Introduction: Grenfell and the return of ‘social murder’

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Stuart Hodkinson

This chapter introduces the context, main arguments and chapter structure of the book. A first section recounts the main events of the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2017 and the ensuing political fallout, explaining that the disaster had been foretold in previous deadly fires and warnings about the impact of building and fire safety deregulation. A second section argues that this refusal to listen made Grenfell an act of what Friedrich Engels called ‘social murder’ at the hands of unregulated private greed. This is followed by a third section outlining the book’s overall argument that Grenfell has exposed a deeper neoliberal fault line in the governance of housing safety from decades of privatisation, outsourcing and deregulation. A fourth section sets out the three main case studies of regeneration under PFI underpinning the book’s argument, and a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the book. The chapter ends by detailing the empirical evidence and research process underpinning the book.

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 160940692092690
Author(s):  
Élizabeth Côté-Boileau ◽  
Isabelle Gaboury ◽  
Mylaine Breton ◽  
Jean-Louis Denis

A growing body of literature suggests combining organizational ethnography and case study design as a new methodology for investigating complex organizational phenomena in health care contexts. However, the arguments supporting the potential of organizational ethnographic case studies to improve the process and increase the impact of qualitative research in health care is currently underdeveloped. In this article, we aim to explore the methodological potentialities and limitations of combining organizational ethnography and case study to conduct in-depth empirical health care research. We conducted a scoping review, systematically investigating seven bibliographic databases to search, screen, and select empirical articles that employed organizational ethnographic case study to explore organizational phenomena in health care contexts. We screened 573 papers, then completed full-text review of 74 papers identified as relevant based on title and abstract. A total of 18 papers were retained for analysis. Data were extracted and synthesized using a two-phase descriptive and inductive thematic analysis. We then developed a methodological matrix that positions how the impact, contextualization, credibility, and depth of this combined methodology interact to increase the generative power of in-depth qualitative empirical research in health care. Our review reveals that organizational ethnographic case studies have their own distinct methodological identity in the wider domain of qualitative health care research. We argue that by accelerating the research process, enabling various sources of reflexivity, and spreading the depth and contextualization possibilities of empirical investigation of complex organizational phenomena, this combined methodology may stimulate greater academic dynamism and increase the impact of research. Organizational ethnographic case studies appear as a new in-depth qualitative methodology that both challenges and improves the conventional ways we study the lives of organizations and the experiences of actors within the interconnected realms of health care.


VINE ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 154-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Coulson ◽  
Linda Banwell

Scope of paper. Through a discussion of the processes employed with case studies participating in the research project this paper will reflect upon JUBILEE's development of its EIS improvement Toolkit, and its experience of integrating the JUBILEE Toolkit into the research process. Evidence of both the strengths and limitations of the use of Toolkit themes in research and practice will be highlighted, and the potential improvements to EIS provision of such collaboration between practitioners and research staff outlined.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (38) ◽  
pp. 1-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Wilson ◽  
Elspeth Mathie ◽  
Julia Keenan ◽  
Elaine McNeilly ◽  
Claire Goodman ◽  
...  

