Financial Contributions Research Articles

Economic and financial instruments of forest management in the Czech Republic

The forest bioeconomy becomes a feature of a climate-neutral economic system, while effective financial support is crucial for sustainable forest management. The main goal of this paper is to explain the impact of economic and financial instruments on the development of the forestry sector in the Czech Republic in the period 2000–2020. For research objectives, the methods of literature review, data analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used. Several models were established and tested. This paper presents the forest land model (FOLM) and wood biomass production model (WBIOM). In the monitored period, there was an increase in forest land in hectares in the Czech Republic, which was positively influenced by environmental investments in biodiversity and negatively by subsidies from the Rural Development Programme and the price of European Union Allowance. Based on the FOLM model results, 100 million CZK (4.07 million EUR) of environmental investments in biodiversity would contribute to an increase of 228 hectares of forest land. Concerning wood biomass production in cubic meters, it was influenced positively by the whole mixture of economic and financial instruments, such as emission trading, environmental taxation, financial contributions for forest management, state financial obligations, and subsidies. Based on the WBIOM model results, an increase in the price of an emission allowance by 100 CZK Mg–1 (approx. 4 EUR Mg–1) would increase wood biomass production by approximately 934,614 cubic meters. Generally, the economic and financial instruments in the Czech Republic have an environmental impact and can influence the forest bioeconomy, at least in the long-term period. Concerning the complex influence of the emission trading on the forestry sector in the Czech Republic, it is ambiguous—in the case of forest land rather negative, and in the case of wood biomass production positive. Therefore, focusing on the policy recommendations, we should underline economic and financial instruments connected with positive motivation in the forestry sector, such as grant schemas, subsidies, and investments in biodiversity.

Assessment of Trends in the Development of Regional Differences in Kazakhstan

The aim of the current study is to assess regional differences in urban development in Kazakhstan using ten indicators classified by financial and economic health, business development, and standard of living. The data from 2018 to 2022 was analyzed, and a rating system was used to evaluate the regions. The data was collected from open sources. A literature review was conducted to determine the leading ten indicators. The research methodology used a rating system to identify leader regions and lag over the past five years. Ten points evaluated each indicator; as a result of all calculations, the maximum score could reach 100 points. The best five-year result was 63.1 in Astana city, 60.8 in Almaty city and 59.6 in Atyrau region. The lowest indicator is in the North Kazakhstan region - 23.7 points, followed by the Kyzylorda region (24.4) and Pavlodar region (25.3). Almaty and Astana cities excel in financial contributions, while other regions receive significant funds based on various factors such as natural resources. The analysis reveals low entrepreneurship development but an increasing number of SMEs. Population growth is observed in the cities of Astana and Almaty, while regional disparities in wages and poverty levels persist. Atyrau region is an industrial region with a low retail rate. The study's results can be used to implement regional development programs.

ISSUES IN FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA'S MOSQUES

Background and Purpose: Mosques, like every other religious organisation, have financial, human, and physical resources. As a prominent symbol of Islam, it also serves the community as a service provider, not only to their congregations but also to the public. The purpose of this article is to examine and analyse the challenges surrounding mosque financial governance. In Malaysia, the mosque's function and potential have not been fully realised and utilised to continuously impact on society. Even though Malaysia has been a Muslim country since the 15th century, mosques still have concerns. Fund management, regulatory compliance, and facility management are noted issues. Because State Religious Councils are the sole trustees of mosques, it is proposed that mosque governance practices in Malaysia vary and differ according to the laws provided by each state. It was discovered that previous research has mostly focused on fund management because of its potential to raise funds through financial contributions.
 
 Methodology: This paper looks at concerns surrounding mosques' existing financial governance practices in Malaysia. The paper aims to raise awareness among mosque committees and the public about the necessity of good financial governance practises in religious institutions, particularly mosques.
 
 Contributions: As this is a conceptual paper, findings are expected to lead to a comprehensive study on issues and their relationships that will enable us to identify necessary measures to enhance the Malaysian mosque institution.
 
