, advocating tailored interventions and rehabilitation strategies, and offering a novel perspective for future legal frameworks. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex interconnection between impulse control disorders and criminal actions. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing these disorders in legal contexts and advocate for a nuanced approach to sentencing and treatment. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic criteria, exploring intervention strategies, and elucidating the long-term impact of impulse control disorders on legal outcomes. Overall, this review contributes to a more informed understanding of the legal implications surrounding impulse control disorders and criminal actions.

The roles and unexplored potential of policy experimentation in climate adaptation governance: A systematic literature review

AbstractPolicy experimentation has emerged globally as a novel governance approach to address complex socio‐environmental problems. In the climate adaptation literature, policy experiments that test technical and governance innovations on a small scale in real‐world conditions are increasingly utilized to explore new pathways for climate adaptation. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on how policy experiments lead to transformative change in climate adaptation governance, particularly regarding their role as a change strategy. This systematic literature review aims to thoroughly investigate the topic by mapping the empirical characteristics of policy experiments, their role and their outcomes. An existing analytical framework was adapted to fulfill this objective by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing 27 empirical papers. The findings reveal that policy experiments in climate adaptation often address multiple climate hazards, sectors and actors, yet they are spatially and temporally limited, being predominantly located in Europe. Moreover, the study highlights the transformative potential of policy experiments in climate adaptation governance, emphasizing their effectiveness in testing technical and governing innovations, as well as implementing adaptation policies. Policy experiments predominantly contribute to social learning rather than direct policy changes, requiring specific strategies to upscale the knowledge generated. We conclude the paper with a research agenda that stresses the need for more cumulative and comparative (post)assessments of climate adaptation experiments. This is important given the potential of policy experiments as governing approaches in the advancement of climate adaptation.

Beyond the 'Protected Area' Paradigm in Conservation: Exploring India's Forest Legislation as a New Conservation Model for Developing Countries.

To achieve global biodiversity targets, expanding protected area (PA) networks has been regarded as a major strategy in international commitments. However, the PA strategy often fails to achieve its objective - preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. In addition, the expansion of PA areas could replicate and amplify historical injustices such as forced evictions, state-led physical violence, assimilation of culture and loss of traditional ecological knowledge, affecting communities' livelihood, quality of life and rights. There is an increasing consensus that the post-2020 biodiversity conservation framework should be rights-based and sensitive to the role and contributions of local communities towards achieving the PAs' targets. India's Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 may be considered a useful framework for biodiversity conservation in the context of this new conservation vision. It puts local people at the centre stage, making them active participants in designing and managing conservation. PAs following 'fortress conservation' approach were based on the flawed idea that human interference endangers biodiversity and therefore habitats should be preserved by force if required. Such an idea contradicts the recent understanding that ecosystems once perceived as 'wilderness', have been transformed by people. PAs undermine the intricate and intertwined relationship of humans with their immediate ecosystem. The conservation model proposed by FRA 2006, on the other hand, recognises local communities as an integral part of ecosystem and thereby acknowledges people's rights and agency in conservation. It ensures locals' equitable benefits from economic activities, and provides equitable opportunities to participate in decision-making. Though various provisions under FRA empowered local people in conservation, it faces various challenges during the implementation on the ground. It is argued that a clear and appropriate institutional arrangement specifying various stakeholders' power, roles and responsibilities in the conservation and management of bioresources (including the protection of endangered species) should be developed for transformative change in biodiversity conservation.

From human rights to transformative change: ‘NAME-IT’, a meta-theoretical model of rights-based praxis

Scholarship on social work and human rights is increasingly steering the debate towards praxis and the development of action frameworks. However, these efforts have hitherto not explicitly inquired into how such approaches contribute to transformative change. Addressing this issue, we engage with dialectical critical realism to embed the ongoing discussions in broader theories of change and unravel the transformative potential of human rights discourses. The result is a meta-theoretical model, ‘NAME-IT’, which systematically unpacks how the dialectic between the reality and the promise of human rights can guide social workers towards transformative action. It forwards human rights as a struggle concept and invites practitioners, researchers and educators to name their violations for what they are. This provides guidance to stretch the discourse of human rights beyond the perimeters of neoliberalism and embed it in an agenda fit for critical and radical social work.

