Federal Public Research Articles

Integrity in Federal Public Procurement of Ethiopia

Procurement integrity is related to the commitment and honesty of individuals and teams in performing their assignment at the required level to ensure transparency and accountability and curb corruption.

Lighting the Way: Federal Courts, Civil Rights, and Public Policy. By Douglas Rice. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2020. 176p. $39.50 cloth.

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Johnny Tested Positive for COVID-19, What Is Next for the Team?

Johnny Tested Positive for COVID-19, What Is Next for the Team?

‘Post‐NPM’ by force or fiat? A comparison of administrative reform trajectories in Brazil and Mexico1

Abstract‘New Public Management’ (NPM) ideas gained widespread acceptance all over the world in the 1980s and 1990s. In developing countries, notable examples of its influence include the Brazilian ‘Master Plan for Reforming Public Administration’, launched in 1995 by president Cardoso, and the Mexican ‘Federal Public Administration Modernisation Programme’ created in the same year by president Zedillo. Both reflected NPM doctrine and advanced changes for the organisation of the Executive. This article explores the evolution of these two countries' managerial reforms and the extent to which they eventually continued converging (or not) around similar principles, such as those often referred to as ‘Post‐New Public Management’ (Post‐NPM). By applying quantitative textual analysis of official documents and an analysis of self‐reported institutional changes, the article concludes that despite their governing parties' strong political differences Mexico and Brazil did converge during the 2000s, improving controls from the centre, and prioritising the adoption of transparency and participation tools. The comparison of the trajectories of the administrative reforms of these countries between 1995 and 2016 contributes to international debates on policy convergence and Post‐NPM reforms.

The Relationship Between Efficiency, Stability, and Reputation in Fundraising and Generation of Resources in the Third Sector Institutions

The purpose of this study is to verify if the efficiency, stability, and reputation are factors capable of impacting fundraising and resource generation of nonprofit institutions, bearers of the Federal Public Utility Title. Data was collected from the National Register of Public Utility Entities of the Ministry of Justice, a database developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice in which nonprofit organizations file their financial statements. The analysis comprised the available data, from 2010 to 2014. Results indicate that fundraising and generation of resources are significantly influenced by efficiency, stability, and reputation factors. The findings highlight the relevance of disclosing financial information in generating and attracting funds from these institutions.

When the Party Accused of a Crime is the President: the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the US "ad hoc" Prosecutor

This essay analyzes the prosecution models espoused in Brazil and in the US when the accused party is the president. Both the head of the Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the American prosecutor, ad hoc, were given a high degree of autonomy, which was reduced after scandals. Between the “autonomy to fight corruption” or “stability in the political system”, the latter prevailed after experiments with autonomous prosecutors.

Identidade e Permanência, Ribeirinhos no Pantanal do Paraguai

Registros do modo de vida de população ribeirinha no rio Paraguai e da audiência pública do Ministério Púbico Federal realizada em maio de 2015 em mediação de conflito socioambiental entre unidades de conservação ambiental e ribeirinhos históricos na região do Amolar, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul.

What Identity is Formed by the Russian School Today

The paper raises the problem of the content and direction of the Russian educational policy regarding schoolchildren’s identity formation. The quality of identity is considered as a special determinacy of the individual’s relationship with other people and with social subjects. Two theoretical paradigms of human identity are distinguished in the paper and the basic characteristics of these paradigms are defined. The content analysis of the Russian Federal Public Educational Standards (FGOS) is performed in order to reveal the direction of identities formation that these standards entail. It is shown that modern Russian educational policy requests only one kind of identity, viz. the formation of a functionally acting member of society. The direct and the probable consequences of such policy are indicated in the article.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Governance Processes: A Case Study

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Governance is increasingly necessary and present in organizations aiming to improve the maturity of their ICT processes. This paper presents an analysis of the ICT Governance processes of a Brazilian Federal Public Administration agency. To assess the maturity of the ICT Governance processes, we surveyed and diagnosed the processes performed by the agency and organized a series of meetings/discussions to assist in the improvement and modeling of the processes related to the ICT Contract Planning process. As a result, we proposed improvements and identified the maturity level of the existing ICT processes, also assessing the awareness of employees of the General Coordination of Information Technology regarding these processes. Our findings reveal that the agency still needs to implement the following processes: (1) ICT People Management; (2) Business Process Modeling (Automated/to Automate); (3) Change Management; (4) Execution Monitoring of the ICT Projects and Services Portfolio; and (5) ICT Service Continuity Management. We also identified several artifacts that need to be implemented by the agency in different processes and collected survey participants’ suggestions about new processes to improve the maturity in ICT Governance.

