Implementation Of Policy Initiatives Research Articles

Coping with climate change: A livelihood vulnerability and adaptation analysis in Gaibandha, Rangpur, Bangladesh

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the impact of climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the adaptation strategies of communities, as measured by the Adaptation Strategy Index (ASI), among 120 households across six villages in Fulchari and Shaghata Upazilas of Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh. The findings highlight changing climatic patterns and show that while respondents are generally aware of the impacts of climate change, there are notable knowledge gaps. Galna Adarshapara was identified as the most vulnerable village according to the LVI, indicating its high susceptibility in areas such as socio‐demographic profile, food security, health, natural hazards, and climate sensitivity. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include geographical isolation, limited education, underdeveloped infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, and a lack of alternative income sources during extreme events. However, coping mechanisms such as irrigation, crop diversification, and the use of double‐platform tube wells are commonly employed to address these climatic impacts. To enhance resilience, it is crucial to implement policy initiatives and institutional arrangements that support local communities in improving their living conditions and adapting to climate change challenges.

School Leaders’ Well-Being during Times of Crisis: Insights from a Quantitative Study in Kazakhstan

Amidst increasing global pressures on school leaders, particularly during crises when unforeseen situations necessitate prompt and decisive action from them, understanding the multifaceted dimensions of their well-being is essential for ensuring effective leadership and maintaining educational quality. This study examines the well-being of school leaders during crises by analysing survey responses from 1299 school leaders in Kazakhstan. Employing a well-being framework comprising dispositional, relational, and contextual dimensions, various predictors were assessed within each dimension. Gender biases (dispositional), challenges such as managing conflicts with parents (relational), and limited school autonomy and digital infrastructure (contextual) were identified as factors negatively impacting school leaders’ well-being. Notably, gender significantly influences well-being, particularly impacting female school leaders. School location and medium of instruction are not associated with well-being, implying the pervasive impact of remote schooling on school leaders’ well-being. Findings underscore the importance of integrating crisis management courses in professional development, implementing policy initiatives to handle contextual factors like equitable resource distribution and increased school autonomy, promoting self-care practices, and advocating for gender perspectives in institutional policies to bolster support for women school leaders.

Impact of attitudes, factual and causal feedback on farmers’ behavioral intention to manage and recycle agricultural plastic waste and debris

There is a growing concern about the pollution of agricultural systems caused by plastic residue and debris. This pollution poses a threat to the quality of food products. To gain a deeper understanding of how to maintain cleaner farmlands and reduce plastic residue and debris pollution, this cross-sectional study investigated the intention and behavior of plastic residue management (BPRM) in farmlands. Using random sampling method, the study surveyed 338 farmers in northwestern Iran. The resulting evidence found that 37.6% of farmers perform the BPRM with a mean score above average. The path analysis cleared that among the conceptualized ecological, economic, and social connotations, only the ecological attitude had a significant and positive impact on the BPRM (βEcoAtti→BHV = 0.28, p < 0.001). It was found that both fact feedback (βFFBs→Int = 0.76, p < 0.001) and causal feedback (βCFBs→Int = 0.22, p < 0.001) contribute to reducing plastic residue pollution and forecasting the intention to perform the BPRM. The intention, in turn, directly predicts BPRM (βInt→BHV= 0.30, p < 0.001). Using a 2 × 2 cross-tabulation of causal feedback and the scenario of landfilling, derived from perceived action-based life cycle analysis of plastic wastes, the association between the two variables was found to be statistically significant (x2 (df) = 3.24(1), p < 0.05). The resulting evidence would provide essential information for farm management strategists and governmental authorities to reduce plastic residue pollution in farmlands. This can be achieved by implementing policy initiatives that aim to change farmers’ intentions and behaviors.

