Government Ministries Research Articles

"Data Free Flow with Trust": Japan's struggle to integrate democracy and human rights into digital trade policy.

A powerful regime for regulating trade, the Group of Seven (G-7) has increasingly negotiated its digital trade through bilateral and preferential trade agreements, including with non-member states in the Global South. Focusing on the dominant concept shaping these agreements, Japan's "Data Free Flow with Trust" (D.F.F.T.), we trace its discursively contested emergence and meaning within a national ("Society 5.0") vision for Japan's digital transformation, and its subsequent transnationalization in international fora and institutionalization in global digital trade policy. Drawing on our interviews with Japanese government ministers, business elites, and legal experts who contributed to the processual development of D.F.F.T., as well as diverse additional primary sources, we find that the D.F.F.T. has become more than a trade policy, covering a wider range of social and geopolitical issues. In particular, we show that contention over "data localization measures" has restructured international relations of trust, especially across the Global North/South divide. Ultimately, this research report contributes to our understanding of how D.F.F.T. poses threats to human rights, democracy, and the global knowledge economy that may undermine its goals of enhancing innovation capacity and economic growth.

Impact of Leadership on Employee Behaviour and Attitude in The Ministry of Finance, Ghana

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of leadership on employee behaviour and attitude in the Ministry of Finance in Ghana. It specifically focusses on how leadership practices affect productivity in a public sector setting. The research investigates the adaptive qualities of leadership styles and their efficacy in meeting the varied demands of employees, based on the principles of Situational Leadership Theory (SLT). Methodology: The study utilises a descriptive survey method. The study population consists of all 628 employees of the Ministry, with a sample size of 246 determined through a multi-stage sampling process. Data is obtained by questionnaires. Findings: The findings suggest that leadership roles and practices have a moderate impact on employee behaviour and productivity. Leaders are seen as successful role models, but they are lacking in providing personalised support and effectively communicating goals. The effectiveness of leadership tactics is not considerably influenced by age. The study's findings suggest that implementing leadership development programs, improving communication methods, and providing individualised support mechanisms will promote organisational efficiency and employee engagement in the Ministry of Finance. Policy Implications and Recommendations: Ministries should develop and implement comprehensive training programmes for leaders that focus on enhancing role modeling, setting high performance expectations, and providing effective intellectual stimulation. Governmental ministries should introduce policies and practices that improve the communication of organizational goals and increase employee involvement in the goal-setting process.

‘A Fly in the Ointment’: Apartheid South Africa’s Transnational Nuclear Network during the Cold War, 1953–1976

ABSTRACT This article focuses on apartheid South Africa’s nuclear sector and the regime’s attempts to cooperate with overseas energy companies to provide financial investments and crucial technologies. It highlights the connectedness of the South Africans in the global nuclear marketplace and their ability to secure technical support from Western states during the Cold War between 1953 and 1976. The article analyses the parallel negotiations with French and German firms to engage with the regime in sharing of sensitive knowledge and bargaining lucrative contracts. Using newly discovered archival records it is shown that French-German competition was at a boiling point at least twice in the 1970s. Moreover, the regime in Pretoria managed to garner enough support in the nuclear field to further the growth of its domestic industry, ultimately being capable of enriching uranium and obtaining a turnkey nuclear power reactor. The white minority government in Pretoria however failed to position itself as an important uranium supplier on a global scale, because of sanctions targeting domestic racial apartheid policies and a more robust international non-proliferation regime towards the 1980s.

Experiencing the executive: Gender, ministers and institutions in Scotland

Women are historically under-represented amongst government ministers. While most research on gender and executives concentrates on who gets to (and stays at) the top, we examine the executive as a gendered institution, investigating how ministers experience the ‘heart of the machine’ once they get there. Using documentary sources and interviews with former ministers, we explore these dynamics through a case study of the early years of the (then) Scottish Executive (1999-2007), examining how men and women ministers navigated the complex rules and relationships of government in a new institution, and moving the research agenda on gender and the executive in the UK beyond Westminster and Whitehall. While we find evidence of both nominal and substantive change – in terms of ministerial recruitment, portfolio allocation and different ways of working – our findings highlight the continuing drag of the Westminster model on the ‘making’ of the Scottish Executive, limiting possibilities for innovation.

