Problem-posing in management classrooms for collective sustainability transformation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-496
Author(s):  
Janette Brunstein ◽  
Mark Edward Walvoord ◽  
Ed Cunliff
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Problem Posing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Teaching Cases ◽  
Classroom Use

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the possible benefits of approaching sustainability-related teaching cases from the perspective of problem-posing (PP) instead of problem-solving (PS). Design/methodology/approach A document analysis methodology (Silverman, 2011) was used to analyze sustainability teaching case study abstracts and learning objectives from business databases. Cases were reviewed and classified as PP, PS or other. PP cases were further subclassified on one of three axes. Findings Of 117 cases reviewed, most were PS (66%) with only 9% PP. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed with recommendations for writing or converting, PS to PP cases for classroom use. Theoretical contributions include identification of three distinct and complementary views of PP, described in these axes: emancipatory; problematizing metaphors and premises; and rational, process and means-focused cases, not triggering transformative learning theory. Of 10 cases classified as PP cases, 3 were subclassified as emancipatory. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to case study titles containing “sustainability” and analyses of their descriptions and learning objectives only. Next phases of the research will examine differences in student learning between PS and PP in situ. Practical implications The research identifies a unique approach to the authoring and use of case studies that hold the potential for increasing students’ critical thinking capabilities and production of solutions to sustainability issues. Originality/value There is limited research and analysis of the identification and implications of using PP pedagogy.

scholarly journals Thermal analysis and post construction verification

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67
Author(s):  
Cormac Flood ◽  
Lloyd Scott
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thermal Transmittance ◽  
Standard Calculation

Purpose The residential sector in Ireland accounted for 25 per cent of energy related CO2 emissions in 2016 through burning fossil fuels, a major contributor to climate change. In support of Ireland’s CO2 reduction targets, the existing housing stock could contribute greatly to the reduction of space-heating energy demand through retrofit. Approximately 50 per cent of Ireland’s 2m dwellings pre-date building regulations and are predominantly of cavity and solid wall construction, the performance of which has not been extensively investigated at present. Although commitment to thermal upgrade/retrofit of existing buildings may increase under future government policies, the poor characterisation of actual thermal performance of external walls may hinder the realisation of these targets. Thermal transmittance (U-values) of exterior walls represents a source of uncertainty when estimating the energy performance of dwellings. It has been noted in research that the standard calculation methodology for thermal transmittance should be improved. Implementing current U-value calculation methods may result in misguided retrofit strategies due to the considerable discrepancies between in situ measurements and calculated wall U-values as documented in the case studies carried out in this research. If the method of hygrothermal analysis were to be employed as a replacement for the current standard calculation, it could have significant implications for policy and retrofit decision making. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This research project analysed a case study situated in Dublin, Ireland. The case studies offer an account of the in situ thermal transmittance of exterior walls and link these to hygrothermally simulated comparisons along with more traditional design U-values. Findings The findings of this research identify discrepancies between in situ and design U-values, using measurement, hygrothermal simulation and standard method U-value calculations. The outcomes of the research serve as an introduction to issues emanating from a larger research project in order to encourage researchers to understand and further explore the topic. Originality/value It has previously been highlighted that moisture content is linked to the increase in thermal conductivity of building materials, thus reducing the thermal effectiveness and increasing the elemental U-value. Therefore, it is vital to implement reliable prediction tools to assess potential thermal performance values. This paper presents the findings of a critical instance case study in Dublin, Ireland in which an existing west facing external wall in a semi-detached dwelling was analysed, simulated and measured to verify the elemental wall assembly and quantify thermal transmittance (U-value) incorporating the major criteria required for building performance simulation.

The impact of the Combined Code in Greek soft law

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michail Nerantzidis ◽  
John Filos ◽  
Anastasios Tsamis ◽  
Maria-Eleni Agoraki
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Soft Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Specific Number

