Governance Structures Research Articles

Understanding implementation, adoption, and acceptability of the WHO package of essential noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions in FIJI: Evidence for scale-up

The Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions in response to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes was implemented in Fiji commencing in 2012. This study aimed to understand implementation outcomes, and its contextual influences. Semi-structured interviews with health workers and patients across Fiji was conducted. Thematic analysis was mapped to the health system building blocks to understand PEN service delivery. The PEN program was well received by health workers formally trained. The frequency of use of PEN guidelines was influenced at the individual level by motivation, capability and capacity as well as external factors outside of the health workers’ control. The key challenges to routine use were lack of essential medicines and equipment for CVD risk screening and management, shortage of health workers, high turnover of staff, limited formal training, and no designated focal person. However, at the country level, the PEN program improved the quality of care by providing patients with regular follow-up visits depending on their CVD risk levels. The patients found care to be comprehensive when they were also seen by dieticians and physiotherapists. In most instances, the barrier to access to care were cost and distance of travel and non-availability of essential medicines. To improve use of PEN program requires strengthening health system components: 1) need for efficient supply chain system for medicines and equipment, 2) improving healthcare workforce retention, 3) establishing accountability mechanisms embedded within the health centres, 4) health information system to track patient level data and 5) multi-level governance structures across the health system.

BEYOND BORDERS: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FOREIGN OWNERSHIP IN CORPORATE CASH HOLDINGS?

High cash holdings in Indonesian banking firms raise concerns regarding efficiency and optimal resource allocation. This study investigates the impact of foreign ownership on cash holdings in Indonesian banks. This study is based on 637 firm-year observations from 46 Indonesian banks covering the 2004–2022 period. Due to incomplete yearly data, the analysis applies Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression using a cross-sectional approach. The results show that foreign ownership negatively affects all cash-holding proxies, particularly in mature banks with large asset bases. In contrast, it increases cash holdings in young banks with large assets and mature banks with small assets. These findings suggest that foreign investors may influence more efficient cash allocation, encouraging banks to direct resources toward productive investments. The study offers practical implications for policymakers and banking practitioners in enhancing cash management and governance structures in the presence of foreign stakeholders.

The Acceptance and Efficiency of University Policies and Guidelines Towards SDG 4-Driven Framework for Policy Evaluations

Objective: This study evaluates the acceptance and efficiency of university policies and guidelines in relation to the institution's core functions: instructional delivery, research, and extension, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal #4 (Quality Education). Theoretical Framework: The study uses the Policy Acceptance Framework to evaluate policies on the grading system efficiency in instruction, research evaluation procedures, and extension program proposal evaluations. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a mixed-method explanatory sequential design. Data collection was carried out through surveys using a Likert scale questionnaire and interviews with stakeholders. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that while stakeholders acknowledge the efficiency of grading policies, they also identify areas for improvement, particularly in operational processes and governance. University research policies were generally deemed efficient, with suggestions to enhance collaboration and research output. For extension programs, operational efficiency was considered moderate, while governance structures were positively perceived. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and stakeholder-driven adjustments to improve extension programs.n. Research Implications: Based on these findings, a proposed framework is introduced to foster a dynamic, responsive policy environment that strengthens the university's capacity to provide quality education, support impactful research, and engage with the community through effective extension services. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by developing a framework for policy evaluation and development that is essential for the continuous improvement of HEIs’ practices and applicable to their goals of supporting equity and adaptability within university policies towards delivery of Quality Education..

Data and data privacy impact assessments in the context of AI research and practice in the UK

Artificial intelligence (AI) projects in healthcare research and practice require approval from information governance (IG) teams within relevant healthcare providers. Navigating this approval process has been highlighted as a key challenge for AI innovation in healthcare by many stakeholders focused on the development and adoption of AI. Data privacy and impact assessments are a part of the approval process which is often identified as the focal point for these challenges. This perspective reports insights from a multidisciplinary workshop aiming to characterise challenges and explore potential solutions collaboratively. Themes around the variation in AI technologies, governance processes and stakeholder perspectives arose, highlighting the need for training initiatives, communities of practice and the standardization of governance processes and structures across NHS Trusts.

