Development Cooperation Projects Research Articles

통합적 접근법 실현을 위한 ODA 정책과제

Purpose: This research aims to identify policy tasks for international development cooperation (ODA) projects in order to implement an integrated approach and evaluate them. In this context, the paper redefines the definitions and classifications of integrated approaches, explores methodological changes, and evaluates the potential for mainstreaming.
 Originality: An integrated approach has been emerging at a time when ODA projects have been packaged or enlarged, emphasizing a holistic and comprehensive perspective. This study aims to derive practical concepts shaped by discourse and consensus among experts in the field.
 Methodology: The policy agenda for integrating ODA projects is identified through a Delphi survey involving 30 distinguished experts in the field of international development cooperation. The survey assesses the importance, urgency, and feasibility of each agenda item.
 Result: External factors are more urgent compared to internal factors, but they are not considered more important or highly feasible. The high-priority policy tasks include facilitating adequate discussions on supply and demand between donor and recipient countries (partner countries), enhancing cooperation with relevant departments/agencies in recipient countries, and improving the project management capacity of Korean specialized institutions.
 Conclusion and Implication: These results are expected to contribute to the development of related policies and program design based on the integrated approach. Furthermore, this research can contribute to the formulation of relevant national policies and enhance the national brand.

Universities of Barcelona – Problems and Efforts

It is necessary to know the state of the universities of Spain. In this paper the general objective was determine the situation of the universities of Barcelona: Problems and efforts. Methodology, in this research, 35 documents have been selected, carried out in the period 2018 – 2023; including: scientific articles, review articles and information from websites of recognized organizations. The keywords used in the searches were: Universities of Barcelona, problems and efforts. Results, the universities of Barcelona occupy the first places in the ranking of universities in Spain and Europe, with three standing out the most: University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University. Barcelona universities have a significant number of foreign students. Conclusions, the universities of Barcelona have important international recognition, numerous foreign teachers and students, a high level of job placement, specialized research centers, a large number of doctoral and master's programs, articles published in scientific journals, agreements with companies and international double degrees with universities, student exchange, development cooperation projects, participation in international networks, UNESCO chairs, adequate infrastructure and laboratories, cultural diversity, study scholarships, among others. In the ranking of universities in Spain we have the University of Barcelona and Autonomus University of Barcelona among the first three places. In the ranking of universities in Barcelona we have the University of Barcelona, Autonomus University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University among the first three places.

Study on the Effects of Sustainable International Agricultural Development Cooperation Project on Quality of Life

Study on the Effects of Sustainable International Agricultural Development Cooperation Project on Quality of Life

International Development Cooperation in the Amazon

Abstract This paper investigates International Development Cooperation projects carried out in the Brazilian Amazon in recent decades, analyzing also the involved agents and resources. To achieve this, we referred to information published by the Brazilian Agency of Cooperation and international funding providers. The results indicate the formation of a complex ecosystem comprising interrelated and independent actors. Keywords: Amazon; international development cooperation; environment; sustainable development

우간다 국제농업개발협력사업 지속가능성 영향 요인의 우선순위 분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the need for sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation projects and to provide implications on which factors affect the enhancement of project sustainability. Originality: This study is meaningful in that it compared and analyzed the factors that affect the sustainability of the project targeting experts in the donor country and the recipient country. As agriculture is important in Uganda, a priority partner country, it intends to provide direction in terms of securing the sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation projects.
 Methodology: After deriving the factors that affect the sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation project through previous studies, 15 experts in Korea and Uganda were surveyed and analyzed using AHP analysis.
 Result: In the top-factors, both donor and beneficiary countries showed the same priority.
 However, in the sub-factors, there showed a difference between the two countries, as donor countries say “Market development is more important than production technology and quality management,” and beneficiary countries say “Production technology and quality management are more important than market development”. In addition, donor country were found to have a lower priority in ‘ownership’ than recipient country.
 Conclusion and Implication: As the importance of ‘capacity building’ was found to be the highest in both country’s experts. Therefore, it is a need to promote development cooperation and field experts, which are the main agents of the project, and also the training of local manpower, which are the main agents of the after the end of the project. It is desirable to enhance the local manpower in both facility management and international cooperation as well as agricultural to contribute to the creation of a friendly international cooperation ecosystem as well as to enhance the sustainability of the project.

