Assessment Of Institutional Capacity Research Articles

Institutional capacity assessment in the lens of implementation research: Capacity of the local institutions in delivering WASH services at Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh.

The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) has left the Southwest coastal district of Cox's Bazar with one of the greatest contemporary humanitarian crises, stressing the existing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources and services. This study aimed to assess the existing capacity of local institutions involved in delivering WASH services and identify relevant recommendations for intervention strategies. We used a qualitative approach, including interviews and capacity assessment workshops with institutions engaged in WASH service delivery. We conducted five key informant interviews (KII) with sub-district level officials of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) to have a general idea of WASH service mechanisms. Seven capacity assessment workshops were organized with the relevant district and sub-district level stakeholders from August 2019 to September 2019. These workshops followed three key areas: i) knowledge of policy, organizational strategy, guidelines, and framework; ii) institutional arrangements for service delivery such as planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting; and iii) availability and management of human, financial and infrastructural resources. Data were categorized using thematic content analysis. The majority of stakeholders lacked awareness of national WASH policies. Furthermore, the top-down planning approaches resulted in activities that were not context-specific, and lack of coordination between multiple institutions compromised the optimal WASH service delivery at the local level. Shortage of human resources in delivering sustainable WASH services, inadequate supervision, and inadequate evaluation of activities also required further improvement, as identified by WASH stakeholders. Research evidence suggests that decision-makers, donors, and development partners should consider learning from the WASH implementers and stakeholders about their existing capacity, gaps, and opportunities before planning for any WASH intervention in any particular area.

Beyond compliance: public voluntary standards and their effect on state institutional capacity in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Public certification standards have received limited scholarly attention, especially the institutional capacity of public authorities that develop and implement these standards to address complex challenges, such as the promotion of industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis for enhancing resource use efficiency. This research uses an institutional capacity assessment framework to examine the ways in which a voluntary public standard for certifying eco-industrial parks affected the Vietnamese state’s capacity to coordinate and implement industrial ecology. The article draws upon the interviews and a review of official documentation to show that the benefits of public standards extend beyond compliance to the enhancement of state capacities to coordinate complex policy domains such as industrial ecology. The findings contribute to providing a basis to redesign standard-setting processes to move beyond end-user compliance and provide insights into how public actors can more effectively address ‘systemic’ sustainability challenges – from circular economy ambitions to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Інституційний аудит як інструмент підвищення інституційної спроможності органів виконавчої влади

Розглянуто систему аудитів у публічному секторі та визначено роль інституційного аудиту в підвищенні інституційної спроможності органів виконавчої влади та формуванні засад доброго врядування. Виокремлено напрямки посилення інституційної спроможності органів виконавчої влади. Визначено об’єкт, результати та потенційні вигоди процесу оцінювання інституційної спроможності як складової інституційного аудиту. З метою підвищення ефективності інституційного аудиту запропоновано залучати громадські об’єднання до інституційного аудиту відповідних органів виконавчої влади чи їх структурних підрозділів.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS MARKET: FISCAL AND REGULATORY ROLE OF TAXATION

Background.The tobacco taxation policy’s fiscal efficiency should be compre­hensively examined, taking into account both the criteria for the amount of the collected tax revenues to the budget system and the specific share of the hidden tax base, which is part of the shadow economy. The analysis of recent research and publications has shown that despite the availability of some scientific investigations, it is advisable to further develop the main provisions on the tobacco excise tax collection for Ukraine, taking the current market trends and the potential threats into account. The aim of this article is to assess the potential development challenges for the domestic tobacco market and to develop both scientific and practical proposals to increase the fiscal and regulatory effectiveness of the excise tax on tobacco and tobacco products. Materials and methods. In the course of research, the system approach, the methods of analytical estimation, synthesis, economic and mathematical modeling, and scientific abstraction were used. Results. The directions for the further improvement in the tobacco excise taxation practice were offered, taking into account its fiscal and regulatory aspects. The modern peculiarities of the development of the tobacco products market in Ukraine were determined. The main causes and consequences of the illicit excisable goods’ production and circulation have been studied. The excise tax potential index’s calculations without the implementation of systematic measures in the field of counteracting the illicit market were presented. The government policy’s vectors in the field of reducing the cigarette market’s shadow segment have been identified. Conclusion. Taking the excisable goods shadow market’s indicators and its expansion potential into account, the balanced adjustments of the state fiscal policy is important. Counteracting the illicit tobacco and tobacco products trafficking is an important element of the national and economic security strategy. It is advisable to systematize the reliable information on the prevalence of smoking, consumer preferences and the relevant products’ consumption intensity in the territorial context, and the illicit market share as well. On the part of the authorized state institutions, the priority measures are modeling the supply and demand for tobacco products; systematization of information on its illegal circulation; description of the modus operandi of the main participants in the shadow market of tobacco and tobacco products; assessment of institutional capacity, transparency and accountability of fiscal and other authorized bodies for counteracting illicit products trafficking.

