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1 – 10 of 517A case study methodology was applied as a major component of a mixed-methods approach to the evaluation of a mobile dementia education and support service in the Bega Valley…
Abstract
A case study methodology was applied as a major component of a mixed-methods approach to the evaluation of a mobile dementia education and support service in the Bega Valley Shire, New South Wales, Australia. In-depth interviews with people with dementia (PWD), their carers, programme staff, family members and service providers and document analysis including analysis of client case notes and client database were used.
The strengths of the case study approach included: (i) simultaneous evaluation of programme process and worth, (ii) eliciting the theory of change and addressing the problem of attribution, (iii) demonstrating the impact of the programme on earlier steps identified along the causal pathway (iv) understanding the complexity of confounding factors, (v) eliciting the critical role of the social, cultural and political context, (vi) understanding the importance of influences contributing to differences in programme impact for different participants and (vii) providing insight into how programme participants experience the value of the programme including unintended benefits.
The broader case of the collective experience of dementia and as part of this experience, the impact of a mobile programme of support and education, in a predominately rural area grew from the investigation of the programme experience of ‘individual cases’ of carers and PWD. Investigation of living conditions, relationships, service interactions through observation and increased depth of interviews with service providers and family members would have provided valuable perspectives and thicker description of the case for increased understanding of the case and strength of the evaluation.
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David Swanson, Lakshmi Goel, Kristoffer Francisco and James Stock
General theories have been criticized for their inability to explore the mechanics of more specific domain knowledge and understand how, when and where general theory applies to…
Abstract
Purpose
General theories have been criticized for their inability to explore the mechanics of more specific domain knowledge and understand how, when and where general theory applies to and extends domain knowledge in supply chain management (SCM). Middle-range theorizing (MRT) is a potential solution to this limitation. This paper aims to assist researchers in understanding the relationship between MRT and general theorizing (GT) and connecting MRT research findings to general theory.
Design/methodology/approach
This research provides a structured literature review of 518 articles, from eight journals in logistics, SCM and operations management. Theoretically based articles are analyzed by primary domain and SCM context.
Findings
There are frameworks for conducting MRT; however, the literature does not sufficiently assist researchers in understanding how middle-range (MR) theory should relate to general theory. Findings include a better understanding of underserved areas in SCM, guideline frameworks for understanding when to apply MRT, when to apply GT and how MRT knowledge can be connected to SCM domain knowledge.
Originality/value
This study provides a timely and appropriate compilation of theory research in SCM, including significant implications for both theory and practice, by helping to articulate the evolving philosophy of science in SCM.
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Suggests that there are great opportunities for retailers in the mass rail transit (MRT) malls in Singapore due to their strategic location by bus and train station. States that…
Abstract
Suggests that there are great opportunities for retailers in the mass rail transit (MRT) malls in Singapore due to their strategic location by bus and train station. States that maximum competitive advantage will be gained only if retailers understand consumer’s perception of the malls and how this affects their behaviour. Outlines the results of a survey of 250 shoppers across 5 malls showing that consumers value convenience, variety, cleanliness, and air‐conditioning. Argues that retailers need to advertise and display their merchandise while mall owners need to attract a good mix of tenants, maintain a good environment and provide good facilities. Suggests that communal activities held in the mall would make them more commercially viable.
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Ali Ayyed Abdul-Kadhim, Fue-Sang Lien and Eugene Yee
This study aims to modify the standard probabilistic lattice Boltzmann methodology (LBM) cellular automata (CA) algorithm to enable a more realistic and accurate computation of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to modify the standard probabilistic lattice Boltzmann methodology (LBM) cellular automata (CA) algorithm to enable a more realistic and accurate computation of the ensemble rather than individual particle trajectories that need to be updated from one time step to the next (allowing, as such, a fraction of the collection of particles in any lattice grid cell to be updated in a time step, rather than the entire collection of particles as in the standard LBM-CA algorithm leading to a better representation of the dynamic interaction between the particles and the background flow). Exploitation of the inherent parallelism of the modified LBM-CA algorithm to provide a computationally efficient scheme for computation of particle-laden flows on readily available commodity general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a framework for the implementation of a LBM for the simulation of particle transport and deposition in complex flows on a GPGPU. Towards this objective, the authors have shown how to map the data structure of the LBM with a multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) collision operator and the Smagorinsky subgrid-scale turbulence model (for turbulent fluid flow simulations) coupled with a CA probabilistic method (for particle transport and deposition simulations) to a GPGPU to give a high-performance computing tool for the calculation of particle-laden flows.
