Equity In Resource Allocation Research Articles

Federal Public Resources in Response to Natural Disasters in Rio Grande do Sul

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the sources and allocation of federal public resources applied to natural disasters in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. Theoretical Framework: Based on Public Choice Theory, the study investigates how self-interests can influence the allocation of public resources, which is relevant in the context of Brazilian public administration. Method: Using a descriptive and documentary approach, this qualitative research collected data from provisional measures and the Transparency Portal, analyzing the sources and amounts of funds quantitatively and their allocations qualitatively through the lens of Public Choice Theory. Results and Discussion: Most of the funds come from Official Credit Operations (41.80%) and Federal Financial Charges (13.97%). The allocation covers a range of areas from climate change mitigation to support for microenterprises. The diversity of allocations suggests an effort to meet multiple emerging needs and maximize political benefits, reflecting the influence of self-interests in public management. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public management, especially in disaster situations. By revealing how resources are allocated and identifying potential influences of self-interests, the research contributes to the formulation of more efficient and equitable public policies. Detailed understanding of the allocations can improve accountability and integrity in resource allocation, promoting governance practices that increase public trust in government actions. Originality/Value: Applying Public Choice Theory, this study offers insights into the efficiency and equity of resource allocation for natural disasters in Rio Grande do Sul, contributing to the literature on disaster management and public administration in Brazil.

Multi-criteria comparison analysis of spatial equity for emergency shelters in old and new urban districts: A case study in Wuhua District and Chenggong District of Kunming City, China

With the progression of urbanization and the concentration of populations in urban areas, cities are increasingly exposed to disaster risks. Emergency shelters play a critical role in disaster prevention and mitigation, as they are vital for providing temporary refuge and protection during and after catastrophic events. Assessing the spatial equity of these shelters is conducive to enhancing emergency relief capabilities and aiding in disaster risk reduction. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the comparative and quantitative disparities between new and old urban areas, particularly in developing countries like China, where urbanization is rapid and populations are dense. To address this issue, this study employed a combination of multi-source data and GIScience technology to analyze the spatial equity of emergency shelters in Wuhua District and Chenggong District of Kunming City, China. We evaluated the overall spatial equity of emergency shelters in both the old urban area (Wuhua District) and the new urban area (Chenggong District) using a comprehensive evaluation model with three criteria: evacuation population capacity, spatial accessibility, and the level of per capita effective shelter area. The results revealed that the old urban area suffers from insufficient effective emergency shelter capacity due to saturated construction land. More than 67 % of the shelters are short-term emergency shelters located close to buildings, which compromises spatial accessibility during earthquake disasters. The level of per capita effective shelter area, as indicated by SSTD, is 24.42 in Wuhua District, suggesting that the effective shelter area in each subdistrict is consistently low, regardless of its urban or suburban classification. In contrast, the new urban district boasts substantial effective emergency shelter capacities, both in the long-term and short-term types, surpassing the reference capacities. The rational spatial layout of various types of emergency shelters ensures that most regions with concentrated buildings are enveloped in accessibility time layers within a 25-min range. The SSTD index of Chenggong District is 349.23, underscoring the significant disparity in the level of per capita effective shelter area at the subdistrict scale, particularly in the district's urban villages and suburban regions. The findings of this study serve as a scientific reference for emergency management and urban planners to reasonably plan or upgrade shelter facilities, thereby improving urban resilience and promoting spatial equity in resource allocation among subdistricts, communities, and residents.