A Analysis Of Central Government Ministry Pro-Poor Budgeting Program Before And After The Pandemic

Pro-poor budgeting analysis is an approach used to ensure that government budget allocations favor and favor the interests of the poor and vulnerable. This study uses a qualitative approach to determine the differences in pro-poor budgeting budget allocations in the Central Government. The data collection techniques used in this study are using secondary data from the Central Government Financial Statements for the 2019 and 2022 fiscal years. The data analysis technique in this study uses descriptive analysis. This analysis is important to see budget allocations that are right on target and effective in reducing poverty levels in Indonesia. The results of this study indicate that the three Central Governments have differences in pro-poor budgeting priorities between the pre-COVID-19 period and the post-COVID-19 period, and other results show differences in the effectiveness of pro-poor budgeting between Ministries. The implications of this research are related to the impact of pro-poor budgeting and can be used as a basis for more effective policy-making related to pro-poor budgeting in the Central Government. This research has significant benefits as a literature reference for students exploring related fields. This study can be used as an important reference by providing secondary data and in-depth analysis. In addition, the results of this study open up opportunities for further development by future researchers. Thus, this study enriches the academic literature and triggers future innovation and continuous research, ultimately contributing to the development of science and practical application in related fields.

Hauora hinengaro o takatāpui: analysing the effectiveness of mental health policies in addressing the needs of Takatāpui in Aotearoa New Zealand

Many studies have documented the effect that colonisation has had on takatāpui, that is, Māori (the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) with diverse gender identities, sex characteristics and sexualities. In this paper, we explore whether current Aotearoa New Zealand (hereafter Aotearoa) mental health policies meet the needs of takatāpui. We identified five mental health policy needs, informed by the literature. We then explored policy documents from government ministries, district health boards and non-government organisations to see the extent to which policy met these needs. Four themes were present in the literature analysed: an overall lack of acknowledgment of takatāpui and intersectionality; promising engagement with the needs of takatāpui by NGOs; symbolic commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; and some limited engagement with Māori health models. The findings show promise in some areas but demonstrate a lack of engagement by policy to meet the needs of takatāpui.

Expanding data resources beyond “health care”: exploring options and implications

BackgroundPopulation data science has a long history with health care data. Some data centres are expanding to include “health-related” data, including information on other publicly funded services (e.g. education, income and housing supports), and systems (e.g. criminal justice, children in care). We describe what enabled this expansion through three examples from Health Data Research Network Canada. MethodsHDRN Canada members include data centres that provide access to linkable data sets for approved research projects. We use case studies to identify similarities, differences, and lessons learned from the process of expansion in the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick and British Columbia. ResultsThe Manitoba Centre for Health Policy has 30+ years of experience with linked data, with a consistent focus on population health. Data sets expanded incrementally, through partnerships across government agencies. Population Data BC has a nearly 30-year history, with recent expansion to health-related data through partnership with a program of one government ministry that operates under distinct legislative authority. The New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training is newer, and helped advocate for legislation changes that enabled an expanded set of linked data to be made available for research. All embed Five Safes principles, and commitments to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and Indigenous data sovereignty in data governance. ConclusionA greater variety of data enables research to answer complex research questions. This kind of expansion can be accomplished through different mechanisms, but in all cases requires attention to ethical and legal principles of population data science.

Integrated Psycho-Socio-Educational Programmes for Women Victims of Gender-Based Violence.

Although women victims of gender-based violence suffer health and self-care issues, there is still a lack of coordinated integrated support programmes aimed at mitigating the socio-health impact of gender-based violence on women that are suitably adapted to new social contexts. Given the importance of analysing the effectiveness of integrated psycho-socio-educational interventions and self-care programmes, this study reviews the interventions and programmes implemented in Spain, focusing specifically on their implementation and impact in the autonomous region of Navarra. The data reviewed were extracted from official publications and websites pertaining to the 17 Spanish autonomous regions and the corresponding Spanish government ministries. Additionally, 18 reports on psycho-socio-educational interventions (n = 63) for the whole of Spain centring on integrated support for self-care were analysed. In the case of the autonomous region of Navarra, four psycho-socio-educational intervention programmes (n = 4) involving self-care were analysed. The analysis found that there are a number of diverse integrated psycho-socio-educational programmes focusing on self-care that provide support and interventions. The results indicate that the women who benefit from the services, especially those relating to self-care (self-esteem, healthcare, personal image, and health), report improvements in their general wellbeing.

