Development Initiatives Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONALITY OF LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT FOR EFFECTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION

The article delves into the critical role of logistics management in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for efficient material resource management and optimized supply chains. It aims to explore the principles of logistics management in construction organizations for supply chain management, with a specific focus on minimizing costs and optimizing resource utilization. The proposed strategic approach involves the transformation of classical concepts into logistics-oriented organizational activities, integrating advanced technologies and innovative resource management systems to unlock the full potential of material assets and streamline operations. The article underscores the potential impact of these strategies on the nation's economic landscape, emphasizing their contribution to economic stability and resilience. Additionally, the integration of logistics management into construction practices is highlighted as a catalyst for scientific advancements within the field. Serving as a roadmap for construction companies, the article urges the adoption of forward-thinking strategies aligned with the demands of the contemporary construction landscape. By embracing innovative approaches and leveraging advanced technologies, construction organizations can drive economic revitalization and contribute to broader urban development initiatives. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of collaboration and integration among stakeholders in the construction industry, leveraging digital platforms and collaborative tools to enhance communication, share real-time data, and streamline coordination among suppliers, logistics providers, and project teams. Integrated logistics networks will enable seamless flow of information and resources.

A Tour Guide's Performance Model for Sustainable Heritage at Borobudur

Expanding the workforce in the tourism sector is a key aspect of the Rebuild Tourism for the Future via Sustainable Development initiative of which tour guides may become an essential part. Tour guide positions involve providing detailed explanations about heritage attractions and instructing tourists on acceptable behaviour during their investigation of these sites. This research is significant because tour guides play a crucial role in the preservation of tourism by safeguarding cultural treasures. Research on tour guides involves analyses that explore the subject from the viewpoints of their function, history, and structure. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the ecology of the tourism industry and heritage destinations by developing a model for the competent development of tour guides at Borobudur. Data was collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with six tour guides in Borobudur who are members of the Indonesian Tour Guides Association. The data were examined utilising Atlas Ti version 9. The study's findings suggest that implementing a high-quality curriculum and training programmes could lead to an exceptional performance model for tour guides at the Borobudur. The curriculum encompasses the implementation of four key components: (1) the scope of study, (2) content standards, (3) the teaching process, and (4) the assessment process. On the other hand, the training aspect covers four elements: (1) training needs, (2) types of training, (3) trainers, and (4) evaluation

Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness: A Study on Human Resource Strategies, Employee Productivity, and Turnover in SMEs

This study investigated the impact of various human resource (HR) strategies—namely, policies, leadership, training and development, and organizational culture—on employee productivity, turnover, and retention within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guangdong Province, South China. Utilizing a quantitative research approach and a correlational research design. The data was collected from 351 employees through survey questionnaires to provide insights into their perceptions of HR practices. The statistical analysis used was descriptive statistics summarizing respondent profiles and Pearson correlation coefficients quantifying the relationships between HR strategies and employee outcomes. The results indicate that HR policies are generally perceived positively, contributing effectively to organizational goals. Leadership is valued for skill awareness and anti- discrimination efforts, though improvements in accessibility and trustworthiness are needed. Training and development initiatives are appreciated, yet require better alignment with organizational objectives. The organizational culture is supportive and collaborative but needs greater clarity in task focus to enhance productivity. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive HR strategies that integrate effective leadership, clear communication, supportive organizational culture, and ongoing professional development to enhance employee productivity and retention.

SPIKES: Skills and Performance Inventory as Kinesiological Assessment for Empowerment of Sepaktakraw Athletes

This research presents a comprehensive assessment of Sepaktakraw athletes at Batangas State University (BatStateU) TNEU, aiming to enhance athlete development through evidence-based methodologies. Recognizing the global trend towards universities' pivotal role in athlete development, the study addresses the diverse landscape of sports programs, particularly focusing on Sepaktakraw in the Philippines. BatStateU's visionary 5-year development plan emphasizes creating champion athletes, aligning with global trends and emphasizing sports infrastructure and training programs. However, the study identifies an opportunity to enhance training programs by introducing the SPIKES program, incorporating kinesiological assessments for a more scientific and tailored approach. Using a descriptive survey methodology, the research integrates Physical Fitness and Skill-specific Performance Tests to evaluate Sepaktakraw athletes comprehensively. Anthropometric profiling revealed diverse body compositions, while physical fitness assessments highlighted variations in speed, agility, strength, and more. Skill-specific performance evaluations in serving, spiking, and game-specific skills provided insights into athletes' proficiency levels. Results categorized athletes into four kinesiological profiles (A, B, C, D), guiding the design of personalized training programs. The Skill-Specific Training Program, unfolding over 12 weeks, targets specific improvements in physical fitness and skills. This evidence-based approach offers a systematic framework for optimizing Sepaktakraw athletes' performance, providing valuable insights for coaches, trainers, and athletes alike. The study not only enhances BatStateU's athlete development initiatives but also serves as a model for personalized and scientifically rigorous training programs in Sepaktakraw and potentially other sports.

