Comprehensive Reform Research Articles

Judges´` Incarceration decisions in Mozambique

Over the last decade, Mozambique embarked on a comprehensive reform that aimed at improving the conditions of prisons in the country. Legal reform was accompanied by institutional reform. Prison conditions, however, have not improved at the pace they should have developed. Based on the findings of research conducted on prisons by the organisations Africa Criminal Justice Reform and REFORMAR- Research for Mozambique, over the last ten years, this article aims at drawing the attention of the prison issues from the judges’ incarceration decisions. In fact, while studies of criminal justice reform have traditionally examined the systematic deficiencies of the prison system, a closer look at the role of judges in the context of prison provides practical understandings, especially where there are substantive non-conformities with the legal framework in place. Solutions are, furthermore, threefold: the use of legal remedies by victims of judicial decisions and the civil liability of the state for illegal detention and the overall decolonisation of the state approach to criminal justice by all actors of the state administration.

Addressing Gaps in Water Protection Law for River Conservation

Water law aims to establish a legislative framework to meet water governance objectives. However, discrepancies may exist between the current legal provisions and the requirements for effective water quality protection and management. This research aims to investigate these discrepancies by analyzing the gap between actual law coverage and current water legislation, and to identify the necessary legal provisions for effective water management. The study employs an empirical literature review with an exploratory approach, utilizing a gap analysis framework that includes water institution mapping and water legislation mapping to evaluate the extent and efficacy of existing legislation. The gap analysis identified several deficiencies in the current water legislation, highlighting discrepancies and gaps in the legal framework for water quality protection and management. The research concludes that significant gaps in the current water legislation impede effective water quality protection and management. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive legislative reforms is essential to enhance water governance and ensure sustainable water management practices.

NAVIGATING LEGAL FRONTIERS: ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN REGULATING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Background: The integration of digital technologies into various facets of society has given rise to the digital economy, transforming the economic landscape. Western Balkan nations face challenges from this digital transformation, necessitating effective regulatory frameworks. Recognising and addressing regulatory gaps is crucial for fostering a secure and innovative digital environment. This study examines regulatory challenges in the Western Balkans' digital economy, focusing on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in cybersecurity. The research question revolves around identifying gaps in legal frameworks, understanding PPP dynamics in countering cyber threats, and assessing the potential impact of the EU's Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act on the Western Balkan regulatory sphere. Methods: The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing the legal and policy frameworks of six Western Balkan countries. Data is gathered through an in-depth examination of cybersecurity laws, strategies, and action plans, with a specific emphasis on provisions related to PPPs. Comparative analysis is utilised to discern patterns and variations across the countries while also considering the potential impact of the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act. Results and conclusions: The analysis reveals a common challenge – the lack of specific regulations for the digital economy, creating a legal vacuum. Varying PPP integration levels exist across the Western Balkans. Significant findings include ethical considerations, challenges related to data privacy, and the need for robust competition regulations. Examination of the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act highlights potential harmonisation opportunities and challenges. In conclusion, the research underscores the urgency for comprehensive regulatory reforms in the Western Balkans to address the challenges of the digital economy. The study advocates for developing specific laws governing digital platforms, strengthening PPPs to enhance cybersecurity, and incorporating ethical considerations in legal frameworks. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasising the necessity of adaptive and forward-looking regulatory approaches in the ever-evolving digital landscape, considering the potential impact of EU initiatives such as the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act.

Reforming Pension System In Nepal

Purpose: The pension system in Nepal is pivotal for safeguarding social security and financial stability among its aging populace, yet it grapples with substantial hurdles, encompassing demographic transformations, insufficient funding, and operational inefficiencies. The primary aim is to investigate and analyze different facets of Nepal’s pension system, assessing its adequacy, coverage, and sustainability.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: This study utilized a mixed-method approach, combining primary survey data from 237 respondents with secondary data from the Pension Management Office. Employing a descriptive research design, it aimed to offer insights into the current state of Nepal’s pension system and stakeholders’ perceptions.
 Findings: The findings revealed widespread dissatisfaction among respondents regarding the current provision of pension benefits, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. Key reform priorities identified included raising the retirement age, expanding coverage to the informal sector, increasing contribution rates, improving efficiency and management, and enhancing public awareness.
 Research limitation/ Implications: This study exclusively focused on the pension system, neglecting other components of social security benefits that many influence individuals’ motivation. Likewise, this study totally relied on descriptive analysis restricting its capacity to establish causal relationships. Likewise, this insight provides valuable guidance for policymakers in developing comprehensive reform strategies to address the systemic challenges and shortcomings in Nepal’s pension system, ensuring its long-term sustainability and adequacy for future retirees

