Budgeting Skills Research Articles

Perspectives on the Regional Strategy for Implementation of National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance in the WHO African Region.

Background: The WHO Regional Office for Africa developed a Member States (MS)-endorsed regional strategy to fast-track the implementation of MS' national action plans (NAP) on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study explored the perspectives of AMR's national focal points in MS on the implementation of the priority interventions of the regional strategy in their countries. Methods: An online survey consisting of ratings and discussions covering the implementation of the six priority interventions was conducted. Sums of the scores per priority intervention were obtained, and their percentage to the total possible scores were calculated to categorize the implementation as inadequate (0-25%), basic (26-50%), intermediate (51-75%), or advanced (76-100%). Results: Thirty-six of the forty-seven national AMR focal points responded to the survey between 12 November 2023 and 8 January 2024. The implementations were rated as 37-62% (basic-to-intermediate), with the multisectoral coordination and collaboration committee receiving the highest overall rating (62%, 421/684), while the promotion of sustainable investment for the NAP on AMR received the least overall rating (37%, 257/700). The focal points mainly recommended awareness campaigns, capacity building, and regulations and guidelines to improve the implementation of the AMR strategy. Conclusions: The survey revealed a need to enhance awareness campaigns, support the establishment and functioning of AMR evaluation and monitoring systems, and build the capacity of AMR staff with cost-benefit analysis and budgeting skills. It also showed the necessity to improve awareness and conduct education on AMR, streamline evidence generation through One Health Surveillance systems, integrate initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired infections in the antimicrobial stewardship programs, and enhance regulations and guidelines to optimize the use of antimicrobials.

Penyuluhan Literasi Keuangan Bagi UMKM Jamu Gendong

The purpose of this community service activity (PKM) is to increase the knowledge about financial literacy for Mbak Eka's business herbal medicine (UMKM jamu gendong) so that it can be used in business development. The methods that used in this community service activity are giving a lecture and discussions. The stages start from coordinating with business owners, provide counseling and the evaluation stage. The discussion shows that business owner’s has been in the financial literacy level, namely sufficient literate, meaning that they already have knowledge and confidence of financial service institution and have existing financial products. Mbak eka as the owner of the business has known about the procedures to obtaining additional business capital from banks and also the risk. However, mbak eka doesn’t taking the advantage of these capital financial services because she doesn’t need it yet. The Business owners also have has the budgeting skills and saving habits. However, the savings only for consumption and not used for investment. The hoped that the business owner will be able to develop financial strategies through investment skills in the form of being able to allocate savings, from selling herbal medicine to business capital in order to transition from conventional marketing to online marketing in order to reach a wider market.

Nexus between small and medium-sized enterprise budgeting skills and loan repayment in South Africa

This study’s purpose is to assess the influence of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) budgeting skills on loan repayment in South Africa. The quantitative research approach was selected as the appropriate methodology for this study, while the purposive sampling approach was selected as the appropriate way to select participants for this study. The primary data for this study came from respondents who were business owners of SMEs in the retail, hardware, construction, and manufacturing industries. SPSS was used to analyze the acquired data. A total of 380 research questionnaires were distributed, and there were 375 that were returned for analysis (which gives a response rate of 99%). Both a regression analysis and a correlation analysis using Pearson’s method were carried out. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between SMEs’ budgeting skills and loan repayment at the level of r =.250, p < 0.0005. These results were supported by the finding that there is a positive and significant association between these two factors. According to the findings of the study, it is recommended that financial providers educate their SMEs on how to prepare various types of budgets, how to follow up and compare their financial objectives to their performance, and that financial institutions and government organizations should assist SMEs with budgeting skills to decrease SME loan defaults.

Impact of financial literacy, mental budgeting and self control on financial wellbeing: Mediating impact of investment decision making.

