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This study aims to analyze the award-winning efforts from the 2019/2019 edition of the National Innovation Award (Premio Nacional de Inovacao – PNI), based on the different types of innovation in Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). The support of public policies for Brazilian businesses, boost awards in terms of recognition for the search for new solutions in order to make businesses more sustainable through innovation. Methodologically classified as of an applied nature, this research has a qualitative descriptive-explanatory approach. Its object of analysis is a group of companies with innovative characteristics, validated by PNI awards. Such companies were selected among the winners of PNI’s most recent edition that were also participating in SEBRAE’s and CNPq’s Local Innovation Agent Program (Agente Local de Inovacao – ALI). Data has been obtained through structured individual interviews with the companies’ representatives, questionnaire application and documentary research. After conducting the study, similarities were observed between the surveyed companies. They have been in the market for at least 7 and at most 26 years, and they have used the award’s questionnaire as a self-assessment tool. It was observed that their representatives are also involved in different types of ventures. It is important to highlight the presence of some of these in the international market and in startup investments. The results obtained are presented as the set of implementations of the types of innovation in the companies studied, which, through their efforts and actions, become subjects that enable mechanisms to stimulate competitiveness in small businesses. With the aid of literature, supported by researchers and authors, followed by the use of multiple case studies and document analysis, this study’s relevance has been associated with PNI’s award-winning companies, incorporating them into a context of innovative practice models and allowing them to contribute to business sustainability

Commercialization of technology is vital to the survival and success of biotechnology firms, which offer solutions to key environmental concerns, such as air pollution, soil pollution, and climate change. Although a number of technology commercialization models have been proposed, the specific requirements of biotechnology commercialization, which include specialized infrastructure, intense research and development interactions, time-sensitive decision making, and pilot scaling have been addressed in the limited way in the previous literature. In this article, we study the process of technology commercialization through in-depth interviews with managers of biotechnology firms in India and propose a commercialization model that is tailored to biotechnology firms operating in an Indian setting. With the help of a two-tailed multiple case study design, we develop a commercialization model that identifies six new subprocesses and three valleys of death. The model can assist managers and entrepreneurs throughout the commercialization journey by defining objectives, activities, and outcomes of each of the 18 subprocesses of technology commercialization. Biotechnology firms can use this model to minimize errors, reduce time to market, and ensure time-sensitive decision making.

The study aims to discover the extent to which organizations support the careers of skilled contingent workers (SCWs) by providing them with organizational career management (OCM) practices. Analyzing three Belgian companies from different sectors, we find that SCWs do benefit from OCM practices. Such practices cover three dimensions: formalization, individual focus, and differentiation. Subsequently, we explain the three dimensions, respectively, through three contextual variables: the legal and regulatory framework, companies’ human resource management (HRM) configurations and the value of human capital, and the roles of third-party actors. The association of the variables with such dimensions enables the development of three research propositions. This study paves the way for additional research on SCWs and their careers as well as incorporating this population in HRM strategies, including that of OCM practices.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how family businesses utilise social media tools, to determine what the purposes, benefits and challenges are, and to discover competencies that are important in social networking and cooperation. A multiple case study method was employed based on semi-structured interviews with six wineries located in the Balaton region, Hungary. The interviewees and the wineries they represented were selected among the 55 wineries applying the non-probability sampling purposive technique and the interviews were analysed using a case study method and qualitative content analysis. The results show that Facebook is the most popular social media tool that wineries use to increase brand awareness and reach new potential customers. This study also presents a “Social media roadmap” framework for good practice and proposes practical steps family businesses may take to help them succeed in their marketing activities.

Resumen Las prácticas de enseñanza en las asignaturas de índole teológica ofrecidas por universidades católicas a todos sus estudiantes en respuesta a su misionalidad y su deseo de formación integral son el tema del presente artículo, cuyo objetivo es caracterizar tales prácticas en relación con las concepciones de teología, intencionalidades formativas, contenidos, métodos, recursos y evaluación. El método de la investigación es el estudio de caso múltiple y se llevó a cabo en cuatro universidades de Colombia (dos en Bogotá y dos en Cali). En su propósito de identificar las construcciones metodológicas y las acciones intencionadas que se implementan para que los estudiantes aprendan a pensar teológicamente la realidad, se encontró que: existen prejuicios por parte de los estudiantes que van desapareciendo a lo largo de la asignatura; los profesores no se inscriben en un único enfoque pedagógico y, en consecuencia, no se identifica una didáctica específica; y, finalmente, aunque hay un aporte significativo en la formación humana de los estudiantes, lo propio de la teología queda diluido en asuntos religiosos, morales, sociales, políticos y ecológicos. Abstract Teaching practices in theological courses offered by Catholic universities to all their students in response to their mission and comprehensive education are the subject of this article. In this sense, its objective is to characterize such practices concerning theology conceptions, formative intentions, contents, methods, resources, and assessment. The method used in our research is a multiple case study carried out with four universities in Colombia (two in Bogotá and two in Cali). In identifying the methodological constructions and intentional actions implemented so that students learn to weigh reality theologically, we found that students have prejudices that are overcome throughout the course; professors do not restrict themselves to a single pedagogical approach and, consequently, specific didactics is not identified; and, finally, there is a significant contribution to the human education of students, but theology itself becomes blurred among religious, moral, social, political, and ecological issues. Resumo As práticas de ensino das disciplinas de índole teológica oferecidas por universidades católicas a todos os estudantes em resposta a sua missão e a seu desejo de formação integral são o tema deste artigo, cujo objetivo é caracterizar essas práticas com relação às concepções de teologia, às intencionalidades formativas, aos conteúdos, aos métodos, aos recursos e à avaliação. O método da pesquisa é o estudo de casos múltiplos e foi realizado em quatro universidades da Colômbia (duas em Bogotá e duas em Cali). Em seu propósito de identificar as construções metodológicas e as ações intencionadas que são implementadas para que os estudantes aprendam a pensar teologicamente na realidade, constatou-se que existem preconceitos por parte dos estudantes que vão desaparecendo ao longo do curso; que os professores não estão vinculados a uma única abordagem pedagógica e, em consequência, não é identificada uma didática específica; finalmente, que, embora haja uma contribuição significativa na formação humana dos estudantes, o objetivo em si da teologia se dilui em assuntos religiosos, morais, políticos e ecológicos.