Improving Attendance and Patient Experiences During the Expansion of a Telehealth-Based Pediatric Otolaryngology Practice.

To determine the rates and primary causes of missed appointments (MAs) for telehealth visits and present remedies for improvement. This cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology practice during expansion of telehealth-based visits. A review of questionnaire responses was performed for 103 consecutive patients with MAs over 50 business days from March 20, 2020, to May 29, 2020. Families were asked a brief survey regarding the cause of the MA and assisted with technical support and rescheduling. MA rates and causes were analyzed. The overall MA rate during the initiation of telehealth services was significantly increased at 12.4% as compared with clinic-based visits of a similar duration before COVID of 5.2% (P < .001). Technical issues were the most common causes of MAs (51.3%). Of the caregivers, 23.8% forgot or reported cancellation of the appointment. Five percent of patients were non-English speaking and scheduled without translator support. Minorities and patients with public insurance represented 53.6% and 61.9% of MAs, respectively. Technical difficulties were the most commonly reported cause of missed telehealth appointments. Optimization of applications by providing patient reminders, determining need for translator assistance, and reducing required upload/download speeds may significantly reduce rates of MAs and conversions to other communication. Clear, concise education materials on the technical aspects of telehealth, platform optimization, and robust technical and administrative support may be necessary to reduced missed telehealth appointments and support large-scale telehealth operations. An assessment of institutional capacity is critical when considering telehealth expansion.

Building institutional resilience in the context of climate change in Aurora, Philippines

The role of local government units (LGUs) in disaster resilience is crucial for a hazard-prone country such as the Philippines. Although the country has its own institutional framework on disaster risk reduction, a number of issues limit LGUs’ potential to perform its role. This study focused on building institutional resilience of LGUs towards building climate risk resilience in Aurora, Philippines by engaging key actors in the formulation of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP). The study adopted the shared learning process from the Climate Resilience Framework (CRF) to strengthen partnership and implement capacity building activities, aimed at developing the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) and LCCAP beyond compliance.An institutional capacity assessment was administered through a survey involving 87 members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) from eight municipalities and provincial government. Institutional capacity was measured using 70 indicators representing access rights and entitlements, information flows, decision-making processes, application of new knowledge, capacity to anticipate risk, capacity to respond, as well as capacity to recover and change. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Both Spearman Correlation and Cramer's V determined the interrelationship between socio-demographic variables and institutional characteristics. Results revealed that the LGUs performed better in risk response and management. A strong correlation between expertise and position vis-à-vis all resilient institution metrics was also observed, while gender is moderately correlated with all parameters except access rights and entitlements. Three key areas, not adequately articulated in current literature, need to be improved to enhance institutional resilience towards climate and disaster risks, namely: staffing and human resource; access to financial support from other sources; and development of knowledge management systems.

ASSESSING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IN KENYA USING THE HEALTH SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK: IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY AND OUTCOMES

The study used the county institutional capacity assessment tool (CICAT) to assess the capacities of selected county health departments (CHDs) along the World Health Organization (WHO) health systems framework that is organized around the six building blocks. The aim was to determine the current status of the six health system building blocks in Kenya’s county health departments. The article emanates from data collected for a technical report on county institutional capacity assessment. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and thematic analysis. The overall performance of the counties was 54% indicating average capacity. The performance scores were: leadership and governance (39%), human resources for health (44%), health information systems (66%), medical products and technologies (50%), health system financing (50%), and service delivery (71%). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall performance of the counties (p= 0.892). The key issues in some of the worst performing building blocks included poor work-planning and lack of transparency in budgeting and expenditure, low funding and irregular disbursements of health budgets, lack of key policies, e.g. workforce strategy and commodity supply chain. In conclusion, the study proved that the CICAT is useful for assessing the process of strengthening health systems in Kenyan counties.