에티오피아 아디스아바바 ICT활용교육의 저해요인에 관한 사례연구

Purpose: This study aims to identify the hindrance factors of ICT-integrated education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from a multifaceted perspective and suggest essential factors that should be considered in the implementation of ICT-integrated education in Ethiopia and other developing countries.
 Originality: This study contributes as the first study to identify the hindrance factors of ICT-integrated education through a comparison of prior research and empirical data by systematically categorizing individual, organizational, and national levels.
 Methodology: It employs a qualitative case study method to understand the relationships and interactions of the complex factors involved in ICT-integrated education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, document analysis, and focus group interviews. It was analyzed by using a hierarchical framework of individual, organizational, and national levels.
 Result: This study has identified a number of hindrance factors from each level that can only be found in the context of Ethiopia, including common factors. These factors are analyzed to explore how ICT-integrated education can be improved.
 Conclusion and Implication: This study explored the hindrance factors that can be used as a reference for other cities in Ethiopia and developing countries facing difficulties in the implementation of ICT-integrated education. It will provide important implications for future research as well as ICT education development cooperation projects.

국제개발협력에서 민간부문참여(PSE)에 대한 신제도주의적 접근

Purpose: Using the new institutionalist approach (incentive analysis), this study examines the factors that encourage or impede private sector engagement (PSE) in development cooperation projects from the business perspective. Originality: Despite the quantitative and qualitative growth in official development assistance (ODA) in Korea over the past decade, PSE in development cooperation projects remains low compared to other advanced donor countries, and PSE are relatively small in scale. Therefore, a comprehensive and analytical understanding of the specific factors that either promote or hinder such participation is necessary to enhance PSE in Korea's development cooperation ecosystem. Methodology: This study surveys a sample of 42 employees at domestic companies, who either intend to participate in or have previously participated in international development cooperation projects, with the aim of examining their ‘motivations’, ‘demand’, and ‘evaluation’. The responses of these companies were collected and analyzed to provide insights into the factors that influence PSE in development cooperation. Result: Discrepancies were identified between the commonly held perceptions and the actual responses of companies towards the underlying reasons for the low PPP levels, in the areas of motivation, demand, and evaluation. Although Korean firms have shown increased awareness of ODA and corporate social responsibility, the gap between the awareness and actual participation was found. Among others, the lack of relevant information and institutional accessibility are considered negative factors for PSE. Conclusion and Implication: Based on the findings of this study, it is highlighted that mechanisms for matching and coordinating projects and companies are crucial to promote extensive and meaningful private sector participation in development cooperation

ICT in Education Activity System of Teachers in Partner Countries in International Education Development Cooperation Projects: A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Analysis

ICT in Education Activity System of Teachers in Partner Countries in International Education Development Cooperation Projects: A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Analysis

Teaching of Medical Students within the Provision of Medical Care in the Itibo Mission Hospital in Kenya. Adra Czech Republic / Kenya Development Co-operation Project

Teaching of Medical Students within the Provision of Medical Care in the Itibo Mission Hospital in Kenya. Adra Czech Republic / Kenya Development Co-operation Project

태국-미얀마 국경 지역의 교육 제도와 국제개발협력

This study examines the relationship between the education system and international development cooperation in the Thai-Myanmar border region. The uniqueness of the border region stems from the presence of refugees and migrants from Myanmar living near the border within Thai territory, whom the political and social unrest in Myanmar has displaced. Of particular interest is the use of education to cultivate and preserve their ethnicity by the Karen people, who constitute the largest group in the border region. To better understand this, the paper analyzed the overall educational history and process of the Karen people. The research conducted case studies in three representative migrant schools in Mae Sot province, offering a comprehensive curriculum from kindergarten to college preparatory courses. Data from questionnaires and in-depth interviews collected during the fieldwork revealed that migrant schools adopt somewhat different curricula based on their geographical and environmental specificities, which significantly impact their students' academic and career development. The curriculum in these schools is a mix of Karen nationalist perspectives and external (international) influences. In addition, programs to pursue academic continuity, such as taking the GED in Thailand and Myanmar and the GED in the United States, are relatively well organized. However, due to their precarious status as migrants and the lack of career and vocational programs, there are many challenges for migrant youth to find professional jobs and develop career plans accordingly. The paper proposes that International Development Cooperation projects regarding education on the border should consider supporting students in designing their career paths, developing their skills, and promoting their social participation after graduation. In addition, when designing international development cooperation projects related to education, we should not limit their social participation and entry into the workforce to employment. However, we should consider developing curricula that reflect the two countries' contrasting education systems and regional specificities through coordination between various stakeholders.

