Government Stakeholders Research Articles

Certified B Corps: An Examination of a Standard Based Approach to Stakeholder Governance

In 2015, B Corp certification was launched in the UK. Since then, over 1,200 companies have adopted certified B Corps status. Most certified B Corps in the UK are small and medium-sized, with SMEs accounting for 99.9% of businesses in the UK. The B Corp movement seeks to change the economic system from a shareholder capitalism to a stakeholder economy. Certified B Corps adopt a stakeholder-driven mode towards ‘high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.’ The article explores the growth of the B Corp movement, issues around its standards, certification process, including the legal requirement, transparency, and governance. It examines the effectiveness of this standard-based approach for stakeholder governance. It argues that the certified B Corp creates an avenue for stakeholder governance. However, to fully realise the shift towards stakeholder governance, there is a need for greater work towards achieving accountability for all key stakeholders identified as shareholders, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Waste Plastic to Roads - HDPE-modified Bitumen and PET Plastic Fibres for Road Maintenance in South Africa: A Review.

This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformative potential of waste plastic in South Africa, with a specific focus on high-density polyethylene-modified bitumen and polyethylene terephthalate plastic fibres asphalt. The review encompasses a wide range of topics, including the environmental and socio-economic impacts of plastic waste, the current state of plastic waste management practices in South Africa, and the potential use of waste plastic in road construction. The aim is to critically evaluate the compatibility of recycled waste plastics as bitumen modifiers and fibre to enhance road performance. Additionally, it explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the incorporation of waste plastic in road construction, shedding light on the environmental, economic and technological aspects. The review also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts from the South African government and industry stakeholders to address plastic waste management challenges and promote sustainable infrastructure development. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of waste plastic in South African road maintenance and offers a roadmap for future research and initiatives in this critical area of sustainable development.

Effect of Public Wages on External Debt in Kenya

Most developing Africa countries have a high need for capital projects that requires a lot of government spending and attention. However, it is unfortunate that in Kenya, borrowed cash intended for capital projects is diverted to recurrent requirements putting a damper on national investment in viable projects. This poses a significant threat to the economy's growth. The following goal served as a guideline for the study; to determine the influence of public wages on external borrowing debt in Kenya using both cointegration and error correction model. Causal research design was adopted to explain the influence of public wages on external borrowing in Kenya. The study period was from 1970 and 2019 from which a 50-year time series data was employed for analysis. The research relied on secondary data which was collected with the aid of a structured data collection checklist from Central Bank of Kenya, and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and World Bank websites. Data analysis was done with an aid of stata, E-views and Ox-Metrics statistical software. Stationarity of variables was tested using PP unit root test where public wages was reported to be stationary at level form. The study employed the use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique in the analysis. There was a significant negative association between public wages and external debt whereby a rise in public wage by 100% indicated decrease in external debt by 101.92%. The overall model was found to be significant since the F-statistic value generated in the analysis was 124.664 with a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05. Model was a good predictor of external borrowing, with an adjusted R<sup>2</sup> of 0.946 for public wages explaining foreign debt. This research recommends the study recommends that SRC should free up resources using the austerity measures which include wage reductions for government employees. Secondly, the government through the ministry of treasury should raise tax base to increase revenues. Finally, the results of this study may be valuable to government stakeholders who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring economic development through public sector financing, also it is expected to provide important information to policymakers in order to maintain external debt at manageable levels.