Findings
A fluid-particle simulation using our LBM-MRT-CA algorithm run on a single GPGPU was 160 times as computationally efficient as the same algorithm run on a single CPU.
Research limitations/implications
The method is limited by the available computational resources (e.g. GPU memory size).
Originality/value
A new 3D LBM-MRT-CA model was developed to simulate the particle transport and deposition in complex laminar and turbulent flows with different hydrodynamic characteristics (e.g. vortex shedding, impingement, free shear layer, turbulent boundary layer). The solid particle information is encapsulated locally at the lattice grid nodes, allowing for straightforward mapping of the datastructure onto a GPGPU enabling a massive parallel execution of the LBM-MRT-CA algorithm. The new particle transport algorithm was based on the local (bulk) particle density and velocity and provides more realistic results for the particle transport and deposition than the standard LBM-CA algorithm.
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Gwyn Rowley, Keith Barker and Victor Callaghan
Reports on survey‐behavioural research in a major and fundamental development ‐ the Questronic project based at the University of Sheffield (UK), and its first product, the…
Abstract
Reports on survey‐behavioural research in a major and fundamental development ‐ the Questronic project based at the University of Sheffield (UK), and its first product, the Ferranti Market Research Terminal (MRT). States that the MRT is a battery‐operated, hand‐held data‐capture terminal and it is a replacement for the usual questionnaire necessity ‐ clipboard and pencil. Describes the MRT and its functions including keyboard and electronic storage, so aiding survey research, both economic and operational. Lists out the operations and benefits in detail enabling the user a fast, modern aid for use with questionnaires. Goes on to give further developing procedures and includes a contact address for further information regarding the importance of development MRT routines in survey research.
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Makjen Sinaga, Suharyono Suharyono, Muhammad Al Musadieq and Mohammad Iqbal
This study aims to test and analyze the effect of maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy on sustainability with transit oriented development (TOD) as a moderating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test and analyze the effect of maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy on sustainability with transit oriented development (TOD) as a moderating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is a quantitative research. The data in this study are a combination of primary data obtained through a questionnaire. The research took place at PT MRT Jakarta with all the board of directors as a sample in this study. The sampling technique used is saturated sampling and data analysis using structural equation model (SEM).
Findings
The result shows that maintenance and operation (M&O) have a positive and significant effect on time utility, M&O have a positive and significant effect on sustainability, time utility has a positive and significant effect on occupancy, occupancy has a positive and significant effect on sustainability and the influence of TOD does not significantly influence the relationship between time utility on occupancy and occupancy on sustainability.
Originality/value
The originality of this research lies in testing the maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy variables on sustainability with the renewal of TOD as a moderating variable.
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Jishnu Subedi, Ram Mani Ghimire, Ram Prasad Neupane and Sweta Amatya
The purpose of this paper is to investigate increase in the cost of reinforced concrete buildings in Kathmandu valley constructed using earthquake safer features in comparison…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate increase in the cost of reinforced concrete buildings in Kathmandu valley constructed using earthquake safer features in comparison with that of buildings constructed using conventional approach without earthquake safety features.
Design/methodology/approach
Five buildings constructed using earthquake safer features and five buildings constructed without using these features are selected. A cost comparison of both types of buildings is done, and the total cost is also compared for structural, nonstructural and service components in the buildings.
Findings
The cost analysis of buildings constructed in Kathmandu valley shows that there is 10 per cent increase in cost for earthquake safer construction in comparison to construction using conventional approach. This increase in cost can be a deterrent factor for house owners to switch to safer construction practices which ultimately leads to lack of compliance from house owners. A successful implementation of building code in a country like Nepal, where most of the buildings are constructed from informal sector, requires compliance of the code from all stakeholders. Awareness raising can be a deciding factor for success in building code enforcement.
Research limitations/implications
The study is done for only two types of constructions prevalent in Kathmandu: one using simplified codal method and another using conventional method. Only five samples of each types are taken into consideration. The building sample, however, is typical and representative of the two types of the construction practice.
Practical implications
The information from this study will be useful for making policy decisions for enforcement of building codes and also for assessment of economic loss in future earthquakes.
Social implications
This research output will help to redesign building code enforcement projects in Nepal and other countries in the region with similar issues.
Originality/value
The building samples, analysis and output are original contribution of authors, and it contributes to fulfill the gap for such study.