Development and Intervention Proposal with Earthen Refurbishments with Vegetal Origin Gel (VOG) for the Preservation of Traditional Adobe Buildings

This research focuses on the addition of an ecological, sustainable material to improve the durability of earthen constructions and for use in rehabilitation and restoration processes. Specifically, it studies the mechanical and waterproof performance of an earthen mixture with the addition of a vegetal origin gel (VOG) obtained by extracting the starch contained in rice. This solution increases the durability of the mixture and the behavior against water and improves the mechanical resistance of the system. This study is divided into two parts. First, an experimental phase was carried out in the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya laboratory to design and develop the earthen mixtures stabilized with VOG to obtain an ecological, economical and easily replicable technology that can be transferred to any population group. The second stage consisted of the application of these mixtures and a real intervention in adobe dwellings in the community of Santa Ana Chapitiro, in the State of Michoacan, Mexico. The rehabilitation solutions and dosages were transferred to the residents of the community and applied to local adobe constructions by means of participatory design through an international development cooperation project. Good behavior of the material was found in the early stage.

A Green Cooperative Development Method Based on the IDEF0 Model of Manufacturing Knowledge: Case Study of a Carton-Filling Machine

This is a case study of cooperative development between a college and a corporation to manufacture a carton-filling machine. Specifically, a green cooperative development method was proposed that would match the college’s design capabilities with the manufacturing capacity of the enterprise. This college–enterprise cooperative development represents an extensive collaboration between industry and academia. This method integrates design for manufacturing (DFM) theory and the integrated computer aided manufacturing definition (IDEF) method to establish the IDEF0 (functional) model of manufacturing knowledge that supports the design process. The model clarifies the specific manufacturing knowledge that enterprises should provide at the conceptual design stage, preliminary design stage and detailed design stage. The forms of communication and timing of knowledge provision needed to optimize development planning and design decisions based on the manufacturing capacity of the enterprise were also determined. Through this method, the college–enterprise cooperative development project (in this case, involving a carton-filling machine) was accomplished with less time, fewer design modifications and fewer parts needing to be reworked. The results show that this method can greatly reduce the run-in period of both parties, improve the efficiency of cooperative development and reduce the cost and waste of prototyping.

Projects Alignment Strategies and Performance of Rwandan Selected Cooperatives: A Case of Cooperative Development Project

The main purpose of this research was to assess the effect of projects alignment strategies on Rwandan selected cooperatives performance. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to assess the effect of technology implementation on performance of cooperative development project, to evaluate the impact of organizational requirements on performance of cooperative development project and to examine the relationship between objective determination and performance of cooperative development project in Rwanda. The descriptive research design was used to analyze the collected data through questionnaire and interview guide into descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics with Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The data were collected from 116 respondents who were selected using census method because the target population was manageable and reasonable for this study. The results of the first objective revealed that revealed that technology implementation has r=0.00 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with schedule performance, (r=0.832 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with budget performance, and (r=0.769 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with quality performance which implies that there is a positive and significant relationship between technology implementation and performance of cooperative development project in Rwanda. The results of the second objective revealed that organizational requirement has (r=0.781 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with schedule performance, (r=0.891 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with budget performance, and (r=0.747 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with quality performance implying that there is a positive and significant relationship between organizational requirement and performance of cooperative development project in Rwanda. The results of the third objective revealed that objective determination has (r=0.820 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with schedule performance, (r=0.786 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with budget performance and (r=0.807 and sig=0.00 < 0.01) with quality performance implying that there is a positive and significant relationship between objective determination and performance of cooperative development project in Rwanda. Thus, recommendations were made to government to ensure that reliable and affordable internet and ICT infrastructure are built to ensure that most of the projects have access to internet and other technological advancement, and beneficiaries and stakeholders as well as employees are recommend to participation in providing priorities and accessing the local community before determining the objective of the project and setting up organizational requirement in order to enhance performance which is significant to the whole community. Keywords: Alignment Strategies, Project Performance, Cooperative Development Project, Rwanda 

The Impact of a donor’s domestic political economy on its policy and practice of development cooperation comparing to the impact of international norms and principles

International norms and principles are considered as the main basement for the international development cooperation programs. Developed countries are thought that they are the leader of humanitarian aids and they do this just for the sake of developing and underdeveloped countries. However, the policy and practice of development cooperation are affected mainly by domestic political economy of donor nations. The international principles, non-government organizations (NGO) and other international organizations have less impact on the donors’ action in international arena. Meanwhile, it is the domestic political economy and national interests of donor countries that influence their endeavor in the international development cooperation projects. The author of this paper will discuss how national political aims are stronger than international norms and principles when it comes to international cooperation.