The topic of financial wellbeing is a current concern within the realm of personal and household finance. This study aims to examine the influence of cognitive factors, specifically financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control, on subjective financial wellbeing. While there exist multiple determinants of financial wellbeing, this research focuses on these particular cognitive factors. The present study aims to examine the mediating role of investment decision-making behavior in the association between cognitive factors and financial well-being. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data collected from a sample of 449 Chinese university students, with the aim of assessing the empirical associations. The results indicate that financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control exert a favorable and noteworthy influence on an individual's financial well-being. The results indicate that individuals with a greater degree of financial literacy are more prone to achieving superior financial well-being. Moreover, individuals who practice mental budgeting, a technique that entails mentally classifying and monitoring their expenditures, demonstrate elevated levels of financial well-being. Likewise, the exercise of self-regulation is identified as a pivotal element that impacts an individual's financial wellbeing. The findings indicate that there is evidence to support the mediator, investment decision-making behavior. This mediator partially mediates the association between the independent variables, namely financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control, and financial well-being. The results suggest that individuals with elevated levels of financial literacy, proficient mental budgeting skills, and self-regulatory abilities are inclined towards demonstrating favorable investment decision-making conduct. Consequently, this contributes to their general financial welfare. In general, the study's theoretical implications augment the current knowledge repository, while its practical implications provide feasible perspectives for policymakers, financial institutions, and individuals to foster financial wellness and enhance financial results.

Impact of a Matched Savings Program on Survivors of Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence in the Philippines/ Eşleştirilmiş Bir Tasarruf Programının Filipinler'de İnsan Ticareti ve Toplumsal Cinsiyete Dayalı Şiddet Mağdurları Üzerindeki Etkisi

Survivors of human trafficking commonly experience significant financial difficulties, including lack of access to secure employment, recurring debt, minimal savings, and pressures to provide financially for their families. These experiences can exacerbate their vulnerability to experiencing further violence. Although economic empowerment interventions are greatly needed for this population, few evaluations have been conducted of such programs. In this manuscript, we present findings from an assessment of the Barug program, a two-year matched savings and financial literacy program for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence and their family members in the Philippines. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 10 survivor graduates of the Barug program through a combination of structured surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative findings demonstrated increases in participants’ savings after completion of the Barug program. Thematic analysis revealed five themes regarding survivors’ experiences in the program: prioritizing asset development, enhanced budgeting skills, escaping a cycle of debt, psychosocial impact, and improved family relationships. Survivors described the benefits of Barug as multi-faceted, including financial, social, and psychological effects. Findings reveal the promise of an integrated matched savings, financial literacy, and psychosocial support program in helping survivors achieve greater financial stability and psychosocial wellbeing.

Evaluation of Youth Empowerment and Community Development: A Case Study of Kamunganguzi Sub County, Kabale District, Uganda.

The youth empowerment and community development in Kamunganguzi Sub-County, Kabale District, Uganda was evaluated. The aim of the study was to find out the Level of the youth empowerment in rural areas, the effect of the informal economy to community development and the extent of the youth empowerment to the National Development in Kabale District. The survey research design was used. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting and analyzing and presenting the data. The level performance of youth empowerment was; creating employment opportunities among the youth, providing education through payment of fees, training the youth some of the skills, fighting poverty in the community, funding the activities of the youth which are income generating, participated in the formation of policies on health, human rights affecting the youth and capacity building by giving refresher courses to the youth. The factors affecting the effective performance of Youth empowerment were; poor leadership, lack budgeting skills, lack of enough funds, lack of enough funds and the inability to define proper lines of autonomy on policy issues, government interference. Keywords: Youths, Empowerment, Community Development and Kamunganguzi Sub County, Kabale District, Uganda

Cultivating Self-Control in FinTech: Evidence from a Field Experiment on Online Consumer Borrowing

AbstractWe report the results of a longitudinal intervention with students across 5 universities in China designed to reduce online consumer debt. We allocate participants to either a financial literacy treatment group, a self-control treatment group, or a zero-touch control group. Our self-control training intervention features detailed tracking of spending and borrowing, budgeting, and introspection about consumption choices. This intervention reduces online borrowing and delinquency charges, mainly driven by a reduction in entertainment-related spending and borrowing. In contrast, financial literacy interventions improve test scores but only marginally affect borrowing. Our results suggest that cultivating self-regulation and budgeting skills can improve borrowing behavior on e-commerce platforms.

