Government Authorities Research Articles

Influence of Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation on Administrative Decision-Making in the Educational Sector

This study investigates the essential role of Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation (EMAE) in enhancing the elementary education sector. EMAE frameworks offer systematic methodologies for assessing educational programs, fostering accountability, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. This research serves as a case study of the primary education authority in Bauchi Local Government, with a particular focus on their teachers. According to the 2023 Annual School Census, there are 4,226 staff members, from which 367 were sampled using the Yamane formula. The sampling frame was stratified to reach the target respondents effectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprised of closed-ended questions that were designed and validated, achieving a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.83. Based on 358 completed questionnaires, the responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings emphasize how effective EMAE practices can lead to improved educational outcomes by identifying successful teaching strategies and fostering continuous enhancement. Additionally, the involvement of diverse stakeholders—including educators, parents, and community members—strengthens collaboration and ensures that educational reforms remain relevant and sustainable. The results highlight the significance of EMAE in aligning national education systems with global standards, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, this research underscores that robust EMAE practices are essential for cultivating an effective, responsive, and equitable educational environment, ensuring that all students receive a quality education.

Community Wellbeing and Public Management Theory: How Theory can Explain Pandemic Responses

Abstract COVID-19 has wrought havoc on the lives of people across the globe. In response, public officials have actively used government resources and authority to try to mitigate matters. We explore how public policy responses to COVID-19 can be understood with respect to two different lenses – one that focuses on creating public value and another that focuses on human flourishing. Specifically, we examine mask mandates and lockdowns in the state of Victoria in Southern Australia that had been celebrated for its success in COVID-19 responses. Our examination shows that the type of lens we apply to public policy decisions matter for both the institution of government as well as community well-being. We conclude with some remarks on how it might now be time to shift the focus from creating public value to human flourishing in public policy responses to pandemics.

Effectiveness of Decentralisation by Devolution Approaches in Public healthcare services Delivery in Ilala Municipal Council and Geita Town Council, Tanzania

This study investigates the effectiveness of Decentralisation by Devolution (D-by-D) in public healthcare service delivery within Ilala Municipal Council and Geita Town Council, Tanzania. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with local key informants, the research reveals critical insights into how D-by-D frameworks impact healthcare quality and accessibility. Findings indicate that while some approaches, such as project monitoring and budget allocation, are perceived as effective, others—particularly multi-stakeholder involvement, participation, and strategic planning—are regarded as ineffective. The average effectiveness score across both councils suggests a moderate perception of D-by-D functioning, yet significant gaps exist regarding community engagement, resource allocation, and local governance capabilities. Challenges include inadequate funding, personnel shortages, and a lack of transparency, which hinder the realization of Decentralisation’s intended benefits. The study underscores a prevalent sense of skepticism regarding healthcare quality in both councils and highlights the necessity for reforms to better align local health priorities with community needs. To enhance the effectiveness of D-by-D, the research recommends strengthening financial support to Local Government Authorities, enhancing human resource capacity, fostering community participation, and promoting accountability and transparency in healthcare governance. This research contributes to the understanding of local governance in Tanzania and offers essential insights for policymakers aiming to improve healthcare outcomes through decentralized frameworks.

Strategies for driving customer adoption of AI-powered mobile apps: insights from structural equation modeling in the water sector

