Institutional Factors Research Articles

Navigating spatial justice: Exploring municipal planners’ logics in differentiated village planning

An amendment to the Danish Planning Act in 2019 mandated municipalities to incorporate strategies for the differentiated development of viable villages. This marks the first national initiative in Denmark requiring strategic village development within statutory municipal planning. While municipalities have considerable freedom to adapt these strategies to local conditions, existing plans, and ongoing projects, this new requirement has led to diverse approaches to strategic planning across the country.Drawing on data from 37 qualitative interviews with planners in Danish rural municipalities, we analyse how planners differentiate between villages at the municipal level, basing their decisions on both institutional and structural factors. We introduce a spatial justice matrix, encompassing dimensions of procedural and distributive justice alongside principles of equality and equity, to illustrate how municipalities' strategies for village development embody distinct interpretations of spatial justice. Some municipalities adopt a participatory, demand-driven approach, akin to a "first come, first served" principle, while others prioritize local service provision to distribute resources more equitably in line with targeted development objectives. Although each approach aligns with a different interpretation of spatial justice, these variations raise critical questions about the meaning and attainment of spatial justice in practice. As municipalities navigate these interpretations, disparities in development outcomes emerge across municipalities, highlighting a need for further discussion on inter-municipal equity and cooperation.

Unveiling the effect of non-performing loans on lending behaviour: Evidence from Vietnam’s banking system

This study shows how non-performing loans (NPLs) and other variables specific to banks affect loan growth and the risk-weighted composition of assets in the Vietnamese banking sector. We use a large panel dataset of Vietnamese commercial banks from 2008 to 2022 and different econometric estimators to look at how NPLs, loan loss provisions (LLPs), and bank-specific factors affect how banks lend money. Additionally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis to bolster the robustness of our empirical findings. Our analysis reveals a statistically significant inverse relationship between NPLs/LLPs and loan growth rates, underscoring the critical role of effective credit risk management. Furthermore, institutional characteristics such as bank size, liquidity position, profitability metrics, and tangible asset ratios substantially influence lending patterns and risk exposure. Conversely, macroeconomic and broader institutional factors demonstrate mixed effects, with many exhibiting statistical insignificance. This study addresses a notable gap in the extant literature concerning the determinants of bank lending behaviour in Vietnam, offering nuanced insights into the role of credit risk indicators and bank-specific attributes. Our findings yield substantial implications for regulatory bodies, policymakers, and banking executives in their pursuit of enhancing the stability and operational efficiency of Vietnam's financial system. By elucidating these relationships, our research contributes to the ongoing discourse on banking sector dynamics in emerging economies. It provides an empirical foundation for informed decision-making in financial policy and risk management strategies.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems in small towns: franchise chain expansion

Purpose This paper aims to identify the interrelationships of institutional factors that compose an entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) in small towns that can potentially increase the attraction of franchises. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed 728 small towns with franchise chains that do not belong to metropolitan regions and are limited to populations of up to 50,000 inhabitants. Secondary data are obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data analysis technique used is Poisson regression. Findings A higher number of employed persons (H1), a higher savings (H2) and a higher number of educational institutions (H4) correlates with more franchise chains in small towns. The availability of institutional support (H3) does not correlate with the number of franchise chains. Regarding the interrelationships between factors, the interactive effect between two constructs is determined to cause a decrease in franchise chains, whereas interrelating three factors raises the number of franchise chains (R² = 72.3%). Practical implications The analysis identifies some environmental factors to be considered in market prospecting by franchise chains’ expansion managers. These factors constitute a relevant analytical model focused on the regional development of franchise chains. Social implications Social contributions are directed to public policy professionals responsible for regional economic development, as emerging markets demand actions to encourage job creation when confronted with high unemployment rates and dependence on the informal economy. Originality/value The contribution of this paper is bringing EE to the debate of the institutional environment’s impact on new businesses. EE adds to the debate examining the interrelationships between different institutional factors. An EE not only identifies the factors, but also examines the interdependence of these factors, which can potentially explain the attraction of franchise chains in small towns.

