scholarly journals A Pattern-Generating Tool for Use in Semi-Structured Interviews

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Paine
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Language ◽  
Abstract Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Subsequent Edition ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Close Fit ◽  
Research World ◽  
Usual Research

This paper, the first in a pair, describes the development and use of a research tool designed to not only derive the “usual” research patterns from analysis and synthesis of data, but also to extend that research outcome into useful lessons and instructions for others to act on in the non-research world. Research is essentially about finding and explaining patterns to help us understand phenomena and to measure similarities and differences. Pattern also has other useful attributes – as tools, templates, and instructive advices – that tend not to be given as much attention in research. The tool discussed in this paper seeks an easy-to-use “close fit” between these two uses of pattern. It enabled maximum engagement by the research participants, in-depth exploration of the area between the abstract (theory) and the concrete (practice) of the issue at hand, and development of useful instructive advices for others to use. It comprises an original design that can be adapted for use in other research with similar aims. A second paper, in a subsequent edition of The Qualitative Report, describes the development of the subsequent “pattern language” of instructive advices.

A decision-making formula for value engineering applications in the Sri Lankan construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayani Karunasena ◽  
Kosala Rajagalgoda Gamage
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Analyse Data

Purpose The construction industry in many developing countries is reluctant to apply value engineering (VE) due to uncertainty of outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing practices of VE techniques and make recommendations to organisations and national construction regulatory bodies, to standardise VE practices. A decision-making formula is introduced to determine profitability of VE applications prior to implementation. Design/methodology/approach A broad literature review and six case study projects that applied VE were selected. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data within cases. Six expert interviews were conducted as confirmatory interviews to clarify and validate research outcome. Content analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse data among case studies. Findings Application, knowledge and experience on VE techniques among construction professionals are unsatisfactory. Recommendations include reducing contractor’s design responsibility, introducing proper VE guidelines and statutory regulations. A framework is introduced to assist authorities to standardise application of VE techniques. A decision-making formula is suggested to determine margins of contractor’s portion due to VE techniques and original profits gained. Originality/value The formula can be used as a decision-making tool by construction industry practitioners to determine successfulness of proposed VE techniques, and the proposed framework can be used to guide construction professional bodies to standardise VE practices.

Knowledge-advanced innovative behaviour: a hospitality service perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farag Edghiem ◽  
Yusra Mouzughi
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Hotel Service ◽  
Innovative Behaviour ◽  
Research Outcome

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and implications of knowledge advanced through service employees’ innovative behaviour and leading to initiating innovation within the hotel service subsector. Design/methodology/approach A case study research method was applied to achieve the research objectives, which investigated two hotel properties resembling two personal–interactive service systems. In total, 52 semi-structured interviews were conducted along with other qualitative research methods, including the direct observation of employees, review of management archives/literature and the assessment of “micro cases”. Findings The research outcome highlights the role of knowledge as supplementary to the interlinked process of idea generation and development. A novel classification of two types of knowledge is revealed as pre-encounter and encounter-dependent knowledge, implicating four patterns of service employees’ innovative behaviour. Practical implications This paper recommends practical measures to nurture service employees’ innovative behaviour, leading to innovation. Originality/value This study contributes to service innovation research by providing an in-depth assessment at the micro level, overlooked to date, of the nature of knowledge and the service employees’ role in initiating innovation within the hotel service subsector.

scholarly journals Gradual and Transformative Institutional Change: the influence of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric power plant

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (97) ◽  
pp. 398-421
Author(s):  
Diego Mota Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Institutional Change ◽  
Hydroelectric Power Plant ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Advocacy Coalitions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Advocacy Coalition ◽  
History Of ◽  
Belo Monte

Abstract This work analyzes the performance of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions in processes of gradual institutional change based on the case study of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. The methodology adopts content analysis, using shorthand notes of hearings held in the National Congress, and other publicly available documents. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted, collecting data from individuals involved in the history of the power plant. The study allowed to characterize stakeholders pro or against the enterprise, observing their degree of influence and the role played. In addition, the work used the Advocacy Coalition Framework to verify how stakeholders formed three advocacy coalitions and exerted the strategies of institutional change ‘displacement,’ ‘conversion,’ and ‘layering’ following the gradual and transformative institutional change model. Empirical evidence indicates that the composition of coalition members may determine the type of institutional change and that institutional changes can also result from learning among coalitions, as the incorporation of socio-environmental considerations that have altered the original design of the hydroelectric power plant.

scholarly journals Capitalising on the European Research Outcome for Improved Spatial Planning Practices and Territorial Governance

