Governance Challenges Research Articles

Agronomic impacts of new regulations governing land application of Class B biosolids in Florida

AbstractAlthough land application of biosolids is an attractive option for beneficial reuse, it represents a complex challenge for government and private organizations. This 3‐year field study evaluated the agronomic impacts of reduced biosolids rates imposed by new regulations in Florida on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) herbage accumulation and nutritive value. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of two phosphorus (P) sources (triple superphosphate and biosolids) applied at 0 (control), 20 (low), 40 (intermediate), and 60 kg total P ha−1 (high). Triple superphosphate plots received the same nitrogen (N) load (from ammonium nitrate) as the corresponding biosolids treatments. Bahiagrass herbage accumulation increased with increasing P and associated N rates. Bahiagrass annual herbage accumulation ranged from 2120 kg ha−1 in 2022 to 6970 kg ha−1 in 2020 and was 33%–80% less than previously published data. This was likely due to the reduced biosolids rates that did not supply sufficient N and P to sustain adequate forage production. Lesser herbage accumulation will likely lead to greater application of inorganic fertilizers, which generally have greater environmental footprint than biosolids. Biosolids generally resulted in either similar or greater bahiagrass crude protein, in vitro digestible organic matter, and tissue mineral concentrations than inorganic fertilizer. Similarly, no differences in bahiagrass N and P recovery between biosolids and inorganic fertilizer were observed. This study, along with a significant body of literature, demonstrated that biosolids have considerable fertilizer value and can be an effective alternative to commercial inorganic fertilizer while also providing environmental and economic benefits.

Boundary Spanning Methodological Approaches for Collaborative Moose Governance in Eeyou Istchee

Natural resource governance challenges are often highly complex, particularly in Indigenous contexts. These challenges involve numerous landscape-level interactions, spanning jurisdictional, disciplinary, social, and ecological boundaries. In Eeyou Istchee, the James Bay Cree Territory of northern Quebec, Canada, traditional livelihoods depend on wild food species like moose. However, these species are increasingly being impacted by forestry and other resource development projects. The complex relationships between moose, resource development, and Cree livelihoods can limit shared understandings and the ability of diverse actors to respond to these pressures. Contributing to this complexity are the different knowledge systems held by governance actors who, while not always aligned, have broadly shared species conservation and sustainable development goals. This paper presents fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a methodological approach used to help elicit and interpret the knowledge of land-users concerning the impacts of forest management on moose habitat in Eeyou Istchee. We explore the difficulties of weaving this knowledge together with the results of moose GPS collar analysis and the knowledges of scientists and government agencies. The ways in which participatory, relational mapping approaches can be applied in practice, and what they offer to pluralistic natural resource governance research more widely, are then addressed.

Constraints and enablers of regional environmental policy: governance challenges in England and Wales

ABSTRACT It is increasingly recognised that regional environmental policy is important not just for implementing national or international targets but also for policy innovation and leadership. However, international progress is limited by significant variation, with many regions failing to deliver effective environmental governance. In this paper, we argue that one important explanation of this variation is the power dynamics within multi-level governance systems. Specifically, using the UK as a case study, we identify the constraints and enablers of regional environmental policy that emanate from power asymmetries in the wider governance system. Through semi-structured interviews and document analysis, we identify the constraints and enablers faced by three UK regions: the West Midlands, the Humber and the Cardiff Capital Region. We find that while enablers tend to be isolated and region-specific, constraints are consistent across regions and form interlocking webs that significantly limit the effectiveness of regional environmental governance in the UK. This implies that attempts to implement holistic, long-term environmental transitions need to look to more fundamental reforms to the structure of political systems, paying particular attention to the constraining effects of asymmetric power dynamics.

Physical Activity Correlates With The Aging Process in Seniors Broadly - A Review

Lack of physical activity among seniors (65 and older) leads to premature aging, illness, and weakness. Engaging in Physical Activity (PA) and maintaining life satisfaction are identified as crucial factors for active aging, positively impacting mental and physical well-being. Life Satisfaction (LS), inversely related to health and longevity in seniors, is a key measure. Assessing the current state of LS in the elderly population and identifying contributing variables are essential for understanding good aging. To combat the pervasive fear of aging, wearable accelerometers evaluate PA, with the Internet of Things (IoT) based Physical Activities (IoT-PA) model showing promise in assessing LS due to age-related energy differences. This review paper discusses the benefits and challenges of virtual assistants in reducing sedentary lifestyles among seniors and presents technical findings from the suggested system. Encouraging regular physical exercise in the senior age group poses challenges for local governments, especially in low-income communities where engagement in physical activity remains low.

