scholarly journals Why Are Multinational Sales Declining in Pakistan? Evidence from the Tobacco Industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Aliya Bushra ◽  
Nasra Wajiha
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Brand Switching ◽  
Significant Factors

Pakistan’s multinational companies have strong potential for growth and represent a large and increasing number of consumers. Unfortunately, their sales have been affected by certain factors. This study identifies these factors using a mixed-methods approach and qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. We administered 100 questionnaires among the employees of two large tobacco manufacturers. The results indicate that brand switching, product development, product mix, point of sale, competition, and price are significant factors that affect sales in the tobacco industry.

scholarly journals Investigating Humor Integration in Tunisian Tertiary English Classes: A Comparative Study of Teachers’ and Learners’ Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Najla Fki
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Other ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
English Major ◽  
The One

This study examines lecturers’ and learners’ perceptions on humor use in Tunisian tertiary classrooms, focusing specifically on the English major. The ultimate aim is to explore the types and frequency of humor use on the one hand and whether teachers regard humor in the same light as their students on the other. To this purpose, a mixed-methods approach consisting of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews is adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. The findings revealed that, in terms of frequency, humor is used by all interviewed teachers irrespective of their gender. Yet, the general percentage of humor use remains moderate and limited to specific oral subjects as confirmed by the students. The results also indicated the participants’ agreement on the efficiency and preference of verbal, spontaneous and relevant humor types. However, it has been shown that the lecturers use a very limited repertoire of humor forms, neglecting jokes which are more appreciated by their students. Inconsistencies between the participants’ responses are further traced at the level of their attitude towards humor use in class. While most of the teachers believe that the merits of humor are undeniable, they expressed skepticism and discomfort in dealing with this tool in class. To overcome these lacunas, this study builds on the students’ recommendations to improve their teachers’ practices and can therefore be a starting point for EFL curriculum designers in Tunisia to revise current materials for a better humor integration in higher education.

Fiero and Flow in Online Competitive Gaming

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-42
Author(s):  
Sharon Andrews ◽  
Robert E. Bradbury ◽  
Caroline M. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Game Development ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
Post Production

This paper explores the concept of fiero as it relates to online competitive gaming, resulting in a framework focused upon levels of fiero and flow, labeled as the gaming engagement framework. More specifically, the paper describes this framework and its supporting methods as can be applied to measure perceived intensity and engagement levels leading to fiero, and concentration and collaboration levels leading to flow, giving an overall prediction of the level of fiero and flow that a game is capable of eliciting. The use of both quantitative and qualitative data in support of the framework offers a mixed-methods approach towards discovery of both weak areas and strong areas of fiero and flow, along with a collection of literal user perceptions. This framework can be applied at the prototyping phase during game development as well as at incrementally advancing levels of product development through pre- and post-production.

scholarly journals Exploring EFL Instructors’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Reflective Practices on their Professional Development in the Saudi Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Danyah Fahad Alsayeud ◽  
Anas Hamed Almuhammadi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Reflective Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

This study explores the perceptions of EFL instructors about their reflective practice and its effect on their professional development in a Saudi Arabian university. This study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Two study instruments were used; a survey questionnaire with a study sample of 100 male and female participants and semi-structured interviews with a study sample of seven female instructors. The findings show that some instructors in general have a positive perception of reflective practices and they utilize a diversity of reflective tools. Female instructors show a greater degree of involvement in a reflective practice than male instructors in three of the four examined dimensions (cognitive and meta-cognitive, moral and learner and reflective teaching in general). However, no significant difference is reported between males’ and females’ perceptions in terms of the fourth dimension (practical). Based on the findings, recommendations have been made to encourage reflective practices in the Saudi EFL context.

scholarly journals Who Are the Gentrifiers and How Do They Change Central City Neighbourhoods? Privatization, Commodification, and Gentrification in Bucharest

Geografie ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liviu Chelcea ◽  
Raluca Popescu ◽  
Darie Cristea
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Census Tract ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Central City ◽  
Field Trips ◽  
Anglo Saxon ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Data Field

Our understanding of gentrification outside of the Anglo-Saxon core is relatively undeveloped. In order to contribute to a more de-centered approach, we ask who are the gentrifiers and how do they change central city neighbourhoods in a post-socialist context? The answers are explored through a mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data: construction permits analysis, census tract data, field trips, and interviews with tenants, former owners, and real estate agents. Findings indicate that gentrifiers vary in nature. They include state tenants, former owners, marginal gentrifiers, political capitalists, and institutional investors. Through their actions, central neighbourhoods have gained younger, more educated, and smaller households. Beyond this case study, we emphasize the usefulness of rent gap theories, the need to study displaced households, and the potential of property rights to enrich theories of gentrification.

