A Cappella and Diva: A Collaborative Process for Individual Academic Writing

Enterprise software development is a complex effort that may last years. Enterprise software is often developed by a systems integrator that makes modifications to a pre-made package or builds tailored software for the specific purpose. The development may include many developer organizations, the user organization, and their different departments and sub-units. Their collaboration evolves through project incidents, phases and even crises. The practices of project management, communication, contracts, and ultimately personal relationships change intentionally or unintentionally. These changes may cause uncertainties and discontinuities for the development. This study observes changes during enterprise software development and their influence on collaboration practices in different situations. During twenty years of development both internal and external crises and changes in the business environment triggered changes in collaboration. The collaboration practices are classified with four modes of collaboration (contract, cooperation, personified, and process) that illustrate emphasis in collaboration in different circumstances.

BackgroundThis integrative review synthesises research studies that have investigated the perceptions of nurse practitioners and medical practitioners working in primary health care. The aggregation of evidence on barriers and facilitators to working collaboratively and experiences about the processes of collaboration is of value to understand success factors and factors that impede collaborative working relationships.MethodsAn integrative review, which used systematic review processes, was undertaken to summarise qualitative and quantitative studies published between 1990 and 2012. Databases searched were the Cochrane Library, the Joanna Briggs Institute Library, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Informit and ProQuest. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality. Study findings were extracted relating to a) barriers and facilitators to collaborative working and b) views and experiences about the process of collaboration. The findings were narratively synthesised, supported by tabulation.Results27 studies conducted in seven different countries met the inclusion criteria. Content analysis identified a number of barriers and facilitators of collaboration between nurse practitioners and medical practitioners. By means of data comparison five themes were developed in relation to perceptions and understanding of collaboration. Nurse practitioners and medical practitioners have differing views on the essentials of collaboration and on supervision and autonomous nurse practitioner practice. Medical practitioners who have a working experience with NPs express more positive attitudes towards collaboration. Both professional groups report concerns and negative experiences with collaborative practice but also value certain advantages of collaboration.ConclusionsThe review shows that working in collaboration is a slow progression. Exposure to working together helps to overcome professional hurdles, dispel concerns and provide clarity around roles and the meaning of collaboration of NPs and MPs. Guidelines on liability and better funding strategies are necessary to facilitate collaborative practice whether barriers lie in individual behaviours or in broader policies.

Collaborative governance has emerged as a promising approach for addressing complex water sustainability issues, with purported benefits from enhanced democracy to improved environmental outcomes. Collaborative processes are often assumed to be inherently more equitable than traditional governance approaches due to their goal of engaging diverse actors in the development of policy and management solutions. However, when collaborative water governance processes ignore issues of politics and power in their design, they risk creating or even exacerbating existing inequities. How, then, can collaborative water governance processes be designed to enhance, rather than undermine, equity? To answer this question, we first conduct an extensive review of the collaborative governance literature to identify common design features of collaborative processes, which each present potential benefits and challenges for actualizing equitable collaborative water governance. After critically discussing these design features, we explore how they are executed through two case studies of collaborative water governance in western North America: groundwater governance reform in California and transnational Colorado River Delta governance. In reflecting on these cases, we chart an agenda for future collaborative water governance research and practice that moves beyond engaging diverse actors to promoting equity among them.This article is categorized under: Human Water > Water Governance Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change Engineering Water > Planning Water

Wisconsin Lawyers Use 'Cooperative Practice' in Divorce Cases

The purpose of this article is to explore the collaborative practices and socialisation experiences of two Physical Education (PE) teachers and researchers in Brazil. This qualitative and collaborative case study had as participants two Brazilian professionals working in schools and universities and two critical friends. Critical incidents related to collaborative practices were identified through charts and photo-elicitation in four online meetings. The results were analyzed in light of the theory of teacher socialisation and revealed that: (a) collaborative practices can be considered as complex and dialogical processes that provide different experiences (positive and negative) in life and career; and (b) socialisation as a non-linear process that can be enhanced with research and collaboration. The findings contribute to broadening the understanding of collaborative practices in support of sustainable and meaningful careers.

The aim was to support rich collaborative practice between two professions who frequently work together across both ordered and organic modes of collaboration. This study uses a qualitative research approach of collaborative dialogical inquiry to explore the question 'From the perspective of dietitians and speech pathologists, "what works well" for developing and maintaining collaborative practice?' We deliberately chose a context where collaborative practice is evident, University Department of Rural Health (UONDRH). Participants in the research were academics and clinicians from dietetics and speech pathology. Data were sourced from our research reflections and focus group transcriptions. Analysis was dialogical and iterative. Beyond shared purpose, knowledge of roles and good communication, the notions of curiosity, willingness and momentum were at the core of 'what works well' for collaborative practice between dietitians and speech pathologists. Participant perspectives related to collaborative practice between these professions and beyond to other professions, and involved collaborative practice within and across healthcare organisations and a university setting. Our interpreted themes of curiosity, willingness and momentum for developing and maintaining collaborative practice highlight the importance of paying attention to the less visible and difficult to measure aspects of patient-centred care. Questions for reflection are suggested to inform the ongoing process of developing and maintaining our and others' collaborative practice.