Assessment of the Status and Characteristics of Faecal Sludge Management in populated unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This study evaluates faecal sludge management in densely populated informal settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using suitable standardized methods. The data indicates that latrines are built with less emphasis on quality compared to the construction of houses, resulting in the use of inferior materials and technology. Various techniques are employed for emptying pits, with vacuum trucks and manual pit emptying being the predominant methods. However, lack of access to households poses a significant obstacle to vacuum truck emptying, as 39.67% cannot be reached by transportation means. The pit emptying industry faces high costs and restricted technological accessibility. Semi-manual and semi-mechanized technology innovations for hygiene emptying in less accessible dwellings have not gained sufficient appeal among inhabitants in densely crowded unplanned settlements. DAWASA owns treatment plants for faecal sludge treatment, but these are located far away, increasing transportation expenses. Implementing decentralized faecal sludge treatment plants appears to be a more effective approach. The collection and handling of faecal sludge now overlook the potential for resource recovery and re-use, which might greatly enhance the sustainability of faecal sludge management. Two government ministries have partially incorporated the faecal sludge management or sanitation sector into their health and water policies and programs, but the separation of responsibility has hindered its growth and lack of emphasis on information diffusion in urban areas.

The Impact of Multi-Currency System On Public Sector Procurement Performance in Zimbabwe

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of multi-currency system on public sector procurement performance in Zimbabwe using evidence from government ministries of agriculture, defence and local government. In line with the positivism philosophical framework the study used correlational research design, deductive research approach, quantitative research methodology and a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from 171 participants comprising of procurement and finance officers in the three ministries. The study confirmed a statistically significant impact of multi-currency system on public sector procurement performance. All multi-currency system dimensions that include exchange rate fluctuations, foreign currency shortage and multiple currency usage induced inflation were found to significant positive predictors of both procurement cost and supplier price. Exchange rate fluctuations were confirmed to have the greatest positive impact on both procurement cost and supplier price in the public sector.

Effectuation, Causation and Bricolage; Entrepreneurial Orientation in the Face of Crisis, a Perspective from Developing Countries

Abstract While previous studies on individual entrepreneurial orientation have evolved more from environmental, social and cultural features, far less attention has been dedicated to personal agency factors, especially during the crisis period of post COVID-19 pandemic. Relying on personal agency theory and the entrepreneurial cognitive logic concept, this study investigates how entrepreneur’s internal locus of control affect their individual entrepreneurial orientation, particularly during periods of crisis and scarcity-post COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 500 small and medium scale entrepreneurs via an online questionnaire and analyzed using partial least square (PLS-SEM) methodology. The findings show that causation, bricolage and effectuation’s affordable loss and flexibility, which are most responsive to internal locus of control, significantly impact individual entrepreneurial orientation. However, no evidence has been found on how gender, education level and education background impacts the internal locus of control to promote entrepreneurial orientation. Finally, the paper highlights the relevance of considering personal agency factors, namely internal locus of control, for policy makers, especially those involved in institutions of learning and government ministries, to boost citizens perceptions and entrepreneurial orientation and behaviour particularly in developing countries.

Measure What Matters: Toward Multi-Sectoral Action to Improve Child and Youth Health and Well-being

Despite Canada’s strengths and widespread acknowledgment of the importance of children and youth, this country recently ranked 30th among 38 high-income countries on indicators of their well-being (UNICEF Innocenti 2020). While there are limited data readily available for monitoring within and across jurisdictions, Alberta compares worse than Canadian averages on indicators of early development vulnerability and child abuse (PHAC 2023a). The Alberta government convened a Child and Youth Well-being Review (GOA 2021) and Action Plan (GOA 2022a) to understand and address the pandemic’s adverse impacts. Indigenous and racialized children and youth, children in low-income families and children with disabilities were highlighted as being disproportionately impacted. In addition, the review found significant gaps in mental health, education, social data and evidence along with fragmentation of data within ministries and service systems (GOA 2021). Influences on child and youth health, well-being and health inequity have social, environmental and economic origins that extend beyond health policy boundaries (Lopez et al. 2021; Vargas-Barón, Diehl and Small 2022; Clark et al. 2020; Patton et al. 2016). Yet, public policy can be a powerful intermediary between children’s conditions and outcomes (UNICEF 2020). Cross-sectoral, whole-of-society approaches are required to improve child and youth health and well-being and government ministries have important roles to play (Akseer et al. 2020; De Montigny, Desjardins and Bouchard 2019; Leppo et al. 2013). Meaningful and accessible measurement and monitoring information is required to support co-ordinated, cross-sectoral decision-making and policy strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities (OECD 2021). Information is required about child and youth material living standards, physical and mental health, social lives and learning and education (OECD 2021). While definitions of child and youth well-being vary depending on diverse perspectives and cultural, social and local contexts, many established indicators and frameworks can be tailored to local community needs and priorities (OECD 2021).

