scholarly journals Soft Skills Needed for the 21st-Century Workforce

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan A. Dean ◽  
Julia I. East
Keyword(s):  
Soft Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Global Work ◽  
Individual Training

Technical skills are no longer enough for workers to compete in this highly competitive global work environment. Soft skills are of paramount importance. A multiple-case-study design through the lens of emotional intelligence formed the basis of the research study. The focus of the research was identification of the successful soft skills training strategies in the logistics industry. Three logistics organization leaders in the counties of Burlington, Middlesex, and Somerset, New Jersey, were participants in the study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of company documents Four themes emerged through data analysis of converging multiple data sources: (a) the use of a combination of group and individual training, (b) the identification of training needs by individual, (c) the use of a systematic method to resolve emotional behaviors at work, and (d) the importance of effective communication.

scholarly journals Innovative Strategies to Grow Sales of Women-Owned SMEs in Emerging Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeola O Ogunyemi ◽  
Gene E Fusch
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Multiple Case

This paper is a discussion of a 2020 multiple case study research involving five female owners of retail small and medium enterprise (SME) companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. Multiple data collection methods employed included semistructured interviews, direct observations, review of company documents, and keeping a reflective journal. We established reliability, validity, and data saturation through triangulation. One major finding was that by deploying innovative ideas, business owners were able to overcome challenges and grow sales. The implications for positive social change include the potential to provide both existing and emerging women owned SMEs with the strategies to increase patronage to grow their businesses, thereby contributing to the economic growth of their business, employees, local communities, and the Nigerian national economy.

scholarly journals Using patient feedback to drive quality improvement in hospitals: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037641
Author(s):  
Simone Berger ◽  
Ana Maria Saut ◽  
Fernando Tobal Berssaneti
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Net Promoter ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Quality Tools

ObjectivesAlthough different forms of patient feedback are available, their use in hospital management is still limited. The objective of this study is to explore how patient feedback is currently used in hospitals to improve quality.DesignThis is a qualitative exploratory multiple case study. Data collection included nine interviews, of an average duration of 50 min, conducted between March and June 2019. Additionally, a document and secondary data analysis were performed.SettingThis study was conducted in three Brazilian hospitals selected for their solid patient feedback practises.ParticipantsManagers from the customer service, quality, nursing, operations, projects and patient experience departments of the three hospitals.ResultsDespite literature suggesting that organisational objectives regarding patient feedback are not clear, data show that there is managerial concern regarding the promotion of an environment capable of changing according to patient feedback. In these instances, organisational processes were structured to focus on patients’ feedback and its receipt by the staff, including a non-punitive culture. Several patient feedback forms are available: voluntary events, patient surveys and informal feedback. Instruments to measure patient feedback focused on specific aspects of healthcare, to identify and clarify the problems for addressal by the management. The net promoter score was the main strategic indicator of patient feedback, used to assess the impact of improvement action.ConclusionsThe hospitals had established objectives that valued the patient’s perspective. Involvement of the health team, availability of different channels for feedback and the use of quality tools are considered a good basis for using patient feedback to drive quality improvement.

scholarly journals Innovation Motives in Family Firms: A Transgenerational View

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Diaz-Moriana ◽  
Eric Clinton ◽  
Nadine Kammerlander ◽  
G. T. Lumpkin ◽  
Justin B. Craig
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Multigenerational Family ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Innovation Patterns

Drawing on the transgenerational entrepreneurship perspective, we employ a multiple case study approach to investigate why multigenerational family firms innovate. The data collection process drew upon five in-depth cases comprising 42 semistructured interviews, 25 participant observations, and several thousand pages of historical data dating from 1916 to 2017. We find patterns on how the firms’ long-term view—embracing both the past and the future—influences the innovation motives of these firms. Specifically, we identify three innovation patterns: conserving, persisting and legacy-building. We introduce a set of propositions and a framework linking long-term orientation dimensions to innovation motives and innovation outcomes. Our research thus contributes to a more fine-grained understanding of innovation behavior in family firms.

The Green Technology Practices and Investments of Sipalay City Beach-Resorts

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1708
Author(s):  
Marjon C. MALACAPAY ◽  
Reynaldo TABABA
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Methodological Triangulation ◽  
Waste Energy ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Case Study Data

The study of exploring the green technology practices and investments of beach-resorts in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, was realized in support of the worldwide call of promoting responsible and sustainable ecotourism sites. It discloses how these six resorts use green products in their operations, manage their waste, energy, and water resources, uncover practices that need improvement, including its primary causes, and evaluate their green technology investments' progress. This study is qualitative and designed as a multiple case study. Data were collected and validated through methodological triangulation (interview, document analysis, and on-site validation) and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA). Thus, notable findings include the resorts' use of stainless in replacement to plastic straws, glasses instead of disposable cups, and paper instead of Styrofoam boxes. Hence, the absence of compost pitting, the lack of a water control system, and the undersupply of solar panels are a few of the resorts' drawbacks. Therefore, this study discerns that the disproportion between capital and return of investments and the guests' lodging behavior influences the resorts' green technology practices and investments.

