Government Assistance Research Articles

Care risks: how concerns about looking after older family members increase support for government spending on the retired

ABSTRACT In an era of increased intergenerational inequality, why do working-age adults continue to support government spending on the retired? Previous explanations for the popularity of such programs include calculations of expected reciprocity and evaluations of deservingness. We introduce an additional consideration: perceived vulnerability to ‘care risks’. That is, the fear of having to provide substantial financial or practical assistance to a close older family member. We argue this leads voters to insure themselves by supporting government assistance to the old as a substitute. Combining novel evidence from a specially-commissioned national survey and survey experiment conducted in Great Britain, we show that prime working-age adults’ (aged 18–59) concerns about having to personally provide for older relatives helps explain their enthusiasm for greater state investment in the retired. Familial concerns are an understudied constraint on age-based political polarisation. Our study provides important insights into how elderly-oriented public policy proposals might be justified to younger voters, and how family ties and expectations can explain public spending preferences in other generations.

Research on the Analysis Model of Regional Economic Growth Differences in China Based on Big Data and Intelligent Algorithms

China’s growing economy contributes significantly to worldwide consumption. Economic rebalancing promises opportunities for manufacturing exporters, and that can weaken commodity demand in the long term. China exerts increasing influence on emerging countries through trade, investment, and ideas. China faces several important economic issues that can hinder future development, including distortive economic policies that have evolved into an overreliance on fixed investment and exports for economic growth, government assistance for state-owned businesses, and a weak banking system. Building an information infrastructure and enhancing the technical level and application capability of big data (BD) remain under the purview of the Chinese Government. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based hybrid artificial neural network (HANN) might boost total factor productivity by a large margin, influencing many sectors in China in ways that official statistics would miss, including changes to the labor market, investment patterns, and overall productivity. Hence, BD-HANN has a coefficient of variation, quantity graph analysis, standard deviation, and entropy index, some of the most conventional quantitative research tools used to examine disparities in regional economic growth. According to the neoclassical growth model, regions with lower starting values of the capital-labor ratio anticipate higher per capita income growth rates. Thus, poor areas will grow faster than rich ones, assuming that the only difference between regional economies is the level of their initial stock of capital.

Can Expressing Feelings About Violence be a Protective Buffer in the Linkage Between Bullying Victimization and Delinquent Activities?

The current study explores whether expressing feelings about violence through journal or notebookand/or school assignment might be associated with a decrease in delinquent activities, such as substance use, theft of property, and assaultive behaviors. A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling was conducted. The participants were comprised of African American adolescents in four Chicago's Southside neighborhoods. Measures included bullying victimization, substance use, theft of property, assaultive behavior, expressing feelings about violence, and the covariates (age, biological sex, and government assistance). Analyses were univariate analyses and a two-step hierarchical multiple regression. Regarding the study sample, the average age was 15.84years, 45.6% were males, and 75.7% received government assistance. Bullying victimization was positively associated with substance use, and expressing feelings about violence moderated the association between the two. Bullying victimization was also positively associated with theft of property, and expression feelings about violence moderated the association between the two. Although bullying victimization was positively associated with assaultive behavior, expressing feelings about violence did not moderate the association betweenthe two. Findings suggest a significant role of expressing feelings about violence in buffering the adverse outcomes of bullying victimization among adolescents in low-resourced neighborhoods. Expressing feelings about violence may serve as an effective coping mechanism for adolescents who areconsistently exposed to violence.

Financial Ratio Analysis: A Case Study of Chaturbhujeshwar Janta Multiple Campus Nepal

This study conducted a financial ratio analysis to analyze the financial health condition and operational performance of CJMC, a QAA-certified community campus in Harion, Sarlahi, Nepal. The study was based on secondary data, and data were accumulated from the audit report of fiscal years 2075/076 to 2079/080. The primary financial ratios examined are the administrative expense ratio, government reliance ratio, personal expense ratio, current ratio, and net margin ratio. The results indicate a decline in the administrative expense ratios, indicating the effectiveness of cost control. However, the government reliance ratio fluctuates substantially, posing a threat to financial stability due to the campus’s dependency on changeable government financing. The personal expense ratio is quite volatile, peaking at 90.89 percent in 2077/078 and indicating that labor expenditures have significantly exceeded the university budget. The current ratio has continuously fallen, dropping below 1.0 in recent years which indicates liquidity issues. The net margin ratio shows financial volatility, with significant deficits in 2076/077 and 2077/078, followed by a rebound in 2078/079 and 2079/080. The research concluded that the campus has worked to improve its financial position. Otherwise, it may continue to face issues such as declining enrollment and unstable regular revenue and should be dependent on local government assistance. Diversifying revenue streams, enhancing cash flow management, and optimizing personnel costs are all strategic recommendations for long-term financial sustainability.