Land ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Auziņš
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Planning ◽  
European Research ◽  
Continuity And Change ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Eu Policies ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Planning Processes ◽  
Relevant Outcome

If distinguishing between spatial planning systems and practices, the latter reflect on the continuity and perspective of planning cultures and are concerned with the values, attitudes, mindsets and routines shared by those taking part in concrete planning processes. Some recent studies demonstrated comparative assessment of European spatial planning. Thus, the coexistence of continuity and change, as well as convergence and divergence concerning planning practices, was delineated. Moreover, the trends and directions in the evolution of spatial planning and territorial governance were explored when focusing on linkages between diverse national planning perspectives and EU policies. The relevant outcome of European projects met their visionary statements in general and are towards the inspiration of policymaking by territorial evidence. However, it showed a highly differential landscape for territorial governance and spatial planning across Europe in terms of terminology, concepts, tools and practices. Therefore, the paper focuses on how the most relevant outcome of European research may initiate a reasonable in-depth study of concrete planning practices and substantiate an effective planning approach. Mainly based on critical literature review and comparative analysis and synthesis techniques, the overviewed key research results led (1) to agenda-setting for comprehensive evidence gathering (CEG) if exploring spatial planning practices and territorial governance in selected European countries, and (2) to a set of objectives for a values-led planning (VLP) approach to be introduced for improvement of land use management.

Servitization in contract manufacturing – evidence from Polar business cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esa Viitamo ◽  
Seppo Luoto ◽  
Timo Seppälä
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Contract Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the scholarly debate on the origins and nature of industrial servitization. By resorting to contract manufacturing (CM) as an empirical case, it is posited that any product-service solution that a manufacturing firm is capable of delivering on a competitive basis mirrors its goals in value creation and capture, positioning within its value networks and the pool of assets and competences it holds. Design/methodology/approach To support this argument, a comparative case study of two CM firms that represent polar cases in the industry was conducted. The primary data were collected through participatory methodology, observations and semi-structured interviews of company representatives. The business experiences of an industry practitioner provided a distinct contribution to the content analysis and modelling. Findings It was concluded that servitization becomes endogenous as contract manufacturers aim for higher profitability through the insource of customer activities and hence extend their offering downstream in the supply chain. The findings suggest that the way out of the servitization trap is a shift toward original design and manufacturing business, where high value-adding modules are insourced and integrated into replicable solutions for various types of customers and market segments. Research limitations/implications The generalization of the conclusion is constrained by the limited focus on two cases only. More industry and company data are therefore required to further validate this argument. Particularly valuable will be the data on the intermediate business models between the two polar cases. Originality/value Building on contested business practices, this paper outlines the logic of competitive strategy in CM on the basis of specific characteristics and implications of the various business concepts. In this case, the principal drivers of servitization are the acquisition of supporting capabilities and insourcing of customer activities. The case study method integrates theory with academic observation and managerial experiences.

scholarly journals Mudança Institucional Gradual e Transformativa: a Atuação de Stakeholders e Coalizões de Defesa no Caso da Usina Hidroelétrica de Belo Monte

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (97) ◽  
pp. 398-421
Author(s):  
Diego Mota Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Institutional Change ◽  
Hydroelectric Power Plant ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Advocacy Coalitions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Advocacy Coalition ◽  
History Of ◽  
Belo Monte

Abstract This work analyzes the performance of stakeholders and advocacy coalitions in processes of gradual institutional change based on the case study of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant. The methodology adopts content analysis, using shorthand notes of hearings held in the National Congress, and other publicly available documents. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted, collecting data from individuals involved in the history of the power plant. The study allowed to characterize stakeholders pro or against the enterprise, observing their degree of influence and the role played. In addition, the work used the Advocacy Coalition Framework to verify how stakeholders formed three advocacy coalitions and exerted the strategies of institutional change ‘displacement,’ ‘conversion,’ and ‘layering’ following the gradual and transformative institutional change model. Empirical evidence indicates that the composition of coalition members may determine the type of institutional change and that institutional changes can also result from learning among coalitions, as the incorporation of socio-environmental considerations that have altered the original design of the hydroelectric power plant.

scholarly journals Outcome measures in post-stroke arm rehabilitation trials: do existing measures capture outcomes that are important to stroke survivors, carers, and clinicians?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Duncan Millar ◽  
Frederike van Wijck ◽  
Alex Pollock ◽  
Myzoon Ali
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Arm Rehabilitation ◽  
Modified Ashworth Scale ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Ashworth Scale

