The dialectics of authoring expansive learning: tracing the long tail of a Change Laboratory

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Sannino ◽  
Yrjö Engeström ◽  
Johanna Lahikainen
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Dialectical Tensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organization Model ◽  
Expansive Learning ◽  
Conceptual Argument ◽  
University Library ◽  
Dialectical Process ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

Purpose The paper aims to examine organizational authoring understood as a longitudinal, material and dialectical process of transformation efforts. The following questions are asked: To which extent can a Change Laboratory intervention help practitioners author their own learning? Are the authored outcomes of a Change Laboratory intervention futile if a workplace subsequently undergoes large-scale organizational transformations? Does the expansive learning authored in a Change Laboratory intervention survive large-scale organizational transformations, and if so, why does it survive and how? Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a conceptual argument based on cultural–historical activity theory. The conceptual argument is grounded in the examination of a case of eight years of change efforts in a university library, including a Change Laboratory (CL) intervention. Follow-up interview data are used to discuss and illuminate our argument in relation to the three research questions. Findings The idea of knotworking constructed in the CL process became a “germ cell” that generates novel solutions in the library activity. A large-scale transformation from the local organization model developed in the CL process to the organization model of the entire university library was not experienced as a loss. The dialectical tension between the local and global models became a source of movement driven by the emerging expansive object. Practitioners are modeling their own collective future competences, expanding them both in socio-spatial scope and interactive depth. Originality/value The article offers an expanded view of authorship, calling attention to material changes and practical change actions. The dialectical tensions identified serve as heuristic guidelines for future studies and interventions.

scholarly journals System transformation in palliative and end of life care: developing a model for excellence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair Hewison ◽  
Emma Hodges ◽  
Sundaravadivel Balasubramanian ◽  
Tina Swani
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Life Care ◽  
System Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
Care Community ◽  
Care Services

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to report how the palliative and end of life care community in one region of England worked together to create a new model for integrated palliative and end of life care to respond to the challenges of changing demography, the need to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions of people nearing the end of life and to improve the quality of provision in line with current policy.Design/methodology/approachA co-production approach to system transformation was adopted involving 73 members of the palliative and end of life care community in one region of England.FindingsA new model for the delivery of integrated palliative and end of life care services was produced. The breadth of membership of the co-production working party and constructive/collaborative working helped ensure a viable model was produced.Practical implicationsAlthough systems’ thinking perspectives can help address the challenges of large-scale transformation because they focus on promoting the value of relationships, recognise the nuances of context and the need to understand system behaviour over time, the potential for systems to benefit from this approach is limited by the complexity of the processes involved and the sheer number of issues to be addressed in practical terms by policy makers and change leaders.Originality/valueThe paper explores the contribution that theories of large-scale transformation can make to the design of palliative and end of life care services in health and social care.

Understanding in-library use data lifecycle within Greek and Spanish higher education ecosystems

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavroula Sant-Geronikolou
Keyword(s):  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public University ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Director

Purpose As learning analytics, an emergent field, nowadays is seen as a way to break barriers to intra-institutional collaboration that will ultimately lead to educational deep transformational change, HE administrators and library and information science (LIS) researchers argue on the purpose of connecting in-library user activity data to campus-wide initiatives, their relevance and potential contribution to library strategic alignment with broader institutional goals. In this realm and framed within a PhD research, this paper aims to provide an overview of preliminary findings relevant to the exploration of the potential of Spanish and Greek academic libraries to becoming involved in learning analytics initiatives Design/methodology/approach Spanish and Greek public university library director large scale mini-survey and LIS undergraduate curricula desk research. Findings Analysis of public university library director mini-survey bring to light a series of negative correlations between different LRRC types, in-library use data collection and sharing practices and library-based learning analytics conversations, while LIS undergraduate curricula review identified a limited integration of learning analytics and assessment critical skills. Originality/value It is the first Greek and Spanish university library-specific study aiming to contribute to the dialogue on whether, how and when the wealth of in-library use-generated knowledge could be capitalized within future learning analytics initiatives.

scholarly journals Realism and rhetoric in the evaluation of a new care model

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Grimwood
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Realist Approach ◽  
Dynamic Form ◽  
Multiple Audiences ◽  
Objective System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the methodological challenges to evaluating one of the 50 vanguard sites of the new care model (NCM) programme for integrated care in England, and make the case for a modified realist approach to this kind of evaluation. Design/methodology/approach The paper considers three challenges to evaluating the NCM in this particular vanguard: complexity, strategy and rhetoric. It reflects on how the realist approach negotiates these philosophical challenges to delivering integrated care, in order to provide contextualised accounts of who a programme works for, in what context, and why. Findings The paper argues that, in the case of this particular vanguard site, the tangible benefit of the realist approach was not in providing a firm epistemological basis for evaluation, but rather in drawing out and articulating the ontological rhetoric of such large-scale transformation programmes. By understanding the work of the NCM less as an objective “system”, and more as a dynamic form of persuasion, aimed at securing the “adherence of minds” (Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca, 2008, p. 8) in multiple audiences, the paper suggests that realist evaluation can be used to address both the systematic issues and localised successes the NCMs encountered. Originality/value The paper identifies a number of aspects of new models of integrated care for evaluators to consider. It offers ways of negotiating the challenges to conventional outcome-focused evaluation, by drawing attention to the need for contextualised, time-situated and audience-sensitive value of NCMs.

