Inefficient Administration Research Articles

Regulatory Framework for Land Banking by Private Estate Developers in South West Nigeria

The purpose of this paper was to analyse the legal framework governing land banking by private property developers in South West Nigeria, pointing out any inefficiencies or gaps that impede the development of sustainable urban areas. The study aimed to provide useful suggestions for improving land banking strategies in the area. Using a qualitative research design, the methodology entails a thorough analysis of academic databases, literatures, industry reports, legal papers, and government laws. The study uses thematic content analysis to compare best practices from different regions and find common themes and patterns in the regulatory environment. The results show that there are no special provisions for land banking in the current regulatory framework. This results in corruption, inefficient administration, and inadequate alignment with urban planning. A price hike prices, speculative land holding, and obstacles to real development initiatives are all caused by these problems. The study concludes by highlighting the pressing need for changes to bolster the laws governing land banking. Among the suggestions are modifying current legislation, promoting public-private partnerships, and increasing transparency through digital land registers. By tackling these issues, the region can encourage sustainable urban growth, increase private estate developers' operational effectiveness, and eventually help South West Nigeria reach its larger objectives for social and economic development.

A Simulation-Driven Business Process Reengineering Framework for Teaching Assignment Optimization in Higher Education—A Case Study of the University of Basilicata

This study presents a practical implementation of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) to streamline teaching assignment workflows at the University of Basilicata, a higher education institution (HEI) facing administrative inefficiencies exacerbated by rigid regulatory frameworks. By integrating process modeling, simulation, and digital tools, the research addresses systemic bottlenecks in resource allocation, transparency, and procedural delays inherent in traditional academic workflows. The methodology employs a dual-phase approach: (1) a detailed “AS-IS” analysis using BPMN 2.0 to map existing processes and (2) a data-driven “TO-BE” redesign validated through discrete event simulation (Simul8®, Version 31). Key innovations include the automation of approval workflows, dynamic resource prioritization, and stakeholder communication protocols. Simulation results demonstrate a 35% reduction in end-to-end processing time and a 22% improvement in administrative staff utilization while maintaining compliance with national accreditation standards (the AVA framework) and legislative mandates (Law 240/2010). The case study underscores BPR’s role in balancing bureaucratic constraints with operational agility, offering actionable insights for HEIs navigating digital transformation. By prioritizing transparency and stakeholder alignment, the redesigned process not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens accountability in resource management—a critical factor for public institutions under increasing scrutiny for fiscal and educational quality outcomes. This work contributes to the growing discourse on BPR in academia, advocating for simulation-driven methodologies as catalysts for sustainable, stakeholder-centric process innovation in bureaucratic environments.

Designing a Web-Based Internship Information System for Vocational High Schools

This research aims to develop a web-based information system to overcome administrative inefficiencies in managing the Field Work Practice (PKL) program at Vocational High Schools (SMK). Using the prototype development method, the research followed three stages: collecting user requirements, developing and refining a mock-up, and evaluating system performance through Black Box Testing, specifically assessing system functionality, user interface, and user experience. The results show a reduction in time for administrative tasks such as student enrollment, schedule management, and industry collaboration. The system also achieved improved data accuracy through features such as real-time progress tracking and automated notifications. End-user feedback indicated high satisfaction with the system's usability and interface design. In addition, the system also supports government initiatives for technology integration in education by encouraging collaboration between schools, students and industry partners. The study concludes that the web-based system effectively improves administrative efficiency, promotes transparency and accountability, and prepares students to become a technology-based workforce

Does e-government integration contribute to the quality and equality of local public services? Empirical evidence from China

Integrated e-government at different scales plays an increasingly important role in local public services worldwide. This study uses panel data from 31 provincial e-governments in China from 2015 to 2020 to investigate the effects of the intraprovincial e-government integration on the provincial quality and interprovincial equality of public services. The results show that integrated e-government effectively contributes to the quality and equality of public services. Mechanistic tests reveal that integrated e-government promotes service quality by improving administrative efficiency and supporting technological innovation. Under central government support, integrated e-government also improves the interprovincial equality of public services by reducing administrative inefficiency from decentralization and promoting technology diffusion. Moreover, e-government integration is a stronger driver of service quality and equality for provinces with low fiscal transparency. These findings provide theoretical and practical insights for promoting public service quality and equality through collaborative e-government.