Bridging the gap: coordinating equity and efficiency in older people care resource allocation in China

BackgroundWith the increasing global aging population, how to allocate older people care resources reasonably has become an increasingly urgent international issue. China, as the largest developing country, has made many efforts to actively respond to the challenges of an aging population. However, there are still problems with uneven allocation of older people care resources and low efficiency of allocation. Therefore, this study evaluates the regional differences and dynamic evolution of the equity and efficiency of older people care resource allocation in China from 2009 to 2020, and explores ways to change the current situation.MethodsThe data used in this study were derived from the “China Statistical Yearbook” and the “China Civil Affairs Statistical Yearbook” for the period of 2010–2021. Firstly, the equity of older people care resource allocation was measured using the Gini coefficient, the Theil index, the Older People Care Resource Density Index, and the Older People Care Resource Agglomeration Degree. Secondly, the dynamic Slack-Based Measure data envelopment analysis method was adopted to evaluate efficiency. Lastly, the Z-score is used to normalize the equity index and perform classification matching with the efficiency value. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and hotspot analysis were conducted using GIS technology to examine the dynamic evolution process of older people care resource allocation equity and efficiency, as well as their spatial distribution patterns and coordination across provinces from 2009 to 2020.ResultsThe equity analysis showed that the spatial distribution of various types of older people care resources was uneven, and the differences were mainly due to internal differences within each region, with the largest equity differences observed in western provinces. Currently, older people care resources are mainly concentrated in eastern regions, while the total amount of older people care resources in western regions and some central regions is relatively small, which cannot meet the older people care needs of residents. The efficiency analysis results showed that the efficiency of older people care resource allocation has been improving over the past 12 years, and in 2020, 77.42% of provinces were located on the efficiency frontier with an average efficiency value of 0.9396. Finally, the coordination analysis results showed that there were significant spatiotemporal differences in the equity and efficiency of older people care resources allocation.ConclusionWith the development of society and economy, the total amount and service capacity of older people care resources in China have greatly improved. However, there are still significant spatiotemporal differences in the equity and efficiency of older people care resource allocation. The development of older people care services in central and eastern provinces is unbalanced, and there is a polarization trend in terms of equity and efficiency of older people care resource allocation. Most provinces in western regions face the dual dilemma of inadequate older people care resources and low utilization efficiency. It is recommended that policymakers comprehensively consider population and geographic factors in different provinces, establish relevant allocation standards according to local conditions, improve the redistribution system, and focus on increasing the total amount of older people care resources in underdeveloped provinces while promoting resource flow.

Distributive justice and equity in resource allocation: a temporal analysis of hospitalization costs in indigenous populations in Brazil

IntroductionIn Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, the health needs of each region have an impact. In this context and the name of the principle of equity, the SUS organizes actions especially aimed at social groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and indigenous peoples. The concept of justice proposed by John Rawls is one of equity, which is essential to this country.MethodsThis is an ecological, descriptive study, which analyzed hospital spending on cardiovascular diseases in the Unified Health System (SUS) among the indigenous elderly population and other ethnicities/colors in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019.ResultsHospitalization costs and fatality rates for indigenous populations and other colors/ethnicities, between 2010 and 2019, were evaluated. A reduction in hospitalization costs for the indigenous population and an increase in other populations was observed throughout the historical series, while there was an increase in fatality rates for both groups. A comparison was made between hospitalization costs and the fatality rates of indigenous populations and other colors/ethnicities according to sex, between 2010 and 2019. It was observed that regardless of sex, there are significant differences (p<0.05) between hospitalization costs and fatality rates, with higher costs for patients of other colors/ethnicities and higher fatality rates for the indigenous population.ConclusionsHospitalization costs due to cardiovascular diseases in elderly people from indigenous populations were lower compared to other ethnicities in most federative units, which may suggest an unequal allocation of resources or access for this indigenous population to the SUS. Although there is no strong correlation between spending on hospital admissions and fatality rates, it was found that these rates increased between 2010 and 2019, while spending was reduced.

