Implementation Challenges Research Articles

Health Policy Analysis on the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India: A Mixed Methods Study of Antimicrobial Stewardship as a Pivotal Intervention in Tackling AMR

Objective: This policy report aimed at two goals, that is, to report the findings of the literature review and explore the perceptions of the key stakeholders in seeking better insight into the antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP), and to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy recommendations for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India, based on the findings from the rapid systematic review of the literature (both published and grey) and the views of key stakeholders. Methods: A mixed method approach using literature review and qualitative interviews has been applied. A rapid systematic literature review focusing on the antimicrobial stewardship pro-gram’s key achievements and its implementation and impact, implementation challenges, gaps and barriers, and opportunities, has been carried out, which has been followed by conducting interviews of key stakeholders and reporting the findings along with the recommendations. Results: The findings have shown significant progress towards AMSP, such as expanding to 90 secondary-level hospitals and district-level hospitals/nursing homes, and the Indian Council of Medical Research antimicrobial resistance surveillance and research network (ICMR AMRSN) program. Education, training, and microbiological testing have been found to be the current focus areas. However, there exist challenges, including a lack of leadership support, diagnostic stew-ardship, and staffing of clinical pharmacists and infectious control nurses. Key gaps and barriers identified include setting up microbiology laboratories and hiring ICN nurses and clinical phar-macists. Opportunities have also been identified. Based on these findings, we have made succinct recommendations to address the themes and issues identified. Conclusion: Without new medicines, India will struggle to manage antimicrobial resistance. This situation calls for national oversight. This study has demonstrated AMSP as crucial for fighting this silent pandemic. The Indian government and policymakers must swiftly address critical chal-lenges, gaps, and opportunities. These findings and recommendations might potentially strengthen the future antimicrobial resistance national action plan (AMR NAP).

Implementing AI in the public sector

ABSTRACT Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced as one of the most prominent technological innovations to push the conversation about the digital transformation of the public sector forward. This special issue focuses on actual implementation approaches or challenges that public managers are facing while they fulfil new policy that asks for the implementation of AI in public administrations. In addition to assessing the contributions of papers in this issue, we also provide a research agenda on how future research can fill some of the methodological, theoretical, and application gaps in the public management literature.

Machine and Deep Learning Implementations for Heritage Building Information Modelling: A Critical Review of Theoretical and Applied Research

Research domain and Problem: HBIM modelling from point cloud data has become a crucial research topic in the last decade since it is potentially considered as the central data model paving the way for the digital heritage practice beyond digitization. Reality Capture technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning, drone-mounted LiDAR sensors and photogrammetry enable the reality capture with a sub-millimetre accurate point cloud file that can be used as a reference file for Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). However, HBIM modelling from the point cloud data of heritage buildings is mainly manual, error-prone, and time-consuming. Furthermore, image processing techniques are insufficient for classification and segmentation of point cloud data to speed up and enhance the current workflow for HBIM modelling. Due to the challenges and bottlenecks in the scan-to-HBIM process, which is commonly criticized as complex with its bespoke requirements, semantic segmentation of point clouds is gaining popularity in the literature. Research Aim and Methodology: Therefore, this paper aims to provide a thorough critical review of Machine Learning and Deep Learning methods for point cloud segmentation, classification, and BIM geometry automation for cultural heritage case study applications. Research findings: This paper files the challenges of HBIM practice and the opportunities for semantic point cloud segmentation found across academic literature in the last decade. Beyond definitions and basic occurrence statistics, this paper discusses the success rates and implementation challenges of machine and deep learning classification methods. Research value and contribution: This paper provides a holistic review of point cloud segmentation and its potential for further development and application in the Cultural Heritage sector. The critical analysis provides insight into the current state-of-the-art methods and advises on their suitability for HBIM projects. The review has identified highly original threads of research, which hold the potential to significantly influence practice and further applied research.

