Implementation Of Development Plan Research Articles

Adapting, Implementing, and Assessing the Impact of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program through UC CalFresh Partnerships

The Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP) is a multi‐component, school‐based intervention developed to improve the health of school‐aged children. Previous studies found a decrease in BMI, an increase in vegetable identification and consumption, and an increase in nutrition knowledge in students participating for nine months. This study determined the efficacy of the research‐tested program through dissemination in the University of California (UC) CalFresh Nutrition Education Program in three counties participating during the 2014–2015 school year. Before program implementation, county teams attended two professional development workshops. The first workshop provided an overview of the program and assisted county teams in the development of implementation plans. The second workshop supported the first step in the nutrition education professional development process, engaging county teams in exploring how to facilitate an inquiry‐based curriculum. Technical assistance was provided through regular meetings and webinars. A series of evaluations measuring nutrition knowledge, vegetable identification, and height and weight measurements were collected before and after program implementation. All schools participating in the intervention received the SHCP over the course of four months. Fidelity to SHCP curriculum procedures by the nutrition educators was assessed through classroom observations. Perceptions of feasibility and acceptability were assessed at a forum for all participating counties. A paired‐samples t‐test was conducted to compare outcomes before and after program implementation. There was a significant difference between the scores for nutrition knowledge prior to intervention (20.7, ±4.2) and after (22.6, ±4.2); p=0.001. In analysis by county, significant improvements were observed in all three though some had greater improvements than others, Students in County A significantly increased their ability to identify five of ten vegetables (p<0.05); students in County B increased their ability to identify three of ten vegetables (p<0.05); and students in County C increased their ability to identify six of ten vegetables (p<0.05). No significant changes in BMI percentile were observed over the shortened implementation period. Fidelity to the SHCP curriculum among all counties was 85.5±18.27%, with variation among them (A=80.21±21.35%; B=75.83±21.68%; C=95.49±6.76%). Input gathered from the forum informed the expansion of the SHCP into more counties during the 2015–2016 academic year. Implementation of the SHCP through the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Prgoram resulted in improvements in knowledge and ability to identify vegetables. Variation among counties in changes in student outcomes may be attributed to variation in fidelity to curriculum procedures.Support or Funding InformationThe UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program is funded through a joint agreement among the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, the California Department of Social Services CalFresh Branch, and the University of California Cooperative Extension.

Autavalutazione delle scuole e valutazione di sistema. Ruolo e competenze di chi valuta dall'interno

Despite its long history, schools’ self-evaluation in Italy, does not represent a practice widespread diffused. After the emanation of Autonomia scolastica Act (1999) some pioneering schools, especially in the North of Italy, have started self-evaluation processes. These experiences, however, have not produced a shared technical knowledge neither professionals who are able to manage, autonomously, the evaluation processes. Very sophisticated models and the dominant role of external consultants during planning and evaluation phases represent the likely causes that have led to this situation. This situation is now changing following the implementation of the National Evaluation System (SNV). In this perspective, following the requirements of large-based assessments and standardized evaluations a new problem has perceived by schools: how is it possible to define the evaluator role and his/her professional training and development. The external characterization of this evaluation represents a risk for the Italian schools because they can be reduced to play a second plan role. At the same time, the SNV has introduced new elements of uniformity and standardization in the evaluation process that allow a first comparison between schools and the implementation of Development Plans based on data and aware evidence.

Assessing the Potential Contribution of Fisheries to Economic Development —The Case of Post-Ebola Sierra Leone