BackgroundPatient and public involvement (PPI) is a prerequisite for many funding bodies and NHS research ethics approval. PPI in research is defined as research carried out with or by the public rather than to, about or for them. While the benefits of PPI have been widely discussed, there is a lack of evidence on the impact and outcomes of PPI in research.ObjectivesTo determine the types of PPI in funded research, describe key processes, analyse the contextual and temporal dynamics of PPI and explore the experience of PPI in research for all those involved. Mechanisms contributing to the routine incorporation of PPI in the research process were assessed, the impact of PPI on research processes and outcomes evaluated, and barriers and enablers to effective PPI identified.DesignA three-staged realist evaluation drawing on Normalisation Process Theory to understand how far PPI was embedded within health-care research in six areas: diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cystic fibrosis, dementia, public health and learning disabilities. The first two stages comprised a scoping exercise and online survey to chief investigators to assess current PPI activity. The third stage consisted of case studies tracked over 18 months through interviews and document analysis. The research was conducted in four regions of England.ParticipantsNon-commercial studies currently running or completed within the previous 2 years eligible for adoption on the UK Clinical Research Network portfolio. A total of 129 case study participants included researchers and PPI representatives from 22 research studies, and representatives from funding bodies and PPI networks.ResultsIn the scoping 51% (n = 92) of studies had evidence of PPI and in the survey 79% (n = 80), with funder requirements and study design the strongest influence on the extent of PPI. There was little transparency about PPI in publicly accessible information. In case studies, context–mechanism–outcome configurations suggested that six salient actions were required for effective PPI. These were a clear purpose, role and structure for PPI; ensuring diversity; whole research team engagement with PPI; mutual understanding and trust between the researchers and lay representatives; ensuring opportunities for PPI throughout the research process; and reflecting on, appraising and evaluating PPI within a research study. PPI models included a ‘one-off’ model with limited PPI, a fully intertwined model in which PPI was fully embedded and an outreach model with lay representatives linking to broader communities. Enabling contexts included funder, topic/design, resources, research host, organisation of PPI and, most importantly, relationships. In some case studies, lack of coherence in defining PPI persisted, with evidence of a dual role of PPI representative/study participant. Evidence of PPI outcomes included changes to study design, improvements to recruitment materials and rates, and dissemination.ConclusionsSix salient actions were required for effective PPI and were characterised by a shared understanding of moral and methodological purposes of PPI, a key individual co-ordinating PPI, ensuring diversity, a research team positive about PPI input and fully engaged with it, based on relationships that were established and maintained over time, and PPI being evaluated in a proactive and systematic approach. Future work recommendations include exploring the impact of virtual PPI, cost analysis and economic evaluation of the different models of PPI, and a longer-term follow-up study of the outcomes of PPI on research findings and impact on services and clinical practice.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Henryk Dźwigoł ◽  

Purpose: The aim of the article was to diagnose the impact of the use of case studies on the analysis of the research problem by verifying a set hypothesis. Design/methodology/approach: The verification was carried out through the performance of quantitative research by means of a questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was addressed to the theoreticians of management sciences. The survey questionnaire, used for carrying out the research, was distributed among the target group comprising: - 93 domestic universities, - 2307 domestic academics, - 272 foreign universities, - 21024 foreign academics. Findings: In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the usefulness of case studies is limited to a certain type of hypotheses being tested and is gradual, and that their application should be the second or third choice within the research strategy rather than the first. The conclusions from the analysis of the research results clearly confirm that: the case study provides an opportunity to analyse the research problem in depth. Moreover, qualitative methods in research processes should be supported by case studies. Research limitations/implications: It should be pointed out that case studies also have their limitations, e.g.: they are related to the research objectives to which case studies can be applied. Practical implications: The essence of the case study is determined by the use of exploratory methods that will allow an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under consideration. Neither the size nor the given characteristics of the object are relevant here since the research subject can be a single decision, process, cluster or the whole country. Social implications: Generalizations, which are among the most creative elements of case studies, require an ability to think synthetically, a lot of intellectual effort and a deep understanding of the problem being analysed; Originality/value: The conclusions of the literature analysis and own research unanimously confirm that: • He case study provides an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the research problem, • Qualitative methods in research processes should be accompanied by case studies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Zimon ◽  
Scott Dellana