Meeting the Challenges of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Holistic Systems Thinking and Applied Geospatial Ethics

The halfway point for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was marked in 2023, as set forth in the 2030 Agenda. Geospatial technologies have proven indispensable in assessing and tracking fundamental components of each of the 17 SDGs, including climatological and ecological trends, and changes and humanitarian crises and socio-economic impacts. However, gaps remain in the capacity for geospatial and related digital technologies, like AI, to provide a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the complex and multi-factorial challenges delineated in the SDGs. Lack of progress toward these goals, and the immense implementation challenges that remain, call for inclusive and holistic approaches, coupled with transformative uses of digital technologies. This paper reviews transdisciplinary, holistic, and participatory approaches to address gaps in ethics and diversity in geospatial and related technologies and to meet the pressing need for bottom-up, community-driven initiatives. Small-scale, community-based initiatives are known to have a systemic and aggregate effect toward macro-economic and global environmental goals. Cybernetic systems thinking approaches are the conceptual framework investigated in this study, as these approaches suggest that a decentralized, polycentric system—for example, each community acting as one node in a larger, global system—has the resilience and capacity to create and sustain positive change, even if it is counter to top-down decisions and mechanisms. Thus, this paper will discuss how holistic systems thinking—societal, political, environmental, and economic choices considered in an interrelated context—may be central to building true resilience to climate change and creating sustainable development pathways. Traditional and Indigenous knowledge (IK) systems around the world hold holistic awareness of human-ecological interactions—practicable, reciprocal relationships developed over time as a cultural approach. This cultural holistic approach is also known as Systemic Literacy, which considers how systems function beyond “mechanical” aspects and include political, philosophical, psychological, emotional, relational, anthropological, and ecological dimensions. When Indigenous-led, these dimensions can be unified into participatory, community-centered conservation practices that support long-term human and environmental well-being. There is a growing recognition of the criticality of Indigenous leadership in sustainability practices, as well as that partnerships with Indigenous peoples and weaving knowledge systems, as a missing link to approaching global ecological crises. This review investigates the inequality in technological systems—the “digital divide” that further inhibits participation by communities and groups that retain knowledge of “place” and may offer the most transformative solutions. Following the review and synthesis, this study presents cybernetics as a bridge of understanding to Indigenous systems thinking. As non-Indigenous scholars, we hope that this study serves to foster informed, productive, and respectful dialogues so that the strength of diverse knowledges might offer whole-systems approaches to decision making that tackle wicked problems. Lastly, we discuss use cases of community-based processes and co-developed geospatial technologies, along with ethical considerations, as avenues toward enhancing equity and making advances in democratizing and decolonizing technology.

Comprehending Qualifying Payment Amount (QPA) and the No Surprise Act in Healthcare

Purpose: This article investigates the No Surprise Act, a pivotal piece of legislation designed to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-network healthcare charges, emphasizing the Qualifying Payment Amount (QPA) mechanism.
 Methodology: Through a comprehensive literature review, analysis of legislative texts, and examination of case studies, this study elucidates the Act's origins, objectives, and operational framework of the QPA. It also explores the challenges of implementing the Act, its impact on various stakeholders (patients, healthcare providers, and insurers), and the broader implications for the U.S. healthcare system. Despite its intentions to curb surprise billing practices, the No Surprise Act and its QPA component face several implementation challenges, including administrative burdens, disputes over payment calculations, and unintended consequences on insurance premiums and healthcare market dynamics. This article leverages recent data, expert opinions, and comparative analysis with other healthcare models to provide a nuanced evaluation of the Act's effectiveness and areas for improvement.
 Findings: The findings suggest that while the No Surprise Act represents a significant step forward in patient financial protection, ongoing adjustments and policy refinements are essential for achieving its intended outcomes without compromising the sustainability of healthcare providers and insurers.
 Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: Study and policy recommendations aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and efforts to enhance patient protection and healthcare affordability in the U.S., ensuring that the No Surprise Act lives up to its promise and potential..