The Impact of Governance, Corruption Control, and Political Stability on Economic Growth in Nepal: An Econometric Analysis

This research investigates the impact of governance quality, political stability, corruption management, regulatory quality, and governmental effectiveness on economic growth in Nepal, utilizing annual time series data spanning from 1996 to 2022. Advanced econometric techniques, including Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR), are employed to analyze both short- and long-term relationships. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between political stability and economic growth (FMOLS coefficient = 5.51E+09, p < 0.01), underscoring the importance of a stable political environment. Conversely, government effectiveness negatively correlates with GDP (FMOLS coefficient = -2.31E+10, p < 0.01), suggesting potential inefficiencies in governance. Corruption control exhibits mixed effects, showing a positive influence on GDP in some models (CCR coefficient = 1.11E+10, p < 0.10). Similarly, regulatory quality yields variable results, with a positive DOLS coefficient of 9.68E+09 (p < 0.05). Johansen's cointegration test confirms significant long-term relationships among the variables, while Granger causality tests identify political stability and government effectiveness as key drivers of GDP. These findings highlight the need for governance reforms that focus on enhancing political stability, improving regulatory quality, and addressing inefficiencies in public administration. Policymakers are urged to implement targeted strategies to promote sustainable economic growth in Nepal.

Challenges and Obstacles in the Implementation of National Pride Projects in Nepal

This study critically examines the challenges impeding the implementation of National Pride Projects (NPPs) in Nepal, analyzing them through political and administrative lenses. Despite their pivotal role in driving economic growth and advancing infrastructure development, these strategically significant projects are persistently hindered by systemic inefficiencies and governance issues. From a political perspective, frequent changes in government, an absence of political consensus, and the over-politicization of decision-making processes undermine project continuity, exacerbate policy instability, and disrupt long-term planning. These issues are compounded by administrative inefficiencies, including excessive bureaucratic red tape, a pronounced lack of technical expertise, resource mismanagement, and weak inter-agency coordination. Such deficiencies are further exacerbated by external challenges, including prolonged land acquisition disputes, delays in obtaining environmental clearances, and inadequate engagement with stakeholders, all of which contribute to significant delays and cost overruns. The interplay between political instability and administrative inefficiencies has not only jeopardized project timelines but also escalated costs and eroded public trust in the government’s capacity to deliver on large-scale initiatives. These challenges call attention to the fragmented nature of Nepal’s governance structure, emphasizing the urgent need for a holistic approach to reform. This paper argues for the necessity of comprehensive policy reforms aimed at depoliticizing decision-making processes, fostering political stability, and enhancing institutional capacity. Strengthened accountability mechanisms and more effective inter-agency coordination are imperative to streamline project implementation. Additionally, fostering stakeholder engagement, addressing procedural bottlenecks, and building technical expertise within implementing agencies are critical steps to ensure the timely and successful execution of NPPs. By addressing these multifaceted barriers, Nepal can harness the transformative potential of National Pride Projects to drive sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on public-sector project implementation in developing economies, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Blockchain-Assisted Self-Sovereign Identities on Education: A Survey

The education sector has witnessed a significant shift towards digitising student records, with relevant data now stored in centralized data repositories. While traditional identity management solutions in education are functional, they often face various challenges, including data privacy concerns, limited portability, and reliability challenges. As the volume of student data continues to grow, inadequate data management practices have led to several problems. These include students losing control and empowerment over their educational information, increased vulnerability to potential data breaches and unauthorized access, a lack of transparency and accountability, data silos and inconsistencies, and administrative inefficiencies. To address these limitations, the implementation of a blockchain-assisted self-sovereign identity (Ba-SSI) concept in the education system presents a viable solution. Self-sovereign identity (SSI) represents a paradigm shift from traditional centralized identity systems, allowing individuals to maintain full control of their identity data without relying on centralized authorities. By leveraging the decentralized nature, SSI frameworks can ensure security, interoperability, and scalability, thereby improving user-centric identity management. This survey paper explores the potential of Ba-SSI within the context of education. It thoroughly reviews the current state of digital identity management in education, highlighting the limitations of conventional systems and the emerging role of blockchain technology in addressing these challenges. The paper discusses the fundamental principles of blockchain technology and how it can be utilized to enhance security, interoperability, and scalability in identity management. Additionally, it examines the insights and benefits of this approach for the education system. Finally, the paper concludes by addressing the issues, challenges, benefits, and future research directions in this domain, underscoring the potential of Ba-SSI solutions to revolutionize the management and empowerment of student data within the education sector.