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) in mobile apps is growing rapidly, with features such as image recognition, personalized notifications and prescriptive analytics becoming more common. One such app is the Equalizer AI-powered mobile app, which uses AI to process water invoices, advise customers on fair prices and consumption and allow for online payment and data submission. This study aims to develop a technology adoption model for AI-powered mobile apps in the water sector by extending the value-based adoption model (VAM) to include customer trust. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected from 385 smartphone-using water customers. A stratified sampling approach ensured a representative sample of Palestinian water customers in the West Bank region. The study used a validated tool to measure perceived customer value, trust and adoption intention. It also used structural equation modeling to develop a causal diagram using the AMOS software. Findings The results confirmed a positive relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived innovation and perceived value and a negative relationship between perceived technical difficulty and perceived value. Contrary to VAM theory, the study showed a positive relationship between perceived fees and perceived value, indicating that users view premium fees as a cue of quality, accuracy, innovation and trustworthiness. Practical implications The high adoption intention of these apps holds significant implications for both the government and the water sector. This is because it results in the accumulation of substantial data, which can be used by government authorities and water providers to monitor and sustain the sector effectively. Originality/value This research extends existing technology adoption models by integrating customer trust and applying them to the water sector in a developing country. It offers new insights into public service innovations, addressing the unique cultural and sectoral challenges in this context.

Forgotten Children: The Crisis of Child Welfare and Alternative Care in Afghanistan

This article explores the complex landscape of alternative care for orphaned and vulnerable children in Afghanistan against the backdrop of prolonged conflict, political turmoil and socio-economic challenges. With an estimated 2 million orphans and countless more children living in challenging circumstances, the country faces a daunting task in ensuring the well-being and protection of its most vulnerable population. This analysis explores the various forms of alternative care available in Afghanistan, including traditional family care, orphanages, foster care and community-based initiatives. It highlights the historical evolution of child protection policies and programmes, tracing the impact of significant events such as the Taliban regime’s rule, periods of conflict and the subsequent transition periods, including the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. The compounded challenges faced by children and families are examined, including disruptions in funding, aid delivery and access to essential services. Key stakeholders involved in alternative care, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations, religious leaders and extended families, are identified, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these challenges. The article concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing child protection policies, strengthening family support systems, and fostering stable environments where children’s rights and well-being are prioritised. Ultimately, the article underscores the urgency of concerted action to ensure Afghanistan’s orphaned and vulnerable children are not forgotten amidst the context of ongoing turmoil and uncertainty in the nation’s governance.

Unveiling Transparency: A Deep Dive into the Audit Committee's Role in Enhancing Financial Performance of Quoted Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

This research looks at the critical role that audit committees play in improving the financial performance of Nigerian-listed manufacturing companies. The study, which spans the years 2014 to 2023, looks at how audit committee features, such as meeting frequency, size, and gender diversity, affect financial measures including Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), Return on Equity (ROE), and Profit before Interest and Tax. The research takes a quantitative approach, analyzing data from ten chosen manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The data demonstrate that more frequent audit committee meetings and bigger committee sizes are positively related to superior financial performance. Still, more gender diversity reveals a complicated connection that warrants additional investigation. The report emphasizes the need for strong corporate governance standards; in particular, the membership and actions of audit committees play an important role in promoting financial openness and investor trust. These findings offer useful information to policymakers, corporate stakeholders, and governance authorities looking to improve the efficacy of audit committees in the manufacturing sector.

Оценка перспективы внедрения обязательной нефинансовой отчетности в России

The need to create sustainability reports is recognized by most Russian companies. Discussions on the obliga-tion of non-financial reporting are underway today at various levels ‒ in the scientific community, government authorities, and industry. This study examines the positions of various scientists on this issue, as well as the prospects for the introduction of mandatory non-financial reporting from the point of view of government and industry. The methodological basis for the analysis was statistical data on non-financial indicators of Russian companies. According to the results of the study, it was found that prerequisites for mandatory non-financial reporting are being formed in the legislative field, and a regulatory framework is being developed to assess non-financial performance of companies. However, the industry’s attitude towards the introduction of mandato-ry non-financial reporting remains ambiguous based on various reporting standards for disclosing information on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

MyEcoReporter: a prototype for artificial intelligence-facilitated pollution reporting.