A cluster-randomized study to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) tool in South Tyrolean primary care for patients with COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure: the ABCC South Tyrol study

BackgroundChronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure, often coexist and contribute to a significant burden on individuals and health systems. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) tool, already in routine clinical use in the Netherlands, aims to comprehensively assess and visualize disease burden, stimulate self-management, and encourage shared decision-making. This study aims to validate the German and Italian versions of the ABCC tool and evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in the South Tyrolean Primary Care setting.MethodsThis is a cluster-randomized study involving approximately 400 patients with COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure who received care from the South Tyrolean General Practices. Initially, the ABCC tool will be translated into German and Italian and validated. Subsequently, half of the participants will use the validated ABCC tool for patient-reported outcome measurement assessments, while the other half will receive usual care. The primary outcome measure is the change in the patients’ perception of the quality of care after 18 months. The secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life, self-management behavior, and healthcare utilization. The missing data will be managed using multiple imputations. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis that considers the direct medical costs reimbursed by the National Health Service will be conducted.DiscussionThis study provides insights into the application, validation, and efficacy of the ABCC tool in the South Tyrolean healthcare context. The tool’s potential to enhance person-centered care, improve the quality of life, and possibly reduce healthcare costs could greatly contribute to sustainable healthcare. The challenges of implementation, such as software integration and the use of an EU data platform, will provide lessons for future international patient care data management.Trial registrationISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13531607. Registered on August 23, 2023.

Compact Instruction Set Extensions for Dilithium

Post-quantum cryptography is considered to provide security against both traditional and quantum computer attacks. Dilithium is a digital signature algorithm that derives its security from the challenge of finding short vectors in lattices. It has been selected as one of the standardizations in the NIST post-quantum cryptography project. Hardware-software co-design is a commonly adopted implementation strategy to address various implementation challenges, including limited resources, high performance, and flexibility requirements. In this study, we investigate using compact instruction set extensions (ISEs) for Dilithium, aiming to improve software efficiency with low hardware overheads. To begin with, we propose tightly coupled accelerators that are deeply integrated into the RISC-V processor. These accelerators target the most computationally demanding components in resource-constrained processors, such as polynomial generation, Number Theoretic Transform (NTT), and modular arithmetic. Next, we design a set of custom instructions that seamlessly integrate with the RISC-V base instruction formats, completing the accelerators in a compact manner. Subsequently, we implement our ISEs in a chip design for the Hummingbird E203 core and conduct performance benchmarks for Dilithium utilizing these ISEs. Additionally, we evaluate the resource consumption of the ISEs on FPGA and ASIC technologies. Compared to the reference software implementation on the RISC-V core, our co-design demonstrates a remarkable speedup factor ranging from 6.95 to 9.96. This significant improvement in performance is achieved by incorporating additional hardware resources, specifically, a 35% increase in LUTs, a 14% increase in FFs, 7 additional DSPs, and no additional RAM. Furthermore, compared to the state-of-the-art approach, our work achieves faster speed performance with a reduced circuit cost. Specifically, the usage of additional LUTs, FFs, and RAMs is reduced by 47.53%, 50.43%, and 100%, respectively. On ASIC technology, our approach demonstrates 12, 412 cell counts. Our co-design provides a better tradeoff implementation on speed performance and circuit overheads.

Deep-learning-based super-resolution for accelerating chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is a molecular imaging tool that provides physiological information about tissues, making it an invaluable tool for disease diagnosis and guided treatment. Its clinical application requires the acquisition of high-resolution images capable of accurately identifying subtle regional changes in vivo, while simultaneously maintaining a high level of spectral resolution. However, the acquisition of such high-resolution images is time consuming, presenting a challenge for practical implementation in clinical settings. Among several techniques that have been explored to reduce the acquisition time in MRI, deep-learning-based super-resolution (DLSR) is a promising approach to address this problem due to its adaptability to any acquisition sequence and hardware. However, its translation to CEST MRI has been hindered by the lack of the large CEST datasets required for network development. Thus, we aim to develop a DLSR method, named DLSR-CEST, to reduce the acquisition time for CEST MRI by reconstructing high-resolution images from fast low-resolution acquisitions. This is achieved by first pretraining the DLSR-CEST on human brain T1w and T2w images to initialize the weights of the network and then training the network on very small human and mouse brain CEST datasetsto fine-tune the weights. Using the trained DLSR-CEST network, the reconstructed CEST source images exhibited improved spatial resolution in both peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure metrics at all downsampling factors (2-8). Moreover, amide CEST and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect maps extrapolated from the DLSR-CEST source images exhibited high spatial resolution and low normalized root mean square error, indicating a negligible loss in Z-spectrum information. Therefore, our DLSR-CEST demonstrated a robust reconstruction of high-resolution CEST source images from fast low-resolution acquisitions, thereby improving the spatial resolution and preserving most Z-spectrum information.