ASSESSING THE CAPACITY OF COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IN KENYA USING THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION’S HEALTH SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK: IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY AND OUTCOMES

The study used the county institutional capacity assessment tool (CICAT) to assess the capacities of selected county health departments (CHDs) along the World Health Organization (WHO) health systems framework that is organized around the six building blocks. The aim was to determine the current status of the six health system building blocks in Kenya’s county health departments. The article emanates from data collected for a technical report on county institutional capacity assessment. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and thematic analysis.The overall performance of the counties was 54% indicating average capacity. The performance scores were: leadership and governance (39%), human resources for health (44%), health information systems (66%), medical products and technologies (50%), health system financing (50%), and service delivery (71%). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall performance of the counties (p= 0.892). The key issues in some of the worst performing building blocks included poor work-planning and lack of transparency in budgeting and expenditure, low funding and irregular disbursements of health budgets, lack of key policies, e.g. workforce strategy and commodity supply chain. In conclusion, the study proved that the CICAT is useful for assessing the process of strengthening health systems in Kenyan counties.

A Study Of The Capacity Of Nigerian Universities For Hosting Online Guidance And Counselling Services

The study determined the availability and adequacy of facilities for Online Guidance and Counselling Services (OGCS) among Universities in Southwestern Nigeria and assessed the adequacy and competence of existing personnel for OGCS in the universities. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 108 staff members was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The stratified sampling technique was used to select three out of the six states that make up Southwestern Nigeria. University staff Assessment of institutional Capacity for Online Guidance and Counselling Services (USAICOCS) A Checklist and Interview Guide (CAIG) and level of adequacy and competency of existing personnel for OGCS Questionnaire (LACPQ) were used to collect data for the study. The results showed that facilities for hosting OGCS such as internet, computer and electricity were available (more than 60%). However, most of the other needed facilities such as online counselling platform application and counselling system data base recorded less than 50% of the minimum required. The availability of the facilities was therefore adjudged inadequate. The results also showed that the personnel for OGCS were grossly inadequate. None of them had ever handled OGCS equipment. The results further showed that the ICT section of each university had enough personnel that could set up the OGCS platform.

An Assessment of Institutional Capacity for Integrated Landscape Management in Eastern Cameroon.

Landscape approaches have become prominent in efforts to address issues of conservation and development through bringing together different actors and sectors, to reconcile diverse land uses, and promote synergies. Some have suggested that integrated landscape management approaches are consistent with the goals of REDD+ and offer a strategy to address multiple goals of climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, maintenance of ecosystem services, and socio-economic development. Institutional or governance arrangements have been shown to be a critical component in influencing outcomes in landscapes. Using diverse methodologies, this study investigated the capacity of institutions to support the planning, implementation, and resource mobilization needed to integrate climate change mitigation, conservation, and livelihood goals in a forest mosaic landscape in East Cameroon. Results showed that diverse institutions are present in the landscape, including institutions of relevant government agencies, local government, local non-government, the private sector, and hybrid institutions of conservation, development and research institutions. However, the overall institutional capacity for integrated landscape planning and management in the study area is limited, although some institutions exhibit increased capacity in some areas over others. Multiple strategies can be employed to build the necessary human, financial, and leadership capacity, and facilitate the institutional planning and coordination that is foundational to multi-stakeholder landscape governance. Given the complexity of integrating climate change mitigation, conservation and livelihood goals in a landscape, building such institutional capacity is a long term endeavour that requires sustained effort and ongoing financial, technical and human resource support.

Institutional Assessment of Environmentally Oriented Subsoil Use

The article solves two relevant problems related to the implementation of the institutional assessment of environmentally oriented subsoil use: 1) the definition of the ‘environmental security’ and 2) the determination of the development level of institutional bases of environmentally oriented subsoil use including the institutional capacity of subsoil use and institutional capacity of environmental security. The article shows an analysis of the existing definitions of “environmental security†and offers the own one. Despite the significant national and foreign experience in the institutional capacity assessment of various processes, there are still some difficulties in defining and measuring the institutional capacity. We eliminate these difficulties by employing 1) original factors, previously identified, and the content of the “institutional capacity†term; 2) quality characteristics for the institutional capacity assessment of the process regulated at the macroeconomic level, and 3) a consistent methodological tool for the institutional assessment of environmentally oriented subsoil use. The study is based on the hypothesis of the necessity of legal and discreet state intervention in the process of subsoil use. Therefore, we identify the evaluation indicator of state regulation in the environmentally oriented subsoil use as the institutional capacity level calculated by using the fuzzy-set theory. As a result, the institutional capacity levels of the environmentally oriented subsoil use have been defined for both the transport corridor «Arctic-Central Asia» and for the countries composing it. The obtained values of the assessment of institutional capacity levels of the environmentally oriented subsoil use can serve as a basis for identifying the vector of its increase.