Data governance for smart cities in China: the case of Shenzhen

Establishing an appropriate system for governing various data is a critical challenge in developing smart cities. In China, with its distinctive institutional characteristics, it is not yet well investigated what kinds of data governance mechanisms are introduced, how data are collected, shared, and used, and how potential risks concerning data security and privacy are addressed. This paper conducts an exploratory study of the case of smart city development in Shenzhen and examines critical opportunities and challenges in data governance. A centralized approach led by the government has been emphasized in data governance, with its focus evolving from addressing the fragmentation of government data to fostering the integration of various kinds of data in society. Open data platforms have been developed through close cooperation between government and technology enterprises. Regulations have been introduced to protect data security and privacy and facilitate the exchange and use of data for innovation. On the other hand, stakeholders are not sufficiently incentivized to provide accurate information. The value of data is not appropriately recognized or measured, discouraging the sharing of data to facilitate the use of data. Citizens are not well-informed about what kinds of data are collected and how these data are used. Institutional mechanisms have not yet been established to ensure that the data collected from citizens are properly handled by the public authorities. It is crucial to encourage citizens’ engagement in data governance to fully implement the people-centered approach to smart city development.

“These Somalis are not Somalis:” Cup of Art Italian Coffeehouse, Authentic Identities, and Belonging in Hargeisa, Somaliland

Abstract Through ethnography of a performatively Western-inspired coffeehouse in a “traditionally” identifying town of Hargeisa in Somaliland, Serunkuma uses Cup of Art Italian Coffeehouse to debate the political-conceptual dilemma—and potential dangers—of the renewed longing for cultural authenticity and “total revolution” in post-colonial Africa. While acknowledging the failure of the dreams that animated the anti-colonial struggle, manifest in the collapse in public service delivery, governance challenges, and civil war, Serunkuma contends that taking this to be the product of the “legacy of late colonialism,” and thus seeking to protect supposedly “authentic” African traditions and religious practices from Western corruption is itself a poisoned chalice. Using Cup of Art, Serunkuma urges humility toward the permanence of a colonial modernity and constant awareness of the new “problem space,” in which actors exercise their agency.

Rethinking the Role of Local Government in Service Delivery in South Africa: Towards Digital Transformation

The article provided insights into why local government and service delivery must be rethought in light of digital transformation. It exposed the significance of digital transformation in solving local government and service delivery challenges. The article followed a qualitative research approach. It employed document analysis and literature review as data collection instruments. It argued that digital transformation can help local governments in South Africa fulfil constitutional obligations and meet policy goals. It demonstrated how digitally transformed local government can solve service delivery problems through the deployment of digital technologies that improve decision-making, cut costs, streamline operations, and offer efficient services. The article revealed that the digital divide, lack of technical expertise, data security concerns and resource constraints are some of the challenges that can affect the digital transformation of local government and service delivery in South Africa. These challenges must be resolved for digital transformation to play a significant role in improving the effectiveness of local government in service delivery. The article recommended that local governments in South Africa digitally transform in ways that foster equality and deliver local government services to all citizens. The article contributes to scholarship advocating for public sector innovation broadly, and specifically, illustrates the criticality of embracing digital transformation of local government and service delivery. Keywords: Digital Transformation, Digital Technologies, Local Government, South Africa, Service Delivery

Shared funding of R&D in small and medium-sized innovative enterprises: the case of Chinese biomedical industry

This study delves into the corporate governance challenges confronted by small and mediumsized innovative biomedical enterprises in the context of equity financing. Its objective is to provide valuable recommendations for the successful implementation of such financing. In order to address issues such as imperfect equity structure, inadequate financial audit systems, and low stability of the core team during equity financing, a range of improvement measures are proposed. These measures comprise optimizing internal management mechanisms, establishing an efficient R&D organizational structure, implementing practical incentive mechanisms for R&D enterprises focused on benefits, and enabling technical experts to actively engage in company ownership structures. Equity financing plays a vital role in resolving the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized innovative biomedical enterprises, particularly in fostering the development of innovative pharmaceutical products within the biomedical R&D field. Thus, it has a positive impact on effectively advancing China’s biomedical industry.”