This paper examines the potential contribution of the fisheries sector to national economic development in Sierra Leone, following the cessation of the recent Ebola virus disease (EVD). The tragic deaths of some 4000 persons, as a direct result of this epidemic, have also been accompanied by serious economic disruption to one of the world’s poorest countries, amounting to a loss of over USD 1 billion (20 per cent of annual Gross Domestic Product, GDP). Based on recent work undertaken by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), an assessment was made of the potential contribution of one of the country’s major natural resource sectors—fisheries—to future economic recovery. It was confirmed that the fish resources of Sierra Leone have an estimated capitalised economic value of USD 735 million, and could potentially make an increased contribution to GDP under suitable conditions, over and above the current estimated level of 10 per cent. However, our results also show that with an overall “readiness assessment” score of 41/100, the sector is unlikely to realise its full potential unless a number of specific areas are addressed (based on analysis valid up to January 2016). These include an improvement in fisheries economic assessment, the upgrading of the fisheries governance and management framework, and the establishment of a fisheries development strategy and implementation plan to channel future investments and interventions in an appropriate sequence. Particular attention should be given early on to an increase in the quality and capacity of both public and private sector organisations relevant to roles and functions within a general process of fisheries sector reform. Finally, the fisheries policy evaluation approach used here is novel. While it has been applied to Sierra Leone for the intrinsic interest of that case, this demonstration also shows that it could be applied elsewhere in the future when reviewing fisheries policy.

Human Development and Capability Building in the Niger Delta: Issues and Challenges

Continuous destruction of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria environment by oil-related exploration, unemployment, human development and education has persistently caused unrest and violence. Despite the laudable strategies adopted by the government in ensuring lasting solution in the region, scholars have however criticized some of the strategies as not working and impacting in the lives of the target population. This paper therefore explores human development and capability issues in achieving sustainable community development in the region. In-depth interview was used to investigate the issues in six communities in three selected states and NDDC. The result of this study revealed that issues like insufficient funding, projects abandonment, community attitude and leadership style are the major impediments to sustainable human development in the Niger Delta. It is therefore recommended that both governmental and non-governmental developmental agencies should take into cognizance issues like proper funding, monitoring and evaluation of projects and community involvement in designing and implementation of development plans. Likewise, community should see themselves as developmental partners with development agencies by way of developing positive attitude and maintenance to developmental projects. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s2p406

EPA Announces Federal Plan Rulemaking; Encourages States to Incorporate Proposed Trading Rules as Part of Implementation Plans

On August 3, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency published the Clean Power Plan under authority from §111(d) of the Clean Air Act. This is the first ever national standard designed to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide from existing stationary sources, i.e. fossil fuel-fired power plants either in operation before, or under construction by, January 8, 2014, which, according to the EPA, make up 31% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The CPP aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector by 32% from 2005 levels by 2030. To achieve this goal, the EPA prepared emissions guidelines that set both interim and final CO2 performance rates for two subcategories of existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. These existing source performance standards were developed using the EPA’s Best System for Emissions Reductions. States have been given the opportunity to implement the CPP using either a State Measures plan or an Emissions Standard plan. The EPA has actively encouraged states to develop implementation plans, although some claim they will abstain from doing so. The EPA has also made it clear that states will not be penalized for refusing to enforce the CPP. If a state does not submit a plan or the EPA does not approve all or any part of a state implementation plan, then “the EPA will develop, implement, and enforce a federal plan to reduce CO2” from stationary sources in that state using a federal plan. To address this situation, the EPA is preparing a rulemaking made up of four separate actions, which this article discusses.The purpose of this rulemaking is to create a federal plan framework based upon emissions trading for states without an implementation plan. It is also attempting to develop two approaches intended to serve as model trading rules for states to consider when developing implementation plans. This article focuses on each model trading approach.