REGULATORY AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING STANDARDISATION OF MEDICINES TO FUTURE MASTERS OF PHARMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALISATION OF EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

The article substantiates that the strategic vector for ensuring the quality of educational services chosen in Ukraine under martial law has increased the need to update state and local regulations of the educational process, as well as to find effective methodological approaches to teaching higher education students, including the transformation of all teaching and learning materials into digital format and the creation of publicly available knowledge bases on their basis. Based on the analysis of national educational legislation, strategic priorities for the development of the healthcare sector, the article features the regulatory and methodological aspects of the implementation of educational initiatives aimed at improving the level of digital literacy of masters of pharmacy, the practical use of digital technologies in their educational and future professional activities, as well as amendments to educational standards and educational programs in terms of the list of general and special (professional, subject) competencies of the above-mentioned specialties. Generalisation of the content of local acts, websites of higher medical/pharmaceutical education institutions of Ukraine made it possible to identify the main innovations in the organisation of training of future masters of pharmacy, to illustrate these with examples of the introduction of digital technologies in the training of future masters of pharmacy, in particular the discipline «Standardisation of Medicines» at the Bogomolets National Medical University. The leading direction for improving the effectiveness of teaching standardisation of medicines to future masters of pharmacy in the context of digitalisation of higher education in Ukraine is identified, which is to harmonize the regulatory and methodological foundations of this process in accordance with the current and future (post-war reconstruction of the educational sphere) challenges of socio-political life of society, compliance with the security system, the provision of quality educational services in the context of the dynamic deployment of the electronic healthcare system, as well as the desire of government institutions and stakeholders to integrate with the European pharmaceutical market.

Perceptions of volume home builders and the transition to net zero emissions housing in Australia

ABSTRACT This study investigated the transition to net-zero emissions (NZE) homes within the Australian volume home-building sector. A group of 18 stakeholders, including volume builders, greenfield developers and industry experts, were engaged in research to identify key barriers and potential solutions for NZE home development and delivery. Initial findings, derived from a series of interviews, indicated strong support for government initiatives offering incentives and support for this transition to NZE homes. Interviewees expressed confidence in the ability of the volume home builder sector to meet the materials and skill requirements for the delivery of NZE homes. To validate these findings, a workshop involving an expanded group of 30 industry and government stakeholders, including the initial interviewees, was conducted. The outcomes from the workshop underscored the potential value of a government-led buyers’ group in assisting volume builders to transition towards NZE homes. The study identifies three critical factors (or requirements) for the success of government-supported industry intervention: customer appeal, commercial viability and alignment with policy objectives. The findings confirm that government intervention, such as forming buyers’ groups and implementing supporting policies, is essential in facilitating the shift to NZE homes in Australia.

Continuity or Disruption? Rethinking Engagement in Multi-Stakeholder Forums Through the Lens of Boundary Objects

Multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) are crucial for managing complex decision-making; yet ways for evaluating engagement, especially for Indigenous peoples, remain ambiguous. This study examines the Honduran Mosquitia, where conflict over the illegal occupation of Indigenous lands led to the creation and eventual dissolution of an MSF. It questions whether the continuity of formal dialogue structures signifies genuine engagement or if disruption might better indicate it. The study applies the lens of boundary objects—concepts or devices that enable collaboration among actors with differing agendas—to assess engagement. In Mosquitia, territorial governance served as a boundary object, fostering the establishment of an MSF. Government, donor, and Indigenous stakeholders had their distinct interests in supporting territorial governance. Indigenous stakeholders exited the MSF when their aims for securing land tenure were unmet, turning to civil disobedience to assert territorial governance. The MSF’s dissolution prevented the co-optation of territorial governance by government and donors, remaining a contentious term that more accurately reflected the tensions among stakeholders. This case shows how engagement might paradoxically be reflected in the MSF’s disruption.

The Problem of Stakeholder Governance

We reply to a comment by Hargrave and Smith on a paper in which we use Ostrom’s design principles to develop theory about stakeholder governance. We agree with most of the issues that Hargrave and Smith raise, but disagree with their statement that the systems view of stakeholder governance that they advocate stands in contrast to our approach. The two approaches are complementary.