Strategi Manajemen Rumah Tangga Melalui Pemanfaatan dan Inovasi Pupuk Komersial di Desa Ulak Kembahang II

The decreased level of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge for the village government in achieving the welfare of its people. Expenditure levels have increased, and rural communities have difficulty meeting their basic needs. The problems that occur in Ulak Kembahang II Village are the lack of understanding, skill, and community creativity in managing the household economy. Therefore, the community service team carries out activities to manage the household economy of the village community by converting household waste into liquid organic fertilizer that can be used for personal consumption or sold. The dedication method was carried out by providing training and mentoring to participants who were attended by 29 housewives in Ulak Kembahang II Village. Based on the results of the evaluation, the average level of understanding of the material by the participants was 87.7% regarding the management of the household economy and the manufacture of liquid organic fertilizer. The people of Ulak Kembahang II Village can be more creative in managing household waste as an opportunity to increase income.

Reimagining Human Rights: Harnessing the Power of Law for Global Health and Sustainable Development Goals

The concept of human rights has long been an integral part of global discourse, championed as a fundamental pillar of social justice and equity. In recent decades, the intersection of human rights, global health, and sustainable development has emerged as a critical area of concern and opportunity. This research paper delves into the dynamic intersection of human rights, global health, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - Good Health and Well-Being. In the context of our rapidly changing world, by applying a multidisciplinary research method, this paper explores the evolving landscape of human rights preservation and the challenges posed by emerging global governance issues. By examining the role of law in promoting and safeguarding human rights within the framework of SDG 3, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving global governance challenge in the quest for a healthier and more sustainable world.

From Awareness To Action: Addressing The Underlying Factors Of The Glass Ceiling Effect For Women In Multiple Sectors

The Glass Ceiling Effect is a phenomenon that portrays intangible obstacles often interfering the career advancement of talented people, especially women, to top-level management positions. This article aims to explore the underlying factors of the Glass Ceiling Effect in Indonesia, with a focus on the career challenges faced by women and the barriers in achieving gender equality in the workplace. The study included 100 female respondents working in various sectors. The research findings show that there are several factors reflecting the Glass Ceiling Effect such as Internal Business Structure, Social Challenges, Situational Challenges, and Individual Challenges. On the other hand, the Government Challenge factor does not reflect the Glass Ceiling Effect.

Measures of Taxpayer's Satisfaction: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

One of the significant challenges for the Philippine government is to develop tax administrative reforms to increase tax awareness among taxpayers in the country and eliminate the most common problematic issues of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) about corruption, biased processing, noncompliance of taxpayers, tax evasions, and unsatisfactory services. This study focused on identifying the thematic framework of measures of taxpayers’ satisfaction. Stratified Random Sampling was used to divide the population into strata or subgroups, and then a random sample was taken from each subgroup. The study surveyed 337 taxpayers in Davao City with a confidence level of 95%. Results showed that six thematic factors were extracted from the Exploratory Factor Analysis used in the study: Timeliness, Promptness, Communication, Accessibility of Office, Improved Procedures, and Processing of Information. From the 60 indicators, these six factors imply that BIR needs to improve its processes to support increased taxpayer satisfaction in the said themes. This research recommends creating intervention programs that address the tax gap from voluntary compliance and increase taxpayers' trust and confidence in the service provided by the tax authorities.

Inclusion of ecosystem services in the management of municipal natural open space systems