Identifying Accessibility and Equity Defects of Elderly Care Services in Developing Countries: Insights From Xiamen City

Background: The global aging population has raised concerns about the fair distribution of elderly care resources. China, as the largest developing country, has made efforts to address population aging challenges. However, equitable distribution of elderly care resources remains a concern. This study analyzed the spatial layout and accessibility of elderly care service facilities (ECSFs) in Xiamen City to improve resource allocation and enhance the elderly care system in China. The findings provide valuable insights for other developing countries and regions seeking to improve their own elderly care resource allocation.Methods: Xiamen City was chosen as the research area due to its unique geographical location and advanced information technology infrastructure. The study examined the spatial distribution, accessibility, and equity of ECSFs. Using Python, point of interest (POI) data were collected and evaluated using the kernel density method and two‐step floating catchment area method. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified areas of aggregation and dispersion in ECSF accessibility.Results: Xiamen currently has 660 ECSFs, including nursing homes, adult day care centers, home care agencies, and rural elderly care homes. The analysis revealed spatial disparities, with ECSFs clustering primarily in the central area of Xiamen Island. Significant differences in accessibility were found among the four types of ECSFs. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified cold and hot spot areas, indicating variations in accessibility across regions.Conclusion: Xiamen City has made progress in allocating elderly care resources and constructing service facilities. However, equity in resource allocation remains a concern. Areas with limited accessibility were identified, leading to unequal access to elderly care resources and timely physical care. To address these challenges, decision‐making departments should consider increasing facilities, improving transportation, enhancing macro planning, and improving facility service quality and accessibility. These measures will optimize ECSF accessibility and promote equitable distribution of elderly care resources.

Trend and Equity in Maternal and Child Health Resource Allocation in China Since the New Health System Reform: A Nationwide Study from 2008 to 2020.

China has made considerable efforts to promote the development of maternal and child health (MCH) care since the new health system reform in 2009. This study aims to evaluate the trend and equity of MCH resources allocation in China from 2008 to 2020 and provide a reference for rational distribution of MCH resources. Data were collected from the China Health Statistics Yearbook and China Statistics Yearbook. The number of MCH hospitals, licensed (assistant) physicians, registered nurses and beds were selected for the measurement of the equity of MCH resources allocation. The Health Resource Agglomeration Degree and Theil index were used in evaluating MCH resource allocation equity and to compare differences among regions. From 2008 to 2020, the average annual growth rates for MCH hospitals, beds, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses were 0.72%, 6.95%, 5.04%, and 9.57%, respectively. However, regional disparities in the equity of MCH resource allocation have been identified. Although the western region has shown growth in MCH resource allocation by geography, the agglomeration degree of the four indicators remains less than 1, significantly lower than the average value of greater than 2 in the eastern region. Additionally, the equity of human resource allocation in the western region is lower than the equity in the allocation of institutions. In the densely populated eastern region, the equity of MCH resource allocation by population is decreasing, with the agglomeration degree of all four indicators below 1 in 2020. The disparity in healthcare resource allocation within regions is the main cause of inequitable MCH resource allocation in China. The allocation of MCH resources in China has improved since 2009, however, geographic equity needs further improvement, particularly in densely populated regions. Population and geographic balances should be considered in the development and implementation of MCH resource allocation policies, and improving intraregional equity should be the focus.

The Process of Grouping Elementary School Students Receiving PIP Assistance uses the K-Means Algorithm

As part of receiving support from the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), this study intends to analyze and apply the K-Means algorithm in the process of grouping elementary school students. PIP is a government initiative that attempts to give money to elementary school pupils from disadvantaged or weaker homes. The effective and fair distribution of aid monies depends on the proper grouping of the students. The K-Means approach was selected because it can cluster data, allowing the grouping of pupils based on pertinent traits. Numerous characteristics that can affect kids' financial needs are included in the data utilized in this study, including family income, parental education level, proximity to the school, and other social and economic issues. This study makes use of empirical data from a PIP-affiliated elementary school in an urban setting. The data includes a large number of pertinent features and thousands of pupils. Based on how similar their characteristics are, pupils are divided into numerous clusters using the K-Means technique. The findings of this study will help us better identify the traits of students who are eligible for PIP support. By doing this, the government can allocate funds more wisely and guarantee that aid is given where it is most needed. The PIP program can benefit children in need more by streamlining the process of grouping the students. In addition, this research has broader implications for social aid and education policy. To guarantee effectiveness and equity in resource allocation, the K-Means algorithm can be used in a variety of additional aid initiatives. Data mining-based strategies, like those employed in this study, are becoming more crucial to boost the effectiveness of aid programs like PIP. The findings of this study can help the government and educational institutions improve the efficacy of aid initiatives designed to boost Indonesian children's education