Kvartérní sedimenty a nálezy rostlinných fosilií v Salvadoru, Střední Amerika

Development cooperation projects implemented by the Czech Geological Survey in the area of Central America, focused on the evaluation of natural hazards, took place in the years 1997–2009. They started in Nicaragua (since 1997), continued in El Salvador (since 2003) and then also in Costa Rica (since 2006). The results of these projects were always handed over to local organizations (INETER, SNET and MINAE) in the form of final reports, and summarized last year in the book by Hradecký et al. 2021. As a supplement to this book, we present here some other findings of projects in El Salvador (from the years 2003–2005) that did not fit into its scope. They relate to the geology of Quaternary sediments and interesting findings of plant fossils preserved in the Neogene volcanosedimentary complexes. In the 2003 stage, work took place in the Gulf of Fonseca in south- -eastern part of El Salvador, with the dominant volcano Conchagua and the important port of La Unión. In addition to classic Quaternary sediments, the following phenomena were described: oyster hems (rims) around the islands of Periquito and Perico, volcaniclastic rocks (“tobas”) fallen into the lake environment near the Los Chorros lagoon (Břízová et al. 2004), and polygenetic sediments on the slopes of the formerly active volcano Conchagua, showing the existence of debris flows and lahars. Plant fossils have been found at one locality only, in fine-grained ash deposits of the maar sequence near El Naranjo (Figs 1 to 3). In the 2004 stage, work took place inland, in an area north of the capital city San Salvador, with the dominant volcano Guazapa. In addition to the classical Quaternary sediments, the following phenomena were described: polygenetic sediments of the depressions north of the town of Aguilares (Figs 4 to 9) and outcrops of lake sediments, exposed in the north of the studied territory on steep slopes near the Río Lempa dam (Fig. 10), south-east of the city of Colima (Havlíček – Vorel 2005). In the same area, on the bank of the dam near the town of San Cristobal, interesting consolidated (cemented) mudflows with the occurrence of fossil wood were also documented (Figs 11 and 12). In the year 2004, a paleontological expedition to the Río Sisimico canyon, about 40 km to the SE from the primarily studied area (Figs 13 to 16), was also carried out. The findings of plant remains from this locality are shown in Figs 17 to 22. Plant remains were further found at two localities in the primarily studied area: Suchitoto (Figs 23 to 29) and in the area south of El Molino (only indeterminable remains). Charred (and buried) tree trunks were also found in the white pumice tuffs called “Tierra Blanca” in several places of the studied area (Fig. 30). In the 2005 stage, the work took place in the north-western part of El Salvador, near the borders with Guatemala and Honduras, in the vicinity of the Metapán city. In addition to classic Quaternary sediments (Figs 31 and 32), the following phenomena were described: three generations of alluvial fans (alluvial gravels and sands) near the Metapán city, “kettle holes” created by water erosion in the river bottom (Fig. 33) and aeolian (wind-deposited) sediments from the Matalapa desert. The most interesting, however, were the secondarily tilted (and not yet fully consolidated) gravels and sands of the oldest generation of alluvial fans in the south-western surroundings of the city of Metapán (Figs 34 to 39). In the open cut along the CA12 road to Metapán (La Pedrera area, Fig. 40), small, although indeterminable remains of flora and possibly also fauna (fish scales?) in diatomite-like rocks were found. However, the locality is promising for future research. All the findings published in this paper were also mentioned in the final reports which were handed over in Spanish translation to the Salvadoran SNET institution (Hradecký et al. 2003, 2004 and 2005).

Audits by Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Their Contribution to Accountability in Development Cooperation Projects

Audit of development cooperation projects by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) contributes to ensuring accountability in using development cooperation funds. The present study examined such contribution to five different types of accountability: financial accountability, compliance accountability, performance accountability, accountability to stakeholders, and constitutional accountability based on the analysis of findings presented in the CAG's audit reports. The study examined the audit reports for six states of India – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal for six years with findings on World Bank and Asian Development Bank projects. The sample states were selected based on stratified random sampling, with one state each drawn from each of the six geographical regions of India. Further, the study analyzed three essential aspects of management of development cooperation projects such as project planning, project implementation & monitoring, and financial management, along with their relevant sub-categories like the number of findings; money value as a measure of the materiality of the findings; and the yearly consistency. The study's conclusions based on the different findings presented in audit reports revealed that CAG's audit reports contributed substantially to the respective types of accountability.