Abstract Unprecedented urbanisation in the Global South is transforming natural urban landscapes, impacting on the ability of nature to provide essential ecosystem services. Within the context of pressures facing many urban natural open spaces, particularly in Africa, we used a local municipality in South Africa as a case study to (i) identify local government priorities for a natural open space system; (ii) develop an understanding of whether, and how, ecosystem services are considered by local government, and the reasons thereof; and (iii) ascertain the extent of proactive planning regarding regulating and other ecosystem services, including the temporal and spatial scales, and implications. In‐depth qualitative interviews (n = 12) were undertaken with senior municipal officials representing departments whose work impacts the environment. Municipal decision‐support documents were also analysed for any direct and/or indirect references to ecosystem services. Planning for, and management of, ecosystem services provided by natural open spaces is influenced by interwoven infrastructure, municipal service delivery and equity challenges, complex institutional constraints and poverty, with little focus on the socio‐economic opportunities and other benefits of natural open space systems. Values, perceptions and knowledge also influence the management of ecosystem services. The study contributes to understanding the opportunities and challenges for the future governance of natural open space in the Global South, which require explicit consideration in municipal planning, management and budgeting processes. Policy and management implications identified include prioritisation of the regulating functions provided by natural open space systems, pivotal to the urban resilience agenda; building on the inherent appreciation of nature features as city assets, while achieving socio‐economic upliftment; improved (on‐site) collaborative management of natural open spaces; and involvement of local government officials in the preparation and updating of environmental policies and decision‐support documents, to ensure skills and knowledge transfer and interest are entrenched in local government departments. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN DEVELOPING SHARIAH GOVERNANCE AND SHARIAH AUDIT IN ISLAMIC COOPERATIVES

The development of Shariah governance and audit in Islamic Cooperatives in Malaysia is one of the primary concerns since some issues were raised throughout the process. Islamic cooperatives in Malaysia are regulated by Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM), which aims to encourage the growth of cooperatives that comply with Shariah. Islamic cooperatives operate their business under supervision from SKM regarding governance and Shariah perspective. The development of Shariah governance and Shariah audit support the Shariah compliance system that already operates in most Islamic institutions. During the Shariah governance and audit process, some issues are addressed during the development, which involves guidelines, Shariah auditor competency, staff skills, and governance and Shariah audit of the cooperative sector. The study’s approach included an interview with practitioners from cooperatives, auditors, and experts in the industry. This paper aims to identify the issues and challenges of Shariah governance and Shariah audit in the Islamic cooperative sector. The study will contribute to one of the key critical elements in strengthening the Shariah governance and Shariah audit in the cooperative sector.

Evaluating successes and challenges for effective governance of privately protected areas in Australia

Australia has one of the world's largest privately protected area (PPA) estates and has been seen as a world leader in establishing PPAs, with significant growth since 2000. Despite the policy expectation that PPAs will continue to grow in Australia, there has been limited policy or academic consideration of the legal and governance arrangements that are best placed to enable this. This article uses adaptive governance as a conceptual framework for conducting doctrinal (to explore the legal rules) and socio-legal (to understand the implication and effects of the rules in practice) research to analyze the governance of conservation covenant regimes in Australia, with a particular focus on the State of Victoria. The article finds that Victoria’s conservation covenant regime has the legal foundations to enable adaptive governance and that conservation covenants are expected to continue to be important in maintaining and establishing new PPAs, with opportunities for covenants to similarly deliver ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation objectives. Ongoing adequate public investment in the regime and the ability of the regime to attract new landowners in important landscapes without better financial incentives are identified as key challenges. The analyses and findings, while focused on the Australian context, are expected to have applicability to other jurisdictions that are focused on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and policies related to protected areas, private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation.

A New Strategy for Merging the Environmental and Commerce Challenges of the Caspian

Recent geopolitical events have thrust the Caspian region into a time of unparalleled opportunity. Specifically, the Middle Corridor (“MC”) has been presented as a potential savior for trans-Eurasian commerce. At the same time, its success relies on a sea that is in an ecologically precarious state. Saving the Caspian for all future uses, including trade, will require unprecedented engagement and coordination amongst all its bordering states. This paper proposes a strategy for using the newfound focus on the MC to highlight its inherent connection to the Sea’s ecological precarity – thereby linking strategies of developing Trans-Caspian commerce with the efforts to preserve the Sea’s ecology against both existing and emerging threats. The paper begins by summarizing recent geopolitical developments connected to the MC that have accentuated the Caspian’s global importance for commerce. It then explores a related challenge – the simultaneous efforts of several littoral states to pursue desalination of Caspian seawater at a time when the Sea’s level is already declining from pre-existing causes. While these are two separate issues, we argue that they are, in fact, interrelated and that the coordination and governance challenges for improving commerce are very similar to those necessary for regulating desalination. Next, we analyze the challenge of regulating desalination in the context of water geopolitics and the unique features of the current Caspian Treaty. Finally, we review the language of the existing Caspian Treaty to identify areas where enhancements are necessary to better reflect both emerging challenges.

