Economic Programs Research Articles

Building Bridges to European Integration: Albania and Kosovo's Joint Efforts in the Balkans

This study aims to look at the joint efforts of Albania and Kosovo in enhancing European integration within the Balkans. It tries to figure out, through an analysis of the joint programs and strategic partnerships, the extent to which these initiatives help them realize their shared goal of EU membership and regional stability. Prior Work: Previous scholarship has looked mostly into individual tracks on how to integrate into Europe by analyzing the political, economic, and social reforms undertaken by Albania and Kosovo separately. Other studies have tried to identify challenges and opportunities for the Western Balkans in this regard of EU integration. Yet little is known about cooperative work between Albania and Kosovo, and what it means for the wider regional context represents a gap in this literature. Key Findings: The two countries have managed, as shown by these findings, to build such a framework of cooperation together with dimensions being diplomatic, economic, and even cultural. Cross-border infrastructure projects, policy reforms, and joint diplomacy as well as collaboration in regional and international initiatives have played a bigger part in lifting up their prospects for integration. The paper shows how important it is for these two countries to ally strategically in tackling common challenges, like issues of political instability within their territories, fostering economic development programs, and social cohesion that make up the key tenets upon which EU membership is anchored.Value: This paper is therefore important in providing an insightful analysis into how synergistic cooperation between Albania and Kosovo can be used to enhance European integration prospects. It underscores the role bilateral cooperation can play in ensuring regional stability on the path to EU membership. The paper provides insight into how other aspiring member states from the Balkans can use cooperative strategies to inform the broader European integration agenda from a disadvantaged region. Future Longitudinal studies should be done to assess the impact that such joint initiatives by Albania and Kosovo could have on their EU integration trajectories over time. Comparative analyses with other regional Balkan partnerships could give a more nuanced knowledge of best practices and lessons learned. Moreover, investigating how international organizations and external stakeholders support these bilateral agreements will further make a lot of sense in the academic discussion on European integration in the region. Received: 2 August 2024 / Accepted: 12 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Climate resilience and profitability thresholds in Chesapeake Bay oyster aquaculture

Shellfish aquaculture producers in coastal systems are facing uncertain future growing conditions as climate change alters weather patterns and raises sea level. We examined expected mid-century (2059–2068) changes in aquaculture profitability from recent conditions by integrating models of climate change, estuarine hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry, oyster growth, oyster mortality, and economics, using the Chesapeake Bay, USA as a case study. We developed an economic stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) approach that generates optimal grower behavior to maximize profits under uncertainty by dynamically choosing planting density, replanting and mitigation use, in response to changing oyster stock status and water quality conditions. Separate models were developed for bottom culture largely serving the cannery market, and container culture largely serving the half-shell market, to reflect different production costs, market prices, and oyster growth and survival. The coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical and oyster ecology models projected high spatial variability in oyster growth and mortality with the most favorable growing conditions in the lower north and upper mid bay, where mortality is lowest, and the upper south bay, where growth is highest. Climate change by late mid-century generated modest water quality changes and virtually no mortality rate changes. Nonetheless, our modeling revealed that even if growers made optimal management choices under uncertainty, the majority of modeled sites would see a decline in profitability under climate change, primarily due to potential reductions in food availability. Bottom culture was more resilient to the future climate at most sites, being less sensitive to small changes in growth than container culture. Information on how aquaculture conditions currently vary in space was more important for profitability than future climate forecasts. Our stochastic dynamic programming approach tailored grower behavior to each site and unfolding annual conditions, including highly targeted and cost-effective mitigation adjustments to boost oyster survival or growth.

Rebooting Master’s Programs in an Updated Higher Education System: Management Track