 Keywords: Mosque, financial governance, fund management, regulatory compliance, facilities management.
 
 Cite as: Mohamed, I. S., Mustafa, N., Syed Yusuf, S. N., & Rozzani, N. (2023). Issues in financial governance practices among Malaysia's mosques. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(TI), 134-146. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8issTIpp134-146

Financial Depth and Stock Returns in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Three-Country Comparative Study

This study examined the relationship between financial depth indicators and the stock returns in three selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1990-2019 comparatively. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of financial depth variables (ratios of market capitalization to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); monetary/liquidity in circulation (M3) to the GDP; lending/savings rate spread, financial sector contribution to GDP; credit to private sector to GDP; Central Bank assets to GDP and commercial banks liabilities to GDP) on the stock market returns of the selected Anglophone SSA countries (Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa). The study employed descriptive statistics, correlations, Johansen co-integration, vector autoregressive (VAR) and Granger causality to analyze the data of selected countries and compare the results to identify the different natures of effects of financial depth on stock returns. Results revealed, that, to a large extent, financial depth variables promote stock market growth in Kenya but there was no evidence that the former significantly affected the latter in Nigeria. However, in South Africa, financial depth variables have significant negative effect on stock returns, at least, in the short-run. These results imply that, comparatively, there are marked differences among the three countries with respect to the effect of financial depth on stock returns. Nevertheless, there is evidence of causal relationship between the variables in the three countries. The study concluded that financial depth has significant effects on stock returns in Kenya and South Africa but not in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that monetary authorities should develop strategies that will minimize monetary policy lags which delay the transmission of policy effects on the target in the short run. Also, governments and the Central Banks of the countries under study, especially Nigeria and South Africa should re-appraise their financial depth efforts vis-à-vis stock market development.

Rejuvenating the practice of Mahr for Muslim women’s financial empowerment through an interest-free savings-based finance model

Purpose This study aims to propose a model to elevate the financial empowerment of Muslim women by rejuvenating the practice of Mahr in society and facilitating the affordability of men to pay that Mahr amount. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this study is to offer a model through the interest-free savings-based finance concept. The model comprises four stages; each stage of the model is mathematically formulated and graphically explained to ensure clarity and coherence. To further investigate the issue, the authors use a convenient sampling method to ask a small sample size of respondents (women) from different countries about their financial contribution and empowerment in the family. Findings This model enables women to turn their exclusive financial right into a source of earning without borrowing from any source or paying interest on the principal amount. Besides, it encourages accelerating men’s obligation to pay the Mahr to the women immediately during the marriage ceremony by facilitating men’s affordability. Almost 45% of respondents state that a woman’s financial contribution exalts her decision-making power and strengthens her financial position in the family. Social implications The authors attempt to revitalize Mahr practice in Muslim society to accelerate the process of receiving a woman’s exclusive financial right and empower a family as a whole through the Mahr model. Originality/value Considering the model’s uniqueness, the developed and proposed Mahr model in this research is novel; to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study has been conducted and developed such a model using the Mahr concept.

Performance Assessment of Irrigation Projects in Nepal by Integrating Landsat Images and Local Data

With growing global concern for food and water insecurity, an efficient method to monitor irrigation projects is essential, especially in the developing world where irrigation performance is often suboptimal. In Nepal, the irrigated area has not been objectively recorded, although their assessment has substantial implications for national policy, project’s annual budgets, and donor funding. Here, we present the application of Landsat images to measure irrigated areas in Nepal for the past 17 years to contribute to the assessment of the irrigation performance. Landsat 5 TM (2006–2011) and Landsat 8 OLI (2013–2022) images were used to develop a machine learning model, which classifies irrigated and non-irrigated areas in the study areas. The random forest classification achieved an overall accuracy of 82.2% and kappa statistics of 0.72. For the class of irrigation areas, the producer’s accuracy and consumer’s accuracy were 79% and 96%, respectively. Our regionally trained machine learning model outperforms the existing global cropland map, highlighting the need for such models for local irrigation project evaluations. We assess irrigation project performance and its drivers by combining long-term changes in satellite-derived irrigated areas with local data related to irrigation performance, such as annual budget, irrigation service fee, crop yield, precipitation, and main canal discharge.

INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ON FINANCIAL GROWTH OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN LREB-KENYA

Literature reveals inconsistencies on factors influencing the financial sustainability of local NGOs, with some suggesting such factors as income diversification, incomes from local and external donors as well as own income-generating activities, while others opine that continued external donor funding is required for sustainability. Evidence also shows that for the period under review, the financial growth of the NGOs, as critical vehicles of welfare development in the region has been fluctuating since 2010, but with a declining trend from 2019 to 2022. The purpose of this paper is to establish influence of the financial sustainability on the financial growth of non-governmental organizations in the Lake Region Economic Block- Kenya. A cross-sectional research design is adopted on a sample size of 220 respondents from whom both primary and secondary data were obtained and analyzed using independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation, and regression. Guided by the Resource Based View Theory, the results yielded a significant change of 0.033; from 73.7% to 77% after moderation; implying that financial sustainability has a significant moderating effect of 3.3%. The findings of this study are invaluable for innovative and sustainable financial decisions by NGOs, and also scholars and policymakers on matters of revenue growth.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0069/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Empirical research on the possibilities of stimulating investments financed from European funds - case study for Romania

The purpose of this paper is to identify ways in which investments financed from European funds can be stimulated, by using a case study on the example of Romania. We started from the statistically proven reality according to which the use of funds allocated to Romania (below 50%) is unfavorable and, with the help of a structured questionnaire, we aimed to identify the main vulnerabilities of the activities carried out by the relevant ministry, including from the perspective of the beneficiaries of European funds, but also to propose a series of measures to remedy this situation that does not allow the development of the Romanian economy. The research was quantitative, it was conducted between 09.10. 2021-29.01.2023 and was based on three main and two secondary hypotheses. Essentially, we started from the reality that the deficient external communication process of the specialists of the Romanian Ministry of Investment and European Funds outlines a negative image on the factors responsible for attracting European funds, their lack of interest causing potential applicants to distrust the relevant ministry, especially in the context of the increasingly aggressive interference of politics in obtaining European funds. Equally, the lack of interest of the representatives of the relevant ministry in obtaining feedback from the applicants to the European funding projects leads to the latter's low degree of confidence in their chances of success. In the portfolio of the financing programs, the European Union has no less than 52 - their purpose being to develop Europe in a harmonious, strong and balanced manner. Keywords: investment, European funds, organizational communication, political influences, IBM SPSS 20

Setting expectations key to getting 100% board giving, experts say

In a perfect world, all of your nonprofit's board members would make personal financial contributions to the organization, demonstrating their commitment to its mission and the good it is doing. But in reality, many nonprofits struggle to get 100% of their boards to make these gifts, for a variety of reasons.

Are we ready for a sustainable approach? A qualitative study of the readiness of the public health system to provide STI services to the key populations at risk of HIV in Bangladesh