Financial literacy and awareness of investment scams among university students

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between budgeting skills and financial goals and the level of awareness of investment scams among university students.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to university students in Malaysia. A total of 211 responses were received. The data was analysed using partial least square method based on structural equation modelling technique by using SmartPLS-3.0 and SPSS-20 statistical software.FindingsFindings indicated that having adequate budgeting skills can significantly affect awareness of investment scam among students. This implies that early financial management education among students should focus on instilling disciplined budgeting habit to prevent them from becoming victims of investment scams. Nevertheless, when examining financial goals among the respondents, the study found that having a clear financial goal does not significantly contribute to their awareness in identifying investment scams. As such, students need to be properly guided in setting their financial objectives such as avoiding unrealistic goals to lead a luxurious lifestyle using “fast and easy” money.Social implicationsThis study recommends that higher education institutions need to work together with relevant regulators and law enforcers in providing necessary financial literacy education as part of the investment scam prevention measures.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature gap on the need to focus on financial literacy in creating awareness towards investment scams among university students.

Perceived Drivers of Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies of DACA-Eligible College Students–an Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Eighteen Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)-eligible students at a Western US university completed a brief food insecurity survey. Eight participated in two focus groups to examine their food insecurity and associated coping strategies. Thirteen participants were food insecure. Drivers of food insecurity included ineligibility to secure federal aid, little time to prepare meals, and inadequate budgeting skills. Students coped with food insecurity at the personal level (e.g. rationing food) or receiving food from others (e.g. Relatives). The unique immigration status of DACA-eligible students contributes to their food insecurity, and policy change is needed to reduce this in higher education.

Cooking for Health: a healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking skills randomized controlled trial to improve diet among American Indians with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundThe prevalence of poor diet quality and type 2 diabetes are exceedingly high in many rural American Indian (AI) communities. Because of limited resources and infrastructure in some communities, implementation of interventions to promote a healthy diet is challenging—which may exacerbate health disparities by region (urban/rural) and ethnicity (AIs/other populations). It is critical to adapt existing evidence-based healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking programs to be relevant to underserved populations with a high burden of diabetes and related complications. The Cooking for Health Study will work in partnership with an AI community in South Dakota to develop a culturally-adapted 12-month distance-learning-based healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking intervention to improve diet among AI adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study will enroll 165 AIs with physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes who reside on the reservation. Participants will be randomized to an intervention or control arm. The intervention arm will receive a 12-month distance-learning curriculum adapted from Cooking Matters® that focuses on healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking skills. In-person assessments at baseline, month 6 and month 12 will include completion of the Nutrition Assessment Shared Resources Food Frequency Questionnaire and a survey to assess frequency of healthy and unhealthy food purchases. Primary outcomes of interest are: (1) change in self-reported intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and (2) change in the frequency of healthy and unhealthy food purchases. Secondary outcomes include: (1) change in self-reported food budgeting skills; (2) change in self-reported cooking skills; and (3) a mixed-methods process evaluation to assess intervention reach, fidelity, satisfaction, and dose delivered/received.DiscussionTargeted and sustainable interventions are needed to promote optimal health in rural AI communities. If effective, this intervention will reduce intake of SSBs and the purchase of unhealthy foods; increase the purchase of healthy foods; and improve healthy food budgeting and cooking skills among AIs with type 2 diabetes – a population at high risk of poor health outcomes. This work will help inform future health promotion efforts in resource-limited settings.Trial registrationThis study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on October 9, 2018 with Identifier NCT03699709.