Neutralidade como dever jurídico na educação pública: Direito e Ideologia na contemporaneidade brasileira

O artigo revisita o debate sobre as relações entre direito e ideologia pela teoria do direito no Brasil nas décadas de 1980 e 1990, e propõe alguns elementos para sua atualização. Em seguida, são analisadas três situações concretas de intervenção do Ministério Público Federal no campo da educação pública, nas quais se discute, a partir de princípios constitucionais, quais os limites de manifestações consideradas ideológicas por educadores e membros da comunidade acadêmica, ou simplesmente no espaço físico das instituições. Esperamos demonstrar a importância de retomar em perspectiva crítica a análise das ideologias e seus efeitos na teoria e na prática do direito.

The Experience in Organizing and Conducting the Analysis of Data on Nutrition of School-Aged Children in the Sverdlovsk Region within the Federal Public Health Promotion Project

Introduction: Implementation of the Federal Public Health Promotion Project should raise awareness and develop skills of healthy nutrition in children, thus contributing to disease prevention. Our objective was to evaluate the results of pilot nutrition monitoring in school-aged children of the Sverdlovsk Region as part of the Federal Public Health Promotion Project and the National Demography Project. Results: We established that school meals were generally satisfactory: the rations complied with physiological needs of children in terms of their nutritional value, basic nutrients, energy, and distribution of calories by main meals. We noted differences in the cost and nutritional value of meals and the variety of dishes and foodstuffs used between urban and rural areas. As a rule, pupils have one or two school meals a day. Outside of school, their consumption of dairy products and fruit is limited. Conclusions: Our findings may promote the elaboration of municipal programs aimed, inter alia, at changing the amount of sugar and salt used in the manufacture of public catering products, the cost of dishes with a high content of sugar, saturated fats, and salt, and subsidies on healthy nutrition.

Recommendations for a Health literacy Policy Plan for Belgium: Learning from experiences of other countries

Abstract Background In Belgium, the past decade has seen a large number of initiatives by various stakeholders to address health literacy (HL) at different levels, but an encompassing policy plan to coordinate efforts across sectors is missing. The Belgian Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment commissioned a study to investigate HL policy plans of other countries, with the intention to make recommendations for the development of a Belgian National Health Literacy Plan (NHLP). Methods To identify elements and criteria for a NHLP, a transversal analysis was performed of HL policies in Australia, Austria, Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Scotland, following a preliminary scoping review regarding the availability of relevant information. Information about HL policies was analysed using a combination of document analysis and key informant approach, structured by means of an analytical grid specifying methods, resources, goals, actors, beneficiaries, actions, timing, opportunities, threats, evaluation, monitoring and impact. Results Policy approaches and action plans on HL vary widely in scope, focus and depth. Three pathways to developing a national HL plan were identified: (1) a conceptual approach whereby targets are formulated at the national or federal level, showing the country's determination to improve HL throughout its political system, but with a weak leverage for action (A, AUS, P); (2) a pragmatic approach targeting the healthcare sector first but progressively broadening the scope towards other sectors (SCOT); (3) a delegated approach whereby the authorities delegate the initiatives regarding HL to an active and dynamic civil society (NL, IRL). Conclusions There is no single best way to coordinate efforts to address HL across sectors. Policy makers should consider the strengths and weaknesses within their country to develop a substantiated HL approach that best fits the country's situation.

Evasão nos cursos da Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio na modalidade a distância: um estudo em uma Instituição Pública Federal de Minas Gerais

Na contemporaneidade a evasão representa um dos grandes desafios enfrentados pelas instituições escolares nas diversas modalidades de ensino, sobretudo, na Educação a Distância (EaD). Apesar dos crescentes números de instituições que ofertam algum tipo de curso a distância e do expressivo índice de discentes matriculados, percebe-se que a evasão é recorrente. Nesse entendimento, o objetivo desta pesquisa consistiu em identificar os índices de evasão e investigar as principais causas da não permanência dos discentes dos cursos da Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio na modalidade a distância (EPTNMEaD) ofertados em uma Instituição Pública Federal de Minas Gerais. Para obtenção das informações foram empregados os procedimentos bibliográfico, documental e levantamento a partir da aplicação de questionários on line aos discentes evadidos. Constatou-se que, no terceiro módulo dos cursos (penúltimo módulo) o índice de evasão foi de 50%. Considerando que a não permanência é determinada tanto por fatores internos quanto externos à instituição, buscou-se investigar tais fatores separadamente. Dentre os fatores internos que contribuíram para a não permanência destacam-se a falta de planejamento das disciplinas, pouca atratividade ou estímulo do curso e baixa interatividade do Ambiente Virtual de Ensino e Aprendizagem (AVEA). Em relação aos fatores externos, a dificuldade de organização e gerenciamento do tempo foi o fator que se destacou. Portanto, o conhecimento dos motivos que ocasionam a não permanência é de fundamental importância para o debate de possíveis soluções ao problema e elaboração de estratégias de ação.