Efficiency trends of essential public health services and possible influencing factors since the new round health reform in China: a case study from Hainan Province.

This article aimed to evaluate the efficiency trends and influencing factors of essential public health services in Hainan Province after the healthcare reform launched in 2009 in China. The efficiency of essential public health services (EPHS) at primary health institutions was assessed using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the efficiency change was analyzed by employing the Malmquist productivity index (MPI). We used Tobit regression to identify the influence of environmental factors on the efficiency of public health services. The bootstrap method was adopted to reduce the impact of random errors on the result. The bootstrapping bias-corrected efficiency revealed that the average values of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.7582, 0.8439, and 0.8997, respectively, which meant that the EPHS in Hainan Province were not at the most effective state. The average bias-corrected MPI was 1.0407 between 2010 and 2011 and 1.7404 between 2011 and 2012. MPIs were less than 1.0000 during other periods investigated, ranging from 0.8948 to 0.9714, indicating that the efficiency of EPHS has been decreasing since 2013. The Tobit regression showed that the regression coefficients of per capita GDP, population density, the proportion of older people aged over 65, and the proportion of ethnic minority population were 0.0286, -0.0003, -0.0316, and - 0.0041 respectively, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a short-term improvement in the efficiency of EPHS in Hainan after the launch of the new round of health reform. However, this trend has not been sustained after 2013. In particular, equalized financial investment in essential public health could not fulfill the needs of poor counties. This has resulted in the inability to improve scale efficiency in some counties, which in turn has affected the improvement of overall EPHS efficiency. Therefore, to promote EPHS efficiency sustainably, it is suggested that under this model of provincial control of counties, the equity of resource allocation should be effectively improved while further advancing the technology of service delivery.

Health resource allocation in Western China from 2014 to 2018

BackgroundHealth equity has persistently been a global concern. How to fairly and appropriately allocate health resources is a research hotspot. While Western China is relatively backward economically and presents difficulties for the allocation of health resources, little attention has been given to the equity of resource allocation there. This study analysed the equity of allocation of beds, physicians and nurses in Western China from 2014-2018 to provide targeted guidance for improving the equity of health resource allocation.MethodsData for 2014-2018 obtained from the Statistical Yearbook (2015-2019) of provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) were used to analyse health resource allocation in terms of beds, physicians and nurses in Western China. The Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient were calculated to evaluate equity in the population dimension and geographic dimension. The Theil index was used to measure the inequity of the three indicators between minority and nonminority areas.ResultsThe number of beds, physicians and nurses in Western China showed an increasing trend from 2014-2018. The Lorenz curve had a smaller curvature in the population dimension than in the geographic dimension. The Gini coefficients for health resources in the population dimension ranged from 0.044 to 0.079, and in the geographic dimension, the Gini coefficients ranged between 0.614 and 0.647. The above results showed that the equity of health resource allocation was better in the population dimension than in the geographic dimension. The Theil index ranged from 0.000 to 0.004 in the population dimension and from 0.095 to 0.326 in the geographic dimension, indicating that the inequity in health resource allocation was higher in the geographic dimension. The intergroup contribution ratios of the Theil index in both the population and geographic dimensions were greater than 60%, indicating that the inequity in resource allocation was mainly caused by intergroup differences, namely, the allocation of health resources within the province. Among them, the inequity of physicians and nurses allocation was the most obvious.ConclusionsFrom 2014 to 2018, the total amount of health resources have improved in Western China. However, health resource allocation in Western China was still inequitable in the population and geographic dimensions, and the inequity of health resource allocation in the geographic dimension showed a tendency to worsen. Meanwhile, although the inequity of human recourse allocation was alleviated in 2018 compare with 2014, the inequity of human resource distribution within provinces was still obvious. The government can increase the number of health resources and improve the accessibility of health resources by increasing financial investment, strengthening humanistic care for health workers, and establishing internet hospitals.