Honour Killings in Pakistan: Legal Perspectives and Reforms

This investigation delves into the pervasive issue of honour killings in Pakistan, examining its legal intricacies and proposing comprehensive reforms. Despite existing legal provisions within the Pakistan Penal Code, the implementation faces substantial challenges, including legal loopholes, societal pressures, and inadequate protection measures. Proposed reforms include enhancing legal clarity, fostering societal awareness through educational initiatives, implementing witness protection programs, expediting judicial processes, fostering collaboration with NGOs, and establishing counselling and support services. The proposed reforms collectively aim to create a nuanced and holistic strategy to combat honour-based violence. By addressing legal shortcomings, challenging ingrained cultural norms, ensuring protection, fostering collaboration, and providing compassionate support services, these measures strive to reshape Pakistan's societal landscape. The success of these reforms relies on the commitment of legal authorities, civil society, and the broader community to foster lasting change, ultimately creating a society where justice, equality, and human rights triumph over the tragic legacy of honour-based violence.

Construction and Reflection of Software Engineering Major Based on Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Certification

With the rapid development of information technology, the demand for talents in the field of software engineering is growing. In order to cultivate high-quality software engineering talents who meet the market demand, universities have continuously carried out the construction of software engineering majors. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) certification, as an internationally recognized higher education quality assurance system, provides important reference and guidance for the construction of software engineering majors. Guided by student learning outcomes and core competencies, combined with the characteristics of software engineering talent cultivation, the innovation of talent cultivation mode takes industry-education integration and school-enterprise cooperation as the main development paths and explores comprehensive reform of the major in terms of professional positioning and goals, curriculum system, teaching conditions, and teachers. This comprehensive reform model has effectively promoted the development of major construction and improved the quality of talent cultivation.

Trends in out-of-pocket health expenditure inequality in Turkey under comprehensive health reforms

The success of Turkey's inclusive health policies has served as a strategic tool for building progressivity and improving social welfare. The objective of this study is to examine the inequality trend in out of pocket (OOP) health expenditures in Turkey. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute's Household Budget Survey conducted in 2015 and 2019 were used to measure inequalities in OOP total health, pharmaceutical and hospital expenditure variables across socioeconomic status. Decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the factors contributing to inequalities. The study findings demonstrate that OOP health expenditure is higher among the poor in Turkey. Evidence suggests that in Turkey inequalities in OOP health expenditures continue to persist. The results show that OOP health, pharmaceutical, and hospital expenditures increased from 2015 to 2019. The inequality index and curve approaches reveal that the pro-rich distribution of OOP health expenditures is remarkable from 2015 to 2019. The burden of OOP pharmaceutical and hospital services expenditures stands on the shoulders of poor households. Progressive universalism is essential to achieve poverty alleviation strategies and reduce inequality for egalitarian development.

Welfare service reforms: Arab minority welfare bureau managers assess the outcomes

AbstractWelfare bureaus constitute a safety net for the dispossessed Arab minority in Israel who are partially excluded from the state social services. The welfare bureau reforms discussed in this article are consequently crucial to improve welfare services for the underprivileged minority service users. This article partially fills a lacuna in the relevant literature by adopting a critical approach to assess the reforms' actual contributions to improving the organizations' performances for minority population social services. It did this by investigating Arab social workers' views on the outcomes of different welfare services reforms for them. An exploratory study drew data from two tools: content analysis of official documents and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 19 Arab welfare bureau managers. The documents indicated that the ‘Change Program’ (1977) produced minimal to no positive outcomes for Arab welfare bureaus. Also, the respondents indicated that the ‘Reform in Local Welfare Services’ (2017) produced insufficient achievements, detailed in five themes. Two Arab representatives were consulted for the proposed ‘Right to Quality Welfare’ program (June 2023), which aims to offer a ‘uniform welfare basket’ to all citizens. The findings indicate that the concept of up‐down comprehensive organizational reforms should be re‐examined, considering instead small but incremental down‐up modifications.

