In educational policy research, linking specific practices to specific outcomes is an important (though not the only) goal, which can bias researchers (and funders) toward employing purely quantitative methods. Given the context-specific nature of policy implementation in education, however, we argue that understanding how specific practices lead to specific outcomes in specific conditions or contexts is critical to improving education. Qualitative comparative analysis is a method of qualitative research that we argue can help to answer these kinds of questions in studies of educational policies and reforms. Qualitative comparative analysis is a case-oriented research method designed to identify causal relationships between variables and a particular outcome. Distinct from quantitative causal methods, qualitative comparative analysis requires qualitative data to identify conditions (and combinations of conditions) that lead to a particular result; it is context driven, just as many educational reforms must necessarily be. We contend that qualitative comparative analysis has the potential to be of use to educational researchers in investigating complex problems of cause and effect using qualitative data. As such, our aim here is to provide a general overview of the characteristics, processes, and outcomes of qualitative comparative analysis. In so doing, we hope to offer guidance to educational researchers around how and when to use qualitative comparative analysis, as well as recommendations for current educational issues that could be investigated with qualitative comparative analysis.
<p>Royal Borough of Kingston (RBK) is improving its cycle network. This includes upgrading the cycle / footway between Kingston Train Station and the River Thames together with the replacement of an existing footbridge crossing over a busy highway. In collaboration with the architects, Buro Happold (BH) carried out the design of the whole connection. A replacement cycle bridge was designed that satisfied the project brief. The clear width of the bridge was maximised while working within the very restrictive constraints imposed by the road below and the adjacent Network Rail (NR) bridge.</p><p>The design team added value by reusing the existing abutments and repurposing derelict land for the approaches. To reuse the existing abutments, RBK, and NR, who own the existing abutments, had to be assured that they were suitable to support the replacement bridge. Even though the new bridge was over twice the width of the old, the total load on the foundations was reduced by circa 10%. Reusing the existing abutments has significantly reduced the construction effort, reducing construction costs to meet RBK’s budget and enhancing the sustainability of the project. Additional work was carried out to demonstrate the reuse of the abutments, achieve their approvals and achieve these benefits to the project.</p>
<p>Gasiza Bridge provides safe access for approximately 6,000 people who live in communities adjacent to the new footbridge, over the River Cyacika in the north of Rwanda. Previously, the nearest safe crossing was 3.5km away. The new footbridge is owned by the local government and will be maintained by the local community.</p><p>As with all development work, the long term success of the bridge is dependent on local community taking ownership of it. Through various methods, the UK Team of Bridges equipped the local community with the necessary knowledge and skills.</p><p>The team conveyed safety, quality and maintenance best practices from the UK experience to the local community with the intention that the community will take ownership of the bridge, thus ensuring that this safe access will be maintained for many years to come.</p>
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