Assessment of knowledge economy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the current status of the knowledge-based economy (KBE) in Iran in comparison to Turkey, the challenges encountered and the appropriate policies toward Iran’s Outlook 2025 based on which the country is expected to be ranked first in science and technology within the Middle East region. Design/methodology/approach – This study is a descriptive research. The methodology used for this study is qualitative/quantitative secondary research. The method will be used for two main goals. First, we used the World Bank’s Knowledge Assessment Methodology, and the data are mostly collected from secondary sources such as the World Bank’s Development Indicators for Iran and Turkey. Second, desktop research will be used to summarize and synthesize available studies on the consideration of policy-making toward KBE, especially among developing economies. Findings – The paper provides policy considerations around four pillars: information and communications technology (ICT), innovation system, education and human resources development and economic incentives and institutional regime. It suggests that regarding ICT indicators, Iran has to join international programs to attract senior public authorities’ involvement and accountability. Regarding its innovation system, lessons for policymakers are implementing development plans and coordinating science and technology policies in the country. Moreover, the quality of education, in-company training, post-secondary technical education and scientific and technological workforce need to be improved. Finally, considering the weak macroeconomic circumstances, legislative measures are needed in addition to, establishing a promotion agency for foreign direct investment to coordinate the inflow and to grant incentives for attracting more investment. Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen research approach, the research results have not been confirmed by an experts group. Therefore, using some group decision-making methods, such as panel of experts, could be proposed to further test the findings. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for public policymakers, especially in developing countries, and for moving toward a KBE. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to learn from similar countries experiences in policymaking about the same problem.

Conserving Pacific Lamprey through Collaborative Efforts

Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) have been an important part of the ecological community and co‐evolved with aquatic species of the western rivers of the United States. Scarce information on Pacific Lamprey has hindered conservation and management efforts. To assess and conserve Pacific Lamprey, we developed a conservation initiative composed of three parts: assessment, conservation agreement, and regional implementation plans. We applied a novel ranking system that characterized risk to Pacific Lamprey throughout the U.S. range. We found that the majority of watersheds are at relatively high risk of extirpation, with few secure. The risk assessment results were instrumental in gaining partners’ support for a conservation agreement, with the goal of achieving long‐term persistence and supporting traditional tribal cultural use of Pacific Lamprey. This extensive support has led to a collaborative effort in developing implementation plans and delivering numerous conservation actions. This approach for assessing Pacific Lamprey status and identifying restoration priorities is easily transferrable to other species.

Development and Environment in Urmia Lake of Iran

Since the end of the Second World War, the development paradigm has become the dominant discourse in the world. During the more than 6 decades that the concept of development discourse has been dominant, many theoretical and practical developments have accompanied it. At first, attention was solely centered on economic development andnature was considered as a facilitator of economic growth. However, it was gradually recognized that development with this economic growth approach changes the natural systems of the planet and leads to numerous environmental hazards that can threaten the economic and political systems of countries. Therefore, it is very possible for a political entity to attain development, but sustained development will be faced with serious doubts because environmental aspects are ignored. Therefore, the concept of sustainable development replaced development.Given the above- mentioned approach, this descriptive-analytic research studied the relationship between economic development and the environment, with Urmia Lake as a case example. Findings of the research show that implementation of Development Plans has been one of the main reasons for the drying up of the Lake.Key Words: Sustainable Development, Environment, Urmia Lake.

Paper-light working in nursing.