The effect of equalization of public health services on the health China's migrant population: Evidence from 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey.

China has implemented an equalization of public health Services policy for migrants in 40 pilot cities since 2013. The main objective of this study is to explore the effect of this migrant-based reform policy on the health status of the migrant population in China. Using the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), we included 152,000 migrants aged 15 years or over in 2018. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic information and self-reported health status. The Associations between the equalization of public health services and health status were estimated using Multiple regression estimation models and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methods. Public health equalization reform in China has a significant and positive effect on the health status of the migrant population (β = 0.033, p < 0.001). Compared to males, higher income, under 60 years of age, inter-provincial mobility, and migrants those already living in urban areas, the equalization of public health Services had shown more significant positive effects on the groups who were inter-provincial migration (β = 0.055, p < 0.001), females (β = 0.055, p < 0.001), having low-income (β = 0.077, p < 0.001), aged over 60 years old (β = 0.191, p < 0.001), and living in rural areas (β = 0.038, p < 0.001). And multiple robustness tests prove that the above results are reliable. Our findings confirmed the positive health effect of the equalization of public health services reform on china's migrant population, especially among vulnerable groups such as those in low income groups, in rural areas and females. And we recommend that it is necessary to further promote the practices and experiences of the pilot cities. First, strengthen health education for the mobile population and improve their health literacy. Second, further increase the financial investment to improve the coverage of public health services and the equity in resource allocation among regions. Last, strengthen the information-based management of the migrant population and prevent and control infectious diseases.

Influence of Participants Preparation for Citizen Fora on Equity in Resource Allocation by County Governments of Kenya

Public participation has become a basic requirement for good governance in democratic societies across the world. It is also instrumental in development practice, where it holds the promise of including the community in agenda-setting as well as decision-making in development planning, implementation and sharing of development benefits. In Kenya, both the national and county governments have been engaging the members of the public in participatory processes including budget making process with various degrees of success. For the goals of public participation to be realized, the forums for engaging citizens must be structured in a way that the desired outcomes are achievable. Participants preparation is critical for ensuring they give meaningful and quality input. This study sought to investigate the influence of participants preparation for citizen fora on equity in resource allocation by county governments in Kenya. The study surveyed targeted members of the public who had participated in the budget hearing forums organized by county governments in nine counties selected for the study using a multistage sampling procedure. A total of 491 respondents selected through systematic random sampling, as well as 27 county government officers who were interviewed as key informants. The resulting data, both quantitative and qualitive was cleaned, coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis respectively. The findings of the study show that sufficient publicity in planning for the forums and availing timely, comprehensive, and adequate information to the budget forum participants have a positive and significant influence on equity in resource allocation by county governments. Specifically, it showed that sending invitations to members of the public in a timely manner through channels that are widely accessible to the members of the public leads to a higher number of people attending which is important for decisions that promote equity outcomes. Furthermore, availing adequate budget information helps the participants to understand the entire budget process, the proposed projects and the amounts allocated which enables them to give proposals that engender equity in resource allocation. The study recommends that county governments should strengthen both the publicity and civic education to ensure that members of the public are sufficiently mobilized and empowered to give input that will enable the counties to allocate resources in an equitable way.

The Contribution of Participants Representativeness at Citizen For a on Equity in Resource Allocation by County Governments of Kenya.