Family business succession in Indian micro and small technology business

Purpose Micro and small businesses are run by entrepreneurs who have established businesses. However, conflicts often arose when transitioning these businesses to the next generations. This had been a challenge for most family-run companies. The succession of business without conflict to the next generation for healthy sustenance and continuance during the transition period had been a significant issue to be addressed. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges and strategies associated with family business succession in technology-dominant sectors. Design/methodology/approach The authors in this study empirically investigated the phenomenon of the three-circle model (TCM) and the three spiral theory (TST). The authors conducted a Focus Group Discussion with the founders and the second generation. In total, 22 founders were part of the focused group discussion (FGD), while 26 s-generation potential business inheritors were also part of FGD. Two FGDs comprises only founders, and two FGDs comprises inheritors separately. In addition, two FGDs consisting of founders and inheritors. The data was content analyzed for themes using NVIVO. Findings The study revealed that successful generational transition in technology-based family businesses required inheritance to have both business acumen and technical skills. A key challenge was to balance the ownership within the family. Clear governance structures and role boundaries were essential to minimize family conflicts. In addition, maintaining core values and adapting to technological changes were found to be crucial. Strategies to address ownership dilution, professional mentoring and regulatory compliance emerged as important drivers for sustainable succession. Research limitations/implications Integration of TCM and TST frameworks was required in family business succession, particularly in technology-enabled contexts. Moreover, existing theories and frameworks needed to be evolved to account for the dynamic nature of technology in family businesses. Practical implications India, as an emerging nation, required more successful examples of succession planning. The study insights would help family business owners to better manage their succession planning by integrating TCM and TST practically. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first sets of studies on micro and small technology business succession planning. Most research on family businesses relied on the TCM framework. By integrating the two frameworks of TCM and TST, the current study provided a fresh perspective.

On Governance of Higher Education in China: Historical Evolution, Realistic Dilemma, and Future Optimization

The governance of higher education in China has gone through three different stages of development, and the relationship between government and universities in terms of management and being managed has not fundamentally changed. Efficient management institutions still occupy a central position in education governance within universities, neglecting the participation of teachers, students, and social subjects in governance, resulting in a lack of endogenous motivation, innovative vitality, and social functions in higher education. To address the issue, the author proposes a technology-empowered multi-subject co-governance model to optimize the structure of higher education governance.

Examining Project Cycle Management in the Community Projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Zambia: Case Study Of Chipata City Council

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Project Cycle Management （PCM） in community projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund （CDF） in Zambia, focusing on Chipata District. The research examined the extent of PCM application, governance structures, challenges, and strategies for improvement.

FINNSIP - The mobile Finnish Seismic Instrument Pool

We report on establishing the mobile Finnish Seismic Instrument Pool (FINNSIP) that is owned and operated by Finnish academic and research institutions. The pool supports domestic and international collaborative seismic research. At the conclusion of the 2020 to 2024 build-up stage, the instrumentation includes 46 broadband seismometers and digitizers, 5 accelerometers, and 1216 and 71 Geospace and SmartSolo autonomous geophone units, respectively, making FINNSIP one of the largest and most coherent mobile seismic instrument pools in Europe in the public sector. We explain the utilization of the pool instruments and discuss the equipment, facilities, ownership and governance structure, fees, and the management and support system. Through Finland's membership in the Observatories and Research Facilities for European Seismology (ORFEUS) and the Finnish European Plate Observing System (EPOS) node, FINNSIP endorses and implements international data management standards and best practices as promoted in Europe. The importance of appropriate data and computing systems is highlighted by the ~90 TB volume of formatted data that has been collected in 25 large-N projects between October 2021 and December 2024. We summarize a checklist for building, operating, and managing this extensive seismic pool that can inform the planning and establishment of other research infrastructure.