Digital leap in the New Mexican school since the pandemic lockdown: Challenges for governance and pedagogical processes

This paper analyzes the extent to which the use of digital education platforms (DEP), which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, has modified educational policies for digital transition in schools in the context of the last Mexican educational reform (2019), teaching-learning processes, and school-family relations. Our main hypothesis is that the digital leap, in the New Mexican School that emerged from the last educational reform, has considerably modified the methods of educational governance, the pedagogical processes in schooling, and the ways of communication between schools and families, with implications for children’s rights. The objective is to identify, from the stakeholders’ perspectives, the effects of the growing importance of BigTech corporations in Mexico and of the expansion of digital capitalism, which deepened as an effect of school closures due to the pandemic, and to analyze the results from the gender perspective. The research methodology is qualitative based on in-depth interviews with policymakers and a survey of 70 school principals, teachers, and families from the five educational regions of the country. Our main research objective is to explore the perceptions, experiences, and opinions of women and men in urban and rural environments about the changes experienced since the pandemic in terms of digital transition and to identify the benefits and constraints of using DEP in schooling contexts.

What is the experience with governance models that manage and engage diverse stakeholders through a closure transition?

Traditionally understood in technical, environmental and (to a lesser extent) socio-economic terms, mine closure and transition is increasingly recognized as a significant governance challenge. Governance, in this context, refers not merely to the legal aspects of mine reclamation or closure regulation but rather the broader suite of actors, institutions, processes, methods, rules and practices that guide and oversee mine site transitions. Governance structures, interactions and practices are shaped by power relations as well as reflecting embedded norms and values. Since the 1980s, mine closure governance has expanded from a preoccupation by industry and governments with hazard mitigation, environmental reclamation and, in some cases, economic and social ‘adjustment,’ to encompass a wider set of social, economic and environmental aspects of closure (Kendall 1992; Laurence 2006). These issues may affect workers, local and regional development agencies, Indigenous rightsholders, fenceline communities and environmental advocates, among others (Bainton and Holcombe 2018; Everingham et al. 2020). This broad range of actors and issues, in turn, has generated reactions and responses from individual companies, industry associations and governments at all levels seeking to mitigate closure and transition impacts (Morrison-Saunders et al. 2016; Owen and Kemp 2018; Hodge and Brehaut 2023).

Editorial Presentation - Perspectives on innovation governance: challenges and dilemmas

Editorial Presentation - Perspectives on innovation governance: challenges and dilemmas

Whole ofgovernment approaches to accelerate adolescent success: efficiency andfinancing considerations.

The multiple domains of development covered by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a practical challenge for governments. This is particularly acute in highly resource-constrained settings which use a sector-by-sector approach to structure financing and prioritization. One potentially under-prioritized solution is to implement interventions with the potential to simultaneously improve multiple outcomes across sectors, what United Nations Development Programme refer to as development 'accelerators'. An increasing number of accelerators are being identified in the literature. There are, however, challenges associated with the evaluation and implementation of accelerators. First, as accelerators have multiple benefits, possibly in different sectors, they will be undervalued if the priority setting is conducted sector-by-sector. Second, even if their value is recognized, accelerators may not be adopted if doing so clashes with any of the multiple competing interests policymakers consider, of which efficiency/social desirability is but one. To illustrate the first challenge, and outline a possible solution, we conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the implementation of three sector-specific interventions to an accelerator, first using a sector-by-sector planning perspective, then a whole of government approach. The case study demonstrates how evaluating the cost-effectiveness of interventions sector-by-sector can lead to suboptimal efficiency rankings and overlook interventions that are efficient from a whole of government perspective. We then examine why recommendations based on a whole of government approach to evaluation are unlikely to be heeded. To overcome this second challenge, we outline a menu of existing and novel financing mechanisms that aim to address the mismatch between political incentives and logistical constraints in the priority setting and the economic evaluation evidence for cost-effective accelerators. These approaches to financing accelerators have the potential to improve efficiency, and in doing so, progress towards the SDGs, by aligning political incentives more closely with recommendations based on efficiency rankings.