Collaboration in in-service teacher training - the missing link between empirical evidence and practice?

ABSTRACT Cooperative learning is an evidence-based teaching strategy that has positive effects on students’ academic and social learning, but teachers use the strategy in class infrequently. Teacher collaboration has the potential to support teachers in the transformation of knowledge into the implementation of new teaching methods. In an experimental pre-test-post-test design (N = 53), an in-service teacher training with teacher collaboration for the implementation of cooperative learning in class was compared to a training without teacher collaboration. At both points of measurement, teachers’ knowledge about cooperative learning was tested and they reported on their self-efficacy beliefs for the implementation of cooperative learning and their use of cooperative learning in class, including the frequency, quality, and challenges of cooperative learning implementation. In both conditions, teachers’ knowledge and self-efficacy beliefs, and the quality of their use of cooperative learning increased strongly, whereas perceived challenges decreased. A significant interaction effect occurred only for the frequency of teachers’ use of cooperative learning in class. These results are discussed against the background of the efficacy of collaboration in in-service teacher training.

Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Capping Layer for High Efficiency FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Long-Term Stability.

Ionic liquid salts (ILs) are generally recognized as additives in perovskite precursor solutions to enhance the efficiency and stability of solar cells. However, the success of ILs incorporation as additives is highly dependent on the precursor formulation and perovskite crystallization process, posing challenges for industrial-scale implementation. In this study, a room-temperature spin-coated IL, n-butylamine acetate (BAAc), is identified as an ideal passivation agent for formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) films. Compared with other passivation methods, the room-temperature BAAc capping layer (BAAc RT) demonstrates more uniform and thorough passivation of surface defects inthe FAPbI3 perovskite. Additionally, it provides better energy level alignment for hole extraction. As a result, the champion n-i-p perovskite solar cell with a BAAc capping layer exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.76%, with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.19V, and a Voc loss of ≈330mV. The PCE of the perovskite mini-module with BAAc RT reaches 20.47%, showcasing the effectiveness and viability of this method for manufacturing large-area perovskite solar cells. Moreover, the BAAc passivation layer also improves the long-term stability of unencapsulated FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells, enabling a T80 lifetime of 3500h when stored at 35% relative humidity at room temperature in an air atmosphere.

The Wearable Activity Tracker Checklist for Healthcare (WATCH): a 12-point guide for the implementation of wearable activity trackers in healthcare

Increasing physical activity in patients offers dual benefits, fostering improved patient health and recovery, while also bolstering healthcare system efficiency by minimizing costs related to extended hospital stays, complications, and readmissions. Wearable activity trackers offer valuable opportunities to enhance physical activity across various healthcare settings and among different patient groups. However, their integration into healthcare faces multiple implementation challenges related to the devices themselves, patients, clinicians, and systemic factors. This article presents the Wearable Activity Tracker Checklist for Healthcare (WATCH), which was recently developed through an international Delphi study. The WATCH provides a comprehensive framework for implementation and evaluation of wearable activity trackers in healthcare. It covers the purpose and setting for usage; patient, provider, and support personnel roles; selection of relevant metrics; device specifications; procedural steps for issuance and maintenance; data management; timelines; necessary adaptations for specific scenarios; and essential resources (such as education and training) for effective implementation. The WATCH is designed to support the implementation of wearable activity trackers across a wide range of healthcare populations and settings, and in those with varied levels of experience. The overarching goal is to support broader, sustained, and systematic use of wearable activity trackers in healthcare, therefore fostering enhanced physical activity promotion and improved patient outcomes.