The relevance of the research topic is the importance of higher education programs in the implementation of one of the key functions of a modern university to form a graduate’s picture of the world of an educated person and acquire skills for successful professional activity. The article substantiates proposals that contribute to updating the Russian model of master’s training in the management track in the direction of increasing its efficiency, competitiveness and relevance.Research objectives: to consider the role of the master’s degree institute in the context of value creation by universities; justify one of the possible approaches to the design of a master’s program, which is based on the implementation of new principles for the creation and implementation of an educational product (using the example of direction 38.04.01 — Economics); consider the “double degree” format as part of a package proposal for the implementation of an MBA program and a master’s program (in the direction of 04/38/02 — Management); justify the need to include disciplines on venture financing and risk management of technological projects in the structure of the master’s training curriculum. Research methods: systematic approach, logical analysis, synthesis, content analysis of open sources, including official documents of a regulatory nature.Results. Ensuring high quality and sustainability of master’s programs is possible based on the implementation of the principle of the “four Us” (uniqueness, recognition, sustainability, satisfaction). To successfully solve the problems of ensuring the demand and competitiveness of the educational product in order to increase the value created by universities, taking into account new requirements for updating the domestic higher education system, it is necessary to update the ongoing master’s programs based on reengineering. It is recommended that master’s programs be updated in accordance with the developed principles of reengineering: taking into account transformational mega-trends when developing program content; strengthening the management component in the curriculum structure; increasing the level of originality of content through the development of “professorial” courses and reflecting this in the KPI system; the possibility of reformatting the curriculum into a block-modular format; participation of employers in the implementation of the master’s training curriculum in order to solve pressing problems of the real sector of the economy; formation of scientific groups of students to carry out research on current research topics with the possibility of using the results obtained in preparing reports on design and analytical work and writing a final qualifying thesis. The following are proposed as criteria for the success of a master’s program in Economics as elements of a university’s KPI system: the presence in the curriculum of disciplines that reflect transformational mega-trends, original “professorial” courses and disciplines of a management nature.Main conclusions (discussion). The project of launching an MBA program in a “double degree” format with an additional option providing the possibility of obtaining a “Master of Management” degree seems quite promising. The MBA program requires teaching the disciplines “Venture Business and Innovation Financing” and “Risk Management of Technological Projects.”

Implementasi Kebijakan Global Governance Pasca Pandemi Covid-19 dalam Pemulihan Ekonomi di Indonesia

The research carried out aims to understand the implementation of Indonesia's Global Governance Policy after the pandemic based on Global Governance. After the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia faces a big challenge in the context of global governance. The policies taken aim to restore the economy, improve public health, and strengthen international cooperation. Data is collected through library surveys without the need for field surveys, but with data from books and periodical publications. Based on research findings, the analysis explores the steps taken by the Indonesian government, including the implementation of national economic recovery programs, capacity building of the health system, and participation in global initiatives. The results of the analysis show that although there is progress, challenges in coordination and resources still exist, which affect the imlementation of the policy. Sustainable efforts and international cooperation are the key to overcoming the long-term impact of the pandemic.

Enhancing monitoring to promote early detection and eradication of invasive species

Ecological niche models are often used to predict the distribution of invasive species before or after they have been detected in new regions. Such models should also be used to guide surveys to promote the early detection and eradication of invasive species. Here we propose a practical framework that seamlessly uses ecological niche models to develop sampling routes that promote detection of invasive species. Our framework uses habitat suitability predictions and occurrence data on incursion populations to generate potential survey sites, which are then prioritized for sampling based on their size and suitability. The generated survey route is then displayed on an open street map platform. Our framework was developed into the ‘enmRoute' R package and a user‐friendly website to facilitate its application, and we validated our framework with a case study. We show that integrating ecological niche models with human transport routes promotes identification of survey sites that are predicted to collect more individuals and have a greater potential for species detection than traditional sampling approaches. Our framework may help industries, invasion biologists, and regulators develop economical and efficient survey programs for invasive pest monitoring that make eradication programs more attainable.

Higher Education, Higher Salaries? A Case Applied to Graduates in Economics

This document aims to contribute to the understanding of the determinants for choosing the Economics career in Bolivia, as well as the impact that postgraduate education has on the salary levels of graduates in this field. Regarding the latter aspect, it seeks to test whether the number of years of study following the undergraduate degree of an economist determines a higher salary level and whether postgraduate studies serve as a signal of differentiation in the labour market. To achieve the objectives outlined in this document, various linear probability econometric models are employed, constructed from the results of a survey conducted in 2024 with 79 graduates and 45 students from the Economics program at the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo.” The results suggest that the choice of the Economics career is more likely influenced by close individuals rather than by the information provided by the University about the content of the program. Furthermore, a greater number of years of study after obtaining an undergraduate degree decreases the likelihood of achieving higher salary returns, indicating signs of adverse selection within the labour market for economists in Bolivia.

Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into economic inclusion programming for displaced families in Ecuador

BackgroundPoverty is a key social determinant of mental health among forcibly displaced persons. This study aimed to design and pilot test a strategy to integrate existing mental health and economic inclusion interventions for displaced families in Ecuador.MethodsWe conducted a series of qualitative interviews (n = 30), focus groups (n = 6), and workshops (n = 3) to develop a set of strategies for integrating cross-cutting and focused mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) strategies into an existing economic inclusion program for displaced families in Quito. We non-randomly assigned two field offices in Quito to (1) integrate cross-cutting strategies focused on improving economic outcomes or (2) integrate both those cross-cutting strategies plus focused MHPSS strategies into an economic inclusion program. We measured site-level implementation outcomes (adoption, appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, reach, retention, usability) and participant-level psychosocial (wellbeing, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, functioning) and economic inclusion outcomes (financial resources, diet diversity, social capital/networks, self-reliance) over six months. We conducted a mixed-methods analysis to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the integration strategies and the ability to evaluate their effects in a future cluster randomized trial.ResultsWe developed a toolkit that included 10 strategies for integrating MHPSS into economic inclusion interventions. Fifty displaced persons participating in an existing economic inclusion program (25 per study condition) were enrolled and 88% remained in the study through the six-month follow-up. Participants and implementers reported that the integration strategy was appropriate, acceptable, feasible, and usable. Implementers, including people without prior experience in delivering mental health services, were able to deliver the intervention with high fidelity. Integration of focused MHPSS intervention components into an economic inclusion program appeared to improve MHPSS outcomes, the strength of social capital and networks, and engagement in economic and other programs.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of integrating MHPSS into economic inclusion programs for displaced people. We found evidence supporting evaluation methods that can be employed in a future study to definitively test the added value of integrated approaches to mental health and economic wellbeing for displaced persons.

Challenges for social cohesion after de-occupation: social and political reintegration and attitudes toward residents of temporarily occupied territories

The future reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine requires social cohesion in Ukrainian society: both for those who survived the occupation and those who lived in the governmentcontrolled territories. This article aims to determine the attitudes of residents of the government-controlled territories toward those who remain under occupation and to identify to what extent the issues of elections and (un)restriction of voting rights, the economic and cultural support programs, and the recognition of education certificates obtained in the occupied territories may hinder social cohesion after de-occupation. The study is based on the results of two waves of a nationwide survey conducted in October 2023 and March 2024. The paper analyses the survey results using descriptive statistics methods, and the linear regression analysis is conducted to test the hypothesis regarding the relations between the attitudes toward residents of occupied territories and having close relatives there. The study shows that Ukrainians’ attitudes toward the residents of the temporarily occupied territories are rather neutral than positive, which may indicate future lines of social tension. The support for reintegration policies varies depending on the duration of the occupation and the policy area. If the benefits and resources the policy addresses are perceived as scarce, the support for such policy is lower, as is the case of special university admission programs for school graduates from occupied territories. Also, Ukrainians’ positions differ in scenarios for restoration of local governance after de-occupation depending on the territories in question. Immediate restoration is a preferred scenario for territories occupied in 2022, while for territories occupied since 2014, the intermediate period of five years is envisioned.

Peran Dinas Pariwisata Dalam Meningkatkan Perekonomian di Kota Gorontalo

This research aims to find out how the Government Management in the Savings and Loans Village This study aimed to determine the Role of the Tourism Department in Boosting the Economy in Gorontalo City. The data sources used in this research were primary and secondary data. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis techniques used Bungin's theory (2019:229), which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The research results indicate a relationship between the Role of the Tourism Department in Boosting the Economy in the City of Gorontalo, as evidenced by the interviews and observations results. The results show the emergence of benefits for the local economy and increased job opportunities businesses for the surrounding community.Keywords: Government Management and Savings and Loans Village Economic Program

Manajemen Pemerintah Dalam Program Ekonomi Desa Simpan Pinjam Desa Tunas Jaya Kecamatan Bone Pantai Kabupaten Bone Bolango

This research aims to find out how the Government Management in the Savings and Loans Village Economic Program in Tunas Jaya Village, Kec. Bone Beach District. Bone Bolango chose 3 village officials as key informants while data collection techniques used documentation, observation and interview techniques. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive research method, namely describing research variables in qualitative aspects of understanding. The results of the research show that government management in the Savings and Loans Village Economic Program in Tunas Jaya Village has not implemented a good management process in managing the Karya Bersama Abadi Savings and Loans Village Economic Program. This is reinforced by data and interview results which state that the process of implementing the activities still experiencing several obstacles, both in terms of supervision and also the process of giving sanctions to members who have not carried out their obligations to pay credit. Some of the problems that are factors that hinder the progress of the village government management process in implementing the Karya Bersama Abadi program are weak leadership of the village head, inadequate facilities, low community mindset, and weak supervision from the village government.