Land inequality and landlessness in Pakistan: Measuring the diverse nature of land disparities

Measuring the precise nature and causes of land inequality is critical for addressing and implementing policy initiatives related to agricultural productivity, rural development and within-country income distribution. In this study, we argue that measuring land inequality solely among land owners does not provide a complete picture of land allocation among agricultural actors. We analyze land inequality (with or without the inclusion of landless peasants) as well as landlessness to present a holistic picture of land inequality across all districts of Pakistan. We employ data on 152,582 farm households from two rounds of the district-representative Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey to construct Gini and Mean Logarithmic Deviation (MLD) indicators of land inequality and decompose it into within- and between-district inequalities. We found that inequalities measured without including landless peasants portray different picture of land disparities than that based on measures of inequality including landless workers. Our main findings are four-fold: 1) Land inequality measured including landless peasants is much higher (Gini = 0.84) than that without them (Gini = 0.67), and has increased much more between 2007 and 2015 when landless peasants are included (6%) than when measured without them (1%). 2) In 22% of the districts, land inequality without landless peasants decreased between 2007 and 2015 while that measured without them increased. The opposite is true in 5% of the districts. 3) Land inequality without landless workers is higher in irrigated and humid regions with better soil quality and rough terrain while inequality with landless workers is higher in more arid and semi-arid districts. Districts with rough topography face less landlessness in the presence of predominantly-smallholder farms, whereas more fertile soil is associated with higher landlessness. 4) Districts based on Pashtun tribal ancestral land distribution rights have the lowest rates of landlessness (20%) while districts with pre-colonial Zamindari-based land distribution show the highest incidence of landlessness (66%). The findings highlight the need for robust tenancy reforms in districts with humid climate, higher land inequality and lower landlessness in order to provide land tenure security to landless tenants and protect them from force eviction by powerful landed elites. Use of information technology in registering land rights through geo-coordinates can be helpful in improving land security and the expansion of the agricultural land markets. Besides, there is a greater need of land redistribution in the southern and south-western districts where landlessness is high despite relatively low extent of land inequality.

Effectiveness of health promoting schools: A comparative health profile assessment of higher as compared to low accredited schools in Chandigarh, Union Territory of North India.

To assess and classify all private and government schools located in a northern city of India for accreditation as health promoting schools and comparative health profile assessment of selected higher accredited schools with lower accredited and non-accredited schools. Quasi experimental study with pre and post assessment with comparison of higher with lower accredited schools. The current study was conducted in 206 schools of Chandigarh City of Northern India. Comparative health profile assessment was undertaken in 8 schools with 754 children from higher accredited (platinum, gold, silver) and 8 schools with 700 children from lower accredited (bronze) and non-accredited (below bronze) schools. Multicomponent and multilevel intervention was undertaken with self-quality improvement by schools with help of a manual of accreditation of school as health promoting schools. Key intervention included capacity building, technical visits, supportive supervision, sensitization of policymakers and key stakeholders, implementation of policy initiatives, use of social media, technical support and monitoring of activities. Accreditation levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels) as health promoting schools after pre and post intervention. Out of 206 schools, 203 participated in the baseline assessment and 204 in the endline assessment. The response rate was 99%. Two schools which refused participation were excluded and not assessed. Schools (N = 17) which participated in the 2011-2013 study were excluded from analysis. There was a statistically difference (p = 0.01) in the improvement of accreditation level of the baseline and endline assessment after intervention(p<0.05). Overall, the proportion of schools at the gold level increased from 1(0.5%) in 2016 to 71(38%). Silver level from 9(5%) to 57 (31%) of schools after intervention. The response rate in health profile assessment in higher(8) and lower(8) accredited schools was 95.9% and 92.7% respectively. The health profile of children higher accreditation level schools (N = 754) were found better in hygiene practices protective factors (peer support at school, parental or guardian supervision), handling stress and less prone to injury as compared to lower accreditation level schools (N = 700),(p<0.05). The health promoting school programme was found to be feasible and effective and lead to significant improvement in accreditation level as compared to baseline assessment after continuous self-quality improvement by schools(p<0.05). The health profile of children studying in higher accredited schools was better as compared to lower accredited schools.

In critique of anthropocentrism: a more-than-human ethical framework for antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often framed as a One Health issue, premised on the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health. Despite this framing, the focus across policymaking, implementation and...

Prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among Cairo University students

Background/aim Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health issue. The susceptibility to FI varies along life course; however, university is a potential period of particular vulnerability. The figures of food-security status among Egyptian university students are scarce. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of FI among Cairo University students, identify the associated sociodemographic factors, and determine its relation with the students’ health status. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study included (n=500) 241 female and 259 male students. They were interviewed using a questionnaire consisting of demographic variables, the US Adulthood Food Security Survey Module. The 19-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 14-item Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Results The mean age of the students was 23.78±4.3 years old. Sixty-six percent of the students were food-insecure, while 25% with very low food security. Significant relationships were identified between FI with sex, residence, parents’ education, working beside studying, family head, family size, and average monthly income (P&lt;0.01). FI was associated with poor sleep quality and stress (P&lt;0.01). Conclusions FI is a significant problem with high prevalence among Cairo University students and has negative implication on mental health. It is recommended to screen for FI and implement policy and program initiatives, as well as addressing solutions for FI among university students.

THE FUTURE OF THE COMMON SECURITY DEFENCE POLICY AND A CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION

THE FUTURE OF THE COMMON SECURITY DEFENCE POLICY AND A CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION

Walkability Safety and Walkability Participation: A Health Concern.

Walking is correlated with both improved physical and emotional health. However, walking behavior is often heavily influenced by environmental conditions. The goal of this study was to examine actual and perceived walkability safety and the relationship between perceived walkability safety and self-rated levels of walkability participation, defined as the number of places one walks within the community on a regular basis. Researchers used a mixed-methods approach, combining direct observations of traffic safety and in-person surveys within a specific Chicago neighborhood from 2015 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2017, respectively. We conducted behavioral assessments on 25 intersections and 48 sidewalks and surveyed 96 pedestrians on perceived walkability safety and walkability participation. Findings showed 68% and 81% of vehicles in 2015 and 2016, respectively did not obey street signs, placing pedestrians at significant risk. Pedestrians expressed concerns about the safety of walking in their neighborhood yet walked to a median of eight places weekly. The results indicated a marginally significant positive relationship between self-reported community participation and walking habits, as well as relationships between various factors of perceived walkability and age, gender, or language of survey completion. It is clear from the results of this study that walkability in this community is not a safe activity. However, walking habits may also be influenced by community satisfaction and SES factors. Communities need to engage in safe driving campaigns and educate walkers on how to protect themselves from distracted drivers. Local governments should implement policy initiatives such as police enforcement and drivers' education campaigns.

P62 Leveraging Partnerships to Implement Policy, Systems, & Environmental Initiatives in Two Rural Counties of California

Objective To implement UC CalFresh policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) initiatives across limited resource settings. Use of Theory or Research Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Target Audience Preschoolers, youth, parents, and seniors across preschools, schools, after school programs, and community settings in Tulare/Kings counties of California. Program Description In collaboration with community partners during FY2017-18, trained nutrition educators implemented USDA funded UC CalFresh PSE initiatives such as school wellness policy, preschool and school gardens, physical activities such as Coordinated Approach to Child's Health (CATCH), walking club, dance exercise, healthy school farmer's market, smarter lunchrooms movement, and food distribution. Evaluation Methods Nutrition educators completed PSE Site Activity Tracking Form that recorded PSE reach, sites, implementation stages, PSE changes adopted, partnerships, and sustainability plan. Evaluation data analyses was completed using the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS). Results Results indicated: PSE reached preschoolers, youth, parents, seniors, and community members (n = 28,217), total PSE sites with one or more PSE changes adopted (n = 43), total PSE sites by setting for all stages of implementation (n = 35), total sites with sustainability plan (n = 46), total number of type of PSE changes identified (n = 76), and approximately 40 partnerships were reported. PSE changes included established or improved food and beverage, physical activity and/or wellness-related policies, initiated or improved point-of-purchase, decision, and/or distribution prompts (including information intended to influence choices at the point of decision), improved quality of structured physical activity, initiated or expanded use of the garden for nutrition education, and improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or other healthy foods. Conclusions Results provide essential insight into PSE strategies at the SEM levels to promote healthy food and physical activity messages. Implications of this evaluation suggest that local implementing agencies can successfully deliver PSE strategies by leveraging community partnerships. Funding SNAP-Ed.

Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among U.S. college students: a multi-institutional study

BackgroundCollege students may be vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited financial resources, decreased buying power of federal aid, and rising costs of tuition, housing, and food. This study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and its sociodemographic, health, academic, and food pantry correlates among first-year college students in the United States.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year students (n = 855) across eight U.S. universities. Food security status was assessed using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module. Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Eating Attitudes Test-26 were used to assess perceived stress, sleep quality, and disordered eating behaviors, respectively. Participants self-reported their grade point average (GPA) and completed questions related to meal plan enrollment and utilization of on-campus food pantries.ResultsOf participating students, 19% were food-insecure, and an additional 25.3% were at risk of food insecurity. Students who identified as a racial minority, lived off-campus, received a Pell grant, reported a parental education of high school or less, and did not participate in a meal plan were more likely to be food-insecure. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and meal plan enrollment indicated that food-insecure students had significantly higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43–3.76), high stress (OR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.66–8.11), disordered eating behaviors (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–4.90), and a GPA < 3.0 (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.19–3.07) compared to food-secure students. Finally, while half of the students (56.4%) with an on-campus pantry were aware of its existence, only 22.2% of food-insecure students endorsed utilizing the pantry for food acquisition.ConclusionsFood insecurity among first-year college students is highly prevalent and has implications for academic performance and health outcomes. Higher education institutions should screen for food insecurity and implement policy and programmatic initiatives to promote a healthier college experience. Campus food pantries may be useful as short-term relief; however, its limited use by students suggest the need for additional solutions with a rights-based approach to food insecurity.Trial RegistrationRetrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02941497.

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Dalam Pengelolaan Sampah di Kabupaten Dili Negara Timor Leste

Study Design This study is being used in a descriptive method derives Researchers want to describe give elaborate on how the implementation of waste management policy in East Timor Dili District Government of the State, with the face of data collection is done by interview give documentation. This is Reported in Research Vice Regent Regent give Dili, Head 5 (five), Head 4 (empathy) give the Community. Results showed realization give waste management program in Timor Leste Dili State in 2015 in 4 (empathy) District of running properly, Environmental cleanliness program's budget from the central government, namely the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Timor-Leste. Implementation of policy initiatives dominated give more initiative from the Central Government (Top Down). Dili District Government, giving it more community empowerment practicing general education as well as specialized as well as an evaluation of the implementation of the policy of the Government in the implementation of the waste management program. Then, in order to obtain the existence of political support from all elements of society and the social party political.

Techno-Economic Challenges of Fuel Cell Commercialization

Abstract As resource scarcity, extreme climate change, and pollution levels increase, economic growth must rely on more environmentally friendly and efficient production processes. Fuel cells are an ideal alternative to internal combustion (IC) engines and boilers on the path to greener industries because of their high efficiency and environmentally friendly operation. However, as a new energy technology, significant market penetration of fuel cells has not yet been achieved. In this paper, we perform a techno-economic and environmental analysis of fuel cell systems using life cycle and value chain activities. First, we investigate the procedure of fuel cell development and identify what activities should be undertaken according to fuel cell life cycle activities, value chain activities, and end-user acceptance criteria. Next, we present a unified learning of the institutional barriers in fuel cell commercialization. The primary end-user acceptance criteria are function, cost, and reliability; a fuel cell should outperform these criteria compared with its competitors, such as IC engines and batteries, to achieve a competitive advantage. The repair and maintenance costs of fuel cells (due to low reliability) can lead to a substantial cost increase and decrease in availability, which are the major factors for end-user acceptance. The fuel cell industry must face the challenge of how to overcome this reliability barrier. This paper provides a deeper insight into our work over the years on the main barriers to fuel cell commercialization, and discusses the potential pivotal role of fuel cells in a future low-carbon green economy. It also identifies the needs and points out some directions for this future low-carbon economy. Green energy, supplied with fuel cells, is truly the business mode of the future. Striving for a more sustainable development of economic growth by adopting green public investments and implementing policy initiatives encourages environmentally responsible industrial investments.