Hospitals operate in increasingly complex and dynamically uncertain environments. To understand how hospital organizationscan cope with such profound uncertainty, this article presents a multiple case study of five hospitals during the COVID-19crisis in a heavily hit region of the Netherlands. We find that hospitals make adaptations in five key categories, namely:reorganization, decision-making, human resources, material resources, and planning. These adaptations offer insights intothe core capabilities needed by hospitals to cope with dynamic uncertainty. Our findings highlight the need for hospitals tobecome more flexible without sacrificing efficiency. Organizations can accomplish this by building in more sensing and seizingcapabilities to be better prepared for and respond to environmental change. Furthermore, transforming capabilities alloworganizations to be more resilient and responsive in the face of ongoing uncertainty. We make recommendations on howhospitals can build these capabilities and address the core challenges they face in this pursuit.

The International Dyslexia Association estimates that on average, as many as 15% to 20% of the population may display symptoms of dyslexia, which include inaccurate or laborious reading, and weak spelling and writing. Unfortunately, many individuals with dyslexia have found themselves surrounded by school and community members who do not understand this pervasive and well-documented language-learning disability. Data on experiences of diverse practitioners attempting to gain expertise in dyslexia are one critical path for identifying potential mechanisms for mitigating these challenges. In this article, the authors report on a multiple-case study designed to better understand the experiences and contexts of graduate students enrolled in an online dyslexia assessment and intervention professional development program. Analysis revealed common contextual barriers to practice across unique settings and also common supports acquired as participants built their internal capacity through their online learning experiences.

International audience; PurposeTo investigate the emergence and specificities of local-led innovation platforms (IPs) in Madagascar and contrast them with neighbouring research-led IPs.Design/methodology/approachWe developed a multi-disciplinary framework combining insights from the literature on IP, innovation support services, and innovative networks. Using an exploratory multiple case study approach, we used this framework to analyse eight IPs in Madagascar.Findings(i) local-led IPs are problem oriented, (ii) there is a gap between the stated objectives of the IPs and their activities, (iii) their significant shortcomings result from weak or lacking inter-organisational management practices.Practical ImplicationsWe propose concrete avenues for strengthening local-led IPs by building their capacity to innovate at the individual, organisational and network levels.Theoretical ImplicationsWe contribute to refining IP assessment methods with an operational framework based on a small subset of variables, focusing on activities, shortcomings, and inter-organisational management practices. We also call for further research into innovation network capacities.Originality/ValueOur study sheds light on less documented local-led IPs. From a critical point of view, it shows that, despite the interest they attract among donors, local-led IPs suffer from specific weaknesses and require substantial support, especially when they operate in weak enabling environments.

Diversity is a great challenge for software engineers in the social sector context. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the identification of the RE processes and associated challenges in releasing the software in the social sector markets for which an exploratory case study is conducted. The outcome of the case study indicates that the diversity limits the ability to involve the representative samples of user populations using the same set of RE tools and techniques as one size fits all solution for all segments. The diverse user base must be partitioned into different segments, with each segment triggered using a suitable set of RE techniques i.e., traditional and crowd-based RE. The diverse perspectives learned as a result of the interaction with each segment, must be merged together into a single perspective about the software meant to be used in the social sector. There is a need for a new RE process specially designed for handling the complexities of the social sector, which this paper terms as Social Sector Requirement Engineering (SSRE). There is an increased need for collaboration between government social sector institutions and software engineers to get access to diverse customers to improve software quality.