IntroductionIn Bangladesh, sexually transmitted infection (STI) services are available for all populations in public health facilities. However, STI services for key populations (KPs) at risk of HIV need specifically designed approaches that are predominantly administered to KPs through donor-supported service centers operated by non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs). However, the steady decline in donor funding warrants a sustainable transition of STI services for the KPs into public health facilities. This article aimed to explore the service availability and readiness of public health facilities to provide STI services for the KPs.MethodsThis qualitative study explored the service availability and readiness of public health facilities in three districts of Bangladesh by adapting the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool. We conducted 34 in-depth interviews,11 focus group discussions with KPs, and 29 key-informant interviews with healthcare providers, researchers, programme implementers and policy planners, in addition to series of direct observations at the public healthcare facilities. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, and categorised in relation to the WHO building blocks.ResultsThis study revealed that the public health system was generally not ready to serve the KPs’ needs in terms of providing them with quality STI services. The ‘service delivery’ component, which is the most crucial facet of the public health system, was not ready to provide STI services to KPs. Findings also indicated that health workforce availability was limited in the primary and secondary healthcare layers but adequate in the tertiary layer, but needed to be oriented on providing culturally sensitised treatment. Counseling, an essential component of STI services, was neither ready nor available. However, health information systems and a few other components were partially ready, although this warrants systematic approaches to address these challenges.ConclusionThe findings show that public health facilities are yet to be fully ready to render STI services to KPs, especially in terms of service delivery and human and health resources. Therefore, it is not only integral to mobilize communities towards the uptake of public health services, but health systems need to be prepared to cater to their needs.

The Effect of Iran Health Transformation Plan on Equity in Health Financing: A Systematic Review.

Achieving financial goals is one of the health systems goals, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries. Since financing equity, is an objective of Health Transformation Plan (HTP) implementation in Iran, this study examined this plan toward improving equity in healthcare Financing, using four payment indices: Out-of-Pocket Payment (OOP), Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE), Fair financial Contribution Index (FFCI) and Impoverishing Health Expenditure (IHE). Articles published in English on equity in financing related to HTP were searched and retrieved in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases between Jan 2014 and Dec 2020, following PRISMA guidelines. Overall, 1319 papers were retrieved initially, and 31 were selected for analysis. After implementation of HTP, OOP index has decreased between patients and households. No consistent trend was evident for CHE. HTP reforms have a limited effect on the FFCI. The one study on IHE has shown an upward trend for this index. In general, in the early years of HTP, there was a higher downward trend in equity in financing indicators than in subsequent years. HTP has made significant accomplishments in equity, such as the financial protection of patients in healthcare centers, but fail to achieve this plan goals, significantly reduced its value. Therefore, it is necessary for managers and health policy makers around the world, with scientific and principled solutions, to prevent loss of their reform plans positive achievements.

Enhancing Road Infrastructure Financing in Malawi: A Comprehensive Analysis & Recommendations

Purpose: This research study aims to critically analyze the effectiveness of Malawi’s road funding model, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and propose sustainable and innovative road funding model for improving road infrastructure financing in the country. Background: The inadequate state of road infrastructure in Malawi has hindered economic growth, connectivity, and social well-being. The existing road funding model faces challenges in generating sufficient funds for infrastructure development, maintenance, and rehabilitation. This study seeks to address these challenges and provide insights for a more effective and sustainable road financing approach. Methodology: A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Stakeholder perceptions were collected through surveys and interviews to assess the current road conditions and funding model’s performance. Budgetary evaluations and expert interviews were utilized to analyze the financial dynamics and governance aspects of road infrastructure financing in Malawi. Results: The evaluation of the road funding model highlighted a significant perception gap between desired and actual infrastructure quality, with stakeholders rating road conditions as poor. The research projected a substantial funding shortfall of US$3.5 Billion by 2037, equivalent to 28% of Malawi’s GDP, due to growing demand and inadequate financing. Despite efficient revenue collection mechanisms, the model struggled to meet infrastructure development needs. Given the critical findings of this study, the study recommends the integration of Public – Private Partnership (PPPs) to leverage private investment thereby reducing the fiscal burden on the government. Additionally, introducing a dedicated road fund sourced from multiple revenue streams such as fuel taxes, road tolls, and international donor funds could diversify and stabilize funding sources. A governance oversight committee comprising financial experts, policymakers, and community representatives should be instituted to ensure transparency and effectiveness in fund allocation and utilization

When onboarding new members, set proper expectations for giving, experts say

If you're lucky, all of your nonprofit's board members are happy and eager to make personal financial contributions to the organization each year, demonstrating their commitment to its mission and the good it is doing. But unfortunately, many nonprofits struggle to get 100% of their boards to make these gifts, for a variety of reasons.

