Government Policy Research Articles

Navigating Escalation Patterns in Road Construction Projects in Maharashtra

This research delves into the nuanced dynamics of escalation amounts in construction projects, differentiating their implications on residential versus road construction. Detailed analyses of four diverse projects expose distinctive patterns: Project No.1 witnesses peak steel escalation, while material, labour, and POL exhibit constancy. Project No.2 reveals material escalation as dominant, with recuperated steel and cement costs. Conversely, Project No.3 portrays negative escalations for material and POL, dominated by labour impacts. Project No.4 experiences negative escalations attributable to duration shifts. The study unveils a correlation between project duration and escalating costs, highlighting steel, material, and labour as pivotal in residential projects and labour, material, and POL in road projects. The research underscores the critical role of escalation clauses in contracts, elucidating their significance in mitigating direct impacts on project costs. The findings emphasize project-specific factors such as duration, material price fluctuations, project nature, client-contractor dynamics, and governmental policies shaping escalation outcomes.

Evaluating the Impact of Government Policies on Circular Economy Adoption in the Construction Sector

The construction sector is both essential for global economic progress and one of the largest contributors to pollution, resource depletion, and energy consumption. Given the urgent need to adopt more sustainable practices, governments in developed countries have introduced policies aimed at fostering a circular economy in this sector. These policies emphasize the use of green materials to reduce resource consumption, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. The waste hierarchy further governs these policies, prioritizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. This study analyzes the effectiveness of these government policies in promoting circular economy principles, particularly the adoption of green materials in the construction industry. Our findings reveal that while these policies have led to measurable reductions in energy consumption and emissions, the extent of green material adoption varies significantly across countries. Key factors influencing this variation include economic incentives, regulatory enforcement, and the level of industry acceptance of green technologies. One of the most important results of this study is the identification of significant gaps between policy intent and actual industry practices. In many cases, green materials, despite their favorable characteristics, have not been widely implemented due to economic, technical, and market barriers. These findings underscore the need for stronger government incentives and more consistent policy enforcement to drive broader adoption of sustainable practices. Future studies should focus on overcoming these barriers, exploring the long-term economic impacts of green material adoption, and evaluating how policy frameworks can be optimized to ensure more widespread.

Adaptation in Global Semiconductor Supply Chains: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Strategic Responses

Abstract—This study examines the global semiconductor supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on their impact on the automotive and electronics industries. The research highlights that these disruptions were exacerbated by systemic vulnerabilities such as just-in-time manufacturing, geopolitical tensions, and reliance on complex global interdependencies. Through case studies of companies like Tesla and Hyundai, the study demonstrates the critical role of adaptability and supply chain resilience in mitigating the effects of semiconductor shortages. Firms that diversified suppliers or employed technological innovations, like software adjustments, were better equipped to manage the crisis. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of international cooperation, government intervention, and technological advancements in forecasting and supply chain management to build more resilient systems. The research identifies significant gaps in understanding the long-term resilience of semiconductor supply chains, calling for sustainable, scalable solutions to manage future disruptions. Keywords— Semiconductor shortages, global supply chain disruptions, automotive and electronics industries, resilience, geopolitical tensions, technological innovation, government policy, circular economy principles, AI, and machine learning in supply chains.

Impact Factors for Sustainable Consumption in Todays World

One can define sustainable consumption as the act of procuring services or products that satisfy the requirements of individuals while simultaneously reducing the impact on the environment, which has become increasingly important in addressing global challenges like climate change and resource depletion. The present study explores the factors influencing sustainable consumption, focusing on social, economic, psychological, policy, and business strategy aspects. By reviewing research surveys, results of regression analysis, and case studies, this paper reveals that social norms, income levels, environmental awareness, government policies, and green marketing strategies significantly impact consumers sustainable consumption behaviors. The findings of the study emphasize that sustainable consumption can only be effectively promoted if multifaceted influences are considered in an integrated manner and several sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders are put in place. Ultimately, this investigation renders useful awareness for the benefit of consumers, companies, and policymakers who are interested in enhancing their practices regarding sustainability.