Policy Approaches to Sustainable and Circular Economy Tourism: Comparative Case Studies of Japan and China

This study compares Japan and China's tourism policies, focusing on sustainability and the circular economy. Post-COVID-19, the circular economy has emerged as a vital framework for sustainable tourism recovery. Using three criteria—efficient resource use, contributions to regional economies, and environmental and social well-being—this research evaluates policies through comparative case studies. Japan employs a decentralized approach, led by local governments and DMOs, emphasizing ecotourism and cultural preservation. China adopts a centralized, top-down approach, prioritizing large-scale infrastructure and digital technologies for policy efficiency. The findings reveal Japan's focus on long-term sustainability through community-driven, culturally sensitive policies, while China emphasizes rapid economic growth and tourism expansion through centralized planning. The study proposes a hybrid model integrating regional flexibility with centralized coherence to balance sustainability and economic growth. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism by analysing contrasting governance structures and their implications for policy-making.

The Moderating Role of Worldwide Governance Indicators on ESG–Firm Performance Relationship: Evidence from Europe

Engaging in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities entails costs that influence a firm’s financial and market performance. However, it is expected that the long-term benefits of ESG engagement outweigh these costs, leading to superior performance. Despite extensive research on the ESG–performance relationship, findings remain mixed. This study examines the moderating effect of country governance, measured by the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), on the relationship between firms’ ESG scores and their financial and market performance in the European context. Using a two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression model and a dataset spanning 12 years (2011–2022) for 2083 listed European firms, we find that WGI significantly moderates the ESG–performance relationship. Our results indicate that ESG engagement alone has a negative impact on financial performance (ROA), suggesting that the costs associated with ESG investments often outweigh their short-term benefits. However, strong governance structures mitigate these costs, transforming ESG investments into value-enhancing activities. Conversely, ESG engagement positively influences market performance (Tobin’s Q), signaling long-term value to investors. Yet, in jurisdictions with strong governance frameworks, this effect diminishes, as ESG compliance becomes a baseline expectation rather than a differentiating factor.

Dilemma and Path Optimization Faced by Grassroots Governments under the Perspective of Multi-center Governance

In recent years, network governance has been a frontier topic in public management research in Western countries. As a new governance model, network governance is an attempt by the government to cooperate with private organizations, non-governmental organizations and citizens in the face of an increasingly complex environment, in order to better provide public services to the public. In particular, with the interdependence, contingency and uncertainty of social, political and economic changes, the governance process is no longer limited to the formal structure of the government. The formulation and implementation of public policies need to be completed through a large number of formal and informal institutions, mechanisms and processes. Therefore, this paper intends to study the difficulties and performance of grassroots government management in my country, as well as the root causes of the difficulties, from the perspective of multi-center governance theory; and in connection with the actual situation, it proposes improvement methods and suggestions from the aspects of positioning the functions of grassroots governments, creating consensus and trust in grassroots government network governance, and cultivating and integrating the network structure of grassroots governance, so as to enhance the practical significance of this model of network governance for my country.

Corporate Governance in the Age of AI: Ethical Oversight and Accountability Frameworks

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business operations has redefined traditional models of corporate governance. As AI systems increasingly participate in critical decision-making processes, the need for robust ethical oversight and accountability frameworks has become paramount. This paper explores the intersections of AI technologies and corporate governance principles, aiming to highlight both the opportunities and challenges that arise in this evolving digital landscape. We delve into how AI can enhance transparency, streamline regulatory compliance, and improve decision accuracy, while simultaneously posing ethical concerns related to bias, accountability, data privacy, and control. The paper also evaluates existing frameworks for ethical AI governance, such as OECD Principles on AI, EU’s AI Act, and ISO standards, drawing comparisons with corporate governance standards like the OECD Corporate Governance Principles and national codes. Through comprehensive analysis and data-driven insights, we propose a dynamic governance model that integrates ethical AI practices within the corporate governance structure. Graphs, tables, and a conceptual diagram illustrate the maturity stages of AI integration in governance systems, stakeholder accountability models, and risk-management frameworks. This review contributes to the growing discourse on AI governance by offering strategic recommendations and emphasizing the role of board leadership, interdisciplinary ethics committees, and regulatory collaboration.