Pendidikan Islam Transformatif (Menggali Karakteristik Manajemen Perubahan Yang Efektif)

This research aims to determine the characteristics of transformative Islamic education change management. This research is important because the world of Islamic education is faced with globalization, which demands improvements in the management of Islamic education with character. Four main problems were found: (1) what is meant by change management, (2) what is the difference between general and Islamic change management, (3) what are the characteristics of change management in Islamic education, (4) what are examples of its application in facing the global era. Through a qualitative descriptive approach in the form of a literature review, namely by collecting data such as books and journals and analyzing it using content analysis, the research produced findings that the process of creating a sustainable learning culture in organizations is to increase the ability to adapt to change. The difference between general change management and change management in Islamic educational institutions lies in the basis used. General change management is based on the philosophy of naturalism, while Islamic education change management is based on the Koran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. The character is also different, the management of Islamic education is more towards anthropocentric theory. An example of its application is by applying these characters to Islamic education management practices to become transformative Islamic education.

Empowering the periphery: regional planning perspective to left-behind places

Left-behind places, characterized by population decline, economic stagnation, and social decay, present complex challenges that demand regional and place-based plan- ning solutions. Distinguishing the importance of peripheral areas in this perspective is highly crucial, despite their absence from decision-makers’ political agendas as in the case of ne- glecting them due to physical or mental barriers prolongs these disparities. This exploration underlines the regional planning perspective aimed at empowering the periphery, focusing on possible strategies to revive left-behind areas and foster local development. Providing insights from urban planning and regional development, this work discusses the dynamics of decline in the regions and unfolds key principles and approaches for regional level intervention. By emphasizing place-based strategies, this exploration offers input for policymakers, planners, and practitioners seeking to address the spatial disparities and promote different perspec- tives on left-behind places. There are several strategies to employ local resources, and start transformative change, consequently expected to result in advancing the agenda of regional development. Planners must prioritize social infrastructure changes to address diverse needs and promote the well-being of communities within left-behind places, ensuring inclusive local development.

A cautious approach to subsidies for environmental sustainability.

Transformational change is possible, but design and implementation must seek to avoid lock-in.

Connected Food: First Steps for an Ambitious National Food Strategy

Background: The global food system faces growing pressure from population growth, climate change, wealth inequity, geo-political instability, and damage to the ecosystems on which our food supply depends. Fragmentation of the priorities and needs of food system stakeholders—citizens, food producers, food industries, governments—compounds the problem, with competing or misaligned interests increasing the risk of failure to adequately meet the needs of those that form, and are served, by the food system. Growing consensus on the need for transformative system level change to address the problems facing the food system is yet to be significantly reflected in strategic action. Methods: The national food strategy of the UK is offered as an exemplar to discuss the need to promote more coherent and ambitious visions of transformative change that acknowledge the complexity of the food system as a whole. We draw upon cross-sectoral experience to distil the needs, priorities, and key food system tensions that must be acknowledged to promote transformative systems change that equitably delivers healthy sustainable diets, contributes to a resilient global food system, and protects the environment. Results: Greater coherence, ambition, and consideration of the food system as a whole are needed if a UK national food strategy is to contribute to significant transformative change. Conclusions: To promote this, we advocate for (1) a food system digital twin to model and test potential food system interventions or legislation; (2) a citizens’ forum to inform and co-develop a cohesive national food strategy; and (3) increased cohesion and integration of food system governance within government to drive a coherent, ambitious national food strategy.