Ecoregion-Based Environment Policy to Resolve Water Resource Conflicts at the Surakarta Ex-Residency

Introduction: This research studies the severe case of water resource conflicts at the Surakarta Ex-Residency, Indonesia. The researchers were interested in studying this case as they wanted to provide a solution to the water resource conflicts that happened at the Surakarta Ex-Residency through an eco-region-based environmental policy principle. This research aims: (1) To describe the water resource conflicts at the Surakarta ex-Residency, Central Java, Indonesia, (2) To identify the governmental policies on water resource management that cause water resource conflicts, and (3) To formulate ecoregion-based water resource management policy model to resolve water resource conflicts. Methods: This was socio-legal research with doctrinal and non-doctrinal approaches. Results: The research results show that the water resource conflicts between the society and the Municipal Waterworks that have control over the water resources happened due to policies that allowed water management for commercial interests. Conflicts also happened between Regional Governments, as a result of an inaccurate understanding of regional autonomy. This leads to the formulation of water resource management policies that are merely based on regional egos. Discussion: The Regional Government's policies on water resource management contribute to the emergence of water resource conflicts. This is because such policies are directed to various orientation forms, namely economic orientation, privatization, and the unsynchronized water resource management regulations between Regional Governments. The water resource conflict resolution policy with the ecoregional approach is carried out through a mutual agreement between Regional Governments, that will be followed up by each of those Regional Governments. Conclusion: The legitimization is in the form of Regional Regulations that regulate the imposition of responsibilities as well as the rights on the water resource management.

The Role of Digital Technology in Social Interaction of Manembo-Nembo Village Community, Matuari District, Bitung City

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of digital technology in social interaction in the Manembo-Nembo Village, Matuari District, Bitung City using the technological determinism theory approach, believing that technology has a major influence on various aspects of human interaction, especially social and cultural life, as stated by Marshall McLuhan. Using qualitative methods based on observation and interviews by collecting data from purposive sampling, namely determining competent informants, namely 2 community informants, 2 government informants. The results of the study found that the role of digital technology in social interaction has changed according to current circumstances, such as digitalization, such as in families it is easier and faster to interact via digital media with relatives who are in different places, the quality of relationships is maintained by having direct meetings in family groups (arisan), then digital interaction with the community; the creation of virtual togetherness such as people celebrating happy moments virtually by sharing photos, videos, and stories, and sharing information about sad events experienced and becoming a means of digital marketing that can increase family economic income. Digital interaction with the government; in today's public services digitally, especially in the field of population data management (KTP, Family Card, Certificate management) has been done through applications and can be done anywhere, but if there are people who need help, the local government is ready to serve, in accordance with the policy of the Bitung city government to make the Kelurahan Hebat program (digitalization).

Sustainable livelihoods through cashew cultivation: insights from smallholder farmers in the southern region of India

Cashew cultivation has emerged as an important agricultural activity in promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The present study investigates the impacts of cashew cultivation on sustainable livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Southern region of India, addressing a significant research gap in the understanding of how this crop affects various aspects of farmers' lives. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals that, cashew farming significantly increases farmers’ income, leading to improvements in food security, education, social status, and standard of living. These findings contribute to new insights into the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of cashew cultivation, offering a holistic understanding of its role in rural development. Additionally, the study also emphasizes the need for government policies supporting smallholders in cashew farming, including training, access to quality seeds, and best agricultural practices. Social welfare initiatives and cooperatives can improve the overall well-being of cashew farming communities. Research and development should prioritize climate-resistant cashew varieties to address environmental challenges linked to cashew cultivation. The study’s results also provide a foundation for future research and policy formulation aimed at enhancing the practice of cashew farming for sustainable livelihoods.

An Analysis and Comparison Between the Chinese GaoKao System and the A-Level System in the UK: Challenges and Improvements

The majority of students in China, who need to attend Gaokao to be admitted by universities, are not facing the same opportunities. They are strictly required to study specific subjects, no matter students are good and interested at or not. In addition, universities are not admitting students purely according to their talents, instead factors like region, family, which field they want to study in the future do matter. This study will discuss such situation of Chinese Gaokao and make a comparison with the education system in the UK. It also mentions current government policies for extra points that are originally for higher fairness, but they are not fair anymore in current circumstances. This study also gives advices to government and universities on how to make improvement on current education system. The results of this study provides a scientific basis for decision makers to make more rational and effective decisions. It is of great significance to the government, related departments and most importantly, Chinese students.