How to Make Future Cities Smart in the Realm of Environmentally Friendly Healthy Cities? Looking from the Perspective of Ease of Living Index

Rapid urbanization and environmental issues have led the Government of India to implement urban development initiatives like Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Smart Cities Mission, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban to improve citizens' quality of life. The Ease of Living Index (EOL), developed to assess the outcomes of these initiatives, is a data-driven assessment tool aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals that enables cities to adopt evidence-based planning and execution. It assesses the well-being of citizens in 111 cities, including cities under the Smart Cities Mission, capital cities, and cities with populations over one million. The concept of healthy cities gained popularity in the South-east Asian Region of the World Health Organization, with the Healthy City Network Assessment Tool being introduced in 2021 to help cities assess their health profile in its eleven member countries, including India. In view of NITI Aayog's 2021 recommendation for the development of 500 healthy cities by 2030, there is a need to expand the scope of the existing EOL Index (2020). This research aims to integrate the healthy city evaluation criteria from WHO's South-east Asia Regional Guidelines with the EOL Index 2020 to develop an integrated tool for data-driven assessment of India's proposed healthy cities program. The study based on literature review and comparative analysis identifies 8 determinants, 28 sub-determinants and 112 indicators, enhancing the comprehensiveness of the EOL Index to promote smart, environmentally friendly, healthy, and sustainable urban development.

The Mediating Role of Talent Management in Succession Planning and Private Organization Sustainability: A Conceptual Article

In the contemporary landscape of business, talent management has emerged as a strategic imperative for organisations aiming to enhance their performance and ensure long-term sustainability. The recognition of talent management's significance lies in its ability to attract, retain, and nurture key talents within an organisation. This process is particularly crucial for private enterprises, where human capital plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, productivity, and competitive advantage. Talent management operates within the broader framework of succession planning, which itself is a critical component of effective human resource planning. Succession planning involves identifying and developing internal talent to fill key leadership positions as they become vacant. This proactive approach not only mitigates the risks associated with leadership transitions but also ensures continuity and stability within the organization. This study delves into the intricate relationship between talent management and succession planning, specifically focusing on their impact on organizational sustainability. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature, the study aims to uncover insights into how talent management practices contribute to shaping effective succession planning strategies. Key areas of investigation include planning practices, training and development initiatives, performance appraisal systems, talent retention strategies, and overall talent management policies. Through the proposed conceptual model, the study seeks to elucidate the dynamics that connect succession planning and organizational sustainability within the context of talent management. By integrating these elements, organizations can better align their talent strategies with long-term sustainability goals, thereby enhancing their resilience and competitive positioning in the Nigerian business landscape.

Searching for synergies for low emission development, the case for dairy subsector in Kenya

This research paper assesses the coherence of policy measures and documents related to low emission dairy development (LEDD) initiatives at different levels with a focus on Kenya. To analyse coherence, an innovative stepwise approach was employed including sampling of measures, assessing for vertical and horizontal coherences, and detecting areas of synergies for prioritisation of measures. Six international level documents, six national level sectoral documents, and two local level documents were analysed to extract a total of 145 measures. These measures were then thematically coded and assessed for coherence with LEDD. The findings reveal that while some policy documents reinforce and enable each other, others show limited coherence in supporting LEDD. The study highlights the importance of classifying coherence among measures and documents to prioritise options for policy makers. The paper identified four key documents as strategic for reinforcing LEDD measures across other policy measures comprising the Kenya Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (KGESIP), the Medium Term Three Big Four Agenda (B4A), the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and the World Bank Climate Smart Agriculture (WB CSA). The paper identifies that policy documents structured to support implementation at the local level tend to be more synergistic. Further, the paper identifies that measures which provide forward-looking pathways, and builds agency among stakeholders, are likely to promote synergistic coherence. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the level of coherence among policy measures and documents in the context of sustainable agriculture in Kenya. It provides insights and recommendations to facilitate effective implementation of LEDD initiatives at national and local levels.