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of Combined code (2010) impact in the Greek soft law (SEV code, 2011) and the adoption of an overlapping set (between the two codes) of best practice provisions in Greece. Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis was conducted to examine the similarities between the UK’s Combined code (2010) and the Greek SEV code (2011). Moreover, a sample of 219 Greek listed companies’ annual reports was analyzed, and their compliance with a specific number of provisions was evaluated. Findings – Through analyzing the content of both codes, it was found that from the total 64 provisions of the SEV code (2011), 45 were matched to at least one of the Combined codes (2010). From these 45 provisions, 26 were characterized as “in spirit” influence and 19 as “in letter”. Based on this evidence, 22 overlapping practices were selected to investigate the compliance and a quite low rate was revealed, an average percentage of 30.46 per cent. These findings indicate that while exogenous forces trigger the development and adoption of a code in Greece, in line with the UK’s, the endogenous forces tend to avoid the compliance with that “exogenous practices”. Moreover, the results support the idea that the Greek national code should be reshaped to fit the different country’s characteristics. Research limitations/implications – The research limitations are associated with the content analysis methodology, as well as the reliability of corporate governance (CG)statements. Originality/value – This study contributes to understanding in a more comprehensive manner the impact of Combined Code (2010) in Greek soft law. More specifically, based on a previous case study, this paper extends the seven analyzed factors of Koutoupis’ (2012) research to the total CG provisions of both codes. However, it goes further and develops a coding scheme to rate the level of compliance of the overlapping provisions.

Unleashing a quantitative approach to manage admissions in engineering: a case of the North Indian state

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bikram Jit Singh ◽  
Harsimran Singh Sodhi ◽  
Rippin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Survey Form ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Indian State ◽  
New Students ◽  
Unique Approach

PurposeThe growth and prosperity of a nation depends upon its ability to innovate technologically and engineering has erupted as a fundamental chauffer of this essence, since last couple of eras. But recent decline in engineering admissions triggers the downfall in skilled labor, which can cause recession in industries or can ultimately lead to economic crisis. This study tries to illustrate the present status of engineering-related education, particularly in India and tends to skim the various parameters that affect the enrollment of students among higher education institutes, directly or indirectly.Design/methodology/approachA unique approach had been unleashed to tackle the nuisance of low admission among Indian engineering colleges or universities. Factors reviewed from the literature were further prioritized quantitatively after distributing suitable questionnaires among a relevant set of engineering aspirants. The “survey form” used was tactically designed on the basis of response surface methodology (RSM), which analyzed the data captured in Minitab statistical software and deducted logical inferences to optimize the “critical-to-admission” (CTA) factors, applicably.FindingsA case study was successfully executed in a North Indian state to prove the efficacy of proposed methodology as far as downtrend in admission was concerned. This study was a rare blend of questionnaire-based work, where design of experiments principles had been utilized exclusively. It provided significant findings on how to earmark different admission-decisive factors along with their required prioritization.Practical implicationsIt can further help the universities and higher education institutes to draft their indispensable professional policies and vision–mission statements, appropriately.Originality/valueQuantitative studies in the service sector (like higher education) are quite rare to see. The present work is not only providing a roadmap for engineering institutions to boost their admissions in upcoming challenging times but it also acts as a light house for new students as it provides necessary guidelines for shortlisting colleges or universities while seeking admission for higher studies.

Stability analysis of mobile cranes and determination of outriggers loading

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 938-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Romanello
Keyword(s):  
Stability Margin ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stability Behavior ◽  
Mobile Crane ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop mathematical tools that are reliable and easily implementable in computer codes, which address the determination of the outriggers reaction of mobile cranes and the monitoring of the actual stability margin available during lift operations. Design/methodology/approach An algorithm that determines the load transmitted to the ground by a mobile crane with four outriggers has been developed. Static theory of rigid body is adopted for the development of the algorithm and the static indeterminancy, due to the presence of more than three outriggers, is eluded through the adoption of specific hypotheses. An analysis of crane stability is also performed, and a method to monitor the actual stability behavior during lift operations is suggested. Findings A case study is proposed to test the algorithm and outcomes show a good matching with the actual outriggers reaction measured during a test conduct in situ. Two indices are introduced as a measure of the stability margin. Research limitations/implications The method developed accounts only for gravitational forces statically applied. Future works should be addressed to extend the model to the effect of wind and inertial forces. Practical implications This paper supplies a reliable tool to assess, in the design phase of a lifting operation, the compliance between bearing capacity of the ground and loads transmitted by outriggers. The method proposed for the analysis of the stability behavior is suitable for the development of an anti-upset device. Originality/value This study contributes to efforts to increase safety during lifting operations with mobile cranes. The method proposed is applicable to cranes with any geometry of the outriggers pattern and is extensible to a number of outriggers greater than four. Furthermore, the evaluation of the measure in real time of the stability margin, is not affected by the data entered by the crane’s operator with the consequence that human factor does not affect this measure.