Climate-Smart Horticultural Practices: Building Resilience in a Changing Environment: A Scoping Review

Climate change disrupts weather patterns, intensifies water scarcity and exacerbates pest and disease pressures, posing a significant threat to horticultural production systems. This scoping review explores a range of climate-smart practices to enhance adaptation and resilience within the sector. Core practices like water-efficient irrigation, heat stress mitigation strategies, and adjustments to cropping patterns for altered rainfall are investigated. Integrated pest management is presented as a cornerstone for sustainable pest control. The review further explores the potential of precision agriculture, controlled-environment agriculture, and vertical farming to optimize resource use and mitigate climate risks. Beyond technical solutions, the review emphasizes continuous research and development for breeding climate-resistant varieties, refining existing practices, and exploring novel technologies. It advocates for an integrated approach, tailoring climate smart practices to specific contexts and socioeconomic considerations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, economically viable technologies, and supportive government policies are identified as crucial for widespread adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers. The paper concludes with a call for collaboration among researchers, extension services, policymakers, and producers. By fostering knowledge dissemination, technology transfer, and financial incentives, stakeholders can empower farmers to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Through collective action and unwavering commitment to innovation, the horticultural sector can ensure a secure and sustainable future for food production.

Chatbots adoption intention in public sector in Malaysia from the perspective of TOE framework. The moderated and mediation model

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the motivating factors for Malaysian governmental agencies (MGAs) to embrace chatbot technology. Design/methodology/approach Based on the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 262 online data from the MGA top management were gathered. Smart PLS4 was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings The findings demonstrated positive relationships between technological readiness (TR), big data analytics (BDA), organisational readiness (OR), organisational learning capabilities (OLC) and governmental policies (GP) concerning chatbot adoption intention and also the relationship GP with OR. A mediating effect was also observed, which indicated the OLC role in positively mediating BDA, the OR role in positively mediating OLC and the OR role in positively mediating GP with OR and OLC as sequential mediators in the relationship between BDA and chatbot adoption intention. Furthermore, the presence of citizen demand (CD) strengthened the relationship between TR, OR and chatbot adoption intention. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to Malaysian federal government agencies who still not adopting Chatbots. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insight into factors affect the adoption of chatbots among Malaysian government agencies. Stakeholders, including department heads, can use these findings to strategically enhance counter service by promoting chatbot adoption. Originality/value The study demonstrated that the TOE framework was effective in identifying the factors contributing to the decision-making process for adopting chatbots across MGAs. Organisational readiness and organisation learning capability was found to sequentially mediate the relationship between big data analytic and intention to adopt chatbot. Citizen demand was found to have moderation effect on the relationship between organisational readiness and technological readiness towards the intention to adopt a chatbot.

Multiyear productivity and nitrate‐nitrogen loss from corn and prairie bioenergy cropping systems

AbstractThough corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are widely grown and readily accepted into commodity markets and biofuel facilities, heavy reliance on seeds of those two crops for bioenergy production has been linked to environmental degradation, including nutrient discharge to water, and to constraints on food production. Alternative biofuel feedstock systems might better address this “food–energy–environment trilemma.” Using data from a 9‐ha field experiment in Iowa, we evaluated yields from a 14‐year period for four bioenergy feedstock systems: stover harvested from corn grown with and without an unharvested rye cover crop, and prairie vegetation grown with and without fertilizer. We also assessed sub‐surface drainage flows and NO3‐N concentrations and discharges in leachate from those cropping systems. The continuous corn systems produced mean grain yields of 11.0–11.5 Mg ha−1 year−1, while also yielding about 4 Mg ha−1 year−1 of stover. Mean harvested biomass from the fertilized prairie was 83% greater than from the unfertilized prairie and was superior to stover production in the two corn treatments in 11 out of 14 years. Nitrate‐N losses in drainage water from the corn systems averaged 12–14 kg NO3‐N ha−1 year−1, whereas both the fertilized and unfertilized prairie systems almost eliminated NO3‐N loss. Cover cropping with rye reduced NO3‐N loss in only one out of 13 years and had variable effects on corn yield. Adoption of prairie‐based biofuel systems might be driven by placing perennial feedstocks on environmentally sensitive sub‐field areas and by government policies that favor perennial feedstocks over annual crops like corn.

Democracy, Liberal Zionism, and Civil-Military Relations in Israel: A Review Article

Abstract Two books on civil-military relations in Israel, published eighteen years apart, focus on Israel's future as a Jewish democracy. Peri's 2006 volume depicts the security establishment as a threat to civilian rule, whereas Ziv, in his 2024 book, portrays waning political influence of the Israeli military and security services as associated with democratic backsliding. The authors each favor the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but differ on whether opportunities for it have been missed because the military and security establishment has had too much or too little influence over government policy. Consideration of the one-state reality suggests the extent to which both arguments have been overtaken by events.