Organizational Support After Early Pregnancy Loss: The Importance of Training and Awareness Development

The Problem Miscarriage is an under-discussed topic in organizations. Many organizations in the United States do not offer organizational support for individuals who experience miscarriage. Not having organizational support may make an individual’s experience of healing more challenging, impacting their professional and career development. The Solution Organizations can combat some of the challenges around pregnancy loss by implementing training & development and awareness development initiatives to educate around this topic and provide support for individuals who may be impacted. Stakeholders Stakeholders in this issue include HRD practitioners, managers and organizations that are committed to leveraging training & development initiatives to support employees and alleviating the organizational challenges surrounding the multiple journeys of working parenthood, including miscarriage.

Harnessing the Potential of Helinus integrifolius in Cosmeceutical Research: Toward Sustainable Natural Cosmetics

The growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetic formulations has driven scientists to explore a wide range of botanical resources. Helinus integrifolius, a lesser-known botanical entity, has recently emerged as a formidable contender in this field. This review explores the possibility of incorporating Helinus integrifolius in the cosmetics industry, synthesizing data from the literature on pharmacological, botanical, and cosmetic research. Additionally, this highlights the versatility and multipurpose nature of this botanical resource in cosmetic applications. Furthermore, concerns regarding the safety of contemporary cosmetic products, formulation compatibility, and regulatory aspects are addressed to accelerate its integration into cosmetic products. Ultimately, this review highlights the untapped potential of Helinus integrifolius as a treasured resource for the cosmetics industry, emphasizing its ability to meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, effective, and naturally inspired cosmetic solutions. Through thorough exploration and analysis, this paper aims to stimulate further research and development initiatives aimed at harnessing the cosmetic capabilities of Helinus integrifolius, thus contributing to the advancement of innovation in natural cosmetics.

ICT Adoption and Improving Service Delivery within the Municipalities of the North-West Province, South Africa

The advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought rapid communication transformation from analogue to digital. The digital divide poses a greater threat towards community service and rural development, with the government failing to provide effective and efficient communication strategies for service delivery to rural communities. The study found that the North-West province needs to communicate more adequately with its communities, failing to achieve its objective towards its rural communities. Thus individuals within the development communication process are agents of change, not just recipients of a development initiative but active participants and contributors of knowledge and information. Theoretically, the study pegged on, Information Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) which refers to “theories of Change”, not only implying the designation of technologies and diffusion but a multifaceted, dynamic, and contentious socio-economic and technological process. This study employed qualitative techniques and purposive sampling to gather data, through interviews and questionnaires, for both communication directors and community members. Thematic analysis was employed to reach the conclusion of the study. The study recommends that the use of smartphones and M-technology in all provincial departments would enhance their service deliveries and that the introduction of digital platforms such as the North-West Service Delivery App and the introduction of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are essential for effective and efficient socio-economic and technological development of the rural communities within the province. The study will provide insight and add to the current discourse on the importance of ICT adoption for rural development. Keywords: M-Technology, E-Governance, Economic Openness, Municipalities, Rural Development, Artificial Intelligence

Skill Competencies of PE Teachers Based On Qualitative Contribution Evaluation of NBC 461 towards An Upskilling Program

This study on the continuing professional development of physical education teachers in selected local and state universities and colleges in Laguna provide valuable insights into their teaching practices and the perception of Career Professional Development (CPD) programs. The findings reveal that the teachers exhibit a high level of competency in planning, instruction, and assessment, with mean scores of 4.89, 4.81, and 4.75, respectively. These scores indicate competencies beyond the highly proficient level, placing them in the category of "Distinguished Teachers (DT)." The study also highlights the positive impact of CPD programs on teaching skills, collaboration among teachers, professional growth, and student performance. The analysis of supervisors' perspectives offers additional insights into strategies for enhancing teachers' participation and engagement in CPD programs. The recommended upskilling CPD strategies aim to strengthen professional development initiatives, customize programs to address specific needs and improve program effectiveness through regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms. By implementing these recommendations, this study contributes to the enhancement of the knowledge, skills, and teaching practices of physical education teachers, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students in the field of physical education in Laguna.

Extending Professional Identity Formation to develop academic faculty for a new medical school.

Academic health centers have a responsibility to foster professional development approaches and engagement environments for faculty to elevate both knowledge and sense of belonging as medical educators. This new educational methods submission depicts faculty development and engagement initiatives implemented at a single institution that were created and influenced by the psychological framework of Professional Identity Formation. The authors suggest ways that academic medical centers can draw upon the formation of these programs to best serve their faculty for cultivating development and engagement for professional growth.