Small scale housing unit developments

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Altmann
Keyword(s):  
Governance Structure ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Future Market ◽  
Market Penetration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – Some multi-owned housing developments do not appoint an external strata manager. The purpose of this paper is to highlight how governance is negotiated when there is no strata manager in place. Design/methodology/approach – A semi structured interview was conducted as a case study to contrast and highlight issues that occur where no strata manager is in place. Findings – The lack of a manager presented particular difficulties when negotiating outcomes. A market gap is identified highlighting implications for how strata managers may increase future market penetration. Research limitations/implications – The number and spatial occurrence of strata titled complexes operating without a formal governance structure in situ is not known. Further research needs to be undertaken in this area. Practical implications – The resilience of Australia’s densification policies is dependent on how owners perceive and adjust to additional layers of governance. Difficulties arise for the individual and the scheme as a whole where no formal mechanism is operational. Social implications – As cities become more dense, multi-owned property is increasing. Where governance mechanisms fail, or fail to be implemented, sound governance outcomes may be problematic. Originality/value – The issue of multi-owned property operating without or outside a governance structure has not previously been considered.

How to transform research cases into teaching cases

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-143
Author(s):  
Gina Vega ◽  
Earl Simendinger ◽  
Stephanie J. Thomason
Keyword(s):  
Research Study ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
Teaching Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Teaching Cases ◽  
Interesting Learning ◽  
Unpublished Research

Synopsis Academic research cases (ARC) provide interesting learning situations and challenging problems to study. However, it can be difficult to bring these research cases to classroom teaching because the “answers” are embedded within the case studies. Research cases can be redesigned as teaching cases (TCs) through a method of unwrapping the ARC and re—visioning it as a TC. One method is provided in this paper. Research methodology The authors have taken an unpublished research study and rewritten it as a TC. Elements from both manuscripts are provided in tabular form to guide the creation of TCs by academic researchers. Relevant courses and levels This paper will be helpful for any academic who wishes to transform a qualitative research case study into a useful classroom teaching tool.

scholarly journals TrueFootprint, Ltd.: a case study in the use of SME innovation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Barnes ◽  
John Hoffmire
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Unique Approach

Purpose This case study aims to explore the efforts of a small start-up company, whose unique solutions are being deployed in the fight against COVID-19, with encouraging results. Using innovative technology and local volunteer networks, they have set out to identify the medical needs of local care providers, while reducing the effects of fraud, corruption and mis-management. Design/methodology/approach This case study involved the interrogation of data made available by the company and an interview with the chief executive officer. Findings The research suggests that small enterprises can have a positive impact, far beyond what either the state or the market might assume. By properly equipping and empowering people at the grassroots level, they can identify and solve local resourcing issues and root-out fraud, corruption and mismanagement before they happen. Originality/value This is a unique approach to the problem of resource management in the non-profit sector, with implications for grant projects beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Strong contracts: the relationship between power and action

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 272-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Royston Morgan ◽  
Des Doran ◽  
Stephanie Jean Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Potential Success ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Outsourcing Contracts

Purpose There is a view that strong preventative contracts are essential to control supplier opportunism and delivery during an outsourcing implementation. The purpose of this paper is to test the proposition that contractual project environments, typical of outsourcing engagements, are essentially conflictual and that context and circumstance can act to overwhelm formal contractual and project control and lead to poor outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports on a supply case study focussed on the outsourced delivery of an application development in the defence sector. Data were gathered by a participant observation in situ for a period of three years. A grounded analysis from observations, diaries, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, documentary analysis, and e-mails was carried out with six case organisations within the extended supply chain. Findings Collaboration between suppliers and buyers can be blocked by preventative fixed price contracts and as a result when requirements are incomplete or vague this adversely impacts success. Practical implications Strong contractual control focussed on compliance may actually impede the potential success of outsourcing contracts especially when collaborative approaches are needed to cope with variability in demand. Originality/value The research raises the important practical and conceptual notion that an outsourcing can be a conflictual inter-firm phenomenon especially where multiple actors are involved and business uncertainty is present.