Many chemical releases are first noticed by community members, but reporting these concerns often involves considerable hurdles. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies, especially large language models (LLMs), can potentially reduce these barriers. We hypothesized that AI-powered chatbots can facilitate reporting of pollution incidents through text messaging. We created an AI-powered chatbot, "MyEcoReporter," that enables communities to report environmental incidents to government authorities. Eschewing traditional web-based forms, users text concerns via SMS to the LLM-powered application, engaging in a natural conversation through which required information is collected. The application was built using Python, AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, and Twilio, and deployed via Serverless. This architecture allowed rapid customization for various use cases, which successfully facilitated conversations and stored structured data for formal submission. MyEcoReporter showcases the potential of Artificial Intelligence/Large Language Models to create user-friendly tools that translate community environmental concerns into actionable information for reporting to government authorities.

The Impact of Iran’s Support for Armed Militias on Political Divisions in States: The Cases of Lebanon and Iraq

This study explores the impact of Iran’s support for armed militias on political divisions in Lebanon and Iraq. It delves into the mechanisms through which such support exacerbates internal divisions, undermines state authority, and influences governance. By analyzing case studies from Lebanon and Iraq, the research identifies patterns of political fragmentation, challenges to sovereignty, and regional implications. Recommendations are proposed for mitigating the adverse effects of external support for militias on domestic politics. Iran’s involvement has proven to be a double-edged sword, providing militias with resources and strategic depth while fragmenting national political landscapes. Lebanon and Iraq, despite their distinct historical and political contexts, share similarities in how Iran’s support has shaped their internal dynamics. Hezbollah in Lebanon, for instance, represents the epitome of a hybrid organization that wields both political and military power, undermining the authority of the central government. On the other hand, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) highlight how militias can become embedded within state structures, challenging the very sovereignty they purport to protect. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how external support for militias translates into domestic political crises. It further investigates the broader regional ramifications of such interventions, considering how Iran’s strategies align with its geopolitical goals. Through a detailed exploration of Lebanon and Iraq, this research seeks to illuminate the mechanisms by which external interference disrupts governance, perpetuates sectarianism, and destabilizes regions. Moreover, the research delves into historical antecedents, tracing Iran’s militia strategies back to the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. It highlights how these historical moments laid the foundation for Tehran’s contemporary policies. By focusing on the socio-economic dimensions, this study examines the dual role of militias in providing services to local communities while simultaneously undermining state legitimacy. The interplay of political, economic, and military factors forms the crux of this investigation, shedding light on the complex relationship between external actors and domestic instability

Youth and the pandemic: health information imaginaries and practices while navigating COVID-19 in Nigeria

This study explores young adults’ perceptions, behaviors, and how they navigated pandemic-related information, drawing from social cognitive theory. In the digital age, young people, characterized as “digital informavores,” actively seek, consume, and share information, playing a crucial role in health communication. The research, involving participants aged 18–30 in two urban centers in Nigeria, focused on COVID-19 socio-health concerns, including social distancing, masking, sanitizing, movement restrictions, vaccination, infection, testing, and treatment. The analysis, employing the social cognitive lens, and following a critical thematic approach, indicates that the degree of infodemic exposure experienced during the pandemic impacted participants’ understanding, attitudes, behaviors, and risk perceptions. Participants primarily relied on digital sources and social support systems for pandemic-related health information. Their self-efficacy and risk perceptions, as well as pandemic-induced affectations, were evident throughout the data. Attitudes toward the pandemic evolved from its onset, through the announcement and easing of the national lockdown, to the vaccination rollout. Dominant perceptions included the use of “copy and paste solutions” in Nigeria’s pandemic response, COVID-19 denialism, and politicization of the pandemic, leading to mistrust in government and health authorities. The pandemic’s impacts included mental health issues and economic hardship, particularly in a country lacking social security or welfare plans. Following a low vaccination rate among participants, the data revealed vaccine lethargy, “vaccinformation void,” vaccine misinformation, vaccine distrust, and vaccine inaccessibility, due to various reasons and factors at play. Some young adults adhered to health rules due to fear and anxiety, while others were nonchalant, overwhelmed by the rules or discouraged by others’ non-compliance. The young adults’ imaginaries and behaviors were influenced by sociocultural intermediaries, religious and political actors, and Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions.