Upgrade strategies in the Thai silk industry: balancing value promotion and cultural heritage

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeya Patichol ◽  
Winai Wongsurawat ◽  
Lalit M. Johri
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Silk Industry ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Upgrading Strategies ◽  
Balancing Efficiency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to substantiate Porter's ideas through multiple case studies of firms in one of Thailand's potential niches – Thai silk. Design/methodology/approach – This study examined upgrading strategies adopted by six companies involved in the production and distribution of silk and silk products in Thailand. Information was gathered from company documents and interview statements given by company executives and government policy makers. Standard approaches to organizing and analyzing qualitative case study data, including description, pattern identification, concept categorization and generalization were utilized. Findings – The companies have implemented upgrading strategies in the following four main areas: first, balancing efficiency and old customs in production; second, innovating new products while preserving unique traditional features; third, developing modern marketing and distribution techniques with a cultural flare; and fourth, building linkages and clusters. Practical implications – Stakeholders of traditional- or cultural-related industries may increase their chances of successfully renewing their businesses’ competitive advantage by carefully balancing the needs to both preserve and modernize key processes in their industries’ value chains. Originality/value – The paper's findings and recommendations may to be useful to other traditional industries that share similar challenges both in Thailand and in other Southeast Asian countries.

scholarly journals Exploring EFL Teaching and Learning Processes in Two Undergraduate Mandatory Courses

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-160
Author(s):  
Estefanía Durán ◽  
Katherin García
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Stimulated Recall ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Stimulated Recall Interviews

This multiple case study explored the influence of English teachers’ methodological practices over undergraduate students’ learning processes in two English as a foreign language mandatory courses for different majors, at Universidad de Pamplona (Colombia). Data were gathered through non-participant observations, field notes, stimulated recall interviews, and semistructured interviews. Findings revealed that teacher-centeredness, the grammar-translation and audiolingual methods dominated the lessons; textbook-oriented classes with an emphasis on listening and writing characterized the courses; teacher and peer correction were encouraged; and classroom tasks and evaluation mostly focused on grammar and vocabulary. Although teachers had methodological practices, these influenced students’ learning processes differently.

scholarly journals Multiple case study applied in nursing research: a case report

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1194-1197
Author(s):  
Lara Adrianne Garcia Paiano da Silva ◽  
Nen Nalú Alves das Mercês
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Case Study Data

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the experience of using the method of multiple case study. Method: We used the method of multiple case study, conducted with children and adolescents assisted in the pediatric oncology inpatient unit. Results: The steps used for the development of a multiple case study were: Step 1 - Define and design; Step 2 - Prepare, collect and analyze; Step 3 - Analyze and complete. The steps included the development of a research project with the definition of its components, preparation of protocol for the case study, data collection, individual report of cases, data analysis and final report with data cross-referencing. Conclusion: The case study method can be used by nurses and contribute to the advancement in knowledge of nursing as a science and therefore contribute to a full care practice in the context in which the phenomenon happens.

Facilitators and Barriers to Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating Healthy Vending Policies in Four Cities

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483991990049
Author(s):  
Sarah Green ◽  
Karen Glanz ◽  
Julie Bromberg
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Sales Data ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nutrition Standards

Vending machines are a common source of low-nutrient, energy-dense snacks, and beverages. Many cities are beginning to adopt healthy vending policies in public areas, but evidence regarding best practices for developing, implementing, and evaluating these healthy vending polices is limited. This study used a mixed-methods, multiple case study design to examine healthy vending policies and initiatives in four cities. Data were collected between August 2017 and December 2017. Research staff worked with a designated contact person to coordinate site visits to each city where observations of the vending machines were conducted. Semistructured interviews were conducted with multiple stakeholders from each site and documents, including policies, vendor contracts, and nutrition standards, were reviewed. The following elements were identified as being essential to a healthy vending policy or initiative: having a champion and support from leadership, internal and external partnerships, and clear communication. Conducting regular compliance checks of the vending machines and the ability to obtain sales data, especially pre– and post–healthy vending policy sales data, continues to be a challenge. Stakeholders across all cities reported that concerns about profit–loss from the vendor and city revenue and procurement departments are barriers to adopting healthy vending policies. More research and evaluation are needed, as results are mixed regarding the impact on overall revenue/profits. This study yielded a variety of resources and “lessons learned” from those who have developed and implemented healthy vending policies and initiatives. This information should be used by others looking to influence healthier snacking behaviors through vending machines.

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