Engaging with underserved communities during times of crises: A computational analysis of social media interactions with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs

Racial and social inequalities in the digital landscape remain pressing concerns in society. Previous research on government efforts to address digital inequality has largely focused on improving access to digital infrastructure and literacy. However, there is a severe shortage of research that examines how underserved communities engage with government information on relief measures and policies during crises. This study fills these gaps by drawing insights from three bodies of literature – digital inequality, the situational theory of problem solving, and fear. We investigate how underserved communities, such as low-income individuals, communities of color, and rural populations, interacted with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs designed to mitigate the adverse effects of crises, and how fear influenced public engagement patterns. We analyzed Facebook posts (N = 28,887) containing links (URLs) to government websites on COVID-19 economic relief programs from 2020 to 2022. Our findings show that posts shared within underserved communities generated higher levels of engagement (shares, comments) compared to those shared in nonunderserved communities. This indicates that underserved communities showed great interest in and participation with government information about relief programs during the pandemic. Notably, engagement significantly decreased when fear was expressed in discussions, and such a pattern was more pronounced in underserved communities than in nonunderserved ones. These results offer valuable insights into the communication dynamics of underserved communities during crises, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital inequality within the policy context.

Article: Mirroring Comparative Fiscal Federalism to Design the EU Revenue Side

This contribution aims to incorporate comparative fiscal federalism into the design of the EU revenue side. The author concludes that there has been no such ‘Hamiltonian moment’ at the EU after the introduction of the Next Generation Economic Recovery Program (NGEU) and the own resources scheduled in the EU Own Resources Decision (ORD) for the period 2021–2027. The ORD follows a short-term vision needed to pay back the massive debts incurred due to the NGEU without fully endorsing a fiscal federalism route. Learning how the revenue side is structured in decentralized countries could offer important proxies to be applied at the EU level, a centripetal or ‘bottom-up federation’. Federalizing the EU revenue side would imply an explicit recognition of the EU’s power to create income/indirect taxes coupled with the need to provide public goods to European citizens.

Factors Affecting The Livelihood Of The Small-Scale Fish Farmers (Seap Beneficiaries) In Oyo State, Nigeria

A study to identify constraints faced by small-scale fish farmers participating in Self-Reliance Economic Advancement Program (SEAP) in Oyo State was conducted. The study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 140 beneficiaries. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobi regression. The study results showed that 90.71% of the respondents were male with mean age of 41 years. Most (74.29%) of the respondents were married with 99.29% having 1-4 household members. Most (56.43%) of the respondents also had secondary. The regression analysis revealed significant correlation between beneficiaries’ livelihoods and factors such as age, primary occupation, membership of farmers' cooperative associations or groups, years of fish farming experience, and access to credit (p< 0.01, p< 0.05 and p<0.10). To build upon this findings, the intervention should be scaled up and out, with the SEAP intensifying efforts to replicate the programme and extend its reach to more farmers

Strategi Rumah Yatim Ar-Rahman Kota Medan dalam Pengoptimalisasian Dana Zakat, Infaq, dan Shadaqah

This research is about strategies and optimizing the management of zakat, infaq, and shadaqah at the Ar Rahman Orphanage in Medan City. This study started from the author's observations of social care embodied by zakat, infaq, and sadaqah as a form of a Muslim's faith to help ease the burden of Muslims, thus making the Muslims prosperous. The purpose of this research is to find out the constraints and efforts as well as strategies in optimizing ZIS funds. The method used in this study uses a descriptive method, namely by collecting interview data, observation, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that the Ar-Rahman Orphanage in Medan City in the strategy of increasing fundraising has 3 strategies, namely the first program strategy which consists of 7 main programs, namely humanitarian programs, orphans and poor self-reliance programs, da'wah programs, educational programs, economic programs, utilization programs, and health programs. In addition to these programs in the Infaq Sadaqah program there is one program called Ifsoh bound. The obstacles faced in implementing the marketing strategy of the Ar-Rahman Orphans House in Medan City, are the lack of knowledge about zakat in the community, then many people do not understand zakat, infaq, alms through the Orphans and Dhuafa Institutions.

From Crisis to Recovery: Successful Experiences in the Eradication of Narcotics in Afghanistan Local Communities

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

Case Analysis of Women Experienced Abuse: with Special Reference to Beneficiaries of Parihar, Bangalore