The Impact of Taxation on the Performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Lowveld/Chiredzi District

This study investigates the impact of taxation on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe. SMEs are crucial for economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction in Zimbabwe. However, high tax levels and complex tax systems pose significant challenges for these businesses. The primary problem addressed in this study is the negative impact of taxation on SME performance in the Lowveld. The aim is to understand the specific tax-related challenges SMEs face and to propose solutions that could enhance their performance and sustainability. The study is grounded in three key theories: The Theory of Taxation and Economic Growth, the Laffer Curve Theory, and the Theory of Compliance Costs. These theories provide a foundation for analyzing how different aspects of taxation influence SME performance. The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative data since they all provide in-depth data about the relationship between taxation and SME performance. This study employed a descriptive research design, using document analysis, observation schedules, and questionnaires. Fieldwork revealed that high tax rates, lack of tax knowledge, and inefficient tax administration are major obstacles for SMEs. These factors negatively affect profitability, cash flow, and overall financial health. The average rating for ease of meeting tax obligations was 3.33 out of 10, highlighting the severe impact of taxes on business operations. The study concludes that taxation significantly hinders the performance of SMEs in the Lowveld. High tax burdens, coupled with poor tax knowledge and administrative inefficiencies, undermine SME growth and sustainability. To mitigate these challenges, the study recommends improving tax education among SME owners, simplifying tax administration processes, and introducing more effective tax incentives. These measures could alleviate the financial burden on SMEs, fostering a more conducive environment for their growth and contribution to the economy

Evaluating the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa: a causal loop diagram approach .

This research investigated the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa, analysing the interplay of socioeconomic, political, and institutional factors to elucidate the complexities surrounding its implementation and impact. Using a causal loop diagram approach (CLD), the study aims to identify key factors to effective implementation, how they interact to shape the outcome of the policy, and actionable strategies to address the challenges hindering the policy sustainability. A participatory approach was used to developing the CLD, integrating insights from an extensive literature review and stakeholder opinion. The initial CLD was constructed based on evidence from prior research contextualizing fee-free higher education within South Africa's unique socio-political sector. Discussions with stakeholders and experts provided critical feedback to refine the model, ensuring its relevance and accuracy. The CLD methodology was selected for its ability to illustrate complex interdependencies and systemic challenges. Key findings highlight the impact of funding constraints, which create reinforcing feedback loops limiting access and infrastructure improvements. Also, administrative inefficiencies within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) result in delays and inconsistencies, reducing policy inclusivity, and decentralized implementation across institutions perpetuates disparities in quality and access. The study concludes the urgent need for systemic reforms, including digitising financial aid processes, centralising NSFAS operations, and improving resource allocation to under-resourced institutions. Furthermore, the study aligns with global goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as well as the African Agenda 2063's focus on human capital development. While the findings offer valuable recommendations for policymakers, further research is needed to explore longitudinal impacts of these reforms and expand comparative analyses with other nations implementing similar policies.