The Development of PRIMA - A Belgian Prediction Model for Patient Encounters at Mass Gatherings.

Mass gatherings (MGs) grow in frequency around the world. With the intrinsic potential for significant health risks for all involved, MGs pose a challenge for those responsible for the provision of on-site medical care. Belgian law obliges local governments to identify and analyze the risks involving a MG. Though medical risk factors are long known, all too often, resourcing for in-event health services is based on anecdotal and previous experiences. Despite the fast-evolving science on MGs, the lack of reliable tools - based on empirical and analytical approaches - to predict patient presentation rates (PPRs) at MGs remains. A two-step method was followed to develop, update, and support a Plan Risk Manifestation (PRIMA) program. First, a continuous systematic literature review was conducted. Once developed, the model was run using data obtained from Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS; Brussels, Belgium) Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment (HFCSE); event organizers; and municipalities. In total, 231 studies and documents were included to form the program. With the data provided, three variables were computed to run the calculation model to predict the PPR. Three medical risk axes were defined for this model: (1) isolation risk; (2) population risk; and (3) risk at illness. A combined dataset was derived from the prediction of the PRIMA program combined with the actual data obtained after the MG. This proved a solid basis for the calculation model of the PRIMA program. Despite that validation is needed, the PRIMA program and its prediction model for PPRs at MGs carries the promise of a general, applicable prediction and risk analysis tool for a multitude of events.

O fenômeno da judicialização e o acesso a medicamentos de alto custo no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

O fenômeno da judicialização da saúde no Brasil é recente, porém tomou grande vulto nos últimos anos, mais especificamente nas duas últimas décadas, como consequência das demandas judiciais que obrigam o Estado a prover de bens e serviços de saúde, inclusive o fornecimento de medicamentos de alto custo para o tratamento de doenças raras. Objetiva-se com o presente estudo traçar o perfil das produções acadêmicas sobre a judicialização do acesso a medicamentos de alto custo no Brasil, analisando os estudos publicados nos últimos dez anos em base de dados primárias como Google Scholar e Google Acadêmico, que segmentaram em trabalhos de fontes secundárias como Scielo, Lilacs, Medline, Revistas de Saúde Pública, Fiocruz, Revista de Direito Sanitário, Brazilian Political Science, Escola de Saúde Pública, além de trabalhos vinculados a Universidades Públicas Federais, e a (CAPES) – Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, que compuseram a amostra analisada. Para traçar esse perfil, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com teses de doutorado, dissertações de mestrado, artigos científicos e capítulos de livros. A amostra perfaz 82 estudos com uma produção progressiva desde 2003, em todas as regiões do país, com destaque para a região sudeste, ganhando amplo enfoque na área da saúde. Os resultados apontaram que essa demanda acarreta interferências nas políticas públicas comprometendo o orçamento da saúde, mas também é uma estratégia para o enfrentamento do problema. O perfil das produções acadêmicas versam sobre as características dos requerentes, o comportamento similar nas decisões judiciais e, ainda sobre o percentual dos medicamentos requeridos que apresentam alternativa terapêutica – (79%), além das dificuldades apresentadas pelos órgãos públicos para o cumprimento dessas decisões judiciais.

Expert technical evaluation model for modeling and monitoring services of Technology Information and Communication services in a Social Security Institution of the Federal Public Administration

Social security services are transcendental worldwide activities with significant impact on critical variables for the rest of the productive apparatus and consumption of a nation. The indicators of this category are always significant to locate the level of development and social consciousness of a country. Expert opinion assessments of the modeling and monitoring of Information Technology and Telecommunications services are intended to provide an assurance initiative as an external control system intended to guarantee the organizational continuity of Information Technology services, and serve as a countermeasure to guarantee the goals and objectives of public organizations related to social security services that are to be provided to a significant portion of Mexico’s citizens. This study focuses on one of the major social security institutions in Mexico, which uses the capability assessment model and the specifications of best practices related to assurance model framework provided by COBIT.

