Introduction

In order to introduce this book, this chapter focuses on offering a detailed account of the research aim of the study, with particular emphasis placed on highlighting its framework and rationale. In regard to the latter, the emergence of IMC and the state of the current literature is discussed, before the value of engaged scholarship is considered, especially when paired with the examination of a theory’s implementation and practitioners’ perceptions about it, as they have guided the present research. Within this discussion, the EPL, the context in which this research takes place is also examined, further highlighting the importance of this study.