The current gambier supply chain presents the disparity issue in profit distribution between the business actors. This issue could be analyzed regarding the collaboration that exists between the involved parties, particularly in the negotiation process. The present study aims to develop an optimization model of the negotiation process between supplier (farmers) and collector (buyer) in gambier supply chain. In a decentralized supply chain setting, the linear programming is applied to develop the optimization planning model for both players. Optimized models were built to align the order level of buyers and the supply quantity of suppliers. The proposed negotiation process is applied iteratively to align the order and supply quantity. The developed models have been verified through computational testing using both real and estimated data. Practical implication of the research results can assist the related actors in the gambier supply chain.

Collaboration is a complex form of writing which has been under-examined. It is often seen as something which on particular occasions works and on others does not. The factors affecting the success of collaboration were seen as being more in the hands of the gods and a matter of personalities rather than in any working method. We would like to suggest that luck and personalities have little to do with the success of collaboration. By separating into forms the various modes of collaboration and by recognising the awkwardness and unease generated when the collaboration shifts modes, we hope we have a preliminary study towards isolating tools useful in practising and analysing effective collaborative writing methods.

Introduction Collaboration between physicians and community pharmacists (CPs) is essential for delivering high-quality patient care.[1] Nevertheless, achieving effective collaborative practice remains challenging.[1] Understanding physicians’ attitudes and barriers to collaboration with CPs is therefore critical to optimising healthcare delivery. However, evidence on physician–CP collaboration in Jordan remains limited, and no studies have examined physicians’ perspectives to date. Aim To investigate physicians’ experiences, views, and attitudes toward collaboration with CPs, and its impact on patient care. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 380 physicians in Amman, Jordan, between January and March 2025 using convenience sampling method. Eligible participants were licensed physicians registered with the Jordan Medical Association and practising in either public or private healthcare facilities in Amman. Participants completed either an online or paper-based questionnaire after providing informed consent. The questionnaire was developed by the research team members following an extensive literature review. The questionnaire comprised four sections: (A) demographic information; (B) extent of collaboration with CPs; (C) physicians’ attitudes toward collaboration with CPs assessed using an adapted version of the Attitudes Towards Collaboration Instrument for general practitioners (ATCI-GP);[2] and (D) physicians’ views on the impact of collaboration on patient care. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SPSS v28 and responses to open-ended questions were analysed thematically. Results A total of 209 physicians participated (55.0%). The majority were male (84.2%, n = 176), and over half were under 40 years of age (52.6%, n = 110). Most participants reported some level of collaborative practice, with 47.4% (n = 99) indicating they had sometimes collaborated with CPs and a further 26.3% (n = 55) reporting frequent collaboration. More than half reported sometimes lacking time to return CPs’ calls (51.7%, n = 108), and 54.5% (n = 114) noted that direct communication methods were only sometimes available. Most physicians expressed positive attitudes toward collaboration with CPs, with seven out of 13 statements showing agreement rates above 75%, notably regarding open communication (88.0%, n = 184), mutual respect (87.6%, n = 183), and shared goals in patient care (81.3%, n = 170). However, neutral attitudes were reported regarding trust in CPs’ decisions (42.1%, n = 88), therapeutic expertise (46.9%, n = 98), and meeting professional expectations (33.0%, n = 69). Despite the varying levels of current collaboration with CPs, nearly all physicians agreed/strongly agreed that further collaboration with CPs will have a positive impact on patient outcomes (98.1%, n = 205) and will help to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system (95.7%, n = 200). Thematic analysis of open comments revealed that physicians recommended enhancing collaboration with CPs by increasing mutual role awareness through regular meetings. Conclusion This study has revealed that the majority of physicians had positive views regarding collaboration with CPs and its impact on care. Positive attitudes were also evident, particularly in areas such as communication, mutual respect, and shared goals with CPs. However, neutral attitudes toward CPs’ expertise and decision-making reflect uncertainty about CPs’ clinical roles, highlighting the need for trust-building and role clarification. While the sample covered diverse healthcare settings, the focus on Amman may limit generalisability to other regions of Jordan. Exploring CPs’ views of collaboration with physicians is required to corroborate study findings.