Fair Taxes, Better Revenue: A Case Study on Spatial Approaches to Land Taxation in Lebak Regency, Indonesia

Land taxation, mainly the Land and Building Tax (LBT), is a critical revenue source for local governments in Indonesia, yet its contribution remains suboptimal due to inefficiencies in assessment and administration. This study focuses on the Lebak Regency to optimize the Sales Value of Taxable Objects (SVTO) assessment, a key determinant of LBT revenue. Using spatial analysis, Land Value Zones (LVZ), and socio-economic data, the research evaluates assessment ratios to identify discrepancies between SVTO and market values. Adjustments to SVTO are proposed based on spatial patterns, such as land use and infrastructure, and the Index of Developing Villages (IDV). Findings reveal significant disparities between assessed and market values, with assessment ratios ranging from 1% to 267%. Simulations indicate potential LBT revenue of IDR 224.7 billion under full compliance, compared to IDR 44.22 billion, the 2024 target. Adjustments based on spatial patterns from land use planning and village development indices enhance equity and accuracy in tax assessments, optimizing local revenues. Despite these improvements, the study’s limitations lie in the lack of community validation for the proposed methodology, which is essential to confirm its practicality and acceptance. Future research should address this gap and explore household-level dynamics, including tax affordability and spending patterns, to enhance policy inclusivity and align taxation systems with local socio-economic realities.

Indonesia’s Job Loss Insurance Program (JKP): Evaluating Challenges and Opportunities for Worker Welfare and Market Integration

The Job Loss Insurance Program (Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan - JKP) was introduced in Indonesia to support workers laid off due to economic downturns by providing financial assistance, reskilling opportunities, and job placement services. This study evaluates the effectiveness of JKP in supporting unemployed workers and identifies key challenges in its implementation. A qualitative approach was employed, combining surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data from Satu Data Ketenagakerjaan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. The findings reveal that while financial assistance was appreciated, it often fell short of covering living expenses, particularly in urban areas. The SIAPKerja platform was underutilized due to irrelevant job postings and low digital literacy among participants. Reskilling programs lacked alignment with labor market demands, limiting their impact on reemployment prospects. Administrative inefficiencies, including delays in benefit disbursement, further hindered the program's success. The study underscores the need for policy reforms to improve JKP’s effectiveness. Recommended measures include aligning training programs with labor market demands, simplifying administrative processes, and enhancing outreach efforts. These changes are essential to ensuring JKP’s role in improving worker welfare and facilitating reintegration into the labor market.

The Nexus Between “Village” Banking Model & Women’s Financial Inclusion in Zambia

This study explores the relationship between the ‘Village’ (cooperative microcredit) Banking Model and the financial inclusion of women in Zambia, using the AFRIZAM CO-OPERATIVE as a case study. Multiple regression and correlational analyses were employed as quantitative approaches, while the thematic analysis, elucidated via the saturation strategy, constituted the qualitative approach. The study employed a mixed-method approach, with a sample size of 109 individuals. Findings indicate that co-operative society models significantly promote financial inclusion among women in Zambia. Specifically, savings, access to credit and social capital indicate that holding other factors constant, a 1% increase in each variable significantly increases financial inclusion by 25.5%, 28.1% and 44.3%, respectively. Among the challenges that hinder the financial inclusion of women at Afri-Zam, the study revealed that administrative inefficiencies and inadequate policy support persistently hinder the optimal financial inclusion of women. To mitigate these challenges and augment financial inclusion prospects, the study recommends policy actions that include strengthening savings initiatives among village banking microcredit institutions, enhancing access to credit among women, building and leveraging social capital, addressing administrative inefficiencies by streamlining bureaucratic processes and continuing financial literacy campaigns among women, among others.

The effect of social observatories monitoring on Brazilian municipal expenditures

This study investigates the impact of social observatories’ monitoring on municipal public spending in Brazil. Ceterisparibus, such oversight is expected to enhance the detection of administrative inefficiencies and corruption, leading to a reduction in municipal spending. However, theoretical frameworks suggest scenarios that might negate these effects. Internationally, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of social control over public expenditure, and in Brazil, research in this area is still in its early stages. Employing agency theory and a difference-in-differences approach, we test two hypotheses: (i) the presence of social observatories significantly lowers municipal per capita spending; (ii) the impact of social observatories is more substantial in smaller municipalities with populations under 50,000. Findings validate the effectiveness of observatories across Brazil, particularly in smaller municipalities. In a country largely composed of small municipalities, often affected by corruption and administrative inefficiencies, observatory oversight enhances public spending efficiency and municipal fiscal health.