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the expectations for ISO 9001 certification in a group of small- and medium-sized enterprises, then to assess the reasons for their subsequent abandonment of the certification and the long-term impacts of that decision. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study come from longitudinal case studies involving a series of questionnaires, in-depth on-site interviews and informal conversations with top managers of 22 firms in the heating technology service industry in Poland. The research process was conducted in three stages. The first stage occurred in the Summer of 2008 in which a broad analysis was conducted of the impact of ISO 9001 certification on the functioning of the organizations. The second stage was conducted in 2012, to gather the information about the organizations that subsequently abandoned their ISO 9001 certification. The third stage was carried out in 2016 to examine the longer-term impact of ISO 9001 certification abandonment in these organizations. Findings The main motivation for study participants obtaining ISO 9001 certification centred around market visibility and gaining new customers rather than on lowering operating costs or improving quality. Managers also expected certification to improve organization documentation. The decision to abandon certification had to do with lack of time for improvement efforts and questionable cost-benefit that could lead to higher prices. Certification was considered unnecessary to achieve the goals of the organization. In retrospect, only a small percentage (20 per cent) of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the sample group felt that abandoning ISO 9001 certification was largely the correct decision. A majority (53 per cent) thought it was largely a regrettable decision. Research limitations/implications The research is based on a limited number of case studies for smaller organizations in one purchasing group in industry rather than on a large cross-section of different organizations sizes and types. Therefore, the ability to draw statistical inferences is limited and the results may not generalize to other settings. However, this appears to be one of the few studies of its kind on voluntary abandonment of the certification. Practical implications It is important for business managers to understand not only the reasons supporting initial certification, but the rationale that organizations cite for abandonment of the certification and the long-term impacts of that decision. Originality/value A study of voluntary ISO 9001 certification abandonment appears to be relatively absent in the literature. This research opens a new area of research into the assessment of potential consequences of abandoning the certification.


Author(s):  
Frances Butcher

“Aftermath: The Social and Economic Consequences of Workplace Injury and Illness" study is an example of undertaking research to link with policy development. Much evaluation research (for example, assessing the impact of workplace illness and injury) isolates one area or perspective to study: clinical, functional, psychological, or financial outcomes. This study aimed to explore both quantifiable and non-quantifiable costs, and presents social and economic consequences case studies. This allowed the inter-connections between various areas and perspectives to be included, to present an overall picture of the visible as well as hidden costs. Behind the eventual products from this study are some lessons learnt about the research process, and how this contributes to policy development.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-224
Author(s):  
Ben Brewster

This article presents findings from a series of case studies into the impact of multi- agency anti-slavery partnerships in the UK. The research draws upon empirical evidence from a number of geographic regions as the basis of a comparative analysis involving the full spectrum of statutory and non-statutory organisations that undertake anti-slavery work. The article focuses, in particular, on the role of partnerships in victim identification and support, while simultaneously discussing issues and drawing upon existing discourse associated with policy, legislation and the macro conditions that impose barriers on such efforts.


Author(s):  
OLEKSANDR STEGNII

The paper analyses specific features of sociological data circulation in a public space during an election campaign. The basic components of this kind of space with regard to sociological research are political actors (who put themselves up for the election), voters and agents. The latter refer to professional groups whose corporate interests are directly related to the impact on the election process. Sociologists can also be seen as agents of the electoral process when experts in the field of electoral sociology are becoming intermingled with manipulators without a proper professional background and publications in this field. In a public space where an electoral race is unfolding, empirical sociological research becomes the main form of obtaining sociological knowledge, and it is primarily conducted to measure approval ratings. Electoral research serves as an example of combining the theoretical and empirical components of sociological knowledge, as well as its professional and public dimensions. Provided that sociologists meet all the professional requirements, electoral research can be used as a good tool for evaluating the trustworthiness of results reflecting the people’s expression of will. Being producers of sociological knowledge, sociologists act in two different capacities during an election campaign: as analysts and as pollsters. Therefore, it is essential that the duties and areas of responsibility for professional sociologists should be separated from those of pollsters. Another thing that needs to be noted is the negative influence that political strategists exert on the trustworthiness of survey findings which are going to be released to the public. Using the case of approval ratings as an illustration, the author analyses the most common techniques aimed at misrepresenting and distorting sociological data in the public space. Particular attention is given to the markers that can detect bogus polling companies, systemic violations during the research process and data falsification.


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