Rural Development Projects in Latin America: The Need to Integrate Socio-Economic, Political, and Empowerment Lenses for Sustained Impact

Latin America has witnessed a significant influx of foreign aid aimed at fostering development, particularly in rural areas, over recent decades. Despite these considerable investments, persistently high levels of poverty endure, and rural communities have not consistently witnessed improvements in livelihoods. Rural development initiatives frequently achieve their inherent objectives at the output level but less frequently attain the intended outcomes and are seldom successful in establishing the prerequisites for enduring impact over the long term. The existing literature on this topic is extensive but often fragmented, with some scholars examining the context through socio-economic and political lenses, others scrutinizing the intrinsic characteristics of projects, and still others emphasizing levels of empowerment and local participation. This paper synthesizes and critically evaluates key aspects that influence the sustained impact of rural development projects across these three analytical streams. Through an integrative compilation of insights from these disparate perspectives, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive analysis, shedding light on crucial considerations that may have previously “fallen into the cracks” through an examination of the segmented discourse.

Enhancing orthopedic care: The impact of introducing nurse practitioners

IntroductionOrthopedic surgery constitutes a significant portion of surgical interventions globally, driven by aging populations (Spence et al., 2019). Nurse practitioners (NPs) have emerged as essential team members in orthopedic surgery, offering expertise and advanced training. PurposeThis paper describes a practice development initiative that saw the integration of NPs to the orthopedic team to provide postoperative care to patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty procedures. MethodsAggregate data was collected from electronic health records and from online surveys. ResultsUsing descriptive and inferential statistics our data analysis revealed significant improvements post-NP implementation. Monthly surgeries increased by 41.6%, indicating enhanced access to care. The average length of stay decreased statistically for both hip and knee surgeries (p < 0.001), resulting in substantial cost savings and streamlined resource utilization. The readmission rate post-discharge also decreased by 41.6%, reflecting improved continuity of care facilitated by NPs. Surveys among healthcare staff demonstrated positive feedback regarding NP integration, highlighting improved accessibility, bed utilization, and timely treatment of medical issues. ConclusionThis study underscores the multifaceted benefits of NP integration in orthopedic care, including enhanced patient outcomes, improved healthcare efficiency, and positive impacts on the healthcare team dynamics. Continued investment in NP programs in orthopedic settings is crucial for further optimizing care delivery and patient outcomes. Advocating for the expansion of the NP role in orthopedic surgery will contribute to elevating the standard of care in this specialty.

The 2023 State of Indian Families: Challenges, Opportunities, and Development

India, a traditional collectivist country, has a complicated family system rooted in its diverse culture and religion. With nearly 302.4 million households in 2021, the country experienced various political, social, and economic challenges due to globalization and Westernization. Data from six nationally representative surveys are used in the present study. In this article, we have reported findings in four sections: (1) Demographics, (2) Family Wellness, violence, and empowerment, (3) Aging and grandparenthood, and (4) developmental initiatives and policies for augmenting family welfare in India. The main findings of the report provide an overview of the difficulties faced by Indian families such as poverty, alcohol abuse, casteism, and gender-based violence. Given these challenges, the country is seeing several promising changes, including a rise in women empowerment, age at first marriage, and fertility. India overcomes these challenges by understanding them systematically, reaching the most affected, and addressing societal challenges. The report concludes by calling policy makers for investment in education, infrastructure, and policy execution and evaluation. We expect the study results to contribute to India’s health and family welfare policymaking.

A Participatory Evaluation of an Urban Garden Project in Ecuador: Exploring Factors That Impact the Recovery of People With Severe Mental Health Problems.

For the past years, Ecuador has been transitioning away from a hospital-based model of mental healthcare to one that is community-centred. However, challenges associated with hospital-based models endure, notably financial burden faced by those with severe mental health problems (SMHPs) due to labour market discrimination. Employment access for this group is often disregarded in policy planning, despite evidence of its benefits on mental health. Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative in Ecuador founded in 2015, works with individuals with SMHPs, providing work, income, and social inclusion. A case study using a participatory approach was carried out to explore factors that impact the recovery of people with SMHPs. Twelve participants engaged in diverse stages of the research, where several participatory activities were conducted including cognitive mapping, a photovoice project, and interviews. The analysis employed a thematic approach leading to four categories of impact within the urban garden: autonomy (financial and personal), interpersonal relations and relation with the environment, mental health, and family dynamics. A final category of impact was established encompassing external factors (family support and public policy and healthcare services) that influence recovery. Findings suggest that the urban garden promotes autonomy and active participation within society, improves mental health, and transforms family dynamics. Further, this study highlights the importance of community-based mental healthcare (CBMHC), emphasising the need of public policies and healthcare in promoting autonomy through employment and community-centred services. Lastly, the study contributes insights into recovery experiences and CBMHC benefits, informing programme development and similar initiatives in Latin America.