Although contingency allocation management is widely accepted as a proactive concept rich in theories, its applications do not seem to be well embraced in many countries due to many factors. This study aims to broadly investigate this theory-practice gap concerning contingency allocation in building projects in Sri Lanka. Twelve case studies with a desk review on seven local projects were carried out to explore the contingency allocation practice at the site level. Fifteen independent consultants were interviewed to share an understanding of the practical relevance of this research while largely eliminating the need for further justification. Code-based content analysis was used to analyze data. Nearly 44 incremental approaches were found to have theoretically evolved in a history of 35 years. It was revealed that the practice of ascertaining contingency sums is ad-hoc, informal, and subjective. More than 25 gaps were detected, while nearly 50 strategies were introduced. An impression among the practitioners is that the formal methods are overly theoretical.

The interconnection between innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development is a subject of immense concern these days, as society considers answers leading to sustainable development. Further, Social Innovations play a significant role in the development of Sustainopreneurship in the context of sustainable development. Given this context; this study investigates the barriers in developing the Social Innovation and Sustainopreneurship barriers in Sri Lanka. The study used the multiple case study method, and data were collected via in-depth interviews with fifteen Sustainopreneurs in Sri Lanka. The study's findings reveal several barriers in developing Social Innovations and Sustainopreneurship as; a) competition arises from non-sustainable businesses, b) lack of government support, c) high prices, and d) people’s attitude towards Social Innovations and Sustainopreneurship. Due to the dearth of research conducted on this area, this study contributes to the Social Innovations and Sustainopreneurship literature. The recommendations provide useful information for future strategic developments to practitioners and policymakers.

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate how organizations delivering services in business-to-business relations deal with the boundary paradox and knowledge asymmetry in value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative multiple case study strategy. Datas were gathered through 13 semi-structured interviews that were then analyzed through the content analysis. Findings The authors identified three mechanisms that organizations use to deal with the boundary paradox and two strategies to handle the knowledge asymmetry. Research limitations/implications First, no opportunities were afforded to involve more participants. Second, owning to confidentiality reasons, not all organizations provided us documents to be analyzed. Practical implications The findings guide managers in balancing the use of contracts and trust in inter-firm collaborations and fostering the learning of customers. Also, insights to protect knowledge based on the paradox of openness in value co-creation. Originality/value This study’s findings address the gap in value co-creation literature concerning the lack of empirical studies.

This paper states that the epistemic potentialities of writing and arguing are largely derived from the interweaving of four dimensions. Three of them are constitutive (the logical, rhetorical, and dialectical dimensions), and one is integrative (the epistemic dimension). Thus, we characterize how these four distinct dimensions operate in texts produced by first-year university students in two disciplines (Linguistics and Biology) and how those students reflect on their processes of writing and arguing. The results belong to qualitative research designed as a multiple case study, which focused on teaching practices that intertwine disciplinary contents, writing, and argumentation in Argentinian university classrooms. These results deepen the academic literacies’ lines of research regarding the role that argumentation plays in academic writing. We analyze texts produced by students and interviews with them to characterize the dimensions that such students deploy when writing and arguing to learn in their disciplines.

Anticipation is an inheritance pattern where disease severity increases and/or age of onset decreases in successive generations. It has been documented in neurodegenerative disorders [1,2], autoimm...

This article presents an exploratory multiple case study conducted on five different government businesses in Oman with the aim of developing a comprehensive framework of strategic change influence...

Purpose This descriptive multiple case study examined the effects of a contextualized expository strategy intervention on supported and independent note-taking, verbal rehearsal, and reporting skills for three elementary students with language disorders. Method Two 9-year-old fourth grade students and one 11-year-old sixth grade student with language disorders participated. The intervention was delivered as sixteen individual 20-minute sessions across nine weeks by the school speech-language pathologist. Students learned to take written and pictographic notes from expository texts and use verbal formulation and rehearsal of individual sentences and whole reports in varied learning contexts. To explore both emergent and independent accomplishments, performance was examined in final intervention session presentations and pre/post intervention testing. Results Following the intervention, all three students effectively used notes and verbal rehearsal to prepare and present fluent, organized, accurate, confident oral reports to an audience. From pre- to post-test, the students showed a range of improvements in the quality of notes, use of verbal rehearsal, holistic quality of oral and written reporting, and strategy awareness. Conclusions Sketch and Speak shows potential as an expository intervention for students who struggle with academic language learning. The results support further examination of this intervention for supported strategy use by younger students and independent use by older students.

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use to effectively integrate knowledge management (KM) into business practices. The study population comprised of five managers from two SMEs operating in Uganda. The eligibility criteria were that participants had to be managers from Ugandan SMEs with a knowledge-intensive environment, with some responsibility of KM in the organization, and experienced with at least 1 year of successful KM practices. The conceptual framework for this study was theory z. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, and reviews of company documents. Member checking was completed to strengthen credibility and trustworthiness. Synthesis: After methodological triangulation of the data sources collected and completion of Yin’s 5-step process of data analysis, five themes emerged: having supportive leadership, ensuring sustainability, embedding KM practices in the organization culture, socialization, and embracing modern technology. The findings of this study might promote social change by supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers’ use of KM to expand opportunities for employees to learn new skills and knowledge leading to the expansion of employment opportunities.