Abstract Case Analysis in this article presents a consolidated analysis of five case studies of women who have experienced abuse, exploring the varying types of abuse, challenges faced, and systemic responses. The cases have been chosen from the individuals i.e women who especially approach the institution “Parihar” Bangalore seeking help or emotional support. span different cultural and socioeconomic contexts, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse across the globe. Through detailed comparison, the article examines the role of economic dependency, legal protections, and social stigma in perpetuating abuse, as well as the importance of community and psychological support in recovery. The analysis underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks, community education, and economic empowerment to help women break free from abusive environments. “Parihar” is a charitable institution registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration act 1960, exempted under 80(G) of Income Tax Act. It is an initiative of Bengaluru City Police, and is managed by a dedicated, committed and successful team of professional counsellors, and police staff with vast experience in counselling and social work. Parihar undertakes charitable, philanthropic and socio–economic programs for the welfare of Women, Children and Family as a whole. Parihar’s implementation structure consists of mainly four important people, its Ex-officio President being the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Vice President and Nodal officer, is the Jt. Commissioner of Police (Crime) & Secretary is the Deputy Commissioner of Police(Admin) and Treasurer is the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) “Parihar” stands out for its ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ to work for the upliftment of women and children in today’s society with various challenges and positive attitude to redress the issues in a holistic manner.

Economic Program Policy BUMNIn Increasing Economic Growth In Indonesia

Economic program policies towards state-owned enterprises (BUMN) in economic growth in Indonesia have become commonplace in various countries. The main reason for implementing economic program policies is to improve and streamline the performance of BUMN so that it can achieve its founding targets, namely the provision of public services for the community and profits for the state. However, this policy is often rejected due to concerns that the role of the state is minimal and the role of the private sector is too dominant, which refers to a free market system so that the interests of society are not guaranteed. The method used in this research is qualitative research with a descriptive-analysis method using relevant secondary data and normative/literature assessment using a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic program policies by BUMN in Indonesia, both from a historical perspective and applicable positive law. The research object is BUMN (State-Owned Enterprises). This research concludes that the majority of listed BUMNs are able to improve business performance and profit generation. Economic programs are not the only solution for state company management, but they must always be able to reform and innovate in terms of future BUMN business strategies.

Study on the Experience of Integrating Agricultural Intellectual Property Content in the Teaching of the International Economic Law

International Economic Law is one of the compulsory courses for undergraduate law programmes in China. The Faculty of Law of the Beijing University of Agriculture implements the development of intellectual property rights in agriculture while integrating the relevant content into the international economic law programme as a special chapter. The aim is to expand the traditional international intellectual property rights chapter into an overview of international intellectual property rights treaties, international protection of geographical indications of agricultural products, and cases of agricultural gene security. At the same time, the Faculty of Law of fers a number of elective courses concerning agricultural intellectual property rights. It is also building a practical platform for intellectual property topics in the international economic law programme through the combination of law and agricultural science. By reforming the teaching of the international economic law programme, teaching resources have been further integrated. This has led to an increase in LLB admission scores, while also enhancing the practicality of teaching the international economic law programme.

Analisis Efektivitas Bantuan Langsung Tunai dalam Mencegah Angka Kemiskinan

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) in preventing poverty in the village of Sungai Jering. The background of this research problem is the high poverty rate, which is a major challenge for local governments in improving community welfare. The BLT program is expected to provide direct economic support to poor and vulnerable families. The theoretical concepts underlying this research include transparency, community participation, supervision, justice, and social security. The research method used is qualitative, allowing researchers to understand phenomena holistically and deeply. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving BLT beneficiaries and other related parties. The results of the study show that the BLT program in Sungai Jering has succeeded in increasing the purchasing power of the community and providing economic stability for recipient families. This success is marked by active community participation in the monitoring and implementation of the program, as well as high transparency in the distribution of assistance. However, to improve the program's effectiveness, support in the form of long-term sustainable economic empowerment programs is needed. In conclusion, BLT can be an effective tool in poverty alleviation strategies if implemented well, with high accountability and strong community involvement. With the right policies, this program is expected to become a model for other villages in managing social assistance effectively.

Research on cargo volume prediction and personnel scheduling optimization of sorting center based on BP neural network and improved genetic algorithm

With the development of Internet technology, e-commerce has become the primary choice for consumers to shop, and the huge order transaction volume has generated logistics problems. As an important part of the logistics network, the sorting platform is essential to improve its management efficiency. To enhance the efficiency of the sorting center, the topological relationship diagram is used to show the logistics network, and the cargo volume of the sorting center in the next 30 days and every hour is predicted based on the BP neural network model. Based on the mixed integer linear programming model and the improved genetic algorithm SCAGA model, the total man-days are minimized to ensure that the cargo volume is processed. At the same time, to ensure that the actual hourly efficiency is as balanced as possible, the optimization problem of personnel scheduling is studied. To maintain the efficient operation of the logistics industry, the accurate prediction of the number of goods and the reasonable scheduling of personnel, to provide a set of efficient and economical personnel scheduling programs for the logistics company, thus improving the overall operational efficiency and service quality.