Climate change loss and damage from droughts: key insights from Fiji’s sugar industry

ABSTRACT Climate change loss and damage (L&D) due to both sudden and slow-onset events are a growing concern for vulnerable countries. Over the last decade, agricultural communities in Fiji have suffered a range of serious L&D from severe drought events. Through a grounded theoretical lens, qualitative research was used to gain in-depth insights into L&D from droughts in the Fijian sugar industry. In-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 68) were conducted in two Indo-Fijian sugarcane communities, Barotu and Toko settlements in Western Viti Levu, Fiji, and with key stakeholders from government ministries, academia, and climate change experts at the national level. Purposive sampling was initially used to identify smallholder sugarcane farmers and key stakeholders. Theoretical sampling further identified key stakeholders for the interview. Despite implementing various adaptation measures, the Fijian sugar industry has suffered severe L&D, including non-economic L&D (NELD) and associated cascading effects. L&D included reduced yields, loss of crops, and reduced income. NELD included deterioration of mental, physical, and emotional health, loss of hope, and uncertainty. Cascading effects included increased food insecurity risks and impacts on children’s education. Key policy interventions are recommended, such as removing adaptation constraints, developing drought risk profiles and early warning systems, investing in livelihood diversification, and engaging in new markets to facilitate social and ecological transformations that will promote livelihood resilience. Key Policy Highlights: Climatic and non-climatic stressors are inherently interconnected and interact in a complex and complicated manner to enhance social-ecological systems (SES) vulnerability. Inadequate drought adaptation measures further marginalise farmers and ultimately increase their vulnerability to drought risks and loss and damage (L&D). L&D presents itself in various ways, including non-economic L&D and cascading effects that are impacting upon future generations. With projected climate change and the likelihood of impacts worsening, there is an urgency to address L&D more coherently through crucial policy interventions.

The role of administrative categories in the globalisation of a psychiatric concept: Case studies of autism in Japan

This paper explores how what I call ‘administrative categories’ have been adopted by the Japanese government and experts in autism support and what roles these categories have played in local settings. Since support practices for children and adults with autism began in the 1950s in Japan, the Japanese government and people engaging in autism support have used Japanese-specific administrative categories, instead of relying on a medical concept of autism, such as ‘severe moving disabilities’ (SMD), ‘emotional disturbance’, and ‘extremely disruptive behavioural disorders’ (EDBD).To understand the emergence of these three autism-related administrative categories in Japan, historical materials published from the 1950s to the 1990s by Japanese authors (doctors, psychologists, teachers, educationalists, welfare workers, government officials, and parents) and interview data with 19 leading experts of autism in Japan were collected and analysed thematically.The analysis revealed that the governmental ministries aimed to focus on establishing administrative support by avoiding engaging in aetiological debates among doctors, and to describe the political agenda more vividly. Administrative categories filled the gap between local interests and international medical concepts, enabling the concept of autism to be rooted in Japan's administrative systems. Three roles of administrative categories were identified: i) separation from medicine, ii) describing local problems, and iii) claimsmaking to wider actors and the public.I concluded that looking purely at medical and specifically diagnostic concepts limits our understanding of the formation of practices regarding disabilities, and thus more focus should be placed on categorisation practices outside of medicine. In addition, to the literature on the globalisation of Euro-American psychiatric concepts, this study contributes to our knowledge of a form of locality that has not been central in the exploration of the influence of globalisation on local settings and the relationships between the local and the global.

Hitting the Sweet Spot? The Electoral Consequences of Supporting Minority Governments

Hitting the Sweet Spot? The Electoral Consequences of Supporting Minority Governments

The Role and Involvement of Indonesian Ministries and Local Institutions in Handling Rohingya Refugees in Aceh

This study investigates the involvement and role of Indonesian government ministries and agencies in managing Rohingya refugees in Aceh. It explores key factors influencing the refugee situation, including policy frameworks, resource allocation, and inter-agency coordination. Using qualitative interviews with officials from relevant departments, the research provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and strategies employed. Findings highlight significant gaps in coordination and resource management, suggesting the need for enhanced policies and greater international cooperation. The study contributes to the understanding of refugee management in Indonesia and offers recommendations for improving policy implementation and support mechanisms for refugees.