Transforming health care systems towards high-performance organizations: qualitative study based on learning from COVID-19 pandemic in the Basque Country (Spain)

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is one of the worst health catastrophes of the last century, which caused severe economic, political, and social consequences worldwide. Despite these devastating consequences, lessons learned provide a great opportunity that can drive the reform of health systems to become high-performing, effective, equitable, accessible, and sustainable organisations. This work identifies areas in which changes must be encouraged that will enable health systems to deal effectively with current and future challenges, beyond COVID-19.MethodsA realist design was chosen, based on qualitative data collection techniques, content analysis and triangulation to identify key domains of organizational interventions behind the changes implemented to react to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Basque Country. Twenty key informants were used as an expert source of information. Thematic analysis was done using the Framework Method.ResultsThe analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of 116 codes, which were reviewed and agreed upon by the researchers. Following the process of methodological analysis, these codes were grouped into domains: seven themes and 23 sub-themes. Specifically, the themes are: responsiveness, telehealth, integration, knowledge management, professional roles, digitisation, and organisational communication. The detailed description of each theme and subtheme is presented.ConclusionsThe findings of this work pretend to guide the transformation of health systems into organisations that can improve the health of their populations and provide high quality care. Such a multidimensional and comprehensive reform encompasses both strategic and operational actions in diverse areas and requires a broad and sustained political, technical, and financial commitment.

Analysis of Leadership Failures, Crises, and Scandals in Various Sectors and Contexts in Argentina

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the analysis of leadership failures, crises, and scandals in various sectors and contexts.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: An analysis of leadership failures, crises, and scandals in Argentina reveals recurring patterns across various sectors and contexts. Instances of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability have plagued political, corporate, and social spheres. The failure to address systemic issues has exacerbated economic instability and social unrest, undermining trust in leadership. These challenges underscore the pressing need for comprehensive reforms and ethical leadership to foster sustainable development and restore public confidence.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transformational leadership theory, contingency theory & ethical leadership theory may be used to anchor future studies on the analysis of leadership failures, crises, and scandals in various sectors and contexts. Encourage practitioners to consider the perspectives of various stakeholders when analyzing leadership failures and developing strategies for crisis management and stakeholder engagement. Develop evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at preventing leadership failures and promoting effective leadership practices.

The Role of Taxation in Kosovo's Economic Development

In pursuit of economic stability and political harmony, national governments employ diverse strategies to promote prosperity. Kosovo, facing sluggish economic growth and fiscal constraints, grapples with the formidable task of fostering economic development amidst persistently high unemployment rates. Addressing this challenge requires comprehensive reforms across various sectors of the economy to facilitate the creation of stable employment opportunities. This paper investigates the efficacy of fiscal policy in mitigating unemployment, spurring investment, and stimulating consumption to bolster sustainable economic expansion. Through an analysis of fiscal measures and their impact on key economic indicators, this study seeks to offer insights into strategies for achieving robust and inclusive growth in Kosovo.

Analysis of the composition and influencing factors of hospitalization expenses for 1517 patients with lung malignant tumors in Beijing.

This study aimed to analyze the composition of the total hospitalization expenses of patients with lung cancer in Beijing TongRen Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 before and after the implementation of the "Beijing Medical Consumption Linkage Comprehensive Reform Implementation Plan" (hereinafter referred to as "Reform"). The SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used to perform descriptive statistics on the total hospitalization costs of selected 1517 patients with lung malignant tumors, and single factor and multivariate regression analysis were used to clarify the influencing factors of the patients' total hospitalization costs. From 2018 to 2020, the total hospitalization costs of patients with lung malignant tumors increased year by year (P < .05), and the average length of hospital stay decreased year by year (P < .05). The total hospitalization expenses of patients with lung malignant tumors mainly include material expenses, surgical expenses, inspection expenses, inspection expenses and medicine expenses. After the implementation of the "Reform," the proportion of medicine, inspection, nursing and other expenses in the total hospitalization expenses of patients with lung malignant tumors has been significantly reduced (P < .05), and the proportion of surgical expenses has been significantly increased (P < .05). The results of the univariate analysis showed that gender, age, length of stay in the hospital, surgery, and tumor location were the main factors affecting the total hospitalization expenses of patients (P < .05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that gender (female), age (<40 years old), length of stay (≥15 days), surgery (yes), and tumor location (right lung) are the main factors affecting the total hospitalization cost of patients with malignant tumors (P < .05). Under the premise of ensuring the efficacy of patients, the economic burden of patients is reduced by reducing the cost of materials, shortening the length of hospitalization, strengthening hospital management, and controlling the continuous growth of hospitalization costs.