KKN-Tematik UGJ Kelompok 17 Desa Ciketak Melakukan Pendampingan Pembuatan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) untuk Pengembangan UMKM di Desa Ciketak melalui Seminar Digital Marketing

The Thematic Community Service Program (KKN-T) implemented by Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ) with the theme “Mutual Cooperation to Build Villages” aims to empower village communities through activities that focus on improving local economic welfare. One of the main initiatives in this KKN-T is mentoring in creating a Business Identification Number (NIB) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in the village. This program is implemented with a spirit of mutual cooperation involving students, village officials, and the local community. The mentoring activity aims to provide an understanding of the importance of business legality through NIB as an initial step towards developing a more professional and sustainable business. The results of this program show an increase in the number of UMKM that have business legality in the village, which is expected to support local economic growth, access to government assistance, and expand the market. This activity also strengthens collaboration between universities and the community in an effort to build sustainable village economic independence.

Analisis Transparansi dan Akuntabilitas Penggunaan Dana BOS (Studi Kasus di SMP Negeri 31 Maluku Tengah)

The School Operational Assistance Fund (BOS) is government assistance as an effort to provide quality and affordable education to all levels of society at no cost. To achieve this goal, schools as education providers and recipients of BOS funds must be able to use the principles of accountability and transparency in the management and accountability of financial reports. Using qualitative descriptive methods, research was conducted at SMP Negeri 31 Central Maluku with the aim of finding out how BOS funds are managed and the implementation of accountability and transparency in financial reporting. Data collection was carried out using interviews, observation and documentation methods, while data analysis used data reduction techniques, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the research show that the management of BOS funds at SMP Negeri 31 Central Maluku has been going well, as shown by the involvement of the BOS Fund management team, teachers and school committees starting from the planning, implementation and accountability stages which are in accordance with the technical instructions for the use of funds. BOSS. The implementation of the principles of accountability and management of BOS funds at SMP Negeri 31 Central Maluku has gone well. Accountability is carried out every quarter, then reporting transparency is shown by an information board regarding the actual use of BOS funds.

Women Entrepreneurs in Botswana: Reducing Poverty and Creating Employment

Research Aims: The objective of this study is to examine the influence of women entrepreneurship on the generation of employment opportunities and the alleviation of poverty in Botswana. The study seeks to provide a thorough comprehension of how businesses headed by women contribute to economic transformation. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was obtained by conducting surveys and interviews with women entrepreneurs in Botswana, supplemented by secondary data from official and non-governmental reports. The quantitative data were analysed using the statistical software SPSS to obtain comprehensive results. Research Findings: Women-owned businesses in Botswana make a substantial impact on job creation. Many of these businesses employ a workforce ranging from 5 to 20 workers, while some larger organisations provide employment to over 50 people. These businesses play a crucial role in reducing poverty by actively participating in community development projects, such as constructing schools and clinics. As a result, they directly enhance the welfare of local communities. The qualitative findings highlight the diverse and complex contributions of women entrepreneurs in promoting community development and reducing poverty. These findings emphasise their commitment to social accountability, economic sustainability, and resilience in the face of challenges. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study offers novel perspectives on the distinct contributions made by women entrepreneurs in Botswana, emphasising their dual impact on both economic progress and societal transformation. The study also highlights the primary challenges encountered by women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs), such as restricted financial resources, socio-cultural hindrances, and insufficient governmental assistance. It emphasises the significance of overcoming these issues in order to maximise the positive influence of women-owned SMEs on employment generation and alleviation of poverty

Navigating the green wave: Understanding behavioral antecedents of sustainable cryptocurrency investment

This study fills a void in the literature on the intention to invest in sustainable cryptocurrency. It examines the behavioral antecedents of individuals' decision making in this expanding financial industry. A mixed-methods approach that combines partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used to gain an understanding of the factors that lead to acceptance of sustainable cryptocurrencies and the obstacles to investing in them. This study is valuable for investors, policymakers, and managers in the digital currency business, providing practical insights and strategic implications. The study's findings underscore the relevance of regulatory frameworks and government assistance in fostering the adoption of sustainable cryptocurrencies. The study emphasizes the importance of customer trust and sustainability in influencing the adoption of sustainable cryptocurrencies. It advances the theory of sustainable finance, technology adoption, and behavioral economics. The study's limitations and recommendations for future research offer a path to further the understanding of this developing topic.