Science for transformative change: the IPCC, boundary work and the making of useable knowledge

While there has been much discussion about what kind of expertise the IPCC needs to develop to (better) guide climate policy, little has been said about how the experts themselves assess the challenges of making science policy-relevant. The paper aims to address this gap by exploring how leading IPCC experts reflect on and evaluate their work. The empirical material consists of an interview study with experts currently or recently involved in the IPCC. The selection strategy aimed to achieve a broad range of experience among those with key roles in the assessment work, including experts from all three working groups, from different regions, and of different genders. Data from the interviews was analyzed thematically using NVivo. The concept of boundary work was used to analyze the distinctions and boundaries in this work; how the IPCC experts draw boundaries between science and policy, between policy-relevance and policy-prescriptiveness, and between certain and uncertain knowledge. By analyzing the experts’ own experiences and ideas about what makes science relevant to policy-making, the paper contributes to the discussion about current and future challenges for the IPCC.

Traditional healing as mental health intervention: Contemporary insights from an American Indian healer.

Contemporary American Indian communities experience a disproportionately high rate of specific mental health concerns, including psychiatric disorders as defined by professional psychology. Although integrating mainstream mental health services and Indigenous traditional healing (ITH) has been presented as a promising approach to addressing these inequities, such integration necessitates in-depth exploration and consideration of ITH. To that effect, this article provides a thematic analysis of an interview with an urban American Indian traditional healer who reflected on more than 4 decades of therapeutic experience. Based on this analysis, we identified two major themes. The first theme, Expansive View of ITH, reflects this healer's conceptualization and understanding of the therapeutic process while the second theme, Guiding Principles of ITH, explicates the foundational commitments that shape and guide this healer's application and practice of ITH. These insights reinforce previous observations made by scholars of Indigenous health and well-being that challenge dominant Euro-American perspectives and call for transformative change in psychology research and practice, advocating for professional consideration of a broader range of therapeutic rationales, traditions, and practices than what is common within the field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Innovative Strategies and Transformations in the Montilla–Moriles Wine-Production Area: Adaptation and Success in the Global Market

This study examines the transformative changes in the wine industry of Southern Europe over recent decades, focusing on one of Spain’s oldest Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Montilla–Moriles. The region faced severe challenges during the second wave of globalization at the beginning of the 21st century. According to the 1999 Strategic Plan for this PDO, far-reaching strategic actions were needed; 25 years later, however, fewer than half of the original companies remain. To understand this complex issue, a qualitative analysis was conducted using case studies and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the sector. The paper presents several success stories featuring companies with strong dynamic capabilities: Bodegas Robles, Lagar de la Salud, and Tonelería del Sur–Casknolia. These companies were selected for their notable growth, contrary to the general industry trend, their diverse strategies, and their role in revitalizing the Montilla–Moriles wine market. Their success is attributed to a blend of traditional expertise, innovation, sustainability, and strategic internationalization. The findings of this study reveal that despite the industry’s challenges, innovative initiatives can thrive by leveraging global market opportunities.

Would teaching gender as core, not boutique, move us closer to the SDG gender equality goal?

ABSTRACT The Sustainable Development Goals, through Goal 5 on Gender Equality, put gender as a focus at the heart of every endeavour. Yet with 2030 looming, across the globe, we have made insufficient progress towards gender equality. Despite a plethora of mentions of the aim to achieve gender equality in regional and international documents, progress is slow (see https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/09/progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-gender-snapshot-2022 and https://pacificdata.org/dashboard/sdg-5-gender-equality). What can be done? If transformative change is required, then a range of options needs to be explored. Could expanding exposure as to who studies gender be just one tool for building a pipeline of actors who take a gender lens when engaging with key issues, and speeding up progress towards the gender equality goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Goal 5)? How should we rethink the teaching of gender and development? My proposition is that gender should be mainstreamed in every course through a revised curriculum as a practical lever for change and to hasten progress towards Goal 5. The hope is that this paper can encourage conversation both in gender and development circles and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and prompt new lines of research and action towards rethinking the teaching of gender and development, which can then strengthen the knowledge base in the pipeline of political decision-makers and development actors. This paper is a call to action for the repositioning of gender at the heart of all studies – not as an elective or “boutique”, but as core to every subject.