This study examines three family therapy cases of adolescents bullying victims in South Korea. We explored factors related to the onset of bullying victimization, family factors, intervention, and ...

OBJETIVO: O estudo visa identificar em que medida a participação no Programa Residência Pedagógica (PRP) pode gerar uma mudança de concepção dos participantes acerca do ensino na Educação Física (EF) escolar.MÉTODOS: Pautada numa abordagem mista, quantitativa e qualitativa, a pesquisa se caracteriza como um estudo de casos múltiplos, no qual sete acadêmicos e três professores, responderam um questionário e uma entrevista. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicam que a maioria dos participantes do PRP relata a ocorrência de uma mudança na compreensão do sentido da EF escolar, quando comparada com o entendimento anterior à participação no programa, além de uma alteração na percepção em relação ao conhecimento sobre a pluralidade de temas pertinentes a essa disciplina. CONCLUSÃO: Os principais fatores que induziram a alteração foram: a criação e o desenvolvimento de uma proposta curricular, a compreensão da pluralidade dos temas da EF como direito de aprendizagem dos alunos e as experiências em desenvolver o planejamento em um contexto escolar real.

El presente artículo analiza los factores claves que inciden en la construcción identitaria de la educadora infantil en sus primeros años de trabajo y en diferentes realidades educativas. La metodología aplicada consistió en un estudio de caso múltiple, con particularidades de tipo biográfico-narrativo, y la recogida de información se realizó a través de relatos de vida, específicamente incidentes críticos y biogramas, junto con entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales. Los resultados dan cuenta de tres grandes dimensiones: biográfica, formación inicial y ejercicio profesional. Los hallazgos permiten concluir que el proceso de construcción identitaria resulta ser complejo, relacional, contextual y variable.

Forty-one percent of small American retail companies fail to succeed beyond 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study is to explore strategies small retail business owners need for sustainability beyond 5 years. This study's data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 4 small successful retail business owners located in the United States southeastern region. Based on the conceptual framework of Schumpeter’s innovation theory, the paper provides 3 strategies that may prevent failure and lead to small business sustainability: passion and determination, market development and customer satisfaction, and business model innovation.

This paper explores planning negotiations in neighbourhood-level urban redevelopment. Rapidly densifying cities routinely approve development projects that exceed zoning permissions, conditional on...

This article is a multiple case study of policy in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Both cities have developed programs that utilize government funding to increase access to public school ...

Sticker use is an increasingly popular part of daily messaging activity. However, little is known regarding the types, functions, and outcomes of sticker use in authentic online communications. To investigate these phenomena, we analysed sticker use in five small mobile-messaging-facilitated discussion groups initiated by students for course projects in an Asian university. The students used four types of stickers, among which ‘animated picture without text’ was the most frequent. Sticker functions fell into two main categories: as a tone indicator with scope over a textual message, and as a stand-alone illocutionary act. Based on interviews with seven participants, we found disparities between the sender’s intention and the receiver’s interpretation for 34.7% of the stickers, but these disparities did not adversely affect the communication. Implications of the findings are discussed.

This study aims to develop a model to improve the quality of StL schools this is to ensure that it can be applied at schools in Sintang Regency under the challenging needs and potentials they have, based on the school perspective. The result of this study was expected to provide description of the How far has the activities included in StL model been applied by school, what challenges did urban and rural schools face in implementing the activities of StL model, how is StL model which could be apply in urban and rural schools locally and contextually. This research was multiple case study which was conducted by using a descriptive qualitative approach involving 4 schools spread across Sintang Regency, namely in rural and urban areas. In this case, the 4 schools are middle schools which include 2 different districts, namely Sintang District and Sepauk District. The technique of data collection used in this research was direct communication in the form of semi-structured-interview and the tool was interview guidance. The data analysis used in this research was descriptive qualitative, using thematic analysis and cross case analysis techniques. The result of this study was recommendation for improving the application of StL model been applied by considering which StL model that could be apply locally, contextually and the challenges found by schools in implementing StL model.

This paper focuses on the critical role of institutional entrepreneurs’ social skills in enabling transformative change as described by the Multi-Level Perspective. Understanding the role of social skills is crucial for developing a micro-foundational view of sustainability transitions. We develop an analytical framework using a multiple case study on Swiss cantonal planners who acted as institutional entrepreneurs during comparable sustainability transitions by introducing sustainable planning practices within their cantons. We find seven applied skills (i) empathic, (ii) analytical, (iii) translational, (iv) framing, (v) tactical, (vi) organizational, and (vii) timing. Four propositions discuss the role of these social skills across transition phases: from pre-development to take-off, from take-off to acceleration, and from acceleration to stabilization. We present conclusions and implications for future research on the micro-foundations of sustainability transitions.