Measuring the Barriers in Adoption of IFRS for SMEs in Developing Economies: An ISM‐MICMAC Approach

ABSTRACTPresent study explores various macroeconomic determinants, which have a direct or indirect impact on the implementation of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) for small and medium enterprises, especially in emerging economies like India. Based on the identification of variables/measures from existing literature, the study further used multi‐criteria decision‐making approach's interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis using driving and dependence powers to frame hierarchy‐based model of barriers in IFRS adoption. The paper has developed an interrelationship among 11 identified variables using ISM methodology and found that a full set of IFRS (Factor 1) forms the base of the completely proposed model, as per expert input, with all other factors relating to it either directly or indirectly. While common law system (2), taxation compliances (5), and professional education (4) are weak factors, which depend upon strong factors, the study found strong factors, that is, full IFRS (Factor 1), institutional factors (Factor 8), access to foreign capital (Factor 3), and complexity (Factor 6). Additionally, four factors, such as implementation costs or cost benefit analysis (Factor 9), inadequate infrastructure (Factor 11), firm size and internationalization (Factor 7), and perception of accountants (Factor 10), are identified as linkage variables. Further, using dependent and driving powers of identified variables were analyzed with the help of MICMAC analysis. The present work will be helpful to academicians, practitioners, and various concerned stakeholders in the relevant field.JEL Classification: M 40, M 41, M 48

Work Efficiency as a Mediator in the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Career Achievement of Lecturers in Universities in Henan, China

This study explores the impact of Transformational Leadership (TL) on Work Efficiency (WE) and career achievement among university lecturers in Henan Province, China. Specifically, it examines how WE mediate the relationship between TL and lecturers' career achievements. TL, characterised by its ability to inspire and motivate followers, was discovered to drive positive organisational change and enhance goal attainment. This research highlights how institutional factors such as leadership decision-making, employee collaboration, and communication influence career trajectories and contribute to career achievement levels. Key milestones in lecturers' careers, such as appointments, promotions, tenure, and professional growth in teaching, research, and leadership, were considered. Factors like academic qualifications, research productivity, teaching experience, and scholarly publications were identified as influential. Furthermore, maintaining high WE are crucial for managing workloads and meeting academic responsibilities. Using a sample of 974 lecturers selected through random sampling and data collected via questionnaires, the study applied quantitative analysis to investigate the correlation between TL behaviours, WE, and career achievements. The findings reveal that TL positively affects lecturers' career achievements, with WE serving as a significant mediating factor. This underscores the importance of TL and efficient work practices in advancing lecturers' careers and enhancing organisational effectiveness.

State Control, Related-Party Transactions and Audit Reporting: Evidence From Key Audit Matters

We examine whether political forces in Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) influence audit reporting, specifically the disclosure of Key Audit Matters (KAMs). We test two competing predictions that offer alternative explanations for the relation between SOEs and KAMs disclosure. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms and controlling for related determinants of KAMs reporting, we document that, compared to non-SOEs, SOEs have fewer abnormal KAMs (relative to their industry peers). SOEs are also more likely to avoid the disclosure of expected KAMs, especially in the subject areas of inventory, revenue and related party transactions (RPTs). Taken together, results suggest that SOEs have strong political motives and power to obscure transparency and withhold potentially costly news. In line with this conjecture, we show that the aforementioned effects are more pronounced when SOEs have more concentrated state ownership, operate in industries of strategic importance to the state, or are involved in tunneling RPTs. Supplementary analysis indicates that SOEs have less extensive KAMs disclosures and auditor responses, which moreover are less risk-oriented. Overall, our study provides new evidence on how state control and related institutional factors affect audit practices.

Mapping Psychosocial Challenges, Mental Health Difficulties, and MHPSS Services for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in Greece: Insights from Service Providers

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based information is crucial for policymakers and providers of mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS) for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). However, there is a scarcity of national-level studies investigating the MHPSS needs of UASC and how these are addressed in Greece. The research objectives of this study were to explore: (a) the psychosocial and mental health needs of UASC living in Greek long-term accommodation facilities as perceived by MHPSS providers, and (b) the range of services across the country, highlighting gaps and best practices in service delivery. Method: An exploratory, predominantly quantitative design was adopted to map UASC’s psychosocial difficulties, mental health problems, and MHPSS delivery. Purposive sampling was implemented, with 16 of 17 NGOs operating long-term accommodation facilities for UASC and 16 child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) participating. The sample included 79 participants (34 facility coordinators, 28 field psychologists, and 16 CAMHS directors). A 5-W mapping tool (Who, Where, What, When, and Which) was used for data collection, through an online survey. Data analysis involved quantitative and qualitative methods (content analysis). Results: Of 798 minors, almost 59% showed signs of behavioral or emotional disturbance, with over half referred for psychiatric assessment and 27.7% needing inpatient care. Aggression, disruptive behaviors, self-harm, and suicidal ideation were the most challenging issues. CAMHS directors reported a high rate of crisis-driven responses, with 42.1% of UASC needing emergency psychiatric evaluation. Psychosocial support was hindered by communication difficulties, lack of a shared care philosophy, understaffing, job insecurity, and limited resources. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the mental health needs of UASC, and the challenges faced by facility coordinators, psychologists, and community mental health specialists. Future research should focus on the institutional and organizational factors influencing service delivery to improve support for UASC.