Navigating the Impact of Immigration Policies on Universities: A Leadership Model Approach

This study explores the multifaceted challenges universities may face as a result of alterations in immigration policies. Tightened regulations lead to decreases in international student enrollment. By drawing upon various theoretical frameworks, including transformational leadership, change management, and cultural dimensions, this study offers a comprehensive strategy to address the financial, social, and cultural implications of immigration policy shifts. The study examines the impact of policy changes on employees, highlighting potential challenges such as burnout and disengagement. Proactive measures, including flexible work arrangements and mental health support services, are recommended to mitigate these impacts. Financial implications are addressed through developing contingency plans and reassessing financial strategies to maintain operational stability. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of preserving campus cultural exchange opportunities and diversity initiatives through virtual programs, partnerships, and curriculum integration. Leadership models, particularly transformational leadership, provide a guiding framework for navigating organizational change. The study advocates for clear communication, employee empowerment, and alignment with the institution’s values to foster resilience. Additionally, Kotter’s 8-Step Model of Change Management offers a structured approach to addressing challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgency, vision, and cultural integration. Through proactive measures informed by theoretical insights, universities can navigate the challenges of immigration policy changes while upholding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. This study contributes valuable insights for higher education institutions grappling with regulatory shifts, offering actionable recommendations for fostering resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.

A-124 Sustainable Transport: Assessing Environmental Impact in Medical Sample Transit via Drones and Vehicles

Abstract Background This research explores the ecological implications associated with different methods of transporting medical samples, specifically focusing on drones, combustion cars, and electric cars within two laboratories in central European countries. With the primary goal of assessing and comparing CO2 consumption, delivery time, and overall environmental impact, the study aims to provide a basis for adopting sustainable practices in healthcare logistics. Methods The transportation of medical samples occurred between two laboratories in the Principality of Liechtenstein and Switzerland, utilizing authorized aerial and road routes. Various weather conditions and distances were considered for sample transports using different vehicles (8 combustion cars, two electric cars, and one drone model). Energy consumption was documented, and the CO2 footprint was calculated based on data from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) for both imported and renewable electricity. Comparative analyses were conducted to quantify the environmental impact of each transportation method. Results In terms of CO2 footprint, combustion cars exhibited a CO2 release of 159.5 g/km, while electric cars showed 3.43g (2.15 to 4.08% of combustion cars). Drones demonstrated a minimal 0.09g CO2 emission per kilometer (0.066% of combustion car CO2 emission; 2.6% of electric car CO2 emission). The distance traveled by drones was significantly shorter (16.7% to 50%). Additionally, the efficiency of drone transport was emphasized by its ability to avoid traffic jams and associated detours, resulting in time savings ranging from 31.25 to 50% per delivery when comparing transport times during rush hour and regular hours in the selected setting. Conclusions The integration of drone technology emerges as a crucial strategy for establishing a “green laboratory.” The substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and enhanced delivery efficiency position drone transport as a sustainable and operationally effective solution for medical sample logistics, offering shorter delivery times. These findings highlight the potential for transformative change in healthcare logistics, aligning with the global shift towards sustainability and green practices.

Artificial Intelligence: A Twenty First Century International Regulatory Challenge

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a twenty first century evolution. Certain aspects of AI have been integrated into daily living. AI applications have also been incorporated into the aviation, banking, cyber security, educational, employment, health, and military sectors respectively. However, the unpredictable nature of AI is a cause for concern because ‘In many instances, AI remains under the control of users and designers, but in increasing numbers of applications, the behaviour of a system cannot be predicted by those involved in design and application […]. Newly developed machines are able to teach themselves and even collect data’. Consequently, ‘The potential benefits and harms of AI have led to calls for governments to adapt quickly to the changes AI is already delivering and the potentially transformative changes to come. These include calls to pause AI development and for countries […] to deliver a step-change in regulation’. ‘In March 2023, more than 1,000 artificial intelligence experts, researchers and backers signed an open letter calling for an immediate pause on the creation of “giant” AIs for at least six months, so the capabilities and dangers of such systems can be properly studied and mitigated’. What are the benefits of AI? What are the risks of AI? Which crimes can be committed via AI? What are the regulatory challenges? What has been the international response? In this article, we will explore whether there is a justification for regulating AI from ethical, legal and law enforcement perspectives. Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Ethics; Regulation; Law enforcement