Strategic Alignment and Structured Decision-Making in Combating Human Trafficking: A Policy Analysis in Davao del Norte

This study investigates the strategic alignment and decision-making processes in combating human trafficking across the component cities of the Province of Davao del Norte: Panabo City, Tagum City, and the Island Garden City of Samal. Utilizing Bardach and Patashnik’s (2020) Eightfold Path to Policy Analysis and a qualitative approach, the research draws from government reports, academic literature, and international sources. Thematic analysis highlights critical gaps between local and national anti-trafficking policies, revealing fragmented inter-agency coordination and inconsistent implementation across the three cities. Decision-making processes in these localities exhibit varying degrees of strategic alignment, with disparities in resource allocation, enforcement, and political will. Comparative analysis with Davao City, Cebu Province, and Singapore underscores the importance of robust data systems, multi-stakeholder engagement, and strategic governance in combating trafficking. The study concludes that disjointed governance structures and the absence of systematic decision-making frameworks hinder local efforts. It recommends improving inter-agency collaboration, investing in data infrastructure, and strengthening capacity-building to align local policies with national frameworks and enhance anti-trafficking initiatives.

The Citizen’s Right to the Virtual City: Urban Governance in the Metaverse Through an Exploration of Decentraland

ABSTRACT Many aspects of contemporary lifestyles—working, socializing, shopping, and consuming entertainment—are digitally mediated. Further, physical spaces are now mediated by technologies to the extent that attempts to understand physical space are incomplete without considering digital and virtual layers. This trend towards hybridity has been accelerated by recent notions of digital twins and the metaverse. This article investigates the intersection—and resulting friction—of the formational and operational processes of physical and virtual spaces. This begins with the relationship between authorities and individuals throughout city-making practices. This is first considered through the agency of people in decision-making processes, namely citizens’ right to the city, right to the digital city, and the extension of these rights to the virtual city. It then examines the governance structures within gaming worlds to gain insights into active sites of change that parallel the metaverse. The evolution of the Internet is then discussed through the lens of 3D representations of digital content, which includes the introduction of the metaverse. A case study of Decentraland, a popular virtual city in the metaverse, is then presented and used to compare the governance structures and city-making process within virtual worlds to those in the real world. This culminates in renewing Lefebvre’s call for the citizens’ right to the city, to be inclusive of virtual worlds.

Effectiveness of European Open Science Policies on Improving Economic Competitiveness

This study evaluates the European Commission’s strategy to enhance innovation and competitiveness through the research, innovation and development (R&I&D) sector, with a particular focus on Open Science (OS). Recognising OS as a global megatrend with promising societal impacts, the paper explores its economic implications, which to date remain insufficiently evidenced. The research examines investments made during Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, highlighting successes and ongoing challenges, such as the EU’s fragmented policy environment, regulatory hurdles, and the underutilisation of research by the private sector. The analysis draws on key findings from the European Innovation Scoreboard and insights from the Letta and Draghi reports, which underscore declining EU competitiveness in the global R&I&D landscape, particularly compared to China and the U.S. The paper identifies critical obstacles, including low industry engagement, the lack of standardised practices, and disparities in member states’ capacities and disciplinary differences. Not only does it emphasise the necessity for more effective governance structures, harmonised policies, and investment strategies tailored to industry and end-user needs, but it also highlights the need for new, collaborative skills and readiness to collaborate from all disciplines and stakeholders. Recommendations align with the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal, advocating for a robust Single Market, improved data integration, and increased private-sector investment. By addressing these barriers, the EU can leverage the R&I&D sector to regain its competitive edge, enhance innovation-driven economic growth, and deliver impactful solutions to societal challenges.

Catholic Foundations: An Analysis of Governance Structures, Transparency, and Financial Performance

Catholic foundations are little-known but highly significant sources of funding for Catholic dioceses in the United States. These foundations exist in over three-quarters of U.S. dioceses, and manage assets that average in the millions of dollars, including several with assets valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The purpose of this study is to better understand these foundations and how they operate. Specifically, this study analyzes the types of governance models used by the foundations, the transparency of the foundations, and their financial performance. Three types of governance models are found among the 114 foundations analyzed in this study, based on the role of the bishop of the diocese. Results indicate that governance boards chaired by the bishop (Model 1) have a greater proportion of clergy and diocesan employees than boards on which the bishop does not serve. Similarly, financial transparency depends on model type. Model 1 boards are less likely to make their audited financial statements publicly available. Analyses of the financial performance of the foundations, as measured by asset growth over the four-year period of the study, also find differences based on the type of governance model.