There is no doubt that most nurses in 2014 will be working in a health organisation where they will be using some part of an electronic patient record (EPR) to support ‘paper-light’ approaches to safe, effective and person-centred care. Nurses moving forward in the ‘new world’ of information technology (IT) and computers was a foreign concept in the 1970s, 1980s and even the 1990s. With the fast-moving technology since then have we, as nurses, been able to keep step? EPR is a term used for a collection of information held in any system throughout an organisation. The system does not have to have been developed by or for the EPR programme. Nor does it need to have been developed specifically to enhance EPR—it merely has to provide information that will be viewed as part of the combined electronic record of a patient’s encounter(s) within the organisation. Most NHS organisations across the UK are redesigning patient pathways across primary, secondary and social care. These redesign programmes have involved a significant nursing contribution and we should challenge our organisations and ourselves to commit to at least 80% of the nursing record being electronic across primary and secondary care. A research study in North America (Institute of Medicine, 2001) identified that with EPR/paper-light working the challenges are many and the learning curve can be steep but in the end there are clear benefits. In my experiences nurses fully understand that better information will lead to improvements. Setting out the goals and expectations is key to successful implementation of nursing EPR—this is about using data to improve patient care and experiences. Involving frontline nurses and employing a nurse to work directly with IT colleagues can be beneficial for both design and implementation. EPR can maximise efficient working practices, reduce variation and improve the availability of appropriate information for nursing and the multidisciplinary team. Some of the points to remember when implementing EPR in health organisations are: ■ Clarify the vision, objectives and milestones of an EPR project ■ Review principles of future ambulatory care and inpatient admissions process ■ Map end-to-end patient journey ‘as-is’ today ■ Develop a future process vision ■ Identify gaps between ‘as is’ and ‘future’ journeys ■ Agree next steps to attain validation from the teams and how to collate changes and data requirements consistently. Newfield (2006) has said that without careful documentation standardisation, elements of the objective of retrieving data will be compromised. Marilyn Chow argues that ‘Good analytics need the most discrete data Rory Farrelly NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Director of Nursing Acute Services Division elements identified—not just the apples to apples but the pips to pips’ (Schwartz, 2012). When developing implementation plans, engaging clinical staff on how EPRs will operate across services linked with the pathways is crucial. Organisations must enlist the support of the health information and technology teams, organisational development teams, learning and education teams, higher education institutes and practice development teams. This will enable the teams to map out the pathways and then redesign the process to determine what will be done electronically. In my experience, up-front preparation is important. We still need to anticipate resistance at every point along the way and it will feel like a big challenge, but remember the opportunities EPR brings. There may be concerns over non-verbal language and interaction with our patients and their families/carers—for example, worrying about loss of eye contact because there is a perception that nurses spend more time inputting information into EPRs. In June 2008 the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launched its e-Health Programme Policy Statement. Updated in 2010, this stresses that the content of electronic records must be SAFER: S – The systems and the way they are used conform to standards A – They are acceptable to our patients and their families/carers F – They are fit for purpose and practice E – There is evidence to support their introduction and use R – They must be risk managed. The content of electronic records must also represent faithfully the meaning intended by the person recording it and that meaning must be preserved (RCN, 2012) In my experience there are a number of strengths to working in a paper-light environment, such as legibility, suitability, reduction in variation and enhanced communication—all this has a positive impact on nursing documentation. As nurses I ask you to challenge yourself and your peers to grasp the opportunity of nursing EPRs and paper-light working in your working environments. With the development of voice-recognition software is there an opportunity for nurses to lead the way in using voice recognition to complete our documentation? We all have to start somewhere. BJN

Role of bazaars as a unifying factor in traditional cities of Iran: The Isfahan bazaar

A city is a vital organism that lives and grows like other organisms. Therefore, implementing development plans that would provide a sense of unity and integration in relation to the city as a whole is necessary. Traditional Iranian architecture is full of samples evolved during the course of Iranian history that can serve as architectural paragons of the city. In Iran's traditional cities, a sense of unity exists in various urban areas. The traditional city of Isfahan is one of the most valuable samples and was selected as the case study in this research. Accordingly, the most important questions of this research are as follows: (1) What is the role of bazaars in creating a sense of unity in the traditional cities of Iran? (2) How do bazaars play out their role in the integration of these cities?This research focuses on the concept of a “traditional city” to determine the role of bazaars in such cities. The results show that bazaars are crucial in giving a sense of integrity to the concept of a traditional Iranian city. Bazaars provide cohesion among the different parts of cities, such as residential areas, as well as socio-political and trade centers. This condition means that traditional bazaars play two important roles in traditional cities: (1) they interconnect the different parts of the city's physical structure; and (2) the crucial role of bazaars in a city's social and cultural structure brings about unity among the citizens in the city. Bazaars as a unifying element connect the main urban functions and guarantee the city's economic and social life.

MALAYSIAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN SYSTEM: ISSUES AND PROBLEMS, ONE DECADE AFTER ITS REFORM (2001-2011)

In 2001, the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) was amended through Act A1129 (2001). The amendments included provisions to allow four levels of government involvement (Federal, Regional, State and Local Authority) in spatial planning, with the intention of establishing a more effective development plan system in Malaysia. However, an assessment of the relationship between legislative provision and the implementation of development planning is urgently required to consider a number of issues, including delays in adopting plans and the continued existence of out of date plans. Therefore, this paper discusses issues and problems encountered by selected local planning authorities in the implementation of the development planning system. The discussion focuses on the capacity and capability of these authorities with regard to legal aspects, administration, finance, human resource issues and technical support. The data were obtained through mixed methods i.e. postal surveys, interviews with representatives from selected local authorities and focus group discussions with selected professional town planners. The findings demonstrate that most of the issues and problems encountered in implementing the development plan system at each plan level in Malaysia are legal in origin.

MALAYSIAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN SYSTEM: ISSUES AND PROBLEMS, ONE DECADE AFTER ITS REFORM (2001-2011)

In 2001, the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) was amended through Act A1129 (2001). The amendments included provisions to allow four levels of government involvement (Federal, Regional, State and Local Authority) in spatial planning, with the intention of establishing a more effective development plan system in Malaysia. However, an assessment of the relationship between legislative provision and the implementation of development planning is urgently required to consider a number of issues, including delays in adopting plans and the continued existence of out of date plans. Therefore, this paper discusses issues and problems encountered by selected local planning authorities in the implementation of the development planning system. The discussion focuses on the capacity and capability of these authorities with regard to legal aspects, administration, finance, human resource issues and technical support. The data were obtained through mixed methods i.e. postal surveys, interviews with representatives from selected local authorities and focus group discussions with selected professional town planners. The findings demonstrate that most of the issues and problems encountered in implementing the development plan system at each plan level in Malaysia are legal in origin.

EDITORIAL FOREWORD

The first two articles in this issue, reflecting growing scholarly interest in the global era of decolonization in the two decades after World War II, track multilayered local, regional, and global forces that shaped particular historical shifts during these pivotal years. Cyrus Schayegh, in “1958 Reconsidered: State Formation and the Cold War in the Early Postcolonial Arab Middle East,” revisits the political crises that tore rapidly through the central Arab states in 1958, focusing on Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, all of which were “sandwiched between the unstable poles of the Arab state system, Iraq and Egypt.” While Schayegh concurs with previous scholarship that the convulsions of that year did not lead to the deep sociopolitical and ideological transformations in the region that many contemporaries either hoped or feared, he argues that they can now be read as marking a historical milestone of a different sort. In all three countries, the events of 1958 sparked immediate, dramatic, and persistent “state-formation surges,” particularly through the rapid implementation of development plans aimed at defusing both socioeconomic discontent and the political aspirations fueled by Nasirist Arab nationalism on one side and Arab communist movements on the other. Schayegh suggests that these state-formation surges in turn shaped similarities in the three countries’ subsequent historical development in spite of stark differences in their political systems of governance.

PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN DESA WISATA NONGKOSAWIT KECAMATAN GUNUNGPATI KOTA SEMARANG

According to Law No 32 of 2004 (Local Government) and Law No 25 of 2004 (National Development Planning System), regional development planning must be done in a participatory and starting from the bottom (bottom-up planning) that begins from the village. Similarly with The Planning of Development Nongkosawit Tourism Village, which apply the development plans through a bottom-up planning to be a Tourism Village. The research was conducted in the Village/Urban Village the District of Nongkosawit in Gunungpati of Semarang City. The method used is disqualitative-descriptive method. This research aims to: (1) describe the implementation of development planning (bottom-up planning) Nongkosawit Tourism Village, (2) describe the planning phase of the Nongkosawit Tourism Village, (3) determine the supporting and inhibiting factor on the successful implementation of development planning in Nongkosawit Tourism Village. The results showed that: (1) implementation of development planning (bottom-up planning) Nongkosawit Tourism Village produces 7 priority proposal of tourism village in Musrenbang on the Nongkosawit urban village level, and 3 priority proposal of tourism village in Musrenbang on the Gunungpati district level. (2) Some of the implementation phase of development planning of Nongkosawit Tourism Village has not been done which is determined the structure and manpower requirements, assessed feasibility of projects, developed the input project, feasibility studies, and monitoring and evaluation, the rest of the implementation development has been done well. (3) There are 4 factors that determine the successfull of the implementation of development planning in Nongkosawit Tourism Village. Because every factor has elements that support and inhibit the successful of the implementation of development planning Nongkosawit Tourism Village, so every factor is rated as supporting and inhibiting factors. It can be concluded that the implementation of development planning in Nongkosawit Tourism Village running smoothly either in regulatory or technical implementation. However, to get an maximum results the author gives some recommendations, there are: (1) Nongkosawit must have the high commitment and optimism for being a tourism village (2) The role of village government should be maximized (3) Planners should immediately follow up several stages of the implementation of the plan which has not been implemented (4) People need to be given the regular socialization about tourism village.