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Hamid Roodbari, Karina Nielsen, Carolyn Axtell, Susan E. Peters and Glorian Sorensen
Realist evaluation seeks to answer the question of “what works for whom in which circumstances?” through developing and testing middle range theories (MRTs). MRTs are programme…
Abstract
Purpose
Realist evaluation seeks to answer the question of “what works for whom in which circumstances?” through developing and testing middle range theories (MRTs). MRTs are programme theories that outline how certain mechanisms of an intervention work in a specific context to bring about certain outcomes. In this paper, the authors tested an initial MRT about the mechanism of participation. The authors used evidence from a participatory organisational intervention in five worksites of a large multi-national organisation in the US food service industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data from 89 process tracking documents and 24 post-intervention, semi-structured interviews with intervention stakeholders were analysed using template analysis.
Findings
The operationalised mechanism was partial worksite managers’ engagement with the research team. Six contextual factors (e.g. high workload) impaired participation, and one contextual factor (i.e. existing participatory practices) facilitated participation. Worksite managers’ participation resulted in limited improvement in their awareness of how working conditions can impact on their employees’ safety, health, and well-being. Based on these findings, the authors modified the initial MRT into an empirical MRT.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the understanding of “what works for whom in which circumstances” regarding participation in organisational interventions.
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Erma Suryani, Rully Agus Hendrawan, Philip Faster Eka Adipraja, Arif Wibisono and Lily Puspa Dewi
This paper aims to address the urban mobility and traffic congestion problem under environmental dynamics to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion using system dynamics…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address the urban mobility and traffic congestion problem under environmental dynamics to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion using system dynamics (SD) simulation and scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach
SD simulation was used to analyze urban mobility and traffic congestion. Data were collected from the Transportation Department of Surabaya City. Several scenarios to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion were developed by modifying the structures and parameters of the model.
Findings
Several factors influence urban mobility, including modal split, trip frequency, delay performance and the ratio of public transport supply and demand. Urban mobility, daily traffic and road capacity are some factors that affect traffic congestion. Scenarios can be designed based on the assumptions of the proposed strategy.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted at Surabaya City, East Java, Indonesia, which is the fourth most-congested city in the world.
Practical implications
By implementing several strategies (mass rapid transit and bus rapid transit development and public transport delay reduction), mobility performance is projected to be improved by 70.34-92.96%. With this increased mobility, traffic congestion is projected to decline by 52.5-65.8%.
Originality/value
The novel contributions of this research are: formulating relationships between several variables; modeling dynamic behavior of urban mobility and traffic congestion; and building scenario models to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Surabaya. With the increase in urban mobility and the decrease in average daily traffic, traffic congestion could be reduced by a minimum of 57.6% and a maximum of 69%.
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Dieter Rehfeld and Judith Terstriep
The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the nature and range of solutions that can empower and (re-)engage vulnerable and marginalized populations so that they can fully…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the nature and range of solutions that can empower and (re-)engage vulnerable and marginalized populations so that they can fully participate in the social, economic, cultural, and political life. These innovative social solutions may be viewed as interactive, generative, and contextualized phenomena that are driven by individuals, organizations and institutional actors at micro, meso, and macro levels.
Methodology/approach
The use of Middle Range Theory (MRT) as an integrative approach provides an understanding of the processes and mechanisms that govern social phenomena including social innovations. Middle range theorizing focuses on empirical phenomenon and creates general statements that can be verified by data. As such MRT provides an appropriate framework to investigate social innovation trajectory and dynamics.
Findings
MRT has been used within the context of SIMPACT, a research project funded under the European Commission’s 7th Framework Program and is the acronym for “Boosting the Impact of Social Innovation in Europe through Economic Underpinnings.” The application of MRT to selected case studies has permitted to identify the micro (individual actions) and macro (structures) links in a variety of social and economic contexts across Europe.
Research implications
This chapter provides new insights as how different themes studied in the SIMPACT project (i.e., migration, unemployment, education, gender, etc.) in different economic and geographic zones (i.e., Anglo-Saxon, Continental, East-European, and Scandinavia) have been treated by social innovators in response to problems of welfare, economic exclusion, and vulnerability. The research findings are susceptible to be of use in other countries with different economic, political, and social structures.
Practical/social implications
The significance of vulnerability is well-recognized by social innovators, intermediaries, and impact investors including governments and policy-makers. This requires greater policy and practical interventions, guidelines, and support. However the capacity to intervene is conditioned by financial and human resources. Further investigation about alternative social innovation business models will shed light on the resources and policies that would be needed to foster social innovation.
Originality/value
The analysis of social innovations' economic factors by case studies represents a pioneering effort to highlight social innovation path dependency and building as an effort to overcome the problems of vulnerability and exclusion.
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