Enhancing tourism’s role in alleviating poverty: a bureaucratic approach to implementing SDG1 in China

ABSTRACT By adopting bureaucratic concepts from political science, this study seeks to identify effective strategies within the tourism industry to enhance the implementation of SDG1 in China’s governmental policies. Through a critical discourse analysis of policy documents from two county governments in Western Hunan Province and semi-structured interviews with local cadres, the study proposes a unified dual policy implementation model. This model encompasses two key dimensions: ‘hard’ institutional mobilisation and ‘soft’ relational governance. Furthermore, the study offers insights into a potential pathway for developing countries engaged in tourism-based poverty alleviation, especially those grappling with the challenges of implementation capacity traps.

Struggle of legalists to equalize the rights of Jews with other subjects of the Russian Empire at the end of the XIX – beginning of the XX century

In the Russian Empire, the problem of the «Jewish question» existed for a long time. The prevailing theory was about the «badness» of the Jewish people, their deceit, maliciousness and other negative qualities. Since 1880, anti-Semitism has gradually increased. At first it was fueled by the bureaucracy, then it was joined by the local bourgeoisie, and then by its minions, the marginal strata of the cities. Accordingly, after the liberal policies of Alexander II, an attack on the rights of Jews began. Updated anti-Semitic legislation was adopted, and old ones were updated. Hundreds of petty restrictions bound the Jews and hindered their development. Jews began to have a keen sense of their national identity, emigrated, joined socialist parties, corrupted officials, etc. The liberal public was dissatisfied with this government policy. In the public press, in meetings of government bodies, and in correspondence, conservative liberals energetically argued the absurdity of anti-Semitism, the injustice of claims against Jews, and demanded the liberation of the Jews. Accordingly, the subject of our research is the activities of liberal jurists (legalists) of the Russian Empire for the emancipation of Jews. We chose a problem-chronological approach as the main method. By highlighting the «Jewish problem», we trace the chronology of fluctuations in state policy on the Jewish issue and highlight the forms of struggle of legalists for the rights of Jews. This is the first time such a reconstruction has been carried out regarding the legalist movement and contributes to historical knowledge. A number of conclusions can be tentatively formulated. Through the press, liberals created a negative image of anti-Semitic policies. Sitting in meetings and commissions, they prevented the expansion of negative legislation. In the Senate, legalists defended the rights of Jews.

Exploring the impact of economic and environmental target constraints on and the green investment efficiency of firms: The moderating role of anti-corruption

As the main body of economic activity and technological innovation, enterprises’ investment motivation and efficiency in environmental protection directly affect the process of national green development. Based on data from A-share listed firms from 2012 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of economic and environmental targets set by local governments on the green investment efficiency of firms and the moderating role of anti-corruption. Our findings suggest that economic growth target constraints inhibit the green investment efficiency of firms and that environmental target constraints facilitate the green investment efficiency of firms. Anti-corruption weakens the negative relationship between economic growth target constraints and the green investment efficiency of firms, and strengthens positive relationship between environmental target constraints and the green investment efficiency of firms. In the heterogeneity tests, we find that these relationships are influenced by the region and intensity of the target constraints. The results are consistent with a series of robustness checks. This study is helpful for understanding how government policies and the political environment affect the green investment behavior of enterprises.

Characteristics of physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients undergoing outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is crucial for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. In Japan, as hospitalization periods have been shortened due to advances in medical technology and government policies, outpatient rehabilitation focused on lifestyle and physical activity (PA) is becoming increasingly important as hospital stays shorten. This study was aimed to identify patient characteristics that define the different types of PA and sedentary behaviors, and patient factors in 92 Japanese outpatients by using accelerometers. The patients were found to spend considerable time being sedentary (663.7 ± 118.1 min/day) and very little time engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, 25.6 (10.6–43.4) min/day). Regression analysis revealed that the daily duration of sedentary behavior was 64 min longer in men than in women (β = 64.2, 95% CI[12.9, 115], p = 0.015); furthermore, men engaged in 22% less light PA (β = -0.245, 95% CI[-0.388, -0.102], p = 0.001). Additionally, MVPA increased by 43% for every 1 metabolic equivalent (MET) task increase in the anaerobic threshold (AT) (β = 0.367, 95% CI[0.035, 0.698], p = 0.031) but decreased by 3% per year of age(β = -0.035, 95% CI[-0.056, -0.015], p < 0.001). The study also found that body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with walking time (β = -0.039, 95% CI[-0.075, -0.003], p = 0.036), while AT was positively correlated with MVPA (β = 0.367, 95% CI[0.035, 0.698], p = 0.031) but negatively correlated with time above the AT (β = -2.06, 95% CI[-2.53, -1.59], p < 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of customizing rehabilitation programs according to sex, age, BMI, and AT differences. Furthermore, monitoring home activities and providing individualized prescriptions may enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Internet of Things Adoption in Technology Ecosystems within the Central African Region: The Case of Silicon Mountain