Objective: We sought to (1) identify the outcome measures currently used across stroke arm rehabilitation randomized trials, (2) identify and compare outcomes important to stroke survivors, carers and clinicians and (3) describe where existing research outcome measures capture outcomes that matter the most to stroke survivors, carers and clinicians and where there may be discrepancies. Methods: First, we systematically identified and extracted data on outcome measures used in trials within a Cochrane overview of arm rehabilitation interventions. Second, we conducted 16 focus groups with stroke survivors, carers and clinicians using nominal group technique, supplemented with eight semi-structured interviews, to identify these stakeholders’ most important outcomes following post-stroke arm impairment. Finally, we described the constructs of each outcome measure and indicated where stakeholders’ important outcomes were captured by each measure. Results: We extracted 144 outcome measures from 243 post-stroke arm rehabilitation trials. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity section (used in 79/243 trials; 33%), Action Research Arm Test (56/243; 23%), and modified Ashworth Scale (53/243; 22%) were most frequently used. Stroke survivors ( n = 43), carers ( n = 10) and clinicians ( n = 58) identified 66 unique, important outcomes related to arm impairment following stroke. Between one and three outcomes considered important by the stakeholders were captured by the three most commonly used assessments in research. Conclusion: Post-stroke arm rehabilitation research would benefit from a reduction in the number of outcome measures currently used, and better alignment between what is measured and what is important to stroke survivors, carers and clinicians.

Methodological Approach to Development of the Universal TB Model

2018 ◽  
pp. 28-57
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Design And Construction ◽  
Available Resources

While the previous chapter can be considered as purely theoretical, this chapter focuses on the methodology. It introduces the details associated with methods, techniques, and approaches whose application led to the main output of this book. Firstly, an extensive literature review that provides background for discussion of available resources and existing knowledge background is provided. Semi-structured interviews help to acquire insights of insiders. Both methods help to identify the main issues and problems, non-existence of unifying systemic definition included. This chapter also provides details to applied statistical analysis and systems approach which represents a framework in which the whole TB analysis and synthesis are conducted. Special attention is paid to the design and construction of various types of systems and description of TB as a soft system.

scholarly journals EMPIRICAL STUDY ON SELECTION OF TEAM MEMBERS FOR SOFTWARE PROJECTS – DATA MINING APPROACH

2014 ◽  
pp. 131-136
Author(s):  
SANGITA GUPTA ◽  
SUMA. V.
Keyword(s):  
Project Success ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Business Objective ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
The Right

One of the essential requisites of any software industry is the development of customer satisfied products. However, accomplishing the aforesaid business objective depends upon the depth of quality of product that is engineered in the organization. Thus, generation of high quality depends upon process, which is in turn depends upon the people. Existing scenario in IT industries demands a requirement for deploying the right personnel for achieving desirable quality in the product through the existing process. The goal of this paper is to identify the criteria which will be used in industrial practice to select members of a software project team, and to look for relationships between these criteria and project success. Using semi-structured interviews and qualitative methods for data analysis and synthesis, a set of team building criteria was identified from project managers in industry. The findings show that the consistent use of the set of criteria correlated significantly with project success, and the criteria related to human factors present strong correlations with software quality and thereby project success. This knowledge enables decision making for project managers in allocation of right personnel to realize desired level.

Continuum of Care Following Sports-Related Concussion

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 1389-1403
Author(s):  
Jessica Brown ◽  
Kelly Knollman-Porter
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Medical Professional ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
History Of ◽  
Injury Reporting

Purpose Although guidelines have changed regarding federally mandated concussion practices since their inception, little is known regarding the implementation of such guidelines and the resultant continuum of care for youth athletes participating in recreational or organized sports who incur concussions. Furthermore, data regarding the role of speech-language pathologists in the historic postconcussion care are lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the experiences of young adults with history of sports-related concussion as it related to injury reporting and received follow-up care. Method Participants included 13 young adults with history of at least one sports-related concussion across their life span. We implemented a mixed-methods design to collect both quantitative and qualitative information through structured interviews. Participants reported experiencing 42 concussions across the life span—26 subsequent to sports injuries. Results Twenty-three concussions were reported to a parent or medical professional, 14 resulted in a formal diagnosis, and participants received initial medical care for only 10 of the incidents and treatment or services on only two occasions. Participants reported concussions to an athletic trainer least frequently and to parents most frequently. Participants commented that previous experience with concussion reduced the need for seeking treatment or that they were unaware treatments or supports existed postconcussion. Only one concussion incident resulted in the care from a speech-language pathologist. Conclusion The results of the study reported herein shed light on the fidelity of sports-related concussion care management across time. Subsequently, we suggest guidelines related to continuum of care from injury to individualized therapy.

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