Characteristics of Extreme Poverty in the Province of Bangka Belitung Islands

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of poverty in seven districts and cities in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. This study uses primary and secondary data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and other relevant sources. The analysis was conducted descriptively to identify factors that influence poverty, such as the age of the poor, marriage, education level, number of dependents, type of employment, income, living conditions, government assistance and health. The results show that poverty in Bangka Belitung is more dominant in rural areas than urban areas. Low education levels and limited access to health services are the main causes of poverty in this area. In addition, the community's dependence on the fluctuating mining sector also affects the economic stability of households. This study also found significant income inequality between low- and highincome groups. Based on these findings, efforts to improve access to education and health, as well as economic sector diversification to reduce unemployment are recommended. More inclusive policies are needed to sustainably address poverty in the region.

Exploring Entrepreneur Intention in the Mushroom Industry with Government Support in Malaysia

The mushroom industry in Malaysia is experiencing significant growth due to its high return value and low production costs. The Malaysian government has implemented initiatives to encourage entrepreneurial activities. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives in influencing entrepreneurial intention remains to be determined. This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial intention in the Malaysian mushroom industry and the moderating effect of government support, drawing insights from the interplay between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, intention, and external support mechanisms. Numerous factors influence entrepreneurship intentions in the mushroom industry. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors, and individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to perceive themselves as capable of successfully starting and running a new business. Government support can provide funding, tax advantages, subsidies, skills development, and advice services and create enabling environments for entrepreneurial efforts. The literature on government support and its impact on entrepreneurship intention reveals gaps that need further exploration. The theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how entrepreneurship education influences self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions. This study examines the capacity of government assistance to impact entrepreneurial intention in the Malaysian mushroom business, providing vital knowledge on how to promote a more robust environment for sustainable mushroom production. Additionally, this research aims to bridge the gap by investigating how government support moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intention in the Malaysian mushroom industry, offering valuable conceptual insights to policymakers for fostering a sustainable mushroom production sector.

Disaster vulnerability of the construction industry: comparing impacts of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic on Florida construction companies

This research tests differences in construction company vulnerability to disaster events based on theoretical differences across hazard types and unique economic vulnerabilities within the sector. The authors conducted an online survey of construction companies in Florida who experienced both the pandemic and a recent hurricane to compare their impacts and experiences through rank and proportion testing of Likert-scale measures and analysis of open-ended survey responses. Survey results showed greater material, labour and equipment costs and procurement challenges and number of contractual disputes during the pandemic compared to after hurricanes. The results also showed differences in post-disaster demand, number of contracts, and revenue based on company size, sector, and project specialization, though results varied across the pandemic and hurricanes. Lastly, the study found that significantly more construction companies applied for and received government assistance during the pandemic, which took the form of wage subsidies rather than traditional disaster loans, though written responses suggest that small construction companies may have been more hesitant to use government funding. The results of this study can help construction companies understand differences in impact across disaster types and better prepare them for the increasing frequency, severity, and complexity of natural hazards in the future.

A bibliometric analysis on the role of corporate governance in micro, small and medium enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the existing research on the significance of corporate governance in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to identify significant contributors, emerging trends and prospective future research areas. Design/methodology/approach The authors perform a bibliometric analysis using a data set of 343 papers extracted from the Scopus database. R-studio software was used for performance analysis, while VOSviewer software was used for scientific mapping. Findings The study’s findings demonstrate that the research has attracted the attention of academics, which has led to a major rise in research over the previous two decades. “Corporate Ownership and Control” is the top contributing journal with the publication of 16 articles. The USA and UK are the top most productive countries. Simon Fraser University of Canada is the most contributing institution. Moreover, this study has identified four major themes: corporate governance assistance to small and medium enterprises, the role of corporate governance in society and management, family ownership and its importance in entrepreneurship, corporate governance issues, family firms and firm performance. Furthermore, the paper also defines the future research scope in each theme. Originality/value This study serves as a guide by mapping and analysing the intellectual structure of the corporate governance of MSMEs’ publications. Through this research, the authors better understand the academicians, managers, entrepreneurs and regulators about the condition of entrepreneurship and how they help businesses improve their performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to thoroughly analyse the literature on the role of corporate governance in MSMEs using bibliometrics.