Same Game, Different Participation in Nigeria: A qualitative study of (2006) National Gender Policy

Equal participation in politics are a goal of democracy, independent of gender, race, or ethnicity. This essay contends that if these values are not given top priority and prominence in society, democracy will have failed. By examining the opinions of participants, this study assesses the implementation of the 2006 National Gender Policy in Nigeria. To learn how participants, assess the policy’s execution since it was created, the research employs a qualitative methodology. The results show that sexism, illiteracy, and a lack of strong government support are the main barriers to full implementation of the national gender policy. The policy implementation framework is hindered, as evidenced by the participants’ experiences, raising questions about its efficacy in promoting gender equality. In order to accomplish the goals of the policy, the government and other players will need to provide better support, raise awareness of the issue, and make firmer promises. The implications of these findings are examined within the social learning theory, which suggests that behavior is learned from the environment, and that people adapt by observing the consequences of their actions and the actions of others. The research reveals that social learning is critical in the implementation of gender policies, but the limited application of the policy undermines its ability to promote change. Therefore, this paper argues that there is an urgent need for comprehensive action and policy reform, aimed at addressing the limitations identified and ensuring gender equity in Nigeria.

Winners, Losers, and Voter Confidence in Response to Partisan Electoral Reform

Abstract In this article, we examine individual- and state-level voter confidence in Georgia from 2020 to 2022—an extremely contentious moment in Georgia politics. For the first time in 28 years, Georgia's electoral votes went to a Democrat, Joe Biden, in 2020. Then, in early January 2021, Democrats won both of Georgia's two U.S. Senate runoffs, giving their party majority control. In the wake of these surprising, historic, and consequential losses, Georgia Republicans’ voter confidence plummeted, and their party responded by passing comprehensive electoral reform in Senate Bill (SB) 202. Using survey data, we tracked voter confidence in Georgia before and after 2020, after passage of SB 202 in 2021, and after the 2022 midterm. Partisans’ voter confidence is greatly affected by the winner/loser effect in election outcomes. Also, SB 202 did boost Republicans’ confidence in Georgia's election system, which, in turn, increased their individual- and state-level voter confidence in the 2022 midterm. In contrast, Georgia Democrats overwhelmingly opposed SB 202; therefore, the bill did not have the same salutary effect on their voter confidence in the 2022 elections.

The politics of anger: emotional appraisal mechanisms and the French pension reform protests

In this article, using the French pension reform in 2020 as a case, we demonstrate how a focus on emotions helps us to better understand important policy dynamics. While existing approaches of welfare state reform typically focus on rational-materialist and institutionalist approaches, we use appraisal theory of emotion to explain how the reform project and process on the one hand and interest group behaviour and protest on the other are linked via a mechanism of anger. Material interests of different groups of citizens and trade unions clearly matter, but they cannot sufficiently explain the process through which disagreement could erupt in one of the largest and longest protest movements in recent French history. Theoretically integrating material interests and moral reasoning and using a variety of qualitative and public opinion data, we trace the escalation of conflict between key actors which ultimately impeded a comprehensive reform in 2020. Our findings have important implications for research on the role of emotions in policymaking.

Oligarchy and proprietary rights on land in Kenya

This study sought to discuss oligarchy and proprietary rights on land in Kenya. Oligarch Landownership in Kenya has been a persistent problem, with few monarchs holding the larger tracks of land for their selfish gains, whereas the majority of the population, which comprises marginalised peasants, are left scrambling for the infertile leftovers, enough reason which triggered an investigation, a thorough research into how this came to be and its implications for proprietary rights. Through this research acting as a looking glass into this nightmare haunting most Kenyans, solutions are proposed to improve the solution and ensure that the core of justice and fairness are adhered to. Secondary sources were selected for data analysis from various academic sources and scrutinised for viability for inclusion in the study. A meta-synthesis of the selected samples was conducted, and literature gaps were identified in solutions to the proposed problem. The results from this study indicate that historical, political, and economic aspects in Kenya have played a major role in the grounding of oligarchy land ownership in Kenya. The study's conclusion includes examining the broader implications of oligarchic landownership for Kenya's social, economic, and political development. The study proposes several potential solutions and reforms, including advocating for comprehensive land reforms, fortified land administration systems, empowerment of marginalised groups, and cultivating accountability and transparency in land governance.