Public participation is an essential governance principle and a requirement for sustainable development. It has gained widespread appeal both globally and in Kenya since the passing of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Some of the goals for conducting public participation in resource allocation include equity, efficiency, and effectiveness amongst other desirable outcomes. However, whether a given public participation forum will achieve any of these outcomes depends in part on whether the participants who attend such forums in terms genuinely represent the voices and concerns of the wider community which was the focus of this study. The study used a survey design with the members of the public who had taken part in public forums organized by county governments forming the study population for the budget making process. 491 respondents who were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure filled questionnaires while 27 county government officers were interviewed using an interview guide. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that participants representativeness, has a positive and significant influence on equity in resource allocation by county governments in Kenya. The study recommends that county governments rethink their modes of invitation and mobilization to ensure that the values and priorities of the wider community and its diversity are represented in the consultation fora. This will ensure that views presented at such forums are to be useful in guiding the county authorities to allocate resources in ways that reflect intra county equity.

Impact of COVID-19 on Organ Donation and Transplantation in the UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed considerable strain on the allocation of healthcare resources. In this research, we explored the views of healthcare professionals in the UK on the countrywide management of organ donation and transplantation during the first COVID-19 surge in the spring of 2020.&#x0D; Methods: An internet-based survey was developed and distributed over a 2-week period in May/June 2020.&#x0D; Results: Three hundred and fourteen professionals responded, covering all organ donation and transplant regions across the UK. Data suggest a considerable degree of scaling back of activity in all but one region (Northern Ireland). A range of absolute criteria for organ donation and transplantation were highlighted that have since been implemented in practice.&#x0D; Notable strengths of the countrywide response included the donation and transplant community acting responsibly and proportionately (51.6%), providing access to up-to-date information and data (43.9%,) and communicating risk (40.8%). Mixed views were expressed on equity in resource allocation, with 32% aligning with inequity, 28% with equity and 17% of respondents stating that equity issues are not relevant in a crisis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Findings highlight that managing scarcity is complex during a pandemic. Embedding ethical values in recovery and future threats preparedness should be prioritised.

Research on the equity of health resource allocation in TCM hospitals in China based on the Gini coefficient and agglomeration degree: 2009–2018

BackgroundThe demographical and geographical distributions of health resources are important aspects of healthcare access. Few studies have been published on health resource allocation in TCM hospitals in China despite public equity concerns.MethodsThis article uses the Gini coefficient and agglomeration degree to analyze the health resources of TCM hospitals in China according to demographic and geographic configuration conditions in order to study the equity of the health resources of TCM from 2009 to 2018.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2018, all regions of the TCM health resources per ten thousand people and per ten thousand square kilometers showed overall upward trends. The overall equity of the health resource allocations of TCM hospitals in China tended to improve year by year. However, there were still great differences among regions. Generally, the equity of physical resource allocation was better than the equity of human resource allocation. Additionally, the equity of health resources in TCM hospitals allocated by population was better than it was by geographic region.ConclusionsIt is necessary to further optimize the structure of TCM resource allocation, and enhance the equity of resource allocation among different regions.

Fairness and equity in resource allocation and decision-making

Fairness and equity considerations in the allocation of social goods and the development of algorithmic systems pose new challenges for decision-makers and interesting questions for the EC community. We overview a list of papers that point towards emerging directions in this research area.

Resource Allocation Equity in the China's Rural Three-Tier Healthcare System.