Shifting from distributive to recognitional social justice for rural educators through professional development

ABSTRACT Progress towards equitable schooling and educational outcomes in Australia has been notoriously slow, with countless reports highlighting stark inequities between rural areas and urban centres. Most reforms have been grounded in distributive notions of social justice – addressing funding, staffing, and resourcing – but fail to address other domains of injustice manifest in the positioning of the rural as Other, as deficit or in need of saving. To counter this trend, this paper examines how one teacher professional development (PD) initiative, Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR) Digital, built a “politics of recognition” for rural educators, analysed through two school-based case studies situated in diverse geographical regions of NSW, Australia: a remote central school and a small regional primary school. Drawing on interview data collected from rural educators and principals, we show how QTR Digital not only overcame the documented difficulties of accessing high-quality PD in rural Australia but also fostered a positive sense of group difference and respect for teaching and learning in these contexts. We argue that if we are to enact such significant change for rural educators, reforms that both challenge the normative ideals of city life and redefine a positive image of rural schools and communities are urgently needed.

STEM Teachers’ Motivation and Engagement in Teacher Professional Development and Career Advancement: A Case Study of Lithuania

The demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills has been consistently increasing due to technological advancements and globalization, making STEM education and teacher training a critical priority. Although many national and international initiatives have been implemented to strengthen STEM education and raise the attractiveness of the teaching profession, a shortage of teachers in general, and STEM teachers in particular, is still evident across Europe. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to attracting existing and potential teachers to careers in STEM education. Qualitative research methods were employed to study teachers’ perceived motivation, challenges, and suggestions regarding STEM teachers’ careers, competence, and collaboration development. The study revealed that the practical application of competence development initiatives significantly motivates STEM teachers, emphasizing the importance of aligning professional development with classroom implementation. These results emphasize the importance of prioritizing practical, classroom-oriented professional development and fostering a culture of collaboration in educational institutions.

Developing a Local Wisdom-Based Digital Resource for English for Tourism in Vocational High Schools in Banjarmasin

Tourism graduates from various SMKs in South Kalimantan are expected to be able to become initiators of tourism development both at the regional and national levels and be able to become a driving force for tourism actors in building economic competitiveness through the tourism sector. English as an international language is needed by the community, especially for Indonesian tourism. As one of the required subjects taught in vocational high schools, the problems arises in teaching English because there are no attractive and interesting learning resources for teachers and students about teaching English specifically for tourism majors in vocational high schools in Banjarmasin. Teachers in some schools in Banjarmasin, especially in wetland areas, have limited access to information on teaching English for Tourism. In relation to the university policy and seeing the importance of achieving teaching and learning objectives as well as the lack of suitable digital learning resources for teaching English for tourism students, especially those located in wetland areas, this research aimed to produce digital learning resources in the form of a website which is based on local wisdom for vocational high school students. This research applied a Research and Development design because it aimed to develop a product by paying attention to the needs analysis. It is expected that the results of this research can not only improve students' academic performance but also facilitate teachers to conduct effective and meaningful teaching in wetland areas.

The Effect of Service Training on English Teachers’ Beliefs and Attitudes

In-service training (IST), deemed vital for faculty growth, primarily aims to aid instructors in enhancing their teaching skills, with the expectation that their participation will subsequently enhance classroom performance, resulting in improved educational outcomes for students. This study investigates the impact of service training on the beliefs and attitudes of English teachers. To achieve this objective, semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom to explore the instructors&amp;rsquo; perspectives regarding the perceived service training and its effects on the teaching and learning process. The study delves into the experiences and perceptions of the instructors regarding the service training they received. Through in-depth interviews, participants shared insights into the effects of such training on their instructional methodologies, classroom practices, and overall professional development. Additionally, their perspectives on the perceived benefits, challenges, and effectiveness of the service training were examined. The findings shed light on the multifaceted impact of service training on English teachers, offering valuable insights into its influence on the teaching and learning process. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between professional development initiatives and educators&amp;rsquo; beliefs and attitudes, providing implications for the design and implementation of future training programs aimed at enhancing EFL instruction. Findings emphasize the importance of aligning IST with teachers&amp;rsquo; needs and fostering participatory involvement in its design.