School-community integration for school change: A case study of a rural secondary school in KwaZulu-Natal

This paper presents and discusses the findings of a case study research that was conducted in a secondary school located in a rural community in the north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The value of integrating schools and their communities, where they are located, has been highlighted in literature. Various studies have consistently showed that a metaphorical fence exists between schools and communities in which they are located. Interviews were conducted with the principal, heads of departments, teachers and a group of parents. The findings indicate that the school has successfully implemented development plans using various strategies. Through participative and invitational leadership approaches, the principal managed to solicit buy-in of all stakeholders within and outside the school.

Constraints on Budgeting and Development Plan Implementation in Nigeria: an Overview

After over five decades of planning and budgeting, no doubt, Nigeria is at acrossroad in terms of infrastructural development. Basic things of life which couldmake life abundant and tolerable are conspicuously lacking. So many reasons havebeen adduced for the stark reality; but the focus of this paper is an in-depthanalysis of the variables which must have hampered the performances of severaldevelopment plans cum annual budgets in achieving development goals. The paperinfers that unless the identified lapses as discussed in this paper are taken care ofthe country may not be able to compete at even keel with her contemporaries vis-a-vis development indices.

Constraints on Budgeting and Development Plan Implementation in Nigeria: an Overview

After over five decades of planning and budgeting, no doubt, Nigeria is at acrossroad in terms of infrastructural development. Basic things of life which couldmake life abundant and tolerable are conspicuously lacking. So many reasons havebeen adduced for the stark reality; but the focus of this paper is an in-depthanalysis of the variables which must have hampered the performances of severaldevelopment plans cum annual budgets in achieving development goals. The paperinfers that unless the identified lapses as discussed in this paper are taken care ofthe country may not be able to compete at even keel with her contemporaries vis-à-vis development indices.

PLANNING FOR IMPLEMENTATION: USE OF INTERVENTION MAPPING (STEP 5) IN TWO SPORTS SAFETY INTERVENTION CASE STUDIES

BackgroundA planned approach towards translating injury prevention research evidence and policy into sustained safety practice and behaviour changes is an often neglected component of the evidence to practice translation process.Aims/Objectives/PurposeThis...

P193 A mixed-method study of how to increase STI screening among young people

BackgroundSTIs are a considerable problem, with diagnoses concentrated among young people. Although the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) predicts many health behaviours, there is a lack of research into how...

Legal and institutional perplexities hampering the implementation of urban development plans in Pakistan

The effective implementation of development plans requires functioning institutions with well defined legal support and good plans. This article explains how legal and regulatory frameworks as well as the institutional capacities of local planning agencies (LPAs), including Cantonment Boards (CBs), City District Governments (CDGs), Town Municipal Administration (TMAs) and Development Authorities (DA), in Pakistan confound and affect the implementation of development plans. A comparative review of existing Acts, Ordinances and urban planning frameworks in place at various levels was conducted, and inconsistencies and gaps that impart perplexities amongst the aforementioned institutions and regulatory frameworks were identified. The overlapping powers and functions of the institutions which have legal backing must be eliminated to ensure effective implementation of urban development plans.