PENDAMPINGAN KELOMPOK TANI HUTAN DAN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN DESA SECARA PARTISIPATIF DI DESA MASIHULAN KECAMATAN SERAM UTARA

The community engagement program with forest farmer groups and forest managers in Masihulan Village aimed to enhance the community's capacity to sustainably manage forest resources and strengthen the local economy through the diversification of non-timber forest products. A participatory approach was employed in this assistance process, actively involving the community in every stage of the program. The results show a significant improvement in the farmer groups' understanding of agroforestry practices and sustainable forest management. Additionally, the institutional strengthening of the forest farmer groups positively impacted their ability to access government assistance programs and financial institutions.

Pendampingan Pembuatan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) dalam Rangka Kesadaran Legalitas pada UMKM Salama Kelurahan Na’e Kota Bima

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can be the backbone of a country's economy, because their form of business can revive a declining economy. The method used is to conduct a survey to determine the condition of needs of MSME actors in Salama, Na'e District, then analyze problems that occur among MSMEs and determining programs to overcome existing problems. From the analysis that has been determined, the solution that can be implemented is to provide socialization and assistance in creating NIBs through OSS for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The assistance activity in creating Business Identification Numbers (NIB) for MSMEs in the Salama area, Na'e sub-district, Bima city, succeeded in increasing business actors' understanding of the importance of business legality. Of the MSMEs in Nae Village, especially the Salama Ward, it was recorded that 20 had succeeded in having NIBs where making NIBs through the OSS system can be done easily and quickly. This mentoring activity provides wider access to government assistance and capital.

Exploring the challenges and opportunities for sustainability reporting adoption among small and medium enterprises: A case in a developing country in Asia

Sustainability has turned into a critical focus for businesses, drawing considerable interest from the commercial sector and scholarly environments. While empirical investigations have been conducted regarding sustainability reporting within small and medium enterprises, only a limited number of companies are subjected to increased pressure to adopt sustainability reporting practices, thereby ensuring enhanced transparency and disclosure in their financial and sustainability disclosures. This research, framed by Institutional Theory, delves into how challenges in sustainability reporting obstruct organizations from properly evaluating and sharing their progress on sustainability aims. With an explanatory research framework in place, we circulated survey questionnaires to 400 participants, who were randomly drawn from a population of 28,927 registered SMEs in Metro Manila, Philippines. The application of Interpretative Structural Modelling and MICMAC Analysis revealed that the absence of regulatory frameworks, governmental assistance, and sustainability infrastructure constitutes the most critical obstacles impacting other determinants. In contrast, neither the deficiency in sustainability awareness nor the inadequacy of training and skills demonstrated a considerable impact on the other identified barriers. This study clarifies the complex interactions and interrelations among the obstacles to sustainability reporting, thus providing significant perspectives for organizations aiming to overcome these difficulties. The findings suggest that business leaders and stakeholders can formulate targeted strategies and interventions to facilitate the adoption of sustainability reporting practices within organizations. The application of the institutional theory framework highlights that pressures arise from a diverse array of institutional actors, including regulators, customers, and local communities, which collectively shape corporate behavior and reporting methodologies.

Who Is Perceived as Deserving? How Social Identities Shape Attitudes about Disaster Assistance in the United States

ABSTRACT Research has shown that as the size of government assistance programs grow, and the recipients of such programs are increasingly non-white and/or non-citizen, public support for them declines. Our study examines this phenomenon on the question of deservingness in federal disaster assistance. Using a 2018 survey experiment that leverages two devastating hurricanes—Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Harvey—that hit different parts of the United States in 2017, we explore how the social identities of race/ethnicity and partisanship affect attitudes about disaster deservingness. Our results demonstrate that although federal disaster assistance has broad support, it is contingent on perceptions about the disaster victim and the type of assistance. Respondents were less likely to support disaster assistance to Hurricane Maria–affected people than those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Moreover, white and Republican respondents were more likely to favor market-based assistance whereas race-/ethnic-minority and Democratic respondents were more likely to support more generous forms of disaster assistance. These findings have important implications for the allocation of disaster funds as climate change intensifies and the frequency of billion-dollar disaster events increases. This is exacerbated by political polarization and heightened social vulnerability due to changing population demographics.