Institutional capacity for health systems research in East and Central Africa schools of public health: enhancing capacity to design and implement teaching programs.

BackgroundThe role of health systems research (HSR) in informing and guiding national programs and policies has been increasingly recognized. Yet, many universities in sub-Saharan African countries have relatively limited capacity to teach HSR. Seven schools of public health (SPHs) in East and Central Africa undertook an HSR institutional capacity assessment, which included a review of current HSR teaching programs. This study determines the extent to which SPHs are engaged in teaching HSR-relevant courses and assessing their capacities to effectively design and implement HSR curricula whose graduates are equipped to address HSR needs while helping to strengthen public health policy.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. An organizational profile tool was administered to senior staff across the seven SPHs to assess existing teaching programs. A self-assessment tool included nine questions relevant to teaching capacity for HSR curricula. The analysis triangulates the data, with reflections on the responses from within and across the seven SPHs. Proportions and average of values from the Likert scale are compared to determine strengths and weaknesses, while themes relevant to the objectives are identified and clustered to elicit in-depth interpretation.ResultsNone of the SPHs offer an HSR-specific degree program; however, all seven offer courses in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree that are relevant to HSR. The general MPH curricula partially embrace principles of competency-based education. Different strengths in curricula design and staff interest in HSR at each SPH were exhibited but a number of common constraints were identified, including out-of-date curricula, face-to-face delivery approaches, inadequate staff competencies, and limited access to materials. Opportunities to align health system priorities to teaching programs include existing networks.ConclusionsEach SPH has key strengths that can be leveraged to design and implement HSR teaching curricula. We propose networking for standardizing HSR curricula competencies, institutionalizing sharing of teaching resources, creating an HSR eLearning platform to expand access, regularly reviewing HSR teaching content to infuse competency-based approaches, and strengthening staff capacity to deliver such curricula.

Assessment of institutional capacity to adapt to climate change in transboundary river basins

Responses to climate change in transboundary river basins are believed to depend on national and sub-national capacities as well as the ability of co-riparian nations to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate across their international boundaries. We develop the first framework for assessing transboundary adaptive capacity. The framework considers six dimensions of transboundary river basins that influence planning and implementation of adaptation measures and represents those dimensions using twelve measurable indicators. These indicators are used to assess transboundary adaptive capacity of 42 basins in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Sahel. We then conduct a cluster analysis of those basins to delineate a typology that includes six categories of basins: High Capacity, Mediated Cooperation, Good Neighbour, Dependent Instability, Self-Sufficient, and Low Capacity. We find large variation in adaptive capacity across the study area; basins in Western Europe generally have higher capacities to address the potential hazards of climate change. Our basin typology points to how climate change adaptation policy interventions would be best targeted across the different categories of basins.

Assessment of Organizational Capacity for Evidence-Based Health Systems Operations in Nigeria

In Nigeria, health outcomes are unacceptably low largely due to the inability of the health system to function optimally. As part of a strategy to strengthen the health system, an assessment of institutional capacity for use of evidence for health system operations was conducted. The health system operations in terms of stewardship, health administration, service delivery, and access to essential medical products/technologies were fairly adequate. In terms of generation/strategic use of information, health financing, and health workforce, the operations were generally inadequate. There is need to evolve strategies that will guarantee equitable and sustained improvements across health services and health outcomes.

Exploring sustainable urban water governance: a case study of institutional capacity

The sustainable urban water management system is likely to be characterised by complex and flexible governance arrangements, increased inter-organisational interaction and wide stakeholder participation, which contrasts significantly with the traditional approach. Recently there has been significant financial investment in urban water reform, however the reforms have not been as successful as anticipated and numerous institutional barriers remain. Understanding and assessing institutional capacity is central to addressing institutional impediments. Institutional capacity comprises individual, intra- and inter-organisational and external rules and incentives capacities. This paper reports on the first case study of a social research project that aims to develop an institutional capacity assessment framework. Empirical data from semi-structured interviews with 59 water industry experts in Sydney, Australia, and a broad literature survey were used. The key capacity attributes identified could form the basis of an institutional capacity assessment tool and reveal common and differing attributes across stakeholder groups which provide insight into stakeholder relations. Synthesis of the results revealed that intra- and inter-organisational capacities were facing particular challenges and should be explicitly addressed in reform, policy and capacity development initiatives.