Effective stakeholder governance in circular economy: Insights from Italian companies

Notwithstanding a growing scholarly interest in stakeholder governance, the issue of how stakeholder governance can motivate a firm's stakeholders to cooperate to the transition to circular economy (CE) is still underdeveloped. This study intends to contribute to advance knowledge in this field by investigating the comparative effectiveness of three stakeholder governance forms – hub-and-spoke, lead role, and shared governance – to motivate stakeholders of a focal company (FC) to cooperate to the development and implementation of circular business models.Drawing on three case studies of Italian companies engaged in the transition to CE, we propose a contingent model of CE stakeholder governance. We found that the most effective stakeholder governance form at FC level depends on CE boundaries, the attitude of market forces to incentivise stakeholder cooperation to the CE, and the owners’ identity of the FC. We also found that a FC can adopt different stakeholder governance forms for the diverse CE-enhancing projects it has undertaken, appropriately tailoring the governance arrangements to the nature of activities of each project and to the value, uniqueness, and complementarities of the resources held by the stakeholders involved.This papers makes both theoretical and practical contributions. From a theoretical point of view, it advances knowledge at the intersection of stakeholder theory and governance of the CE in two main ways: first, by pointing out that the transition to the CE requires a shift from a perspective of a company responsibility to its stakeholders to that of stakeholders’ responsibility to a company, a supply chain or a local community they belong to. Second, by proposing some conditions under which shared forms of stakeholder governance are likely to foster this transition. From a pratical perspective, this paper suggests how stakeholder governance can be a tool to achieve CE targets at local community, industry, supply chain or individual firm level.

SHIPBREAKING AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY POLICY: AN ADVOCACY COALITION FRAMEWORK (A C F) APPROACH

Shipbreaking and recycling industry generates huge employment opportunities for workers and contribute a lot to the economy of Bangladesh. However, the profit motive driving the industry, has, however, been controversial in Bangladesh because of the severe violation of environmental and human rights that shipbreaking often involves. Since 1998, Greenpeace has published reports highlighting the poor conditions in shipbreaking yards and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has been at the forefront of legal actions against shipyard owners and government agencies. After sustained dialogues with the government and various stakeholders, Bangladesh adopted the Ship Breaking and Recycling Rules, 2011 and the Hazardous Wastes and Shipbreaking Waste Management Rules, 2011. In 2018, the Bangladesh Ship Reprocessing Act was passed in Parliament, introducing new provisions that address the issues of Shipbreaking and recycling industry. The application of the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to the shipbreaking and recycling industry of Bangladesh has provided valuable insights into the intricate policymaking landscape of this critical sector. It provides a structured way to understand how different actors and their beliefs shaped the development and evolution of the Ship Breaking and Recycling policy in Bangladesh. KEY WORDS: Shipbreaking, Recycling Policy, ACF

The Influence of Capacity Building on Small-Scale Agro-Processors in South Africa: Lessons for Agricultural Extension Advisory Services

This paper examines capacity building from the perspective of business growth and success in small-scale agro-processing enterprises. Our analytical approach was underpinned by the inability of small-scale agri-enterprises to grow and succeed despite the South African government's support for capacity building through the economic empowerment programme initiative in the past three decades. The study was conducted in five of nine selected South African provinces (Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West, Free State, and Mpumalanga). This study was essential for developing an effective strategy for enhancing agri-business growth and success in South Africa. A concurrent mixed-methods research design was used, and data from 503 small-scale agro-processors was analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analysis techniques. The results revealed that capacity building (β = 0.274, p = 0.000) significantly influences the economic empowerment of small-scale agro-processors. Furthermore, the study showed that mentorship and technical and financial skills are critical types of capacity building that influence the economic empowerment of small-scale agro-processors in South Africa. It is recommended that all government or private stakeholders, including agricultural extension advisory services, invest in capacity-building programmes for small-scale agro-processors to achieve economic empowerment. Economically empowered small-scale agro-processors will significantly contribute to employment creation and better income distribution.