Who Creates Microtransactions : The Production Context of Video Game Monetization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lies van Roessel ◽  
Jan Švelch
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Frequency Analysis ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Job Descriptions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Game Development ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities

Despite a growing academic interest in in-game monetization, much less attention has been paid to the production context of microtransactions. With this chapter, we aim to address this gap by focusing on the roles and responsibilities related to video game monetization. We answer the titular question of this chapter using a mixed methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews, content analysis of job descriptions, and frequency analysis of in-game credits. Results suggest that monetization responsibilities are both being integrated into various existing roles, including game designers or product managers, but also spawn new dedicated roles of monetization specialists. Monetization as a game development task is closely related to data analysis and only inconsistently appears in in-game credits.

Behavioural Red Flags of Fraud: An Ex Post Assessment of Types and Frequencies

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 507-525
Author(s):  
Namrata Sandhu
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Living Standard ◽  
Red Flags ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Post Assessment

A number of researchers and professional fraud examiners have emphasized the need for early detection of frauds. Though there are many ways in which frauds can be detected, a particularly effective and inexpensive way is to identify fraudsters by scrutinizing personnel behaviour for peculiarities typical of fraudsters. Towards this end, the present study compiles a checklist of behavioural red flags of fraud based on data collected with the help of 41 semi-structured interviews. The interviewees constitute people who have personally investigated or closely observed a fraud in the last 3 years. A mixed methods triangulation approach is used to quantify the qualitative data collected from the interviews. Data analysis reveals 16 different behavioural red flags exhibited by fraudsters. An examination of frequencies indicates that strong ambition, extended working hours, social aloofness, dissatisfaction with current job and living standard disproportionate to current means are the most frequently displayed behavioural red flags of fraud. The study also shows that fraudsters exhibit three or four behavioural red flags in a majority of cases. Implications for anti-fraud practitioners are discussed.

scholarly journals Implementing the Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) clinical practice framework for aseptic technique: a pragmatic evaluation using a mixed methods approach in two London hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Clare ◽  
Stephen Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Aseptic Technique ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Practice Framework ◽  
Mean Compliance

Background: Aseptic technique is an important infection prevention competency for protecting patients from healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Healthcare providers using the Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) aseptic technique have demonstrated reduced variability and improved compliance with aseptic technique. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to determine whether standardizing aseptic technique for invasive IV procedures, using the ANTT® - Clinical Practice Framework (CPF), increases staff compliance with the infection prevention actions designed to achieve a safe and effective aseptic technique, and whether this is sustainable over time. Methods: A pragmatic evaluation using a mixed-methods approach consisting of an observational audit of practice, a self-report survey and structured interviews with key stakeholders. Compliance with aseptic technique before and after the implementation of ANTT® was measured by observation of 49 registered healthcare professionals. Results: Mean compliance with competencies was 94%; each component of practice was improved over baseline: hand hygiene = 63% ( P ≤ 0.001); glove use = 14% ( P ≤ 0.037); Key-Part protection = 54% ( P ≤ 0.001); a non-touch technique = 45% ( P ≤ 0.001); Key-Part cleaning = 82% ( P ≤ 0.001); and aseptic field management = 80% ( P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Results show implementation of ANTT® improved compliance with the prerequisite steps for safe and effective aseptic technique as defined by the ANTT®-CPF. Improvements in compliance were sustained over four years.

