Current research

WHY SAY SORRY
On the Ambiguities of Political Apologies
Apologizing for historic wrongdoings has become a standard feature in the global political scene. As an ethical act on behalf of institutions such as states, the official apology has the potential to both acknowledge injustices of the past and pave the way for sustainable peace. However, some apologies fall flat, are rejected or even ignite new tensions. Why do some official apologies succeed, and others fail? The goal of this study is to develop a better understanding of apologies as an ethical performance in a broad, multi-actor context.

THE FRAME GAME
Simulation game: A Learning Environment for Practitioners and Students in Public Affairs Professionals working in government, the private sector, the voluntary sector and in the media are increasingly challenged to deal with the complexities of the current political climate and media landscape. Drawing from state of the art research in political communication, vast experience in experiential learning and an in depth case study of an actual policy process (the expansion of an airway infrastructure), the Frame Game enables participants to practice their analytical and strategic skills in a simulated policy arena. The game is an educational tool for training, capacity building, policy workshops and conferences. Participants spend one full, intensive day of alternating simulation role playing and collective learning as they are immersed in an aptly engineered microcosm of democratic governance.

ALL TEACH, ALL LEARN, ALL NETWORK
Case study and Teaching Case: The ‘Saving 100,000 Lives Campaign’ in US Health Care
The Institute for Health Care Improvement initiated a voluntary campaign in 2004. Its bold and ambitious aim was to prevent 100,000 unnecessary deaths in hospitals. At the end of the campaign period in 2006, IHI estimated that 122,300 lives were saved. The campaign was a rare success among the many, often inadequate initiatives to improve quality in health care. The core questions of this case study are: How did IHI manage to be that successful? What was innovative about the approach of IHI? Which change is campaignable?

UNIFYING THREADS
Case study and Teaching Case: A Comparative Analysis of Successful Innovations in Health Care in Canada and Japan
In Canada and Japan, innovators have succeeded in implementing shared information systems in health care networks, the so called Electronic Health Record. We investigate under which circumstances the innovation has occurred. We conclude that institutional analysis and management theory seem to provide less explanatory power for these successful innovations, and that the most promising avenue for future research is provided by theories on social and human capital. The early innovators in both countries shared certain characteristics, such as great social competences, a broad and heterogeneous social network, a professional drive and multiple expertises, such as political-administrative, management, technical and medical skills. On top of these characteristics, they were able to combine their different skills and talents to operate in two, or more, worlds.

For more case studies and information: info at sanderijncels dot nl