The rural three-tier healthcare system is an essential part of the Chinese healthcare service system. To ensure rural residents’ equal access to such healthcare services, it is necessary to examine the current status of the healthcare system in rural China and formulate corresponding improvement suggestions. This study therefore collects the data from the China Health Statistics Yearbook, the China Health Yearbook and the China Statistical Yearbook between the years 2004 and 2021 to calculate the Gini coefficient (G), health resource density index (HRDI) and Theil index (T) first, and then perform the Mann–Kendall test afterwards to evaluate the equity of healthcare resource allocation comprehensively. This series of analysis helps in drawing the following conclusions: (1) county and county-level city medical and health institutions (CMHIs) show a higher development trend in comparison with township hospitals (THs) and village clinics (VCs); (2) VCs have higher institutional fairness, while for beds and personnel, CMHIs and THs are more fairly positioned; (3) more specifically for CMHIs and THs, personnel allocation is more fair than beds and institution allocations; (4) the density of healthcare resources in the eastern and central regions is higher than that in the western part, while the intra-regional distribution of beds and personnel in the west and central regions is better than that in the eastern region; (5) intra-regional differences are more significant than inter-regional differences and the fairness according to population distribution is higher than that of geographical area allocation. The results of this study provide theoretical basis for further optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources and improving the fairness of healthcare resources allocation from a macro perspective.

Applying the code of medical ethics in the context of a pandemic: COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

When thinking of something that would kill millions of people, a pandemic is the greatest risk. The outbreaks hit much harder to the lowerincome nations, given the lack of access to basic health services, health infrastructure, and effective infection control mechanisms. In this context, ethical aspects related to equity in resource allocation, selective vaccination, clinical trials involving human subjects, limitation of personal freedom such as quarantine regulations, and so forth need to be addressed by the healthcare professionals. Therefore, a recognized clinical ethics scheme is imperative to balance individual and population rights during the response to an outbreak.

The effect of performance-oriented funding in higher education: evidence from the staff recruitment budget in Italian higher education

This study, which aims to investigate some potential effects derived from the adoption of performance-oriented funding in the higher education system, is focused on competitive allocative mechanism to provide universities with the staff recruitment budget in the Italian Higher Education System using panel data spanning the period 2012–2018 for 58 public universities. Results show that the geographical area in which universities operate influences their capacity to increase performance and thus financial resources. Indeed, universities located in Northern areas, the wealthier part of Italy, received a higher amount of resources than those located in the rest of the country. These findings reveal the key role played by external factors, which are beyond the control of management, in universities’ capacity to achieve better performance. Results also suggest that policy-makers should identify the correct trade-off between the quest for higher performance within the Italian Higher Education System and equity in resource allocation.

Index for measuring convergence between objectives and practice of Islamic banking

PurposeIslamic banking was developed to serve two objectives: to replace interest-based loan system with profit and loss sharing investment modes and to promote equity in resource allocation. The first objective is called procedural whereas the second one is termed consequential. Scholars have been debating about the success of Islamic banking in achieving these objectives. This paper aims to develop an index for measuring the extent of convergence between theory and practice of Islamic banking.Design/methodology/approachFor measuring the procedural and consequential convergence between objectives and practice of Islamic banking, the paper derives a set of indicators from the celebrated theory of Islamic banking and then develops the methodology of ranking all banks in terms of those indicators.FindingsThe paper provides ranking of Islamic banks in Pakistan in the light of this index. The results indicate that none of the Islamic banks in Pakistan has been doing good enough to achieve the convergence, instead they are moving in the opposite direction over time.Practical implicationsUsing the methodology developed in this paper, universal ranking of Islamic banks may be issued every year.Originality/valueScholars have proposed some indices for measuring the performance of Islamic banking. There are two basic problems with these proposed measures: they do not directly compare the performance of Islamic banking against its stated objectives and they naively use an additive form of index without explaining the reason for this choice, i.e. as to what are the desirable characteristics which their preferred mathematical form of index serves. The index proposed in this paper attempts to overcome these shortcomings.

Decision-Making Tree for Prioritizing Racial Equity in Resource Allocation

Within University of Minnesota Extension's health and nutrition program area, we created and are using a decision-making tree to prioritize our work with communities of color through equitable decision-making practices. The tool is currently used to help grant administrators winnow down a pool of applicants for a participatory grant-making program called the Action Learning Seed Fund. In this article, we draw on our experiences with creating and using the tool to explore its potential application for advancing equitable decision making in other areas of Extension work.