Factors Affecting Small and Medium Enterprises’ Financial Sustainability in South Africa

The dwindling growth of small businesses and their rate of failure in South Africa has been traced to poor financing. Thus, the factors affecting the financial sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa are examined in this study. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 310 respondents, however six were incorrectly completed. The analysis was based on data collected from 304 respondents which cut across owners and/or managers from small and medium construction, manufacturing, retail, and agricultural enterprises. A quantitative research design that falls under the positivist paradigm was used. Specifically, through a descriptive and multivariate regression analysis, it was found that financial awareness, budgeting, accounting skills, and access to finance have positive and significant effects on the financial sustainability of SMEs with all the variables, having 0.005 probability values, respectively. Out of all the variables examined, budgeting and access to finance have the largest absolute values of 0.425 and 0.373, respectively. Thus, it was concluded that workshops, training, and seminars to improve the financial literacy of small and medium enterprises should be organised. This will improve owner’s ability to deploy the accounting and budgeting skills and they will be exposed to meeting loan criteria and conditions from financial institutions. Also, adequate funds should be allocated to cater for the regular training and development of small business owners using the services of financial experts.

Foresighting for Responsible Innovation Using a Delphi Approach: A Case Study of Virtual Fencing Innovation in Cattle Farming

The use of virtual fencing (VF) in pasture-grazed farm systems is currently close to commercial reality but there are no studies applying the principles of responsible research and innovation, such as foresighting, to this technology. This paper reports results of a study aimed at foresighting potential implications associated with virtual fencing of cattle. A Delphi method was used to survey the opinions of farming practitioners and researchers, using pasture-grazed cattle farming in New Zealand as a case study. The key benefits were identified as environmental protection, improved feed allocation, access to previously unavailable grazing areas, labour savings and individual animal management. The five most important potential barriers identified were device reliability, farmer perception of a value proposition, ethical issues related to community perception of negative animal welfare, lack of feed budgeting skills of farmers, and excessive training time. We suggest that more knowledge is needed on ethical issues associated with VF, including understanding public opinions of such technology developments. We suggest that development and use of VF has been focussed primarily on technical features and user benefits and needs to include consideration of wider socio-ethical principles to ensure responsible innovation processes. The findings from this study will aid focussed research and development to incorporate ethically acceptable development alongside technical factors.

Development of a Cooking, Food Budgeting, and Nutrition intervention for American Indians with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale and Study Protocol for the Cooking for Healthy Study

Abstract Objectives Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity among American Indians (AIs). Although healthy diet is a key component of diabetes management, many AIs face barriers to adopting a healthy diet. Preliminary work in an AI community in the north-central USA indicated that the most salient factors that influence healthy diet are: difficulty budgeting for food, low literacy/numeracy when purchasing food, and limited cooking skills. The Cooking for Health Study is a randomized controlled trial developed in partnership with the community that will evaluate the efficacy of a culturally-tailored healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking program on: (1) intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods; and (2) healthy food budgeting and cooking skills, among AIs with diabetes. Methods The curriculum was informed by focus groups and meetings with community members and in partnership with the tribal diabetes program. The curriculum comprises a 12-month online/distance-learning program delivered through video and written materials. Over one year, we will recruit 165 AI participants with diabetes who are members of the community and reside on the reservation. Individuals will be randomized (using a 1:1 ratio) to intervention or control arm (i.e., delayed intervention). Participants in the intervention arm will receive the curriculum over a year. At baseline, month 6, and month 12, all participants will complete in-person study visits that include food frequency questionnaires, and assessments of food resource management and cooking confidence. Results The curriculum focuses on cooking and budgeting skills, and optimal diet for diabetes management. Lessons include: getting healthy foods; vegetables; fruits; dairy; protein and meats; grains; food budgeting and meal planning; empty calories; snacking; traditional foods; and celebrations. Each lesson comprises 3–8 videos paired with written materials. Enrollment will commence in early 2020. Conclusions Poorly controlled diabetes disproportionately affects the health of AIs compared to other racial/ethnic groups, and has profound effects on healthcare costs. Improving healthy food budgeting, purchasing, and cooking skills among AIs with diabetes should improve diet/diabetes management. Funding Sources NIH/NIMHD R01MD011596.