Characterizing uninsured population in Mexico: a multinomial analysis

PurposeThis research highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of the uninsured population in Mexico, as it is closely related to economic growth. Those characteristics that are not economic but behavioral are especially important to incentivize insurance purchases in the population with sufficient resources.Design/methodology/approachConsidering the main reason for not having insurance, this research classifies the Mexican adult population into four categories using a multinomial logit model and the National Survey of Financial Inclusion (2021).FindingsThe adult Mexican population can be divided into four categories: No money, Not aware or does not trust, No need, Other; this division allows comparisons between categories at 95% confidential level. The statistically significant variables were Mobile phone-ownership, Education level, Age, Financial behavior and Locality, while the variables, Financial literacy and Gender, were not. The variables that strongly characterize the uninsured population with sufficient resources (42.1%) are associated with economic factors (mobile phone ownership) and people’s behavior (Education level, Age, Financial behavior and Locality). This presents an excellent opportunity for policymakers to develop public policies encouraging insurance purchases.Originality/valueVarious empirical studies have focused on determining the economic, demographic and institutional factors that determine insurance tenure. Still, no empirical evidence has been found to characterize the uninsured population. This study aims to help policymakers develop public policy for the uninsured population to encourage them to purchase insurance. This research contributes to empirical theory in three ways: First, it identifies a large market in Mexico; the uninsured population in this country is about 80%. Second, it segments the adult population into categories to analyze better. Third, the characteristics of the population that has sufficient resources to take out insurance but has none can be found.

Reluctant Spies: The Role of Neighbourhood Leaders in Indonesia’s PVE Strategy

ABSTRACT Despite a wealth of existing knowledge about intelligence gathering through community policing programs for preventing violent extremism (PVE) in Western countries, relatively little is known about how these initiatives are implemented in Muslim-majority countries: What kinds of community leaders are mobilised? What are they asked to do? How do they respond? This paper answers these questions by examining community policing initiatives for PVE in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. It focuses on the role of a ubiquitous network of neighbourhood leaders at the centre of Indonesia’s efforts to counter threats from pro-ISIS groups. Based on qualitative data collected in two of Indonesia’s largest cities, we find that a set of social, institutional, and political factors constrain neighbourhood leaders’ ability to monitor and report extremist activity to authorities. Several of these factors are similar to the barriers identified in cross-country reporting threshold studies. However, the responsibilisation of neighbourhood leaders for PVE, mixed with their reluctance to report, produces unique adverse effects in Indonesia by incentivising the use of extra-legal measures against suspects. Our findings emphasize the need to repair public trust in law enforcement agencies as a prerequisite for effective community policing and categorise information that communities can effectively provide.

HACKED: Understanding the stock market response to cyberattacks

Increasing levels of digitisation make firms more susceptible to cyberattacks and privacy violations. In this paper, we quantify the impact of cybercrime on company stock returns using a large international sample. On the day after the cyber event, stock returns are found to decrease by -0.24%, but the effect reverses in about two weeks. The magnitude of the decrease in the stock market is greatest for companies that have experienced reoccurring events and for breaches deemed to be most severe. We show that the extent of the stock market decline cannot be explained by national institutional and macroeconomic factors, and is related to company-specific characteristics, including size, volatility, credit ranking and asset volatility. The empirical results highlight important policy and regulatory issues, not least the need for cyber risk disclosure requirements.

Valuing the spatial structure and influencing factors of urban innovation from the perspective of social networks

ABSTRACT Valuing the spatial structural characteristics and evolution mechanisms of urban innovation networks (UIN) is crucial for promoting regional innovation development. This study constructs the UIN for the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and examines its spatial structural characteristics and driving factors from a social network perspective. The results indicate that: First, the network relationships within the urban innovation ecosystem in YREB continue to expand, enhancing stability, synergy and connectivity. Second, interaction relationships dominate the network, establishing distinct block functions, with provincial capitals serving as core nodes. Third, YREB can be divided into four blocks: the main inflow block, the main outflow block, the bidirectional spider block and the agent block, each exhibiting unique roles within the network. Fourth, increasing network density and connectedness while reducing hierarchy and enhancing efficiency positively impacts urban innovation. Strengthening node centrality characteristics is beneficial for promoting urban innovation. Lastly, proximity is conducive to the formation of UIN. Digital technology and traffic integration are replacing geographical and institutional factors, becoming key elements in the formation of UIN. Therefore, we propose optimising the spatial structure of UIN and shifting the driving paradigm from geographic and institution proximity to the digital technology and traffic proximity.