Does regular listening to preferred music have a beneficial effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety amongst older people in residential care? The qualitative findings of a mixed methods study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Fiona Costa ◽  
Adam Ockelford ◽  
David J Hargreaves
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Procedure ◽  
Foot Tapping

This article presents the qualitative findings of a mixed-methods evaluation of the effects of listening to preferred music on depression and anxiety in older people in residential care. One hundred and seventeen participants were recruited from nine care homes, all but one in Greater London. The homes varied in size and management style, and participants came from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. In addition to their usual routine, each participant listened to a daily 30-minute programme of their preferred music for three weeks. Both quantitative and qualitative data relating to anxiety and depression were collected during once-weekly semi-structured interviews. Findings from the qualitative data showed that listening to preferred music resulted in relaxation, positive reminiscence, less depression and less boredom. Physical reactions, such as ‘chills’ or tears, demonstrated emotional arousal; others, such as foot-tapping were beneficial to the most disabled participants. The use of preferred and favourite music was the principal facilitator of its effectiveness, whilst declines in memory, confidence and energy were barriers to the research procedure. It was concluded that listening to preferred music can bring some relief to depression and anxiety amongst older care home residents but that not all will benefit to the same degree.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Case Management to Support Families With Children Diagnosed With Spinal Muscular Atrophy—Protocol of a Controlled Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Willems ◽  
Erik Farin-Glattacker ◽  
Thorsten Langer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Care Integration ◽  
Case Management Intervention

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle atrophy, and proximal muscle weakness. SMA presents with a wide range of symptoms requiring multiple clinical specialists and therapists. Integrating care between disciplines can be challenging due to the dynamic course of the disease, and great distances between specialist centers and local providers. Insufficient care integration can lead to suboptimal quality of care and more difficulties for patients and families. This study aims to improve care integration through a Case Management intervention, and taking a mixed-methods approach, to evaluate its impact.Methods: An exploratory, controlled, two-armed study with baseline, post- and follow-up measurement and process evaluation is conducted to evaluate our intervention compared to usual care. Through a multi-perspective state analysis, we investigate the experiences of caregivers and healthcare providers concerning the actual healthcare quality of patients with SMA I and II. Semi-structured interviews and care diaries are used. We apply that data to conceive a tailored Case Management intervention supplemented by a digital platform. The intervention's effect is examined in comparison to a control group taking a mixed-methods approach. As primary endpoints, we investigate the caregivers' health-related quality of life and the quality of care integration. Secondary endpoints are the use of healthcare services (patients and caregivers) and costs. We assess the process quality from the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare providers through semi-structured interviews.Discussion: This is an exploratory, controlled study to assess the impact of a tailored Case Management intervention to improve the care of patients with SMA I and II. After the evaluation, results on feasibility, expected effect sizes, and process quality will be available. On this basis, future randomized controlled trials can be planned. If demonstrated beneficial, the experience gained within this study may also be valuable for care strategies in other regions and other (non-pediatric) patient groups with rare diseases and/or chronic, complex conditions.Clinical Trial registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018778, identifier: DRKS00018778.

scholarly journals Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frankie Fair ◽  
Katie Marvin-Dowle ◽  
Madelynne Arden ◽  
Hora Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
National Guidance

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with numerous adverse outcomes including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity before, during and after pregnancy are therefore a significant public health priority in England. This project explored and mapped healthy weight service availability at different stages of the childbearing cycle.Methods: A mixed methods approach included a questionnaire-based survey disseminated through Local Maternity Systems and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with providers and commissioners. Current maternal weight service provision was explored along with some of the barriers and facilitators for providing, delivering and accessing healthy weight services. Descriptive statistics were reported for quantitative data and content analysis was used for thematic reporting of qualitative data. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey. All services were offered most frequently during pregnancy; with healthy eating and/or weight management services offered more often than physical activity services. Few services were targeted specifically at women with a raised body mass index. There was a high degree of inconsistency of service provision in different geographical areas. Several themes were identified from qualitative data including "equity and variation in service provision", "need for rigorous evaluation", "facilitators” to encourage better access or more effective service provision, including prioritisation, a change in focus and co-design of services, "barriers" encountered including financial and time obstacles, poor communication and insufficiently clear strategic national guidance and "the need for additional support”.Conclusions: There is a need to reduce geographical variation in services and the potential health inequalities that this may cause. Improving services for women with a raised body mass index as well as services which encourage physical activity require additional emphasis. There is a need for more robust evaluation of services to ensure they are fit for purpose. An urgent need for clear national guidance so that healthcare providers can more effectively assist mothers achieve a healthy weight gain was identified. Commissioners should consider implementing strategies to reduce the barriers of access identified such as childcare, transport, location and making services free at the point of use.

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