Background Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease characterized by blistering and erosion of the skin and mucus membranes in response to minor external forces. Research focusing on daily skin care in EB patients is sparse. Two international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been published in English, but they have not yet been translated into other languages such as Japanese. Therefore, their recommendations have not been adapted to multiple geographic regions in the world. This multiple case series describes our approach to the skin care of 3 Japanese patients with EB. Results All 3 patients were diagnosed with genetic EB. A 13-year-old male patient had dominant dystrophic EB and suffered skin breakdown covering nearly 1% to 6% of his total body surface area (TBSA) during a 21-week data collection period. A 3-year-old male patient had EB simplex; he suffered skin breakdown covering 2% to 40% of his TBSA during a 36-week data collection period. The third case was a 5-year-old male patient with recessive dystrophic EB who experienced skin breakdown covering 2% to 40% of his TBSA during a 35-week data collection period. Blisters were punctured daily and treated with a soft silicone dressing. Daily application of moisturizers was undertaken to prevent the skin from drying out and itching. Conclusion Our experience suggests that application of published CPGs promoted wound healing. Nevertheless, given the nature of the disease, a complete resolution to an individual's vulnerability to skin lesions even with relatively minor trauma remains elusive. Additional research is needed to explore interventions for skin and ulcer care, along with symptom management, including pain and pruritus.

최근 디지털 전환이 경영환경에 큰 영향을 미치면서, 민간 및 학계 뿐 아니라 공공부문에서도 디지털 전환에 대한 관심이 증가하고 있다. 그러나, 디지털 전환에 대한 개념이 다양하며, 이에 대한 측정 지표가 없어 어떻게 디지털 전환을 이루고, 이를 관리해야 하는지 어려움이 많은 상황이다. 본 연구에서는 우리나라 10개 대표 공기업에 대해 디지털 전환 정도를 측정해보고자 하였다. 이를 위해 먼저, 과거 이론에 근거하여 디지털 전환에 대한 정의를 도출하고, 이를 바탕으로 4개 분야 12개 핵심요인을 개발하였다. 개발한 요인을 바탕으로 사례분석 방법론을 활용하여 10개 공기업의 디지털 전환 정도를 평가하였다. 평가결과, 운영부분과 고객경험 분야는 비교적 양호한 수준이었으나, 전략 및 조직 분야는 아직 디지털 전환 초기단계임을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구는 디지털 전환을 연구하는 연구자 뿐 아니라, 향후 디지털 전환을 하고자하는 공공분야와 민간에 많은 실무적 정책적 시사점을 제공하고 있다.

PurposeThis study explores how lesson study (LS) can enhance teacher candidates' ability to develop their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study design was undertaken using the social-constructivist paradigm. The authors explored similarities and differences within and among four cases of teacher candidates who collaborated with a cooperating teacher and a university mentor. The data were collected from field observations, post-lesson discussions and follow-up interviews; it was then content analyzed and validated using negative case analysis.FindingsLearning from post-lesson discussions within their own LS clusters, including a teacher candidate, his/her cooperating teacher and university mentor, could help teacher candidates develop their PCK for STEM, rather than gain experience through several rounds of LS engagement. The foci of post-lesson discussions, which were discussed by each LS cluster the most, were students' context, teaching and STEM prototypes, while knowledge of instructional strategies for teaching STEM was mostly related to the previously mentioned foci. Teacher candidates' confidence in teaching STEM lessons seemed to improve when they designed and discussed the overall lessons with their LS clusters.Originality/valueThe STEM-specific LS model was proposed to support the exploration of the struggles and successes of student learning before designing the purpose of the LS and enacting its phases; the implementation of LS could be the tool for enhancing teacher candidates' PCK for STEM teaching.

This multiple case study is part of a larger investigation of literacy practices in “Our Home,” an after-school program that provides learning support to children from refugee backgrounds. I asked, “What happens when translingual children from refugee backgrounds respond to multicultural, transnational, and translingual picturebooks?” Informed by critical literacy theories, I illuminate the experiences and perspectives of four children as they interacted with and engaged in dialogic reading of picturebooks; these critical literacy practices, along with observational data, are reported in profiles. Findings from this study reveal the ways in which children from refugee backgrounds found problematic aspects of assumptions in stories, reflected on different and contradictory perspectives, articulated the power relationships between characters, and offered alternative thoughts centered on social justice. This research expands the field’s knowledge of what doing critical literacy work with young translingual students in an after-school program looks, feels, and sounds like.