The impact of home institutions on the internationalization of emerging market SMEs: a systematic review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review literature on home-country institutional factors influencing the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging markets. Based on the analysis, the authors propose a research agenda to guide future studies in this field. Design/methodology/approach This paper follows a systematic procedure to review 58 selected articles on how institutional contexts in emerging economies impact SME internationalization, covering studies from 1999 to 2023. This period was chosen to capture recent research following the post-1990 market liberalization in most emerging economies, which has shaped new opportunities and challenges for SMEs expanding abroad. Findings This literature review shows that SMEs’ internationalization knowledge in emerging markets is strongly shaped by home-country institutional conditions. Key mechanisms include imprinting by home institutions and learning from domestic institutional sources, both critical yet underexplored areas in SME development. These processes offer substantial opportunities for future research into how institutional contexts influence SMEs’ global growth. Originality/value This research builds on previous studies that have emphasized firm-level and external factors such as host market appeal, consumer needs and resource availability driving SMEs’ internationalization. Focusing on home institutional factors, the authors provide a comprehensive review of academic studies and propose a future research agenda on the external institutional influences shaping emerging market SMEs’ global expansion.

Are we neglecting the influence of national culture (individualism–collectivism index) in mitigating the instances of data breach?

Purpose Based on neo-institutional theory, this study evaluates factors that affect instances of data breaches in a hospital. The authors study the effect of adopting the health information exchange (HIE) initiative on a hospital’s data breach threats. This study integrates formal and information institutional factors to identify the antecedents that influence data breaches when adopting HIE. This study uses a hospital’s entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a formal institutional factor and national culture (collectivism–individualism) as an informal institutional factor. Design/methodology/approach Using a Statistical Analysis System, the authors analyze US hospital observations over five years. The data was collected from the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) database, the Health and Human Services website and the Vandello and Cohen (1999) collectivism index. Findings This study finds that when hospitals adopt HIEs, data breaches increase. This study also finds that both EO (formal institutional factor) and the individualism–collectivism index (informal institutional factor) significantly moderate these instances. Research limitations/implications HIMSS has not updated its data set to reflect recent hospital data, so this study’s data set lacks recent data on US hospitals. Originality/value This study is one of the few studies to address the impact of cultural variation in US hospitals and how it interacts with entrepreneurial activity to lower data breach threats when adopting new data exchange standards.

Assessing research culture and capacity amongst faculty at a North American chiropractic institution: an explanatory mixed methods study

BackgroundResearch enables a profession to establish its cultural authority, validate its professional roles and ensure ongoing improvement in the quality of its academic programming. Despite the clear importance of research, a mature research culture has eluded the chiropractic profession. A fostering institutional culture that enables, values, and supports research activity is essential to building research capacity. Our study aimed to collect information about the existing research capacity and culture at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and explore the views, attitudes and experiences of faculty members regarding research.MethodsWe conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study with quantitative priority between April and July, 2023. Quantitative data were collected using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Survey results guided the qualitative data collected from four faculty focus groups with varying levels of research experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by domain and stratified by research education and workload. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed and then integrated with the quantitative results to provide deeper meaning to the results.ResultsThe faculty survey response rate was 42% (59/144). Attributes at the organization or department level were consistently rated as either moderate or high; however, research skills at an individual level were more variable and influenced by factors such as research workload and highest research-related academic qualification. Qualitative focus group data were categorized under four themes: institutional factors, resource allocation, career pathways and personal factors. Lower scores for survey items related to mentorship, research planning and ensuring faculty research career pathways, as well as the identified workload and time-related barriers (e.g., other work roles and desire for work/life balance) for engaging in research were supported by each of the four themes. Research motivators included keeping the brain stimulated, developing skills and increasing job satisfaction.ConclusionThe quantitative and qualitative information in this study provides a baseline evaluation for RCC and identifies key factors impacting RCC at the CMCC. This information is critical for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating future interventions to enhance research capacity. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at maturing the research culture of the chiropractic profession.