Unpacking the impact of integrating the neglected tropical disease supply chain into the national supply chain system: illustrative evidence from Liberia.

Effective supply chain management is a critical pillar of well-functioning health systems ensuring that medical commodities reach those in need. In Liberia, the national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme supports health systems strengthening for case management of NTDs. Integration of NTD commodities into the national health system supply chain is central to the integrated approach; however, there is minimal evidence on enablers and barriers. Drawing on qualitative evaluation data, we illustrate that perceived benefits and strengths to integrating NTD commodities into the supply chain include leveraged storage and management capacities capitalized at lower system levels; the political will to integrate based on cost-saving and capacity strengthening potential and positive progress integrating paper-based reporting tools. Challenges remain, specifically the risk of reliance on donor funding; difficulty in accessing commodities due to bureaucratic bottlenecks; lack of inclusion of NTD commodities within electronic data tools and poor coordination leading to an inability to meet demand. Collectively, the negative consequences of ineffective integration of NTD commodities into the supply chain has a detrimental impact on health workers (including community health workers) unable to deliver the quality of care to patients. Trust between affected populations and the health system is compromised when treatments are unavailable.

Complementing family firm and managerial views of doing business through management accounting tools

Contributions to the family firm literature have given attention to different challenges that family firms have to face in their life cycle when organisational complexity increases and managerial processes are required. This paper investigates how management accounting (MA) tools enable family and managerial views of doing business to complement each other during the professionalisation process. In particular, the paper discusses a longitudinal case study on a family firm’s professionalisation, when an external advisor introduced financial ratio analysis and contribution margin reports. The case evidence shows that MA tools, by facilitating communication amongst family firm members and the external advisor, favours the complementing between family firm and managerial views of doing business during the professionalisation process. When simultaneously trusting family firm and managerial views of doing business, family firm members had the chance to interpret business facts differently, discovering new business opportunities. The paper contributes to the family business literature examining the professionalisation process through the pragmatic constructivist (PC) perspective that analyses the main traits of family firm and managerial views of doing business, stressing the relevance of values in interpreting business facts and in identifying factual possibilities. On this issue, the PC perspective is useful in understanding the role of MA tools as a communication basis for enabling the complementing of different views of doing business during the professionalisation process.

Financial analysis and contribution of arabica coffee for sustainable coffee farming in Sitolu Bahal Village, Lintongnihuta Subdistrict, Humbang Hasundutan Regency

Coffee is one of the leading plantation commodities which has an important role in the economy. Coffee acts as a provider of employment, a source of income, and foreign exchange through exports. However, in carrying out coffee farming, farmers experience obstacles that can affect the level of income contribution from coffee farming which ultimately affects family income and the sustainability of coffee farming. The purpose of this study was to determine the financial feasibility of Arabica coffee farming and to determine the contribution of Arabica coffee agribusiness income to family income and sustainability of Arabica coffee farming. The determination of the research area was carried out by purposive sampling (sampling with a specific purpose) because Sitolu Bahal Village has the largest land area in Lintongnihuta Subdistrict. The analytical method used was the feasibility analysis, namely the analysis of NPV, Net B/C, and IRR methods, and the analysis of the proportions (contribution of family income) method. The research results showed that the NPV value was IDR 10,682,488.69, the Net B/C value was 28.85, and the IRR value was 44.24%. The contribution of Arabica coffee farming income to family income was 13%. This high contribution shows that the farming business is sustainable.

A cultural levy or a digital streaming service tax: New film industry levies conflicting with the EU member states’s bilateral tax treaty obligations and OECD digital tax agreements?

This note highlights the obstacles that the film levy, as a form of financial contributions on video on demand (VoD) service providers under Article 13(2) of the 2018 EU Audiovisual Media Service Directive, may face in a cross-border context from an international tax perspective. In particular, the first obstacle is that the double tax treaties of member states exclude the possibility to levy income taxes on a foreign VoD service provider if it has no fixed and permanent presence, for example, an office, in the country. Second, the new global tax agreement on addressing the tax challenges of digitalization demands its parties (137 countries) to remove all unilateral domestic taxes on all digital services and all companies.