EVALUATION OF THE FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM IN INCREASING FARMERS’ PRODUCTIVITY

This study aims to assess the government's efforts in distributing subsidized nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers as part of a 2020 evaluation program to enhance agricultural productivity in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. A qualitative research method was employed, with data gathered through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and literature review. The evaluation revealed that while the fertilizer distribution program has been fairly effective, there are still areas for improvement. Key factors contributing to the program’s success include collaboration among various stakeholders and positive public response, both of which are crucial for any government initiative. Public support, in particular, can significantly enhance program outcomes. However, challenges remain, such as the mismatch between fertilizer quotas and demand, delayed deliveries, and slow data collection. Additionally, ongoing efforts to raise awareness at the district level are needed. Government assistance programs like this must be implemented fairly and equitably to ensure success across the region.

An empirical evidence on the impact of social customer relationship management on the small and medium enterprises performance

Social media has swiftly established itself as a primary source of products’ information for customers. Nowadays, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) can use social media to develop Customer Relationship Management platforms (social CRM). Firms, particularly SMEs in developing countries need to understand the factors affecting their performance by implementing social CRM. However, there is a dearth of awareness on the impact of social CRM on the performance of SMEs. This study proposes an integrated model that aims to investigate the effects of social CRM on SMEs’ performance. The model is constructed by incorporating three dominant theoretical frameworks: the Fit-Viability Model (FVM), Network Externalities, and the Resource-Based View (RBV). A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from 149 SMEs managerial staff. Findings revealed that almost 50% of the variability in the performance of SMEs is explained by the fitness and viability of social CRM. In addition, network externalities of social media significantly impact the social CRM fitness in the context of SMEs with path coefficient 0.617. Furthermore, the internal financial resources factor makes sCRM viable for SMEs as the results show significant relationship between the internal financial resources and the sCRM viability with 0.536 path coefficient. Manager innovativeness, IT knowledge, top management support, and government assistance, on the other hand, do not contribute significantly to the viability of social CRM for SMEs. The model aids SMEs in making well-informed decisions regarding the adoption of social CRM by evaluating both the suitability of social media for CRM tasks and the enterprise preparedness to implement social CRM, leading to enhanced performance.

Gambaran Praktik Pengasuhan Anak Kembar di Kabupaten Gayo Lues

The purpose of this study is to know the image of the practice of child care in gayo lues district. This study uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach. Number of participants in the study are three subjects. The data is analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings suggest that there are 7 themes illustrating the practice of foster care in gayo lues district, of which 7 include the following sub themes. Parenting stress that covers the subtheme of financial demands, the lack of time for yourself. Support system that includes sub themes of extended family help, husband support, local government assistance. Coping strategies that include the subtheme manage time through other work, not managing emotions in a healthy way. Teaching that includes sub themes that enhance understanding, direction and example. The culture that includes the sub theme educating children firmly, the high tone of voice and educating children independently. The vaforitism consists of the sub theme divide and contrast.

New Challenges in Times of Crisis

In the decades since the European Union’s energy policy was established, we have witnessed a process of development which has resulted in the field being regulated by the Treaty in its own legal framework and has continued to evolve to the present day. Governance at the EU level has become more important in the field of energy policy, but the crises have led to an increasing role for Member States. The EU’s single rule aims to ensure a level playing field for market players in the competitive sector, while preventing unfair competitive advantages for companies created by or benefiting from public or state resources. The EU state aid rules have undergone significant changes in the last few years. State subsidies are part of competition policy, which aims to ensure an efficient economy and consumer welfare. Among the market failures in the energy sector, the most significant disadvantage is the presence of externalities and natural monopolies. These need to be addressed through government assistance and its direct and indirect regulatory instruments. Competition law also covers economic services of general interest, which are closely linked to the issue of state subsidies. Member States have discretion to define services of general economic interest, subject only to the limits set by EU law, and to avoid manifest error of assessment. The energy packages include the term “universal service” for electricity, but not for gas, leaving it to the discretion of the Member State to decide on the latter. The crises have brought with them a breakdown of neoliberal ideas and, as a consequence, a strengthening of the tendencies in favour of state regulation. In most Member States, we are witnessing a closure, voices critical of the EU in many respects (e.g. Hungary and Poland in the context of the Art. 7 procedure) and Brexit has had a negative impact on communitarisation policies.