Resumen Objetivo . El propósito de esta investigación fue conocer las prácticas evaluativas diferenciadas que realiza el profesorado chileno de educación especial para estudiantes que presentan necesidades educativas especiales derivadas de discapacidad intelectual, quienes se integran en escuelas de educación general básica a través de los Proyectos de Integración Escolar (PIE). El estudio pretendió, además, analizar los significados que los equipos docentes de educación especial atribuyen a sus propias prácticas de evaluación. Metodología . La investigación se realizó desde un enfoque metodológico cualitativo con un diseño de estudio de caso múltiple. Las personas participantes fueron 10 docentes de educación especial en servicio, de 9 establecimientos educacionales diferentes de la región del Biobío, Chile. El instrumento utilizado para la recopilación de información fue la entrevista semiestructurada. La información recogida fue analizada a través de la técnica de análisis de contenido temático. Resultados . Los hallazgos muestran que los educadores y las educadoras especiales que se entrevistaron utilizan procedimientos de evaluación diferenciada alineados con los principios de la evaluación general, pero con una participación incipiente de elementos propios de la especialidad, para dar respuesta a las necesidades educativas especiales del estudiantado que presenta discapacidad intelectual. Conclusiones. Se concluye que es necesario que los centros reflexionen sobre los procesos de enseñanza y prácticas de evaluación que llevan a cabo, con el fin de establecer mejoras en sus dinámicas y procesos de aprendizaje del estudiantado con discapacidad intelectual que asiste a centros regulares de enseñanza. Abstract Objective. The purpose of this research was to know the differentiated evaluation practices implemented by the special education teachers for students with special educational needs deriving from intellectual disability and are integrated into basic general education schools through the School Integration Projects (PIE). The research also analyzed the meanings that the special education teachers attribute to their own practices. Method. The research was conducted under a qualitative approach with a multiple case study design. The participants were 10 Special Education teachers in service from nine different educational establishments. The instrument used to gather information was a semi-structured interview. The information was analyzed through the thematic content analysis technique. Results. The findings show that most of the differential educators interviewed perform differentiated evaluation procedures for students with intellectual disability; these procedures are aligned with the principles of the general evaluation in order to respond to the special educational needs of the students. Conclusions . It is concluded that the centers need to conduct a reflexive analysis of teaching processes and evaluation practices that they implement in order to establish improvements in their dynamics in favor of students with intellectual disabilities who attend regular teaching centers. Resumo Objetivo . O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer as práticas diferenciadas de avaliação realizadas pelo corpo docente de Educação Especial para estudantes integrados nas escolas de educação básica, que apresentam necessidades educacionais especiais derivadas de deficiência intelectual, por meio dos Projetos de Integração Escolar (PIE). Outro propósito dessa pesquisa também foi analisar os significados que o corpo docente de Educação Especial atribue às suas próprias práticas de avaliação. Metodologia . A pesquisa foi conduzida sob uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa, com um desenho de estudo de caso múltiplo. Participaram 10 professores de Educação Especial de nove diferentes estabelecimentos de ensino. O instrumento utilizado para coletar informações foi a entrevista semiestruturada. As informações foram analisadas pela técnica de análise de conteúdo temático. Resultados. Os resultados mostram que a maioria dos educadores especiais entrevistados realiza procedimentos de avaliação diferenciados para os estudantes que apresentam deficiência intelectual, alinhados aos princípios da avaliação geral, com o objetivo de responder suas necessidades educacionais especiais. Conclusões . Conclui-se que é necessário que os centros realizem uma análise reflexiva dos processos de ensino e práticas de avaliação que realizam, a fim de estabelecer melhorias em sua dinâmica em favor dos estudantes com deficiência intelectual que frequentam os centros regulares de ensino.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore if and how informal governance mechanisms are used for coordinating actors of digitalized supply networks.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study analysis of ten German firms in digitalized supply networks is conducted. Data are collected through semi-structured expert interviews with interviewees having notable years of professional experience in purchasing or sales.FindingsThis research shows that reduced personal contacts in digitalized supply networks decrease the ability to coordinate with informal governance mechanisms. However, the need for informal governance in digitalized supply networks remains when facing supply network disruptions or building new business relationships.Originality/valueThis is the first study examining the role of informal governance mechanisms in digitalized supply networks. Theoretical and practical insights on the changing abilities and needs to use informal governance after the digital transformation are given.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine critical factors of successful logistics outsourcing relationship from the perspectives of both LSPs and shippers employing case studies in Singapore and Vietnam as examples of well-established and growing logistics outsourcing markets.Design/methodology/approachThe case study design is adopted to empirically examine logistics outsourcing practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with senior managers from four cases in Singapore and seven cases in Vietnam. These case organisations are engaged comprehensively in logistics outsourcing activities and encompass both international firms that have their local operations and those local firms whose operations expand internationally.FindingsResults suggest that the success of logistics outsourcing may depend on five strategic factors and five operational factors, with some of them being the same between LSPs and shippers in both countries and in line with the literature. There also seemed to be a difference between logistics outsourcing practitioners in a developed country (Singapore), and those in a developing country (Vietnam), in which factors, i.e. having the right people and management support, business processes integration and cultural intelligence, tend to be emphasised and practised more in the former. A strategy matrix of logistics outsourcing was mapped accordingly.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisation of this study would require further empirical examination from more quantitative research, for example, the use of surveys with shippers who engage with LSPs.Practical implicationsFindings from this research can assist managers in charge of outsourcing to reflect on their practices and devise and implement appropriate strategies for successful logistics outsourcing. Especially for growing logistics outsourcing markets and not-yet-standardised practices like Vietnam, the findings of this research are significant as they provide policy and managerial insights into how logistics outsourcing can be performed successfully. Specifically, adequate guidelines and resources including training relating to strategic factors of logistics outsourcing must be provided.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first studies that categorise success factors of logistics outsourcing into strategic and operational factors and postulates their conceptualisation in a strategy matrix that can be applied in future research.