scholarly journals Implementing population health management: an international comparative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty Steenkamer ◽  
Esther de Weger ◽  
Hanneke Drewes ◽  
Kim Putters ◽  
Hans Van Oers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Healthy City ◽  
Population Health Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initial Program

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how population health management (PHM) strategies can successfully integrate and reorganize public health, health care, social care and community services to improve population health and quality of care while reducing costs growth, this study compared four large-scale transformation programs: Greater Manchester Devolution, Vancouver Healthy City Strategy, Gen-H Cincinnati and Gesundes Kinzigtal.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the realist methodology, this explorative comparative case-study investigated PHM initiatives' key features and participants' experiences of developing such initiatives. A semi-structured interview guideline based on a theoretical framework for PHM guided the interviews with stakeholders (20) from different sectors.FindingsFive initial program theories important to the development of PHM were formulated: (1) create trust in a shared vision and understanding of the PHM rationale to establish stakeholders' commitment to the partnership; (2) create shared ownership for achieving the initiative's goals; (3) create shared financial interest that reduces perceived financial risks to provide financial sustainability; (4) create a learning environment to secure initiative's credibility and (5) create citizens' and professionals' awareness of the required attitudes and behaviours.Originality/valueThe study highlights initial program theories for the implementation of PHM including different strategies and structures underpinning the initiatives. These insights provide a deeper understanding of how large-scale transformation could be developed.

Disturbing practices: training workers to be lean

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 392-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Yasukawa ◽  
Tony Brown ◽  
Stephen Black
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Lean Production ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expansive Learning ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity ◽  
And Training

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities for expansive learning during organisational change. It considers the introduction of “lean production” as a disturbance to the existing work practices. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers two case studies of “lean production” training with production workers in manufacturing firms. Data for the study consisted of semi-structured interviews, observations of workers during work and training. Engeström’s third-generation cultural historical activity theory was used as the key theoretical tool for analysis. Findings – The study found that the introduction of and training for “lean production” did not lead to expansive learning. The training did not afford spaces to address the fundamental contradictions between the “earning a living” and ”productivity” motives of work. Research limitations/implications – Further research on the different kinds of “spaces” for learning could lead to greater insights into the affordances of expansive learning in workplaces. In particular, the concept of “third space” is useful in such an endeavour. Practical implications – Training designed to increase productivity could integrate more discussions about what workers themselves should expect to gain from increased productivity. Originality/value – The paper presents a critical perspective on recent case studies of workplace training at a time when workforce development and “lean production” are uncritically promulgated as beneficial. It highlights the opportunities that exist for critical educators to make interventions in the interests of the workers.

Power relations in organizational change: an activity-theoretic perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Schirmer ◽  
Silke Geithner
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expansive Learning ◽  
Asymmetric Power ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity ◽  
Learning And Change

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a multi-level and politically informed perspective on organizational learning and change based on the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) in order to contribute to a less managerialist and more multi-voiced understanding of change. The authors aim for a better understanding of the links between expansive learning, contradictions in and of activity systems and episodic and systemic power. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop a framework on expansive learning, integrating the concept of faces of power. The framework is applied to a case study. Findings The authors show productive and restrictive effects of episodic and systemic power for dealing with contradictions in expansive learning and organizational change. The productive role of change critics and non-managerial actors is shown. Research limitations/implications The case study is illustrative and findings need to be validated and expanded through more detailed empirical investigations. Future studies should particularly investigate how patterns of power could itself become the object of expansive learning. Practical implications The framework fosters an understanding of organizational change as multi-voiced, decentralized and driven by contradictions. Emancipation of actors and protected social spaces are essential for unfolding the productive potential of multi-voicedness against the backdrop of asymmetric power relations in organizations. Originality/value The authors step back from a managerialist perspective on organizational change by developing a politically informed, activity theoretic perspective on learning systems. The paper contributes to a better understanding of contradictions, related multi-voicedness and effects of episodic/systemic power in expansive learning and change.