Corporate governance, chief executive officer power and performance of Islamic banking in east africa

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance variables, CEO power, and the performance of Islamic banking in East Africa. A Hierarchical panel regression model was to test both direct and indirect effect. Panel data was collected from all 10 full-fledged Islamic banking in East Africa and conventional banks with Islamic banking window for 7 years (2013-2020). Empirical results showed that board independence, board financial expertise and board activity positively affect performance of Islamic banking in East Africa. Powerful CEO negatively moderated the effect of board independence and board financial expertise on performance of Islamic banking in East Africa. Based on the findings, board independence, board financial expertise and board activity play a major role on improving performance of Islamic banking. In addition, the study support agency theory perspective that powerful CEO can reduce independence of board directors, hence limiting board activity and board financial expertise positive contribution on performance of Islamic banking. There has been limited studies on corporate governance and performance of Islamic banking in East Africa. This study contributes on board independence, board financial expertise and board activity of Islamic banking literature. The study provided crucial insight on corporate governance variables of Islamic banking in East Africa and their link performance.

"Midwives are heroes of the country": qualitative evaluation of a midwifery education program in South Sudan.

Countries affected by armed conflict have higher maternal mortality than stable settings. South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, with an estimated 789 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Long-term socio-political instability has contributed to significant challenges in its health system. To reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, South Sudan must increase the number of skilled midwives. A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted in 2022 to assess the midwifery education program at three schools receiving support from International Medical Corps in South Sudan, including in-depth interviews with 15 midwifery school graduates currently working as midwives, their supervisors, 16 school faculty (in dyads), and two Ministry of Health officials; and nine focus group discussions with women clients of graduate midwives. Participants identified strengths of the schools, including being well equipped with trained and competent teaching staff, competency-based curriculum, including practical training which prepared graduate midwives to apply their skills in practice. Weaknesses of the program included its dependence on donor funding, inadequate mentorship and number of tutors, and insufficient practice for some services due to low client load at clinical sites. Additionally, participants identified challenges affecting midwives' ability to provide good quality care, including lack of equipment and supplies, low client load, low salaries, and insecurity due to conflict. Nevertheless, women in the community appreciated the immense work that midwives do. Midwives were respected by the community at large, and graduates expressed pride and satisfaction in their job, as well as the positive impact they have had in providing critical services to communities. Overall, the quality of the midwifery education program appears to be strong, however gaps in the program and the provision of quality care remain. The findings highlight the need to ensure sustained funding for midwifery education, as well as health system strengthening to ensure midwives can practice their skills. Continued investment in midwifery education and training is critical to reduce high maternal mortality and morbidity in South Sudan.

Foreign subsidies and financial contributions: much fine-tuning ahead

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which came into force on 12 January 2023, constitutes the missing piece to protecting the internal market from the distortive effects of public intervention and bridges a glaring regulatory gap. However, although tackling distortions of competition caused by non-EU countries’ public intervention has always been widely recognized as a worthy objective, the complexities and administrative burden deriving from Commission-designed tools have been broadly and harshly criticized. Even though more conceptually interesting topics are on the table, the present contribution focuses on the issue that seems to be the most controversial in the current phase: the quantity and type of information required in the notification process with regard to foreign subsidies/financial contributions received by the notifying undertaking in the previous three years. Indeed, the Commission requires all foreign financial contributions to be listed (with few exceptions) in the context of concentrations and public procurement procedures. Therefore, after a brief overview of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the contribution analyses the rationale and related risks of the Commission’s choice to require the notification of foreign financial contributions rather than foreign subsidies, it evaluates the possible alternative paths proposed during the public consultation and it concludes by proposing a reasonably balanced solution.