Digital transformation in Cambodian higher education: Current trends and future directions

This paper delves into stakeholder perspectives on the current state and future of digital transformation in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cambodia. Through online surveys, data were collected from academic staff, management, support personnel, and students across both private and public HEIs. The findings reveal generally positive assessments of the extent and effectiveness of digital transformations in Cambodian higher education. Respondents expressed a collective aspiration for enhanced digital infrastructure, training, and leadership support, while also highlighting persistent disparities in access and digital competence among students. The study underscores the need for a coherent, socially responsive digital strategy that addresses Cambodia’s unique socio-economic factors. Participants recognize the transformative potential of technologies such as AI, gamification, and blended learning in enhancing educational experiences. However, concerns regarding equity must be prioritized to prevent exacerbating existing divides. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing stakeholder collaboration and strategic leadership from governmental and educational authorities to foster a comprehensive digital ecosystem that promotes equitable access to education. Ultimately, this research offers critical insights for policy-making, institutional planning, and educational practices. It advocates for a balanced approach between technological integration and maintaining essential human elements in learning environments. Further research is recommended to capture a wider range of voices and experiences from diverse educational contexts within Cambodia, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and prospects of digital transformation in higher education.

Peningkatan Kepatuhan Pajak Melalui Sosialisasi Perpajakan kepada Komunitas Bisnis Multi-Level Marketing Minyak Aroma Terapi di Yogyakarta

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tax socialization in improving tax compliance among the multi-level marketing (MLM) business community of aromatherapy oil in Yogyakarta. The research employs a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation methods. The results indicate that despite high participant enthusiasm, there is a gap in tax compliance. Out of 25 participants, 5 individuals did not possess a Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP), while 15 out of 20 participants with an NPWP had not reported their MLM income. Limited understanding of tax administrative obligations emerged as a key factor. The tax socialization methods employed, including face-to-face and online approaches, had their respective advantages and drawbacks. Face-to-face socialization was perceived as more interactive, whereas online socialization offered flexibility. This study recommends more intensive educational approaches and follow-up mentoring programs to assist participants in comprehending and fulfilling their tax obligations correctly. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for the government and tax authorities in designing more effective tax socialization strategies to enhance tax compliance, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprise segments

Preserving Secrecy in the Frame of Labour Relationships: Methods of Secrets Protection, Analysis of the Problems and Proposals to Improve the Legislation

Introduction. The large-scale transformations in the state power and governance authorities of the Russian Federation have led to the significant change of the role assigned to the legal and state institutions. The reforms have also affected the matters related to the protection of various types of secrets in the frame of labour relationships, organisation of the work of the human resources departments and their interaction with the law enforcement and regulatory authorities. The authors as well as other scientists study the various viewpoints on this issue, however, neither in the scientific nor in the law enforcement circles there exists a uniform opinion on the methodology of protecting the secrets. The aim of this study is to investigate the existing methods of protecting the secrets, to identify the problematic aspects in the system of interaction between the state, law enforcement and judicial bodies of the Russian Federation and to propose possible solutions for improving the methods of preserving secrecy at the current stage of development of the country.Materials and Methods. The general scientific and specific scientific methods were used in the frame of the study, such as, the dialectical method of cognition, the cognitive analysis method, the sociological method and others.Results. When carrying out the certain actions under the employment contract, an employer and an employee are guided by the special rules, which correspond to a specific secrecy preserving behaviour, but which, in the author’s opinion, are not enough accurate and worked out in the acting legislation of the Russian Federation. The main problems referring to this subject are: the insufficiently developed theoretical apparatus; a narrow range of powers in the frame of the state supervision; low level of administrative liability of the subjects. To solve these problems, a number of measures are proposed to optimize the legal support of the parties of the employment contract in the frame of protecting their rights and freedoms and providing them with the guarantees necessary to ensure the regime of preserving secrecy.Discussion and Conclusion. To ensure the efficient legal policy of the state, the constant improvement of the legal framework is required. The present article investigates in detail the problems of organising the interaction of both the state and private employers with the law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Russian Federation in the frame of implementing the methods of secrecy preservation, and the ways of solving these problems are proposed. The main conclusions made by the author have theoretical and practical significance for further research in this field.