Social Economic Challenges of Adaptation to Climate Change in Masinga Sub-County, Kenya

Climate in Masinga sub-county has been changing at a momentum which is unprecedented in the recent human history. This area consists mainly small-scale farmers who depend on rain to carry out their farming activities. Coping strategies to the changing climate in the area has faced various challenges ranging from high poverty, low levels of education, age, gender among others. This study investigated how social-economic challenges affecting adaptation strategies on climate change among the households living in Masinga sub-county, in Kenya. The main objectives of the study included; 1) To examine the adaptation strategies employed by households in Masinga sub-county 2) To determine the main factors that affect household in adaptation to climate change in Masinga sub-county 3) To investigate the environmental implications of adaptation to climate change in Masinga sub-county. Essentially, variables such as education levels, age, gender, were assessed. In order to gain an understanding on adaptation strategies used by households in Masinga sub-county, the study was conducted in all six divisions. Various methods of sampling were used in the survey which included stratified random sampling based on the number of households proportionately in the six divisions. In essence, 384 household heads were sampled through stratified random sampling. The study employed specific data collection tools in order acquire data from the six divisions; structured questionnaires, interviews schedules, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and direct observation were used. Qualitative data was collected through; interviews, Desk research, Focus Group Discussions comprising six to eight sampled through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. The households coping strategies, influence of adaptation strategy to climate change and environmental implications of household adaptation was analyzed through both qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Data from survey was organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were subjected to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to determine their reliability. When applying descriptive statistics, the results were presented in tables, bar graphs, and charts. In this study Chi-squire was used because it was easier to compare the results from a two dimensional perspective. These results after analysis by chi-square test, the p-value was found to be .001, thus, smaller than the significance level (α = .05). Using Chi-square tests, this study established that there is strong evidence of an association between the education level and the implementation of green-house farming (Χ2 (3) = 1.064, p = 0.001). Further analysis by chi-square test indicated that the p-value was found to be .008, thus, less than the significance level (α = .05). This study established that early warning as a strategy to adaptation to climate change was not common amongst households in the area. Further research is suggested on impact of charcoal burning on climate change adaptation and cost implications in semi- arid areas. The study findings will enable the government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that early warning system information is able to reach the local residents at all times

Value for Money Modeling for Scaling up Nature-Based Solutions for Improving Integrated Water Resources Management and Enhanced Water Security in Pakistan

This paper is about the Value for Money (VfM) analysis conducted for the Water Resource Accountability (WRAP) Project, which comprehensively evaluates the project’s economic efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and overall impact. The WRAP implements to undertake demonstrations of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) interventions that will improve water security and governance, build resilience to climate change of communities at the target sites in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and enable the government and relevant stakeholders to implement and replicate NbS in Pakistan for building climate change resilience. The Paper is based on primary and secondary data collected using a well-structured interview schedule, focus group discussion, and other verified reports. The excel-based model was used for analysis, and a step-by-step and structured framework was used to conduct a VfM assessment. VFM estimates showed a favorable BCR across various interventions, with standout results like the Gabion check weirs and protection bunds (Gabion Bund) intervention achieving an impressive BCR of 3.50. These findings reaffirm the project’s ability to deliver substantial benefits while efficiently utilizing resources, making it a prudent investment in water resource management and natur- based solutions. WRAP’s equity analysis promotes inclusivity and fairness, particularly among vulnerable populations. While the project made significant strides in involving women in water-efficient practices, there is room for enhancing inclusiveness for lower-income and disabled populations. Recommendations emphasize setting specified targets for various populace categories to bolster the project’s social impact further.

A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Secondary Education in Uganda