Through a multiple-case study of three subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs), we examined the impact of national culture on strategic information technology (IT) alignment. We found tha...

This article presents the results of a research on transformation processes for creating more democratic and inclusive schools. Through a multiple case study of four Spanish schools, the authors analyse how the actors involved in participatory action research processes mobilise knowledge on inclusive education. The authors explore the strategies that favour said mobilisation when inclusive, democratic and community curricular practices are implemented. These practices are carried out in schools within the framework of Participatory Action Research (PAR) processes. The results show that collaborative and dialogical practices allow to question the pedagogical practices, and serve for linking contexts (school, territory and university) and mobilising the available knowledge (generate it,apply it, share it and disseminate it).

The purpose of this study was to examine how secondary students with severe disabilities (i.e., severe intellectual disability or autism, multiple disabilities) participate in extracurricular school clubs. Using a qualitative multiple case design, the experiences of three high school students were examined. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document reviews. A single-case inductive open-coding strategy was utilized across all data sources in which codes and categories emerged, and a final cross-case thematic evaluation was conducted. The cross-case thematic analysis resulted in the following four overarching themes: (a) going with the flow; (b) social obstacles: on the outside looking in; (c) supports provided: too much, too little, just right; and (d) safety in numbers.

The high-temperature molten metal leakage accident and its secondary accidents have become urgent problems to be solved in the current metallurgical industry because of their destructive power. The description of the high temperature molten metal leakage accident structure is the basis for studying its evolution law. Based on the idea of collection, this article uses multiple case analysis methods to abstract the accident attributes, and constructs an accident institutionalized description framework with the content of accident types, internal attributes, environmental attributes, management attributes, and hazard assessment attributes. A structured description of the leak. Finally, the “4.18” ladle capping accident of Qinghe special steel in Tieling, Liaoning Province was selected for example verification, and the attribute relationship between the primary accident and the secondary accident was analyzed. The research results have reference value for studying the evolution law of high temperature molten metal leakage accidents and making emergency decisions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the application of gamification promotes employee motivation and engagement in the workplace. This study sought to identify gamification characteristics, examine motivation and engage at work to relate them to different game designs. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory study of multiple cases involving four companies located in Brazil’s southern region. These companies use gamification with their employees or companies whose business offers gamification solutions focused on people management. Findings This multiple case study presented aspects and different approaches to gamification and serious games. Of the four case studies, the Bravi Quiz application was the most satisfactory case because of its attractive design. Research limitations/implications The research instruments prioritized the topic of gamification with its tools and applicability. The themes of motivation and engagement at work have been addressed but need further research. Practical implications The planning and application of gamification with the appropriate score, feedback and rewards are necessary to promote motivation and engagement in the workplace. Gamification must be linked to its systems and processes on its excellent progress because it is taken in isolation; it does not increase engagement and motivation. Originality/value This is one of the few studies dealing with gamification in human resource management by involving developers/instructors, managers and employees/users and different companies’ tools. This study served as a comparison between the tools of gamification and serious games.

University teaching in STEM has come under increased scrutiny as internationally, a recognition of the importance of a STEM-literate future workforce is becoming clear. In STEM faculties, where change has been historically difficult and the tension between teaching and research more pronounced, this represents a significant challenge. Although there have been no widespread success stories or single models for pedagogical change in STEM in higher education, there have been unique ‘pockets’ of excellence; faculties, groups or individuals that are making a significant difference. In this study, we adopt a multiple case study approach to identify emergent themes underlying ‘pockets of excellence’ at six Australian universities. We argue that the four themes correspond to critical factors; a ‘champion’, support for the champion from the leadership team or a mentor, a critical mass of supporters, and an institutional culture that values the contribution. We find that although change can occur with some of these present, for it to be lasting, all must be emphasised to some degree.

Mental imagery of ‘future selves’ is considered a powerful means for motivating learners, and also teachers, whose own motivation is an important basis for the creation of engaging teaching–learning environments. This multiple case study accompanied Chilean novice teachers of English over 18 months and explores the use of visualizations of teacher selves as a reflection tool in early career development. What images of themselves and their classroom environments do novice teachers create when prompted to visualize themselves as ‘motivating teachers’? What role do these visualizations play in supporting novice teachers in implementing methodological innovations? And do novice teachers value the use of visualizations? Two contrasting cases demonstrate variability in the evolution of visions, and illustrate how these can fulfil different roles in assisting teachers during their induction phase.