Cutting Edge of the Contemporary: KNUST, Accra, and the Ghanaian Contemporary Art Movement

BACKGROUND: Interagency collaboration is one of the most highly recommended practices in transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities, but it is also one of the least empirically understood. Recent literature cites the need to clarify collaboration as a construct, and focus on collaborative practices and processes to supplement research on antecedents and outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This exploratory, mixed methods research looks to highlight collaborative practices and processes in NYS PROMISE, a statewide project aiming to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income. The project used interagency agreements to specify required service coordination processes, communications, information sharing, professional development, and cross-training. METHODS: The mixed methods approach combines three studies. In Study 1, the Levels of Collaboration Survey (LCS, Frey et al., 2006 ) provided data on regional network changes over time. In Study 2, an organizational attitudes and experiences (OAE) survey measured satisfaction of partner communications. In Study 3, qualitative analysis of biannual on-site interviews helped contextualize the characteristics of partnerships that project staff found effective. RESULTS: In a descriptive sense, the LCS showed increases in regional cohesion, peaking in the project’s penultimate year. Changes were statistically significant in at least one region. OAE responses showed regional increases in satisfaction with partner communications. Qualitative analysis indicated that characteristics of partnerships described as effective included: (a) joint objectives and clearly defined roles; (b) extensive sharing of information and resources; and (c) frequent communication (formal and informal). Staff turnover, inadequate organizational capacity, and partners not executing key functions were described as barriers to productive collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: Feedback from project staff provides clarification of the experiences of agency staff coordinating services, and helps refine certain constructs and assumptions common in collaboration research about transition. The authors discuss implications for future research and the development of sustainable systems of interagency collaboration in the field of transition.

Information share and collaborative decision are important strategies for supply chain partners to realize their common profit. In order to contrast the decision process and decision effect of these strategies, information sharing mode, collaborative forecasting mode and collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment mode, etc., several kinds of supply chain collaborative decision modes were analyzed and simulated employing procedure modeling technique. They were classified according to the collaborative degree. The fine differences in their information sharing and collaborative decision process of different supply chain collaborative decision modes were indicated and the influence to specific decision variables was quantified then. Finally, simulation experiments results illuminated decision effect of these supply chain collaborative decision modes. The ordering stability and the service level increase with the collaborative degree, and the dissatisfaction of the service level is from imprecise forecasting, or inconsistent ordering, or both.

This paper describes a teaching tool that uses meditation practices and postmodern practices to promote a sense of collaboration and mutual responsibility for learning in a final Master's in Social Work class at the University of New Hampshire. It outlines a process through which students and instructor aim to become equal partners in developing collective knowledges, and participate in the collaborative practices they are learning as they move from positions of inexpert learners to expert colleagues. It includes a discussion of students' evaluation of the meditative dialogue process and its impact on their professional development.

Purpose This study aims to examine how collective dimensions manifest and operate in worker cooperatives with strong collaborative orientations, analyzing the dynamic tension between structured processes and emergent adaptations in their collaborative practices. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative two-phase design was implemented with ten Aragonese cooperatives from Spain’s Alternative and Solidarity Economy Network (REAS). Phase one comprised semistructured interviews with cooperative representatives, while phase two involved a focus group with 6 participants to validate and deepen initial findings. Findings Four collective dimensions were identified operating as adaptive systems: collective intelligence, collective leadership (reconceptualized as shared governance), collective action and collective impact. These dimensions enable organizations to navigate between formal structures and emergent responses while maintaining collaborative principles. The study reveals how cooperatives develop specific organizational capabilities to manage inherent tensions in collaborative processes. Research limitations/implications The sample is limited to worker cooperatives in Aragón, Spain, potentially restricting generalizability. However, findings contribute to interorganizational collaboration theory by demonstrating how collective dimensions operate as integrated systems rather than isolated elements. Practical implications The research documents specific strategies for navigating structure-emergence tensions, developing shared governance systems and creating impact evaluation frameworks that recognize both external results and internal transformations. Social implications The study demonstrates how alternative organizational forms can maintain economic viability while preserving transformative principles, offering insights for social economy development. Originality/value This research provides empirical evidence of how collective dimensions operate in practice, contrasting theoretical frameworks with organizational realities. It identifies the critical importance of contextual factors like territorial embeddedness and emotional-relational aspects previously underexplored in interorganizational collaboration literature.

The subject of the current paper is the collaborative practices used in the product development process in SMEs (small and medium enterprises). The starting point is an empirical study, part of industry-based fieldwork on the introduction of a product lifecycle management (PLM) system. Our results highlight the need for new approaches to take into account the socio-technical complexity of the collaborative processes. A new tool named CoCa is proposed to analyse collaborative practices in situ. This tool is designed to be used by researchers, consultants or, eventually, project managers in order to track all the collaborative events and the project context. The background and industrial case study, the theoretical basis and design of the tool are described and, finally, some indication is given of its potential use in gaining understanding of complex collaborative processes and in improving design coordination.