Institutionalization of Organizational Change Outcomes in Development Cooperation Projects: The Mediating Role of Internal Stakeholder Change-Related Beliefs

This paper investigated how change outcomes of development cooperation projects can be institutionalized within the beneficiary organization. While a lot of attention has been paid to sustainability in scientific research on issues, projects, and policies related to environmental, industrial, and agricultural production and sustainability management, there are limited studies on the sustainability of organizational-level change outcomes of aid-based project interventions. Using the lens of organizational change institutionalization models, we examined how internal stakeholders’ change-related beliefs, organizational characteristics, and project characteristics relate to the institutionalization process of project outcomes. Data were collected using a questionnaire returned by 130 respondents from a university in the Global South implementing institutional development cooperation projects. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data, we found that organizational characteristics and change-related beliefs both had direct positive effects on the institutionalization process, while project characteristics had negative effects. Additionally, this study reveals that stakeholder change-related beliefs mediated the relationship between organizational and project characteristics and the institutionalization process. The findings support the continual engagement of organizational internal stakeholders in institutionalization efforts throughout the project life cycle, rather than waiting for the project to end. In contrast to the mechanistic, linear result chain approaches that dominate development project discourses, there is a need for more iterative approaches that allow the development of necessary attitudes and behaviors among the beneficiary organization’s internal stakeholders to sustain the project-induced changes.

Indicators for Exploring the Accountability of Development Cooperation Projects by Supreme Audit Institutions

Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are entrusted with providing assurance on the use of funds in implementation of projects by governments. This includes audits of projects and agencies utilizing development cooperation funds. Owing to a research gap in study of accountability of development cooperation projects by SAIs, this study has been undertaken to examine the perception of experts and practitioners in understanding the contribution of SAIs’ audits towards accountability in development cooperation projects. Primary data has been collected by administering a survey questionnaire. Analysis of the responses indicate that audits by SAIs provide accountability in development cooperation projects in terms of the indicators under consideration. The study will enable the different stakeholders in development cooperation including donors and implementing agencies and citizens to place greater reliance on SAI audits as accountability mechanism as part of country Public Financial Management systems.

Promoting Tunisian agri-food start-up. A study on the self-efficacy of aspiring entrepreneurs

In 2011, Tunisia went through a revolution which transformed its modern history. Currently, the country is experiencing a moment of transition in which it faces problems, both on a social and economic level. The region Kroumerie-Mogods, in the northwest, includes the three Governorates of Jendouba, Beja and Bizerte, is strongly affected by past economic policies. Despite having great potential in terms of both natural resources and economic opportunities, the local population appears to be among the poorest in the country, suffering from high level of unemployment, widespread poverty and substantial inequalities. In this context, a Development Cooperation project was implemented with the aim of creating new employment opportunities, especially for young people and women, through the enhancement of the territory and its agricultural products with the support of new entrepreneurial initiatives. Principal Component Analysis and Logit model were used to analyse the Self-Efficacy (SE) of young aspiring entrepreneurs and to evaluate its effects on the promotion of personal entrepreneurial projects. The study shows that past involvement in business key activities, as commercial experiences, social commitments and sustainable waste management, represent a decisive element for the promotion of personal business projects in agri-food sector.

Relationality as a Lens for Policy Analysis: Preserving Harmony in a Triangular Cooperation Project to Strengthen Gender Mainstreaming in Fiji

Policy has been mostly approached as a rational project of setting goals and establishing rules and roles to achieve them. Alternative approaches to policy have been referred to as post-positivist, critical-reflexive and relational. They all emphasize emergent, co-evolutionary and relational aspects of policy work that cannot be reduced to rational choice and reasoning-based models alone. A shared element of such frameworks is the focus on relationships, which are seen not just in a narrow sense of the “logic of appropriateness,” but as a force that shapes actors’ identities, interests and power. Following relational analytical approaches, we analyze a triangular development cooperation project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Indonesia in order to strengthen gender mainstreaming (SGM) of Fijian government. Through attention to relationality as it shapes actors’ identities and narratives, we demonstrate how a different form of learning employed by each actor facilitated harmony in the project. A key mediating factor in the smooth project co-evolution that we observed, was the ambiguous project design and vaguely articulated goals, supported by fragmented project setup and reporting. Such ambiguity allowed formulation of multiple versions of the project’s outcomes for multiple audiences. However, it also resulted in little impact on the ground in Fiji. Our findings support persistent criticism of development aid projects in small island states for rarely addressing problems of target populations.