Background/aims Healthcare professionals play an important role in vocational rehabilitation for people receiving welfare support. The research questions for this study were: how do qualified healthcare professionals operate in UK welfare-to-work settings? What factors influence healthcare professionals' practice within a UK welfare-to-work setting? Methods A qualitative methodology was adopted. Four semi-structured interviews were conducted and additional documents (the awarded Work and Health Programme bids and job descriptions) about the healthcare professionals' roles were reviewed. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Five themes were generated from the interview data: supporting frontline staff to understand clients' health needs; moving clients with complex needs closer to work; getting it right for the client by individualising support; gaining consent and maintaining confidentiality; and seeking and organising clinical supervision. These themes were corroborated with the document data. Conclusions Healthcare professionals have a key role within welfare-to-work provision. Further research is needed to determine if the proposed healthcare professional roles have come to fruition, to identify their prevalence, and to explore their effectiveness.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are complex systems that face a high probability of failure, which require careful development by university management. This study aims at exploring the application of ERP implementation life cycle processes in the context of the higher education sector (HEIs). The study employed a multiple case study approach and semi-structured interviews with a number of information system managers, and other professional services managers across three HEIs from Jordan. Results indicate that ERP implementation life cycle consists of three phases and eight stages. Updating six stages identified in previous research, this study suggests two additional major stages, namely “testing” and “go live.” The proposed model in this study can be used by senior management, technical, and academics as clear guidelines while adopting and implementing ERP in the HEIs. Little is known of the application of ERP implementation life cycle processes in the context of HEIs. The study makes a unique contribution in two facets: first, its application to the HEIs with its specific features in comparison to business sector; and second, the study suggests two additional major stages to the traditional phases model for ERP.

PurposeLittle is known regarding triggers in the adoption of governance practices within family businesses. Enterprises can implement governance practices to avoid re-arising conflicts lived in the past. Moreover, the type of conflicts experienced can determine the order in which different types of governance practices are adopted, another issue that requires further investigation. To address these knowledge gaps, this study gathers evidence into how the adoption of governance practices is linked to the conflicts experienced in family businesses and how this adoption evolves.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study was conducted with 15 family businesses in the agricultural sector. The conflicts experienced throughout the enterprises' trajectories and the governance practices adopted were analysed and classified according to their relationship with the family, business and ownership subsystems.FindingsThe study shows that there is no direct link between the conflicts experienced and the governance practices adopted in family businesses. The most recurrent conflicts have to do with the relationship between family and ownership; however, the adoption of governance practices is centred on the relationship between business and ownership. The practices that mediate the relationship between family and business are adopted second, and the practices that mediate the relationship between family and ownership are adopted last.Originality/valueThe study applies a classification of conflicts and governance practices that adjusts to the complexity of the family business. The research contributes to the field by providing an understanding of the integration of knowledge about the family business, governance systems and conflict.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence regarding the wound healing potential of platelet-derived autologous by-products. We provide preliminary data regarding the use of a new plasma rich in growth factors-derived autologous topical ointment for the management of hard-to-heal wounds. CASES Four patients suffering from difficult-to-heal wounds were treated with the autologous ointment. Within 2 to 8 weeks, all wounds healed completely with no signs of infection or functional impairment of the affected limbs. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION Randomized and controlled trials are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the autologous ointment. Nevertheless, results from this multiple case series indicate that this approach may be useful for accelerating the re-epithelization of difficult-to-heal wounds.

El presente estudio forma parte de un estudio más amplio sobre enfermedades poco frecuentes (EPF) e inclusión educativa. La respuesta educativa al alumnado con enfermedades poco frecuentes, también denominadas raras, minoritarias o de baja prevalencia, implica un abordaje integral desde el ámbito educativo, sanitario y psicosocial que supone un reto para los procesos de inclusión que se desarrollan en muchas escuelas. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar cuáles son los procesos educativos que favorecen la inclusión del alumnado con enfermedades poco frecuentes en las aulas ordinarias. La metodología de estudio de casos múltiples, permite analizar en profundidad los procesos inclusivos desarrollados en tres centros educativos ordinarios de la Comunidad Valenciana que escolarizan alumnado con EPF. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa que recoge la voz de equipos directivos, personal docente y no docente, familiares y alumnado con EPF mediante entrevistas y grupos focales. Los resultados muestran qué procesos desarrollados en las escuelas garantizan la presencia, participación y aprendizaje del alumnado con EPF. Las conclusiones ponen de relieve la importancia de la planificación y la coordinación de los agentes implicados, la organización de los apoyos, sobre todo los específicos, y abre la discusión sobre los dilemas que plantea la evaluación de los aprendizajes. This study is part of a larger study on rare diseases (RD) and educational inclusion. The educational response to students with rare diseases, also known as rare, minority or low prevalence diseases, implies a comprehensive approach from the educational, health and psychosocial fields that challenges the inclusion processes that are developed in many schools. The aim of this research is to analyse which educational processes favour the inclusion of students with rare diseases in ordinary classrooms. The methodology of multiple case studies allows for an in-depth analysis of the inclusive processes developed in three ordinary schools in the Valencian Community that educate students with RD. This is a qualitative study that brings together the voices of management teams, teaching and non-teaching staff, families and students with RD through interviews and focus groups. The results show which processes developed in the schools guarantee the presence, participation and learning of the students with RD. The conclusions highlight the importance of the planning and coordination of the agents involved, the organisation of support, especially specific support, and open up the discussion on the dilemmas posed by the evaluation of learning