Cracks on ETICS along thermal insulation joints: case study and a pathology catalogue

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Stingl de Freitas ◽  
Vasco Peixoto de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Expansion ◽  
Thermal Expansion Coefficient ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Expansion Coefficient ◽  
Mechanical Behaviour ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Insulation Material ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of cracks on external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) along the thermal insulation joints and the information available on the building pathology catalogue – PATORREB. The aim is to establish the methodology to study the cause of the pathology observed on a building which is located on the interior of Portugal based on in situ probing together with the analysis of hygrothermal and mechanical behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – An in situ analysis was performed to assess the causes. The hygrothermal dynamic behaviour of the wall was analysed with a numerical simulation advanced tool considering the climatic conditions, the characteristics of the thermal insulation plates as well as the support and finishing layer properties. Moreover, a qualitatively analysis of the mechanical behaviour, based on the bonding process, thermal insulation and exterior rendering properties was performed. Findings – It was concluded that the insulation properties – thermal expansion coefficient and stiffness, the thermal expansion coefficient of the exterior rendering, together with adverse climatic conditions were critical for the appearance of cracks along the plate joints, particularly with spot bonding. The expansion and retraction stresses and the restrained movements of the components can result in bending moments, especially when the insulation material has a high stiffness value, which will create the crack on the rendering system. Originality/value – A combination between a hygrothermal and mechanical analysis of an ETICS pathology concerning the appearance of cracks with a subsequent integration into a building pathology catalogue.

Student voice in Lesson Study as a space for EFL teachers’ learning: a case study in Kazakhstan

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Khokhotva ◽  
Iciar Elexpuru Albizuri
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Teacher Learning ◽  
Student Voice ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Educational Beliefs ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a case study of an action research project in the context of a secondary school in Kazakhstan where, for the first time in their teaching practice, three English as a Foreign Language teachers introduced student voice (Flutter and Rudduck, 2004) into their practice within the Lesson Study (LS) framework. The research aimed at conceptualizing Student Voice Space in LS as one of the valuable factors capable of triggering situations of disjuncture (disorienting dilemma, disruption) for teachers which could potentially lead to teacher’s transformative learning, educational beliefs change and improved practice. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the qualitative research design and follows narrative inquiry methodology (Lyons and LaBoskey, 2002) with a series of narrative interviews (Bauer, 1996) as the main method of data collection within a single case study (Bassey, 1999) of an action research project. The data were analyzed as text following a general inductive approach (Thomas, 2003) where emerging themes were identified by means of data reduction. Findings The findings suggest that listening to student voice triggers teachers’ going through certain stages of Mezirow’s transformative learning theory including critical assessment of own assumptions, testing new options for behavior and reflecting critically on the teaching practice. Therefore, the authors suggest that Student Voice Space in LS is one of the important factors capable of triggering the teacher’s transformative learning. Moreover, it has an enormous potential not only to bring about positive changes in teachers’ practice but also challenge the ossified teachers’ educational beliefs, and thus, potentially, pave the way for a gradual change from “inappropriate beliefs” (Mayrhofer, 2019), or subconscious assumptions that lie in the core of teachers’ folk pedagogies (Torff, 1999), or taken-for-granted frames of reference (Mezirow, 2000) into true, justified or informed educational beliefs. Research limitations/implications Further analysis of teachers’ narratives is required to elicit and categorize reported changes (shifts, transformations) concerning specific teachers’ educational beliefs, and draw a more clear line between student voice and its impact on the research lesson planning and its modification in LS. Finally, a supplementary study utilizing classroom observation methods is needed to explore if student voice intervention results in tangible (actual) changes in teachers’ classroom practice and educational beliefs, rather than potential transformations that are mainly reported in this study. Originality/value Carried out in the largely overlooked by the academic literature context of the Reform at Scale (Wilson et al., 2013) in Kazakhstan and building on the original combination of theoretical lenses, the research contributes to the academic literature aiming at illuminating “the black box of teachers’ learning” in Lesson Study (in Widjaja et al., 2017, p.358) since it is one of the rare studies attempting to connect teacher learning, student voice and Lesson Study (Warwick et al., 2019). Additionally, approaching teacher learning in Lesson Study from the transformative learning perspective combined with the literature on teachers’ educational beliefs and student voice, this study contributes to the further development of a shared vocabulary for discussing teacher learning in Lesson Study.

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