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize various sectors and industries worldwide. Despite its global significance, the adoption and implementation of IoT technologies in emerging technology ecosystems within the Central African region still need to be studied and explored. This paper presents a case study of the Silicon Mountain technology ecosystem, located in Fako division of the southwest region of Cameroon, focusing on the barriers and challenges to adopting and integrating IoT technologies within this emerging tech ecosystem. Through a survey-based approach, we investigate the factors influencing IoT adoption in the Silicon Mountain tech ecosystem, including technological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. Our study reveals key insights into the current state of IoT adoption, opportunities for growth and innovation, and IoT adoption challenges. Key among the challenges identified for impeding IoT uptake were issues related to standardization and financial resources, labor shortage in the industry, educational and knowledge gaps, market challenges, government policies, security and data privacy concerns, and inadequate power supply. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions to promote and facilitate the widespread adoption of IoT technologies in Silicon Mountain and the Central African region at large.

Peran External Relation PT KCI Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Corporate Image

The role of PT KCI's External Relations in efforts to improve its Corporate Image is important to provide a positive view of the public. This cannot be separated from how External Public Relations carries out its role with a managerial concept. This research aims to analyze the role of PT KCI's external public relations. This research uses the concept of Managerial roles. This research method uses qualitative methods, the data collection techniques used are interviews, observation and documentation. The results of this research found the role of External Relations in improving corporate image with expert communication experts, problem-solving process facilitators, communication facilitators and communication technicians. And the obstacles include internal and external obstacles, including operational problems, crisis communication, public and media perceptions, technological challenges, internal challenges, changes in government policy and social issues. The results of this analysis provide insight into the dynamics of the role of PT KCI's external public relations in efforts to improve its corporate image.

Labour Women MPs and Housewifery in the House of Commons, 1945–1951

Abstract This article analyses how Labour women MPs championed the needs of ‘the housewife’ in parliament in order to improve the lives of women, especially working-class women, during the Attlee administration. Relying on personal experience to make their case, these women spoke as housewives, not just for housewives, using gendered experiences for political ends. This article examines how they applied the politics of housewifery to two specific contemporary economic challenges: the cost of living and the impact of taxation. In doing so, and in contrast to the established literature, it shows how far Labour women were prepared to challenge party and government policy on behalf of women. It thus contributes to historiographical debates about the Labour party’s relationship to consumerism and affluence as well as gender and austerity. Building on Brian Harrison’s influential study of interwar women MPs, it also responds to a recent call made by Miles Taylor in this journal for more attention to women as legislators in the post-war period. Methodologically, it emphasizes the benefits of qualitative analysis of ‘big data’ sources.

Analysis Of Opinion Sentiment Towards Electric Vehicle Tax On Social Media X Using The Support Vector Machine (SVM) Method

Electric vehicle tax is increasingly becoming an important issue related to environmental and fiscal policies. Electric vehicles are considered an environmentally friendly solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, public perception of electric vehicle tax is still mixed. This study aims to analyze public sentiment about electric vehicle tax based on data from social media platform X, using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. The data used was taken through a crawling technique with a total of 1,014 valid data. The data was then classified into positive and negative classes with a transformer. In this analysis, the data was divided with a ratio of 8:2 between training data and test data. 811 were used as training data and 203 as test data. The research stages involved data preprocessing, sentiment labeling, data separation into training and test data, and weighting using TF-IDF. After that, SVM was applied to classify tweets into positive and negative sentiments. The test results showed that the SVM algorithm had an accuracy of 79%, precision of 85%, recall of 89%, and F1-score of 87%. Based on the results of this study, some people feel unsure about the government's policy regarding electric vehicle tax, because it is considered unfair to the lower middle class. Electric vehicles are considered more expensive than fuel-powered vehicles, so this policy is considered unprofitable.