Tax Revenue Mobilization in Developing Countries: Do We Need More Political Veto Players?

ABSTRACT In developing economies with limited resources and tax compliance challenges, we examine how involving multiple veto players within the governance framework influences tax revenue. We performed a dynamic panel model on 104 countries and showed that tax revenue reacts positively to the size of political veto players. Our analysis also reveals a nonlinear effect indicating an optimal balance of veto points. This balance highlights the need for a governance structure that imposes sufficient veto players to prevent the abuse of power or arbitrary decision-making, yet avoids being overly restrictive to the point of hindering the decision-making process.

Predictive Modelling and Community Health System Factors for Reducing Preventable Neonatal Deaths in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, 2020-2021

In 2020, an average of 6,700 newborn babies died every day globally within the first 28 days of life and majority of these deaths were preventable. Current evidence shows that a continuum of institutional and community health system initiatives will not only save the lives of neonates but also prevent disability. This study modelled the predictive effect of institutionalizing community health system on reducing neonatal deaths. The study used an embedded sequential mixed methods design (QUAN (qual)), utilizing a two-arm parallel groups cluster randomized controlled trial in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe. The intervention group participated in modified women’s and men’s participatory learning and action groups and received community health initiatives focused on training village health workers in essential newborn care and strengthening community governance. The control group received standard Ministry of Health and Child Care initiatives. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS, Stata, and machine learning techniques, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results indicated that the timing of neonatal death (χ² = 973, p < 0.0001), low birth weight less than 2,500g (χ² = 129.6, p < 0.0001), and women's literacy (χ² = 99.63, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with neonatal deaths. Fully functional community governance structures were linked with a reduced likelihood of neonatal death (ARR = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.21-0.44) and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.84. Predictive models achieved high accuracy rates, with random forest demonstrating exceptional results strengthening the argument that the community health system interventions influenced reducing neonatal deaths. In conclusion, prioritizing initiatives that enhance early antenatal care booking and strengthening community health systems can effectively reduce preventable neonatal deaths.

Unravelling ethical dilemmas: how consultants’ decisions impact road construction project performance in Dar es Salaam and Tabora, Tanzania

This study examines how consultants' decisions, shaped by ethical dilemmas, influence the performance of road construction projects in Tanzania. Grounded in the Virtue Theory of Ethics, the research explores the role of behavioural, socio-economic, institutional, and political factors in shaping ethical decision-making within the construction sector. The study employs Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) to analyse 289 valid survey responses from road construction professionals. The measurement model was validated using factor loadings, while the structural model assessed the relationships between ethical dilemmas and project performance. The findings reveal that institutional factors have the most significant influence on ethical dilemmas in road construction, followed by behavioural factors, socio-economic factors, and political factors. The regression model confirms that ethical dilemmas significantly impact project performance, with governance structures, transparency, and professional integrity emerging as key determinants. The ANOVA test further confirms the statistical significance of the model, reinforcing the robustness of the relationship between ethical dilemmas and construction project outcomes. The study calls for policy reforms to strengthen ethical governance in road construction. Regulatory bodies should enforce stricter accountability measures, promote ethical leadership training, and integrate digital transparency tools. Practitioners should adopt ethics audits, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and integrity-driven decision-making to enhance project success. This study provides empirical evidence on the structural relationship between ethical dilemmas and project performance, offering a novel perspective on fostering ethical character and professional integrity in the industry. The findings inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on improving ethical compliance and infrastructure sustainability.

United Arab Emirates: Foundations in the UAE—navigating ADGM, DIFC, and RAK ICC Foundations

Abstract This article examines the evolution of the foundation regimes in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. It analyses their key features, including legal personality, governance structures, and interactions with local property and Sharia law. While sharing common frameworks, each jurisdiction offers distinct advantages for wealth preservation and estate planning. The article highlights how these regimes have strengthened the United Arab Emirates’ position in global wealth management while providing flexible solutions for both local and international families seeking to secure intergenerational wealth transfer.