Food Insecurity Among DACA Students and Its Perceived Sociocultural, Environmental and Policy Determinants – An Exploratory Study in a Midsized Western US University

Abstract Objectives Previous research suggests a relationship between food insecurity and college students. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, its determinants, and coping strategies among Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. Methods Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and private social media platforms in partnership with the Office of Diversity and its affiliate groups on campus. Eighteen DACA students completed the demographic and nutrition survey; eight students agreed to participate in focus groups (FG). A validated 10-item US Adult Food Security Survey was used to assess food insecurity. In the FGs, participants were asked a series of questions about their understanding of food insecurity, the perceived factors associated with food insecurity, and coping strategies and ideas used for improving food security on campus. All data were transcribed and participant identifiers removed. Content analysis was performed to ascertain common codes and themes. Results Thirteen of the 18 participants were identified as food insecure. Major themes that emerged as determinants of food insecurity were ineligibility of DACA students to secure government financial aid that non-DACA students are eligible to apply for while in college, lack of time to prepare meals, and inadequate budgeting skills. Some viewed affordable food as unhealthy, and consequently limited eating to avoid poor quality food. Some students chose to buy other basic needs over buying food. Some participants coped with food insecurity by rationing food while others acknowledged buying less expensive, but poorer quality or unhealthy food. Other participants relied on relatives, food pantries, or shared food among friends and roommates. To reduce food insecurity, participants recommended increasing nutrition education and financial literacy education for DACA students on university campuses. Increasing availability of scholarships, stipends, and paid internships are also important options. Conclusions Food insecurity and its impact is prevalent among this sample of students. This study suggests that the unique immigration status of DACA students contributes to their food insecurity. Funding Sources Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award, CSU Chico.

Social policy and embedded evaluation: Assessing the impact of a food insecurity project in the United Kingdom

AbstractSocial policy making needs to involve robust evaluation to assess its impact. In this article, a social policy intervention focused on tackling food insecurity amongst vulnerable people is examined and the benefits and challenges of using an embedded approach to evaluation are considered. Food insecurity is defined as not always having the economic, social, and physical resources to ensure a sufficient supply of nutritionally appropriate food. Evidence suggests that food insecurity in the United Kingdom is increasing in the context of long‐term poverty, austerity, insecure employment, rising living costs, low pay, and cuts to welfare and public services. An embedded evaluation was conducted involving interviews with the intervention participants and observations of a series of cooking and food budgeting classes. The findings suggest that the classes had a positive impact on many of the participants, who felt more confident about cooking and valued the shared experience. However, given the acute problems facing many of the participants including long‐term poverty, policies aimed at tackling food insecurity need to go beyond cooking and food budgeting skills. The embedded evaluation approach contributed towards the overall impact of the intervention by providing insights that led to changes as part of an iterative process during the intervention rather than in the form of a final report after its completion. An embedded evaluation‐based approach can be resource intensive, and the role of the evaluators can present challenges, but it can help to bridge the gap between intervention design, delivery, and social change.

How Did The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Affect the Material Well‐Being of SNAP Participants? A Distributional Approach

AbstractMoney‐metric welfare, or material well‐being, can be defined by household expenditure. We find that the 2009 ARRA benefit increase improved material well‐being at all expenditure levels, which is interpreted as a first‐order policy improvement. The adverse effects of the 2013 benefit cuts, however, were concentrated among the most disadvantaged SNAP subpopulations. These effects are almost entirely driven by changes in food rather than nonfood spending. The asymmetric shift in the distribution of well‐being speaks to the resource management skills and coping strategies among the low‐income households, especially the most disadvantaged, and calls for improved education on budgeting skills.