Curbing bureaucratic limitations through continuous learning in local government in South Africa

The local government in South Africa faces a dire scenario as it relentlessly fails to execute its legally mandated responsibilities of rendering essential goods and services. Despite various legal frameworks (The Municipal Systems Act 2000; The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 2003) and government interventions (The Batho Pele Principles 1997) to address the bureaucratic limitations, local government continues to transgress, resulting in many local municipalities receiving adverse audit outcomes from the Auditor General every year. Prior research on local government in South Africa has not extensively investigated the effects of continuous learning on mitigating bureaucratic limitations and promoting efficiency and effectiveness in municipal service delivery. This paper examines the role of learning organizations, guided by Pete Senge’s Model of Learning Organizations, in mitigating bureaucratic limitations within South African local governments. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research explores how continuous learning platforms can contribute to overcoming these limitations and enhancing municipal service delivery. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 50 participants from 10 municipalities across six South African provinces, ensuring representation from various managerial levels within local governments. The study’s key findings reveal that if properly implemented, continuous learning frameworks can address critical issues such as administrative inefficiency and resistance to innovation, which are deeply embedded in bureaucratic structures. The findings also highlight that change management strategies, grounded in collaborative learning and shared vision, are essential for fostering an environment conducive to organizational transformation. However, the study identified significant challenges, including political interference, staff turnover, and cultural resistance, which limit the effectiveness of learning organizations. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted interventions that promote leadership development, skills enhancement, and policy reform to create a sustainable culture of continuous learning in local government.

Healthcare Policy and Equity in Tracheostomy Care: Navigating Access, Advocacy, and Reform

The evolving U.S. healthcare landscape poses significant challenges for individuals requiring tracheostomy care, their families, and healthcare teams. These patients, their care partners, and health professionals face significant medical and social challenges, necessitating coordinated, long-term support to maintain health, prevent complications, and enhance quality of life. While policies like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid expansion have reduced uninsured rates and improved access to critical services, sustaining these gains relies on the renewal of subsidies that broaden coverage. Systemic barriers—including coverage gaps, inequities, and administrative inefficiencies—persist. This commentary explores how healthcare reforms, including Medicaid expansion, enhanced ACA subsidies, and Medicare policy adjustments, can address these barriers. It also highlights the disproportionate burden on low-income and minority populations, as well as the strain on healthcare teams managing complex care needs. Advocacy efforts should focus on expanding coverage, reducing costs, and addressing social determinants of health to promote equitable, high-quality care for all patients.

HARNESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ADDRESS RISING INSECURITY, INEFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges: rising insecurity, ineffective governance (kakistocracy), and economic downturns. AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets, predict outcomes, and optimize processes positions it as a critical tool for mitigating the impacts of these complex issues. In the realm of security, AI enhances threat detection and prevention through predictive policing, real-time surveillance, and cybersecurity solutions. Tools like machine learning algorithms and anomaly detection systems can proactively identify and neutralize threats ranging from terrorism to cyberattacks. In governance, AI-driven technologies can improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency by automating bureaucratic processes and enabling data-driven policymaking. Block chain-integrated AI systems, for example, ensure tamper-proof public transactions, reducing corruption and inefficiency in public administration. Meanwhile, economic downturns can be mitigated using AI’s predictive capabilities, which allow early identification of financial crises, and its role in optimizing automation can boost productivity and streamline recovery efforts. However, deploying AI is not without risks. Issues such as bias, privacy infringements, and the centralization of power must be carefully addressed to avoid unintended consequences, such as exacerbating inequalities or enabling authoritarianism. This paper explores the multifaceted applications of AI in these contexts, underscoring its promise and the necessity for robust ethical and regulatory frameworks to guide its implementation. Through balanced integration, AI can serve as a powerful ally in navigating global insecurity, governance challenges, and economic instability.

Family Physicians' Feedback on the Feature Design of a Digital Health Platform to Streamline the Care of Older Adults.