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global education has been profound, especially in Uganda. Secondary school students in Uganda have encountered numerous challenges as a result of this crisis. This paper offers a thorough examination of the specific obstacles faced by these students, encompassing impacts on academic achievements, mental well-being, and their overall educational path. The closure of schools has disrupted the educational advancement of secondary students in Uganda, and the transition to online learning has exacerbated the digital divide due to limited access to the internet and technology resources. This scenario has led to educational disparities for students from underprivileged backgrounds. The pandemic’s socioeconomic repercussions have also imposed financial burdens on students’ families, compelling some students to seek employment or care for unwell relatives, thereby restricting their study time. School closures have affected students’ social interactions, resulting in feelings of seclusion. The absence of peer and teacher interactions can have adverse effects on students’ mental health, escalating feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the discontinuation of essential services such as school meals and healthcare support has impacted students’ well-being. School meals are crucial for many students, and their unavailability due to school closures has deprived students of essential nutrition. It is imperative for the Ugandan government and educational stakeholders to enact the comprehensive strategies delineated in this research paper in pre and post-pandemic era. These will prioritize equitable access to education by supplying technology and internet connectivity to marginalized communities and ensuring that mental health support services are easily accessible to students. Finally, the various challenges faced by secondary students in Uganda during the COVID-19 crisis necessitate a collective effort from all sectors. By effectively addressing these concerns, students can receive the necessary assistance to pursue their education and excel in a post-pandemic era. Keywords: COVID-19, Student, Uganda, online learning, Academic achievement, Pandemic

Geospatial approach to pluvial flood-risk and vulnerability assessment in Sunyani Municipality

Historically, and in recent times, efforts have been to understand, predict, analyze, and quantify floods and their impacts in various countries of the globe. Although recent scientific advances have introduced approaches to assessing the risks presented by flooding, little studies have been carried out in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana for generating a pluvial flood-risk and vulnerability map for risk identification, resilience, emergency preparedness, and urban spatial planning. In this study, five parameters that influence both pluvial and fluvial flooding were assessed to map flood-prone areas within the Sunyani Municipality. These are precipitation, drainage density, LULC, elevation, and slope, which were integrated in GIS. Using an AHP, weights were assigned to each parameter based on its level of influence on flooding. The findings reveal that 21.32 % of the Sunyani Municipality lies within a highly flood-prone area, 39.65 % in a flood-prone area, while 28.06 % and 10.97 % in slightly flood-prone and not flood-prone areas respectively. Built-up areas close to watersheds with lower elevations and larger drainage density are the places that are highly flood-prone. Some towns within the highly flood-prone and flood-prone areas are Abesim, Newtown, Nkwarbeng, Baakoniaba, Kootokrom, and Penkwase. Highly valued infrastructure such as schools, churches, and hospitals have also been found within these highly flood-prone areas. These findings can aid the government and relevant stakeholders in disaster risk management to be better informed, and to effectively plan and prevent flood challenges in the Sunyani Municipality. Moreover, urban spatial planners in the study setting can consider incorporating the flood hazard maps generated from this study into their spatial plans for proactive physical developments.

Livelihood Vulnerability from Drought among Smallholder Livestock Farmers in South Africa

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers’ livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks.

Diagnostic screening of private well water using gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry to support well water management

In the US, private well users are responsible for their own water quality testing, but local health officials are often uncertain what tests to recommend, particularly for regulated organic chemical contaminants. This study evaluated the utility of suspect and non-target screening (NTS) high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as a tool to identify a wide range of organic chemicals of emerging concern in private well water and to inform well water management decisions. Qualitative NTS, which detects chemicals without providing concentrations, was used to analyze 25 private well water samples from Wake County, North Carolina. Using the NIST 20 mass spectral database (M1), NTS tentatively identified 106 unique organic chemicals across the 25 samples and an average of 11 organic chemicals per sample. At least one USEPA ToxCast chemical was identified in each private well water sample. Private well water users were interviewed prior to and after their sample's NTS results were reported back; four county groundwater managers were interviewed after aggregated results for all 25 water samples were reported back. All but one well user participant chose to participate in the reporting-back post-interview. The 24 private well users found NTS results useful and valued the contextualization of their results using NTS results for other well users and a local municipal water sample. Most private well users (67%) were surprised by their well water results, especially regarding the number of tentatively identified organic chemicals detected. All the groundwater managers believed the NTS results were useful and could help improve their testing recommendations to private well users. Even with qualitative limitations, NTS results can be an effective and valuable tool to inform the public and governance stakeholders in decisions around groundwater quality management.