Economic assessment of the export potential of the Kyrgyz regions: Methodology for calculating and analysing the rating

The purpose of the study was to develop a methodology for assessing the export potential of the regions of Kyrgyzstan and conduct an analysis aimed at identifying key factors affecting competitiveness and the development of export opportunities. The methodology was based on the analysis of statistical data from official sources such as the websites of government agencies, ministries, statistical agencies, and international organisations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the assessment of the export potential of the regions of Kyrgyzstan. The results of the study showed that from 2019 to 2023, there was an overall increase in export volumes in the regions of Kyrgyzstan due to successful economic reforms and infrastructure improvements. The greatest achievements are observed in Batken, Jalal-Abad, Talas regions and the city of Bishkek, while Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions need additional measures. The positive dynamics of the gross regional product (GRP) per capita confirms economic growth and an increase in living standards. The implementation of tax reforms and investments in infrastructure creates favourable conditions for exports. In turn, the international experience of countries such as Singapore, Germany, South Korea, Chile, and India demonstrates the effectiveness of investments in infrastructure and support for innovation to increase the competitiveness of the country's regions. The conclusions highlighted the importance of targeted government initiatives and investments for the balanced development of regions and maximising their contribution to the national economy through the effective use of export potential. Special attention was paid to the need to develop regional support programmes that promote the growth of export activity, improve infrastructure, and attract international investors. This, in turn, contributes to reducing economic disparities between regions and ensuring sustainable economic growth of the country in general

The Role and Future Tasks of the National Assembly Suicide Prevention Forum - Focusing on the Legislative Content of Suicide Prevention Laws.

In South Korea, there were 12,906 suicides in 2022. This number is 4.7 times higher than the number of traffic accident deaths-i.e., 2,753-in the same year. Suicide is so serious that it is the fifth leading cause of death in South Korea. We would like to discuss how the National Assembly Suicide Prevention Forum was established, what role it has played in preventing suicide, and what role it should play in the future. We will look into the representatives and lawmakers who made up the National Assembly Suicide Prevention and summarize the topics of seminars conducted in each period. Through the establishment of the National Assembly Suicide Prevention Forum in 2018, which is referred to hereafter as the "Forum," various efforts have been made to garner the attention of government ministries, which has led to an increase of 6.7 times in the budget for suicide prevention compared to 2017. With the launch of the forum, private organizations that had previously been working independently in their own fields were able to come together and speak with a unified voice. The formation of the Forum has brought the issue of suicide, which had previously been buried in the dark corners of our society, to the forefront as a social problem, and it has provided an impetus for seeking solutions. In the 22nd National Assembly of South Korea, the National Assembly Suicide Prevention Forum is expected to play a more prominent role, which is expected to lead to substantial achievements in suicide prevention.

THE SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME STRATEGIES AND LEARNER PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: This paper sought to determine how school feeding programme strategies influence learner participation in public primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on; Social Learning Theory, Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and theory of Change. Method: Descriptive and correlation research design were employed. The target population was 875 respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive, and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: The findings were; there is no significant relationship between giving nutritious meals and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship among dietary teaching and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’, there is no significant relationship between regular food supply during school days and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship between small-scale farmers’ engagement and learner participation was not rejected from learners’ view but was rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ views. Research Implications: The study found that learner participation within the study's territory was significantly correlated with the approaches used. The study recommends that Government Ministries of Education, Health and relevant Authorities, Head Teachers, Teachers, Chairpersons -BOM need to provide nutrition meals and dedicate adequate resources to sustain learner participation in Public Primary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya.

A review on the crisis of antibiotic resistance and the strategies to combat resistance

Abstract The discovery of antibiotics has caused a huge impact on the history of the entire health-care system. The irrational and excessive use of antibiotics has become futile and has given rise to another serious issue known as antibiotic resistance, which is now a threat to the health-care sector. Due to this, millions of deaths are occurring worldwide every year as infections are becoming difficult to treat as a result of resistance to the antibiotics that are used to treat them. Thus, the confidence of the global health-care system is ruined. The WHO has recognized antibiotic resistance as a serious issue that needs to be addressed and has declared tackling it a high priority. Even though complete eradication of antibiotic resistance is not possible, the spread and the incidence of resistance can be reduced by taking adequate measures. Combating antimicrobial resistance is, therefore, a prime need of the and various strategies have been adopted globally. This article primarily focuses on the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, the mechanisms of resistance, various reasons that contribute to it, and the strategies adopted to combat the global crisis. Here, we have reviewed articles on antibiotic resistance from scientific websites such as PubMed Central, NCBI, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, and the strategies have been taken from the official website of the WHO, Indian Council of Medical Research, and the guidelines issued on this by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India and Government of Kerala.