Empowering equality: Advancing quality education in the contemporary global landscape

AbstractThis comprehensive study investigates the multifaceted dimensions of education, with a primary emphasis on access, equity and quality in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic and Kenya's educational landscape. The research begins by highlighting the centrality of education as a transformative force for individuals and societies, with the goal of bridging disparities that impede progress. The study introduces the concept of ‘Learning Poverty’, highlighting the worldwide problem of children's inability to read and comprehend fundamental texts, which is especially prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa. It highlights the dire consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic, exacerbating pre‐existing learning crises and exacerbating inequalities, particularly in regions already struggling with high rates of learning deprivation. In the context of Kenya, the research examines the nation's aspirations for equitable education with an emphasis on assuring access to quality secondary education, distributing resources' equitably, addressing disparities between public and private schools and promoting gender equity. It recognises ongoing efforts while addressing persistent barriers, such as low transition rates especially for girls. This research concludes by emphasising the critical significance of an unwavering commitment to well‐defined policy approaches and comprehensive reform initiatives to improve the quality and inclusiveness of education. It cautions against an overemphasis on privatisation and competition and urges a comprehensive reorganisation of policies and resource allocation in order to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. This study emphasises the importance of addressing educational disparities for global progress and the holistic development of children around the globe.

A Developing Competency of High-School Physical Education Teacher Model in Eastern Guangdong Province

Background and Aim: With the development of the comprehensive reform of China's new college entrance examination, Guangdong province has proposed higher requirements for high school physical education teachers. The objectives of this research were: (1) To explore the components of competence of high school physical education teachers. (2) To construct the competency model of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong. and (3) To propose the guidelines for developing competency of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong. Materials and Methods: This research was divided into three Phases: (1) Exploring the components of high school physical education teachers' competence. In this Phase, the literature, the in-depth interview of 15 experts, and the Delphi method of two rounds of consultation with 17 experts were adopted. (2) Questionnaire distribution and collection. The questionnaire was adopted. There were 1526 high school physical education teachers in Eastern Guangdong, and the sample size for this research was 308 according to Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) sampling table. (3) Data analysis: Descriptive Statistical Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and Confirmatory Analysis in mathematical statistics were used to analyze the collected data. Data analysis includes mean value, standard deviation analysis, and content analysis. Result: (1) The competency model of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong consisted of 9 dimensions and 38 variables. Namely, The RIC had six variables, IGC had four variables, TOS had five variables, SK had six variables, PC had five variables, IR had three variables, PQ had three variables, TSR had three variables, and PD had three variables. (2) 38 guidelines for developing competency of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong were proposed from 9 dimensions. Conclusion: (1) The competency model of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong was composed of 9 dimensions and 38 variables. (2) There were 38 guidelines for developing competency of high school physical education teachers in eastern Guangdong.

Социально-профессиональный статус сотрудника в условиях реформирования уголовно-исполнительной системы

The article is devoted to the analysis of the socio-professional status of employees of the penitentiary system in the modern period, in the conditions of ongoing reform. The article proposes the concept of the socio-professional status of an employee of the UIS, determines its greater terminological validity in comparison with the concept of the social status of an employee. Based on the assessment of the current state of the elements — constructs of the socio-professional status of the employees of the UIS, the need for its comprehensive reform is justified.

Examining the influence of location-oriented policies on green transition development of resource-based cities: evidence from China.

Assessing the impact of transforming resource-based cities (RBCs) through scientific evaluation is a crucial approach to gauge the efficacy of implementation of national locational policies. Drawing upon panel data encompassing 113 RBCs over the period 2006 to 2020, this study employs the difference-in-differences (DID) model to systematically evaluate the impact of location-oriented policies, represented by the "National Resource-Based Economic Transformation Comprehensive Supporting Reform Pilot Zone" (CRPZ), on the trajectory of green transition development (GTD) within RBCs. The results indicate, firstly, that the CRPZ has facilitated the GTD of RBCs, and a series of robustness tests confirm this conclusion, revealing a stimulating effect that evolves from initial suppression to subsequent promotion. Secondly, CRPZ can drive the GTD of RBCs by optimizing industrial structure and enhancing innovation capability, which shows that different marginal utilities are observed in its impact on the GTD of RBCs. Finally, the effectiveness of the CRPZ in promoting the GTD of RBCs is influenced by the degree of resource dependence, with a more pronounced impact on cities with higher levels of resource dependence. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for the ongoing evaluation of location-oriented policies and the promotion of GTD in RBCs.