Using clinical governance levers to support change in a cancer care reform

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Brault ◽  
Jean-Louis Denis ◽  
Terrence James Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Clinical Governance ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Care Systems

Purpose – Introducing change is a difficult issue facing all health care systems. The use of various clinical governance levers can facilitate change in health care systems. The purpose of this paper is to define clinical governance levers, and to illustrate their use in a large-scale transformation. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis deals with the in-depth study of a specific case, which is the organizational model for Ontario’s cancer sector. The authors used a qualitative research strategy and drew the data from three sources: semi-structured interviews, analysis of documents, and non-participative observations. Findings – From the results, the authors identified three phases and several steps in the reform of cancer services in this province. The authors conclude that a combination of clinical governance levers was used to transform the system. These levers operated at different levels of the system to meet the targeted objectives. Practical implications – To exercise clinical governance, managers need to acquire new competencies. Mobilizing clinical governance levers requires in-depth understanding of the role and scope of clinical governance levers. Originality/value – This study provides a better understanding of clinical governance levers. Clinical governance levers are used to implement an organizational environment that is conducive to developing clinical practice, as well as to act directly on practices to improve quality of care.

Success factors of high performance organization transformations

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Waal
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Scale Transformation ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
High Performance Organization ◽  
Scale Transformations

Purpose When an organization becomes a high performance organization (HPO), it is able to outperform comparable organizations for an extended period of time, thereby ensuring its long-term survival. It is therefore imperative for these organizations embarking on an HPO transformation to be aware of the factors that will help make this transformation successful. Unfortunately the current literature does not provide these factors; one can only find factors influencing large-scale transformations. It could be argued that becoming an HPO is a large-scale transformation, but this leaves the question open whether there are specific factors that are important for this specific type of transformation. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this paper is to answer the research question “What are the main factors which theoretically and in practice best support a successful HPO transformation?” This question was answered using the results of a review of the literature on large-scale transformations and a review on the applications of de Waal’s HPO Framework in practice. Findings Eleven theoretical and eight practical success factors were found. These factors matched for 63.6 per cent, indicating there is a moderate overlap between what the theory predicts and what can be noticed in practice. In addition, the practical cases indicated there are two success factors that are specifically important for an HPO transformation. Originality/value The study results contribute to the theory, as they show what is and is not important for a specific large-scale transformation such as an organization transforming into an HPO. The practical contribution of the study lies in the fact that organizations now know which factors to pay attention to in order to increase their chances on a successful HPO transformation.

Financial distress determinants among SMEs: empirical evidence from Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darush Yazdanfar ◽  
Peter Öhman
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Global Financial Crisis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically investigate determinants of financial distress among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the global financial crisis and post-crisis periods.Design/methodology/approachSeveral statistical methods, including multiple binary logistic regression, were used to analyse a longitudinal cross-sectional panel data set of 3,865 Swedish SMEs operating in five industries over the 2008–2015 period.FindingsThe results suggest that financial distress is influenced by macroeconomic conditions (i.e. the global financial crisis) and, in particular, by various firm-specific characteristics (i.e. performance, financial leverage and financial distress in previous year). However, firm size and industry affiliation have no significant relationship with financial distress.Research limitationsDue to data availability, this study is limited to a sample of Swedish SMEs in five industries covering eight years. Further research could examine the generalizability of these findings by investigating other firms operating in other industries and other countries.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine determinants of financial distress among SMEs operating in Sweden using data from a large-scale longitudinal cross-sectional database.

Dynamic output feedback control for nonlinear large-scale interconnected systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 801-821
Author(s):  
Ezzeddine Touti ◽  
Ali Sghaier Tlili ◽  
Muhannad Almutiry
Keyword(s):  
Decentralized Control ◽  
Output Feedback ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Lyapunov Theory ◽  
Interconnected Systems ◽  
Dynamic Output Feedback ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Output ◽  
Control Scheme

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the design of a decentralized observation and control method for a class of large-scale systems characterized by nonlinear interconnected functions that are assumed to be uncertain but quadratically bounded. Design/methodology/approach Sufficient conditions, under which the designed control scheme can achieve the asymptotic stabilization of the augmented system, are developed within the Lyapunov theory in the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Findings The derived LMIs are formulated under the form of an optimization problem whose resolution allows the concurrent computation of the decentralized control and observation gains and the maximization of the nonlinearity coverage tolerated by the system without becoming unstable. The reliable performances of the designed control scheme, compared to a distinguished decentralized guaranteed cost control strategy issued from the literature, are demonstrated by numerical simulations on an extensive application of a three-generator infinite bus power system. Originality/value The developed optimization problem subject to LMI constraints is efficiently solved by a one-step procedure to analyze the asymptotic stability and to synthesize all the control and observation parameters. Therefore, such a procedure enables to cope with the conservatism and suboptimal solutions procreated by optimization problems based on iterative algorithms with multi-step procedures usually used in the problem of dynamic output feedback decentralized control of nonlinear interconnected systems.

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