Transferencia de políticas y modernización administrativa: historia (y moralejas) de cuando el Programa de Mejoramiento de la Gestión chileno “viajó” a México

Existe en Latinoamérica una larga tradición de aprender de las instituciones y desarrollos político-administrativos de otros países. Sin embargo, el estudio de estos procesos de transferencia/difusión de políticas o aprendizaje trasnacional, como se les conoce en la literatura académica, no ha logrado consolidarse como cuestión de mayor interés entre los académicos de la región. Este artículo presenta el caso de la transferencia del Programa de Mejoramiento de la Gestión (PMG) chileno al sistema administrativo federal mexicano, cubriendo particularmente el periodo que va entre 2005 y 2008. En específico, se trata de explicar cómo y por qué el PMG acabó convirtiéndose en el Programa Especial de Mejora de la Gestión, de denominación parecida pero con objetivos y características fundamentalmente distintas. La idea central es que el PMG terminó siendo algo radicalmente diferente como resultado de una serie de conflictos y negociaciones inter(intra)-burocráticos asociados a los dos ministerios federales involucrados en el proceso: la Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP) y la Secretaría de la Función Pública (SFP). Dichos actores tenían ideas bastante distintas en cuanto a por qué tomar el PMG chileno como referencia, qué recuperar (y cómo) del esquema original y, sobre todo, cómo insertar el nuevo programa en el marco del sistema de gestión por resultados mexicano en formación.

Gerenciamento de riscos e gestão de controles internos em empresas brasileiras envolvidas em crimes de corrupção e lavagem de dinheiro

Diante dos rumorosos escândalos de corrupção e lavagem de dinheiro no país envolvendo empresas de capital aberto, em especial aqueles descobertos pela Operação Lava Jato, percebe-se a fragilidade das companhias no tocante à gestão de controles internos e ao gerenciamento de riscos. Assim, o estudo tem por objetivo identificar as principais características do gerenciamento de riscos e da gestão de controles internos divulgadas nos formulários de referência de companhias de capital aberto listadas na B3, envolvidas em crimes de corrupção e lavagem de dinheiro. Foram analisados os formulários de referência dos exercícios de 2013 a 2016 de seis empresas que vêm sendo investigadas pelo Ministério Público Federal. Observou-se, dentre outras fragilidades, que algumas empresas ainda não adotam uma política de gerenciamento de riscos formal, ou só recentemente passaram a implementá-la, enquanto outras julgam que a gestão de controles internos não tem sido eficaz.

ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC COST MANAGEMENT ASSISTING IN DECISION MAKING

This work presents a study on the cost formation process of a third-party service provider from the Federal Public Administration to draw a parallel with the strategic cost management using the absorption and variable costing methods. As a methodology, a qualitative-quantitative research strategy, of an applied nature, was used, through a case study in a company that provides cleaning, conservation, and sanitation services. Data on 13 types of inputs (the highest values) were analyzed over six months. The values were highlighted referring to the input data of the Bidding Notice that led to the contracting of the service provider company, the inputs consumed by the client, and the inputs purchased by the company. The results of the study indicate that the company bought twice as much (119%) than the amount foreseen in the notice on the analyzed period. Using the precepts of Strategic Cost Management, in parallel with the absorption and variable costing methods, it can be observed that in terms of making managerial decisions, the second (variable costing) forwards more critical information to the manager than the first ( absorption costing), resulting from the concern of complying with Brazilian tax legislation, without considering the inherent tax costs (not only) in the operational structure of the type of service object in this study.

The Federal Public Trust Doctrine of Illinois Central: The Misunderstood Legacy of Appleby v. City of New York

The public trust doctrine imposes obligations and restrictions on governments in their exercise of sovereign power over property and resources of great public value. For environmental plaintiffs alleging that the federal government has breached its fiduciary obligation as a steward of natural resources, the vitality of the public trust doctrine hinges on whether courts conclude that it is exclusively a state law doctrine or also applies to the federal government. Courts have split on the issue, disagreeing over the proper scope and application of the U.S. Supreme Court’s seminal 1892 public trust case, Illinois Central Railroad v. Illinois. Several courts, including the D.C. Circuit, have leaned on an isolated quotation from Appleby v. City of New York—an obscure 1926 U.S. Supreme Court breach-of-contract case that discussed Illinois Central—for their conclusions that the public trust doctrine does not apply to the federal government. That presumed pillar of support, however, crumbles under scrutiny of the facts and reasoning of Appleby. The Appleby Court in fact recognized and ratified the broad principle of Illinois Central, under which public trust obligations inhere in sovereignty and would thus bind the federal government along with states. This Comment offers a thorough analysis of Appleby that may enable environmental plaintiffs to counter assertions that the Supreme Court has foreclosed the possibility of a federal public trust obligation. Although later Supreme Court dicta suggest otherwise, Appleby supports a conclusion that the public trust doctrine binds all sovereigns, including the federal government.