Cardiovascular Anesthesia and Critical Care in the French West Indies: Historical Evolution and Current Prospects.

Anesthesiology, the medical specialty that deals with the management of vital functions in patients undergoing surgery, has played an important role in the successful development of cardiac interventions worldwide. Tracing the historical roots of cardiac anesthesia and critical care from its inception in the late 1950s, a paradigm shift in perioperative care has been driven by a better understanding of the mechanisms of organ dysfunction in stressful conditions and technological advances regarding surgical approach, patient monitoring, and organ protection. Although progress in cardiac anesthesia and critical care lagged a little behind in Caribbean territories, successful achievements have been accomplished over the last forty years. Compared with Western countries, the greater prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension as well as specific diseases such as cardiac amyloidosis, sickle cell anemia, rheumatic heart disease, and tropical infections may reduce a patient's physiologic reserve and increase the operative risk among the multi-ethnic population living in the French West Indies and Guiana. So far, cardiac anesthesiologists at the University Hospital of Martinique have demonstrated their abilities in implementing evidence-based clinical care processes and adaptating to efficiently working in a complex environment interacting with multiple partners. Attracting specialized physicians in dedicated cardiac surgical centers and the creation of a regional health network supported by governmental authorities, insurance companies, and charitable organizations are necessary to solve the unmet needs for invasive cardiac treatments in the Caribbean region.

Manajemen Tempat Pengelolaan Sampah Terpadu (TPST) di Desa Cilongok Kabupaten Banyumas

Effective and sustainable waste management has become a major challenge in Cilongok Village, Cilongok District, due to the high volume of domestic waste generated by the community. This study aims to design integrated waste management facilities (TPST) as a solution to reduce environmental impacts and raise public awareness about waste management. The research employs a qualitative methodology, with data collected through observations, interviews, and documentation, and informants selected using purposive sampling. The study results are analyzed from the following aspects: Planning: The planning process involves several strategies or stages, including work program planning, socialization planning, and development planning. Organization: A structured organization and a clear division of roles and responsibilities have been established within the waste management institution. Implementation: Flagship programs have been executed, such as compost production, RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) manufacturing, and maggot feed production from waste slurry. Supervision: Supervision activities include internal monitoring among TPST members and external involvement, particularly from village government authorities.

Public Consultations As A Participatory Component Of The Project Management Cycle In The Activities Of Local Government Authorities

The article provides a scientific justification for the need to use public consultations as a participatory component in the implementation of the project management cycle in the activities of local government authorities. The main advantages of applying the project approach in the process of decision-making by local government authorities are identified, namely: systematization of the process (forming a structured basis for planning, analysis, and evaluation of results; efficient and timely execution of tasks; optimization and rational use of financial, economic, technological, and human resources), transparency of implementation (increasing citizens' trust in local government officials, conducting objective monitoring, analysis, and evaluation of their activities; providing the public with a clear understanding of goal achievement, resource use, and results), and compliance with regulatory acts (ensuring compliance with normative requirements; ensuring lawful activities of implementers; successful implementation of legislative initiatives). The article systematizes and generalizes the description of the characteristics of the stages (phases) of the project management life cycle in the activities of local government authorities, considering the participatory component of public consultations, specifically at the initiation stage — defining the problem, formulating goals and tasks, creating a stakeholder group from among the residents of territorial communities; at the planning stage — forecasting the impact of internal and external factors considering public opinion, particularly from various local government entities; at the implementation stage — using modern team management methods and tools for digital participation; at the monitoring, control, and evaluation stage (of intermediate and final results) — collecting and processing information through public consultations (providing feedback with the population, organizations, enterprises, stakeholders) to determine the level of satisfaction with the results of project implementation; at the completion stage — identifying mistake and shortcomings based on public opinion surveys. It is proven that the use of public consultations at all stages of the project management cycle in the activities of local government authorities contributes to the timely correction of plans and the adaptation of community and territorial development strategies according to changes in the external and internal environment, thereby increasing the effectiveness of management decisions.