Managing the performance of arts organisations: Pursuing heterogeneous objectives in an era of austerity

This study provides insight into how two national arts organisations located in London manage their performance in the pursuit of heterogeneous objectives, within the confines of external influences. These organisations significantly rely on the government for funding and are therefore required to implement policy initiatives, albeit at arm's length from the government. Performance management systems (PMSs) were primarily designed to enable trustees to discharge their statutory duties of collecting, preserving, and displaying objects and works of arts, which were reflected in a management agreement containing the government's strategic priorities. The findings show that the changing politico-economic climate has subtly started to change values, accountability relationships and realities in the field of arts and culture. Whilst arts organisations emphasised socio-cultural objectives in strategic planning and operational processes, external pressures arising from austerity have subtly started to displace socio-cultural values. Business language, vocabularies, and tools commonly used in the private sector are insidiously taking root in arts organisations. Austerity provided a signal to executives that the survival of their core activities was at stake, and they have to engage in income generating activities to support their core activities.

Moving to a shrinking city? Some suggestive observations on why college-educated professionals came to New Orleans and why they stayed

The 2010 Census showed population increases in urban core neighbourhoods in US shrinking or legacy cities. Influenced by Florida’s creative class theory, municipal leaders in shrinking cities have sought to attract and retain creative and college-educated residents as a revitalisation strategy and implemented amenity-based policy initiatives. Nevertheless, when compared with strong market cities, weak market cities have fewer amenities and less robust job markets. Why college-educated professionals would choose to live in cities with weak job markets and declining services is not well explained. Based on findings from two sets of interviews conducted five years apart with college-educated professionals living and working in New Orleans, we found that a subset of professionals seeking opportunities to assist in the recovery were drawn to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. They subsequently stayed because they valued the pace of their life and the ease at which they could maintain professional and personal networks, more than specific amenities. They stayed even though they found professional opportunities to be limited and considered some amenities and services including parks and transit worse than other cities where they had lived.

Saving not Spending: Indonesia’s Domestic Demand Problem

Indonesian income per capita has risen rapidly in the past 10 years. The growth in income, combined with an expanding middle class, has corresponded with strong growth in retail sales. Recently, however, this trend has started to change. Consumption growth has been relatively stable, but retail sales are growing more slowly than in the past. In order to develop a clearer picture of consumer spending in Indonesia, we discuss differences in spending behaviour across two income groups—lower-middle income and upper-high income. Consumption varies across income groups, so saving and investment patterns may also vary. We find that the upper-high income group, despite having more income than in the past, is less willing to invest and borrow than previously, and that the lower-middle income group continues to suffer from a lack of purchasing power. Meanwhile, investors are simply postponing investments, preferring to take a ‘wait and see’ approach. Excess saving can be economically problematic. If effective demand is too weak, it can have negative consequences for long-term economic growth. We begin, however, by surveying recent economic developments in Indonesia, focusing on the third quarter of 2017. Indonesia’s current rate of economic growth (5.1% year on year) places it among the world’s fastest-growing large economies, but the lack of acceleration is a concern: growth has not exceeded 6.0% since the second quarter of 2012. Despite this lack of acceleration, Indonesia has achieved macroeconomic and financial stability. The balance of payments has been improving since early 2016, with a narrow current account deficit—well below 3.0% of GDP—and a surplus trade balance. Exports grew by 17.3% in the third quarter of 2017, owing to rising commodity prices (which boosted export growth in both value and volume), while imports grew by 15.1%, although the impact on economic growth has so far been more moderate than in the commodity boom of 2000–2011. The growth in commodity exports has also benefited Kalimantan, Sumatra, and other commodity-rich regions. However, rising commodity prices come with some caveats. They might boost growth for a short period, but they raise the challenge of making this growth sustainable. We have seen this many times in the past. Increasing institutional capacity to better implement policy initiatives, for one, will help to deliver sustainable, high-quality economic growth.

Implementing medical teaching policy in university hospitals

Within the unique and complex settings of university hospitals, it is difficult to implement policy initiatives aimed at developing careers in and improving the quality of academic medical teaching because of the competing domains of medical research and patient care. Factors that influence faculty in making use of teaching policy incentives have remained underexplored. Knowledge of these factors is needed to develop theory on the successful implementation of medical teaching policy in university hospitals. To explore factors that influence faculty in making use of teaching policy incentives and to develop a conceptual model for implementation of medical teaching policy in university hospitals. We used the grounded theory methodology. We applied constant comparative analysis to qualitative data obtained from 12 semi-structured interviews conducted at the Radboud University Medical Center. We used a constructivist approach, in which data and theories are co-created through interaction between the researcher and the field and its participants. We constructed a model for the implementation of medical teaching policy in university hospitals, including five factors that were perceived to promote or inhibit faculty in a university hospital to make use of teaching policy incentives: Executive Board Strategy, Departmental Strategy, Departmental Structure, Departmental Culture, and Individual Strategy. Most factors we found to affect individual teachers’ strategies and their use of medical teaching policy lie at the departmental level. If an individual teacher’s strategy is focused on medical teaching and a medical teaching career, and the departmental context offers support and opportunity for his/her development, this promotes faculty’s use of teaching policy incentives.