Financial literacy and business performances improvement of micro, small, medium-sized enterprises in East Java Province, Indonesia

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between financial literacy and business performance improvement of MSMEs in East Java Province. Data collection from a survey questionnaire of 399 respondents was used to examine the research model. Then, the research model was analysed primarily using logistic regression supported by SPSS V.20 Software. The results of the study show that bookkeeping literacy and budgeting literacy has been proven as the significant predictor of sales growth, profit growth and overall business performance of MSMEs. However, control variables such as gender, education, and experience do not give any critical role in the relationship between financial literacy and business performance improvement of MSMEs. Theoretically, this study proposed that increasing the level of financial literacy for MSMEs managers related to bookkeeping and budgeting skills can enhance the business performance of MSMEs. Practically, the results of the study can be used as a reference for increasing the level of financial literacy for MSMEs managers who are still low in Indonesia. It is suggested to develop well-structured regular training for MSMEs managers regarding bookkeeping and budgeting skills in improving the level of financial literacy and business performance simultaneously.

Financial literacy and business performances improvement of micro, small, medium-sized enterprises in East Java Province, Indonesia

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between financial literacy and business performance improvement of MSMEs in East Java Province. Data collection from a survey questionnaire of 399 respondents was used to examine the research model. Then, the research model was analysed primarily using logistic regression supported by SPSS V.20 Software. The results of the study show that bookkeeping literacy and budgeting literacy has been proven as the significant predictor of sales growth, profit growth and overall business performance of MSMEs. However, control variables such as gender, education, and experience do not give any critical role in the relationship between financial literacy and business performance improvement of MSMEs. Theoretically, this study proposed that increasing the level of financial literacy for MSMEs managers related to bookkeeping and budgeting skills can enhance the business performance of MSMEs. Practically, the results of the study can be used as a reference for increasing the level of financial literacy for MSMEs managers who are still low in Indonesia. It is suggested to develop well-structured regular training for MSMEs managers regarding bookkeeping and budgeting skills in improving the level of financial literacy and business performance simultaneously.

What are the determinants of food security among regional and remote Western Australian children?

Objective:To explore how determinants of food security affect children in regional and remote Western Australia (WA), across food availability, access and utilisation dimensions. Methods:The Determinants of Food Security framework guided the thematic analysis (using NVivo 10) of semi‐structured interviews with 20 key informants. Results:Food availability factors included availability, price, promotion, quality, location of outlets and variety. Food access factors included social support, financial resources, transport to food outlets, distance to food outlets and mobility. Food utilisation factors included nutrition knowledge and skills, children's food preferences, storage facilities, preparation and cooking facilities and time to purchase food. Conclusions:Key food availability recommendations include increasing local food supply options. Food access recommendations include ensuring equitable formal social support and empowering informal support options. Food utilisation recommendations include prioritising food literacy programs focusing on quick, healthy food preparation and budgeting skills. Implications for public health:Policymakers should invest in local food supply options, equitable social support services and experiential food literacy programs. Practitioners should focus child/parent programs on improving attitude, knowledge and skills.

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Impact of the First Love Yourself (FLY) Women’s Support Group

Research has shown that social support groups not only have significant effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, but can also be used as predictors of health outcomes. It is, therefore, important that social workers and other public health professionals are aware of the social support groups that exist in communities so as to find ways to utilize these to meet health needs. The study aims to explore the First Love Yourself (FLY) group, an empowerment-based support group specifically designed to meet the needs of Healthy Start consumers, parents and consortium members. A qualitative analysis of the data gathered from this focus group study yielded several key themes. While participants described finding other community resources helpful, they reported having no other outlet for confidential self-expression and connection to peers other than the FLY group. Group members also reported having improved self-esteem, relationships with their children, partners, and family, and ability to cope as a result of participation in the group. Participants further described gaining knowledge and learning skills that were helpful. This included learning parenting, communication, stress and anger management, budgeting, goal-setting and coping skills and techniques. Finally, qualitative analysis of the data gained from the focus group with participants and the group leader revealed the presence of all 11 curative factors described by Yalom (2005). The primary areas for improvement noted by the group and its leader were related to the frequency of group meetings. Both audiences indicated that additional sessions would be beneficial.