Background/Objectives: Family physicians are essential to a well-functioning healthcare system; however, they face significant administrative and cognitive burdens that contribute to their burnout and reduce the quality of patient care they provide. Digital health tools offer potential solutions to these problems. This study examined the interface design and features of a digital health platform, Carmi, designed to mitigate administrative inefficiencies and cognitive overload by asynchronous patient data gathering and automated report generation. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine family physicians practicing in Alberta, Canada, to gather their feedback on Carmi's interface design and features. Participants were asked to view a 20 min virtual demonstration of Carmi and provide input on its interface, navigation, potential impact on their clinic workflow, and suggestions for additional features. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVivo. Results: Participants found Carmi's interface user-friendly; most agreed that Carmi could reduce cognitive burden by automatically generating summary reports of assessments completed by patients and facilitating care coordination. Participants thought integration within existing electronic medical records was important, albeit Care of the Elderly physicians saw the value of Carmi as a standalone platform, noting that it can become a collaborative space where all healthcare providers can contribute to patient care. Conclusions: Carmi has the potential to improve primary care efficiency, especially for older adults with complex health needs. Work is underway at several pilot sites that have implemented Carmi so far to gather physicians, patients, and their caregivers' feedback on its usability.

Reducing Wait Times in Child and Adolescent Ambulatory Mental Health: A Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement Study.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death for youth nationally, with access to mental health care continuing to be an emergent care imperative for health care organizations that are struggling to triage and provide critically needed mental health services to the communities they serve. Administrative inefficiencies present a potentially life-threatening delay in access to children seeking mental health care. Health care organizations have successfully used evidence-based process improvement methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce waste, including the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This study highlights the successful use of Lean Six Sigma to create an ambulatory scheduling process that significantly reduced waitlist times and increased timeliness of access to mental health care in a large pediatric hospital.

Optimizing University administrative structures: Strategies for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in higher education institutions in Nigeria

This study investigated the inefficiencies within Nigerian university administrative structures, prompted by ongoing challenges such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor coordination between academic and administrative units, and insufficient technological integration. These issues have hindered the effectiveness of university operations and negatively impacted staff and student satisfaction. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from select Nigerian universities. The survey measured perceptions of administrative inefficiencies through Likert-scale questions, while interviews with key stakeholders provided deeper insights into structural challenges. The findings revealed significant delays in decision-making, caused by hierarchical administrative structures, as well as a lack of communication between academic and administrative units. Additionally, technological integration was found to be inconsistent and inadequate, exacerbated by financial constraints and insufficient training. These results were consistent with prior studies, highlighting the need for structural reforms to enhance efficiency. The study concluded that optimizing university administrative structures requires decentralizing decision-making, improving communication between departments, investing in modern technology, and implementing clear accountability mechanisms. Based on these findings, the study recommended promoting collaborative practices, adopting digital solutions, and fostering transparency to rebuild trust within the university community. Addressing these inefficiencies is crucial for improving institutional performance and ensuring Nigerian universities remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global educational landscape.

Perceived quality of maternal care and its barriers based on women's perspective in hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health focus on achieving equity to reduce maternal mortality disparities among subpopulations globally. The goal is to lower the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 for countries with an MMR below 420 in 2010. For those exceeding 420, the target is to keep the MMR below 140 by 2030. This target could not be achieved unless quality maternal health care service is implemented in all health care settings. This study aimed to assess the quality of maternal care and perceived barriers based on women's perspectives among women who receive delivery services in hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest, Ethiopia. A phenomenological method was implemented to explore women's perspectives on quality maternal care and its perceived barriers. An in-depth interview (IDI) was used to collect data using a semi-structured in-depth interview guide. The study was conducted from January 1-30, 2021. All in-depth interview notes were translated into meaningful notes. Then notes were organized by coding texts into meaningful elements using open code version 4.03 software. The majority (14 in 20) tried to interpret quality care in terms of respect during procedures, providing family support, and timely care. Some (6 in 20) tried to associate quality care with the competency of care providers, the cleanliness of the procedure, and privacy during care. With regards to perceived barriers to quality care, the majority (15 in 20) of the IDI participants agreed that a high caseload, limited drugs, and administrative problems were barriers to providing quality maternal care. Participants articulate a multifaceted understanding of quality maternal care that encompasses emotional support, accessibility, cleanliness, timely interventions, and respectful treatment. They also identify significant barriers that stem from facility limitations, provider attitudes and knowledge, and administrative inefficiencies. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the quality of maternal health services.