Challenges and Adjustments in a Multisite School-Based Randomized Field Trial

Randomized experiments are a strong design for establishing impact evidence because the random assignment mechanism theoretically allows confidence in attributing group differences to the intervention. Growth of randomized experiments within educational studies has been widely documented. However, randomized experiments within education have received criticism for implementation challenges and for ignoring context. Additionally, limited guidance exists for programs that are tasked with both implementation and evaluation within the same funding period. This study draws on a research team's experiences and examines opportunities and challenges in conducting a multisite randomized evaluation of an internship program for teacher candidates. We discuss how problems were collaboratively addressed and adjusted to align with local realities and demonstrate how the research team, in consultation with local stakeholders, addressed methodological and program implementation problems in the field. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Unleashing Student Creativity

This study explores the Implementation Analysis of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum at SMKN 10 Luwu to foster creative and innovative students. The research delves into the curriculum implementation process, challenges faced, and outcomes through qualitative descriptive methods, including interviews and observations. Findings reveal successful implementation for the 2022/2023 academic year, showcasing teachers' proficiency in lesson planning and differentiated learning. Challenges include teachers' creative teaching methods, school environment considerations, and resource constraints. Addressing these requires training, community support, improved infrastructure, increased supervision, and collaboration. While the curriculum is effectively applied, refinement is ongoing, and some teachers encounter challenges in assessment timing. Despite this, teachers at SMKN 10 Luwu actively engage in the implementation process.

ADVANCING NATURAL FARMING: A SYSTEMATICAL LITERATURE REVIEW OF NATURAL FARMING PRACTICES IN INDIA

The agricultural sector captures a key position and is the backbone of the Indian economy. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the efficacy of natural farming practices, which is known as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), in addressing sustainability challenges in Indian agriculture. Analyzing 21 finalized papers spanning 2015 to 2024, the review explores ZBNFs impact on farmer incomes, crop yields, and soil health. Findings suggest that ZBNF reduces production costs, enhances soil fertility, and mitigates adverse environmental effects. However, challenges such as limited resources, pest management, and technological constraints hinder widespread adoption. Graphical analyses illustrate increasing research output and Indias prominence in the field. Overall, the review emphasizes the potential of natural farming to promote socio-ecological resilience and calls for further research to address implementation challenges foster policy support for sustainable agriculture, and encourage farmers to consider it lifestyle. KEYWORDS: natural farming, sustainability, India, Challenges

Maternal GBS vaccination for preventing group B streptococcus disease in newborns: A mini review of current evidence.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) poses a significant threat to neonates, leading to morbidity and mortality. Intrapartum antibiotics, although effective, have limitations, prompting the exploration of maternal vaccination. This study reviews the current evidence for maternal GBS vaccination in the prevention of early-onset GBS disease in newborns. A search on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus identified studies assessing the impact of maternal GBS vaccination on early-onset GBS disease. Inclusion criteria comprised English-language clinical trials or observational studies. Data extraction included study details, immunogenicity profiles, effectiveness, safety outcomes, and relevant findings. Qualitative synthesis was employed for data analysis. Five studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Maternal GBS vaccines demonstrated efficacy with sustained immunogenicity. Adverse events, although documented, were predominantly non-severe. Variability in immune responses and maternal-to-infant antibody ratios show the need for tailored vaccination approaches. Long-term follow up and surveillance are essential to assess persistence and identify unintended effects. Positive outcomes in vaccine efficacy support GBS vaccination integration into maternal health programs. Implementation challenges in diverse healthcare infrastructures require tailored approaches, especially in resource-limited settings. Overcoming cultural barriers and ensuring healthcare provider awareness are crucial for successful vaccination.

An Introductory Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Interventional Radiology: Part 1 Foundational Knowledge.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and has transformative potential for interventional radiology (IR) clinical practice. However, formal training in AI may be limited for many clinicians and therefore presents a challenge for initial implementation and trust in AI. An understanding of the foundational concepts in AI may help familiarize the interventional radiologist with the field of AI, thus facilitating understanding and participation in the development and deployment of AI. A pragmatic classification system of AI based on the complexity of the model may guide clinicians in the assessment of AI. Finally, the current state of AI in IR and the patterns of implementation are explored (pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural).

Utilizing Wearable Technology to Enhance Training and Performance Monitoring in Indonesian Badminton Players

This research delves into the integration of wearable technology and sports rehabilitation in the training of Indonesian badminton players. The study explores both realized and potential impacts, considering biomechanical refinement, performance optimization, strategic development, and injury prevention. Challenges in implementation, including resource accessibility and psychological readiness, are addressed, accompanied by recommendations for improvement. The potential impacts of enhanced skill acquisition, cognitive training advancements, personalized programs, and global competitiveness are discussed. This transformative journey signifies a paradigm shift in Indonesian badminton training, promising continuous innovation and excellence.