LEGAL EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST MISUSE OF GOVERNOR GROUND LAND REGARDING LAND FUNCTION TRANSFER

Background. Governor Ground land refers to land without ownership rights, which can be interpreted as abandoned land. Abandoned land is land controlled by the state where the legal relationship between the landowner and the land has been severed, as regulated in Article 27(a) of the Basic Agrarian Law (UUPA). The government's authority over such land is specified in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the UUPA. This study aims to provide answers regarding the rights over Governor Ground land. Research Methods. The research employs normative legal methods, using a conceptual, case, and legislative approach. Legal materials were collected through literature review and analysis of articles and opinions from previous researchers. Findings. Governor Ground land can be owned or utilized if specific requirements are met and permission is obtained from the government, particularly the National Land Agency (BPN). Governor Ground is land that has no ownership rights and can be considered as abandoned land. The community can use it for the common interest in accordance with the procedures in the Law. Conclusion. This land can have rights such as HGU, HGB, and Right to Use. If these rights are misused, they can be subject to criminal penalties with a sentence of three months or a fine of up to IDR 10,000. If the land is not maintained, the government can take back the land and demolish the buildings on it.

Determinants of Employees’ Retention in Tanzanian Local Government Authorities: Insights from Njombe District Council

This paper adopted equity theory to investigate the factors of employee retention in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) with insights from Njombe District Council by using a cross-sectional research design. The study employed a mixed methods approach whereby qualitative was the major approach supported partly with quantitative approach. Data were collected from 60 randomly selected respondents and from 8 key informants. The study used survey and interview methods with questionnaires and interview guides as data collection tools respectively. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data while the qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. The findings posit that, basic salary/pay rate, fringe benefits, training and development opportunities, existence of chances for career growth and development and adequacy of working facilities and resources are the leading factors in LGAs employees’ retention. Consequently, the study achieved its objectives and determinants for employees’ retention are well identified. The study therefore recommends that there should be harmonisation of salary and benefit schemes across the public sector in Tanzania as a means to mitigate the transfer of LGAs employees to other public sectors.

A Cooperative City. A dream Come True

The article explores the process of creating a large cooperative housing complex in a district of New York. It highlights the unique circumstances that made the cooperative City project possible in the United States. The article also examines the efforts of European countries to foster urban residents’ involvement in urban development. It provides examples of innovative solutions implemented by the population of various European cities. The article delves into the Russian experience of utilizing public initiatives to enhance urban development and improve the quality of life. It emphasizes that the promotion of cooperation in urban life is supported by both governmental authorities and individual citizens and local communities. The article highlights a new phase in this process — changes in urban planning, with the transition from general to master plans becoming part of federal policy.

Effectiveness of Demand Side of Accountability in Tanzania Local Government

Striking a balance between demand and supply sides of accountability is highly encouraged in public sector management. Studies stress the ways the supply side can be successful; however, meager focus has been on the effectiveness of the demand side, particularly in local government. Using two local government authorities (LGAs) from Tanzania, the study contributes to this debate. Data were collected through interviews from four CSOs and analyzed using thematic approach. It was found that CSOs are allowed to demand accountability. They use different mechanisms such as meetings, public gatherings, trainings, accountability clubs, public debate, invitation, and raising awareness to citizens. However, mechanisms were not effective due to govern (mentality) of leaders, limited scope, financial difficulties, and legal arrangements. The study recommends changing LGAs laws to recognize the role of CSOs in accountability, change govern (mentality) of leaders by raising awareness to them, and strengthen the cooperation between CSOs and LGAs.