Psychosocial Health of the Badjao People During COVID-19 in Jolo, Philippines: An Exploratory Study

Background: The Badjao, a nomadic maritime group in Southeast Asia, face heightened vulnerability during public health crises due to their reliance on maritime livelihoods, limited healthcare access, and historical marginalization—challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a significant research gap in understanding their unique needs and vulnerabilities especially its specific impacts on their health and well-being due to pandemic.Methods: This study explores the psychological and social health of the Badjao and the factors affecting theme during the COVID-19 pandemic using an exploratory qualitative design. Guided interviews were conducted through focus-group discussions with 10 purposively selected Badjao respondents from Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo-Sulu, Philippines. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: The study identified five key themes related to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on the Badjao community. These included Feelings and Apprehension, with anxiety over contracting the virus and financial instability; Responses to the Pandemic, marked by fear of death, job loss, and hospitalization concerns; Coping Mechanisms, where the community relied on traditional remedies, social support, and quarantine adherence; Social Status, highlighting food insecurity and disrupted social interactions; and Factors Influencing Psychosocial Health, focusing on the importance of support systems and access to accurate information and resources.Conclusion: The pandemic has significantly disrupted the social and economic stability of the Badjao community, exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities. They need a culturally sensitive interventions that address both their immediate and long-term needs. Collaboration with local government units and stakeholders are crucial in supporting the resilience and well-being of the Badjao in future crises.

Exploring the Relationship between Health Habits, Procrastination, Technology Use, and Well-being among Chinese Students

Objectives: The study aims at showing the complex relationship between technology usage, procrastination, mental health, academic stress, sleeping quality, and well-being among the students in China. Through application of standardized survey questionnaire, primary data were gathered among diversified students. Methods: The study, accomplished through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLSSEM), showed that mental health and procrastination had a significant direct effect of well-being, which highlighted a role of two factors in shaping the student psychological and emotional condition. Results: Among other factors, sleep quality was found to be a mediating link in the relationships between the student's mental health, procrastination, and sense of well-being, which points out the essence of good sleep attitude in the process of the student's well-being's promotion. Conclusion: This study has a number of both practical and theoretical implications as well. It adds to the existing body of knowledge on the relevant variables, and provides significant insights to the policymakers, Chinese institutes' management, government, and other stakeholders. Moreover, the findings add to the understanding of what affected the wellness of students, and their practical consequence means developing specific programs i. e., mental health management, procrastination and sleep quality improvement for this population.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate how information and communication technology (ICT) contributes to the growth of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. When it comes to the broad acceptance of social media and digital apps, ICT plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of entrepreneurial endeavours. A desk research strategy was used, and literature on the effects of ICT on the growth of entrepreneurship was examined. According to the report, there is a plethora of potential for youth empowerment, employability, and general employment when ICT is applied to business growth. A lack of proper entrepreneurship orientation, inconsistent power supplies, inadequate ICT infrastructure, a lack of skilled technicians and technologists, poor access to financing, and poor marketing abilities were among the difficult factors that the study also uncovered. These were obstacles that any aspiring business owner had to overcome to ensure the sustainability of an existing venture. The report suggested, among other things, that given the critical role that ICT plays in the creation of entrepreneurial possibilities, the government and other stakeholders should create an environment that is supportive of the development of ICT infrastructure to support the growth of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, training facilities in ICT should be provided by relevant government agencies and networth stakeholders to increase the efficiency of the country’s entrepreneurs, enabling them to acquire relevant technical and technological skills needed to expand output, maintain existing customers, gain access to wider markets, and improve their entrepreneurial activities generally, particularly in terms of the development of new products for solving societal problems in the country.

Pandemic lessons on essential healthcare services for the urban poor: a qualitative perspective of users and providers in Bangladesh

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges to health systems globally. This study explored slum dwellers’ experience of receiving essential health services during the pandemic and the challenges faced by healthcare...