What does the scale-up of long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis mean for the global hepatitis B epidemic?

The HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemics are interconnected with shared routes of transmission and specific antiviral drugs that are effective against both viruses. Nearly, 300 million people around the world live with chronic HBV, many of whom are from priority populations who could benefit from HIV prevention services. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has implications in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection, but many people at increased risk of HIV acquisition may instead prefer long-acting formulations of PrEP, which are currently not active against HBV. People at increased risk for HIV acquisition may also be at risk for or already be living with HBV infection. Oral PrEP with tenofovir is effective in preventing both HIV and HBV, and tenofovir is also the recommended treatment for chronic HBV infection. Although implementation of oral PrEP has been challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, investments in its scale-up could secondarily reduce the clinical impact of HBV. Long-acting PrEP, including injectable medicines and implantable rings, may overcome some of the implementation challenges associated with oral PrEP, such as daily pill burden, adherence challenges and stigma; however, current formulations of long-acting PrEP do not have activity against HBV replication. Ideally, PrEP programmes would offer both oral and long-acting formulations with HBV screening to optimize HIV prevention services and HBV prevention and care, when appropriate. People who are not immune to HBV would benefit from being vaccinated against HBV before initiating long-acting PrEP. People who remain non-immune to HBV despite vaccination may benefit from being offered oral, tenofovir-based PrEP given its potential for HBV PrEP. People using PrEP and living with HBV who are not linked to dedicated HBV care would also benefit from laboratory monitoring at PrEP sites to ensure safety when using and after stopping tenofovir. PrEP programmes are ideal venues to offer HBV screening, HBV vaccination for people who are non-immune and treatment with tenofovir-based PrEP for people with indications for HBV therapy. Long-acting PrEP holds promise for reducing HIV incidence, but its implications for the HBV epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, should not be overlooked.

THE NATURE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICESIN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTH SULAWESI

Objective: This study aims to delve into the core of government procurement implementation in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The primary objective is to comprehensively understand the dynamics, challenges, and outcomes of the procurement process. The research seeks to identify critical factors influencing the effectiveness of procurement practices and propose recommendations for improvement. Theoretical Framework: Built upon a framework that combines elements from public administration theory and legal perspectives, this research explores the intricate nature of government procurement. The theoretical underpinning incorporates aspects of administrative law, public policy, and governance to provide a holistic view of the implementation process in the context of South Sulawesi Province. Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data is collected through surveys and analysis of procurement records, offering statistical insights. Concurrently, qualitative data is gathered through interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, suppliers, and experts, providing nuanced perspectives on the implementation challenges and successes. Results and Conclusion: The quantitative analysis sheds light on the efficiency and effectiveness of government procurement practices in South Sulawesi Province. Findings from the qualitative phase uncover contextual insights, contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by stakeholders involved in the procurement process. The research concludes with recommendations to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government procurement. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field by providing an in-depth analysis of government procurement implementation in a specific regional context. The integration of legal and administrative perspectives enriches the theoretical understanding of the procurement process. The study's findings offer practical implications for policymakers, procurement practitioners, and academics, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address the unique challenges faced in South Sulawesi Province.

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Economic Growth of Nepal

The study investigates the factors influencing foreign direct investment (FDI) and its sectoral distribution in the Nepalese economy, specifically examining the relationship and impact of FDI on sectors such as minerals, manufacturing, construction, energy, and services over a ten-year period from 2011/12 to 2020/21. Descriptive and correlational research design was employed in the annual time series data. The major findings reveal a positive correlation (correlation co-efficient of 0.668) between FDI and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), signifying a significant relationship. The study concludes that FDI has a substantial impact on Nepal's GDP. Additionally, sectoral FDI investments, including minerals, construction, energy, manufacturing, and services, also positively influence the country's GDP. The study suggests that despite Nepal's untapped FDI potential, implementation challenges, lengthy approval processes, and a service sector bias among investors hinder optimal exploitation of investment opportunities in other sectors with higher productivity.