Abstract: Impact of an Online Event Reporting System on Resident Complication Reporting in Plastic Surgery Training: Addressing the Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Core Competency

INTRODUCTION: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has identified practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) as a core competency in resident education. PBLI involves systematically analyzing current practices and implementing changes with the goal of quality improvement. In surgical care, complication reporting is an essential component of PBLI as adverse events are analyzed in morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference for quality improvement. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate an intervention for complication reporting, and compare this to current practice, in a plastic surgery training program. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a pre- and post-intervention comparative effectiveness study evaluating resident reporting of complications and adverse patient events on a plastic surgery service in a teaching hospital. The pre-intervention and post-intervention cohorts consisted of all patients having surgery on the pediatric plastic surgery service during two separate 3-month blocks bridged by a transition period for intervention implementation. In the pre-intervention group, resident reporting of complications was consistent with current practices at our institution where the chief resident on service reports complications prior to bi-monthly M&M conferences. Division leadership, in conjunction with patient safety experts, then developed an online event reporting system (ERS) and implemented policy initiatives to facilitate resident utilization of ERS in all clinical settings. The post-intervention group included all residents on service utilizing the ERS for complication reporting at the time of the event and the ERS was synchronized to generate data for M&M conference. A trained surgical reviewer recorded all complications for patients throughout the six-month study period and this served as the reference standard. Fisher’s exact test was used for binary comparisons. RESULTS: There were 32 complications detected in 219 patients from June-August, 2015 and 35 complications detected in 202 patients from October-December, 2015. Compared to this reference standard, the proportion of complications reported by residents for M&M conference in the pre-intervention group was 28.1% (9/32 events reported). After the intervention, the proportion of complications reported by residents increased to 91.4% (32/35 events reported) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An intervention utilizing an online event reporting system led to significant improvements in complication reporting by plastic surgery residents in an academic teaching hospital. Implementation of an event reporting system can enhance practice-based learning and quality improvement, addressing an ACGME core competency. DISCLOSURES/FINANCIAL SUPPORT:None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this manuscript.

Accounting, culture, and the state

This study provides insight into how two national arts organisations located in London manage their performance in the pursuit of heterogeneous objectives, within the confines of external influences. These organisations significantly rely on the government for funding and are therefore required to implement policy initiatives, albeit at arm's length from the government. Performance management systems (PMSs) were primarily designed to enable trustees to discharge their statutory duties of collecting, preserving, and displaying objects and works of arts, which were reflected in a management agreement containing the government's strategic priorities. The findings show that the changing politico-economic climate has subtly started to change values, accountability relationships and realities in the field of arts and culture. Whilst arts organisations emphasised socio-cultural objectives in strategic planning and operational processes, external pressures arising from austerity have subtly started to displace socio-cultural values. Business language, vocabularies, and tools commonly used in the private sector are insidiously taking root in arts organisations. Austerity provided a signal to executives that the survival of their core activities was at stake, and they have to engage in income generating activities to support their core activities.

“Why Is No One Talking about Libya's Cultural Destruction?”

Since 1990, as country after country throughout West Asia and North Africa has fallen victim to civil disturbance or conflict, its cultural heritage has been looted to feed the demand of an international antiquities market. International public policy has failed to achieve any kind of hold on the problem. This paper looks at the reasons for policy failure, with a particular emphasis on recently implemented policy initiatives intended to safeguard cultural heritage in Syria. The paper is critical of the relationship between traditional and social media news reporting and policy making. It concludes by arguing that attempts to safeguard cultural heritage at its source are inappropriate for the task at hand and more needs to be done to tackle demand on the destination market.