Digital tools and welfare: adoption determinants among ginger producers in Southern and Central Ethiopia

IntroductionLow adoption rates of digital tools in agricultural extension services persisted among smallholder ginger producers in Southern and Central Ethiopia, despite their recognized benefits. This study investigated the factors that drove or hindered digital tool adoption in this context.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis. The Endogenous Switching Regression model was applied to examine the socio-economic, institutional, and technological factors affecting adoption.ResultsThe results showed that digital tool adoption significantly enhanced both agricultural productivity and household income among smallholder farmers. Key determinants included access to digital infrastructure, availability of ICT resources, and tailored extension services.DiscussionThe findings suggested a need for policies that promoted digital adoption, emphasizing infrastructure investment, expanded ICT access, and the development of specialized extension programs. These actions were seen as crucial for advancing rural livelihoods, supporting sustainable agriculture, and stabilizing the regional economy.

Beyond single-use: a systematic review of environmental, economic, and clinical impacts of endoscopic surgical instrumentation

Background: The evolution of endoscopic surgery has introduced a multitude of instruments, available in both disposable and reusable variants, influencing practices across various surgical specialties. Instrument selection is complex, considering individual preferences and institutional factors such as costs, instrument performance, and factors related to cleaning and sterilization. Notably, environmental sustainability has gained prominence due to the threat of climate change. This review assessed the existing literature to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making, encompassing clinical and economic efficacy, environmental friendliness, and other important criteria. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library for studies comparing the environmental impact, costs, instrument performance, and contamination risk of disposable versus reusable instruments or new versus reprocessed disposables in endoscopic surgery. Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were included to quantify the climate impact. Exclusions included veterinary studies, general endoscopic procedures, and novel instruments. Conclusion: The search yielded 15,809 studies, 53 studies meeting the inclusion criteria: 38 compared disposable versus reusable instruments and 15 examined new versus reprocessed disposables. Reusables and/or reprocessed disposables showed favorable environmental and economic outcomes compared to new disposables. Instrument performance was comparable between the two groups. No studies were identified that investigated the clinical implications of contamination risk of disposables versus reusables. Six studies evaluating contamination risk of reusables and reprocessed disposables showed residual pollution after cleaning and sterilization, although data on clinical outcome lacked. Interpretation: This review underscores the environmental benefits of reusables and favors both reusable and reprocessed disposables for their economic advantages. The lack of clear evidence favoring one type over the other in instrument performance necessitates further research. Addressing contamination risks requires additional studies on the clinical impact of residual substances. Future research should report outcomes on environmental sustainability, costs, instrument performance, and contamination risk.

The influence of institutional context in the relationship between green management, perceived barriers to sustainability and innovation performance in SMEs

PropósitoEste estudio examina la relación entre la gestión verde, las barreras percibidas a la sostenibilidad y el rendimiento de la innovación en las PYME latinoamericanas y cómo los factores institucionales formales e informales influyen en esta relación.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueEl estudio utilizó un conjunto de datos recogidos por el Observatorio Iberoamericano de la PYME y se incluyó 15 indicadores de desempeño de países de América Latina publicados en fuentes de datos internacionales para abordar los contextos institucionales formales e informales. Por consiguiente, la muestra de datos final del estudio lo conforman 11,319 observaciones de Pymes de 16 países. El análisis incluyó tres fases. En primer lugar, un análisis factorial exploratorio. Segundo un análisis de conglomerados o clústeres. En tercer lugar, una prueba del modelo teórico de mediación entre los grupos identificados en el segundo estudio. Para ello, el análisis incluyó un análisis multigrupo para la estructura de covarianza mediante un procedimiento de tres etapas por medio de un modelado de ecuaciones estructurales.ResultadosLos resultados revelaron que tanto en las instituciones formales (como las políticas y normativas gubernamentales) como en las informales (como las normas sociales y los valores culturales) las prácticas de gestión verde influyen positivamente en desempeño innovador. Sin embargo, la magnitud de este impacto varía según el nivel de desempeño del contexto de estos países. Además, el estudio mostró que las barreras percibidas a la sostenibilidad no tienen un papel de mediación en esta relación, en ambos contextos institucionales. Finalmente, se observó que el efecto de las barreras percibidas a la sostenibilidad sobre el desempeño innovador disminuye en el contexto institucional informal.OriginalidadEl trabajo aporta valiosas ideas para los responsables políticos que buscan promover el desarrollo sostenible en América Latina, destacando la importancia del apoyo institucional para fomentar la adopción de prácticas verdes por parte de las pymes.

Thinking politically about intersectoral action: Ideas, Interests and Institutions shaping political dimensions of governing during COVID-19.

Our paper examines the political considerations in the intersectoral action that was evident during the SAR-COV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic through case studies of political and institutional responses in 16 nations (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, UK, and USA). Our qualitative case study approach involved an iterative process of data gathering and interpretation through the three Is (institutions, ideas and interests) lens, which we used to shape our understanding of political and intersectoral factors affecting pandemic responses. The institutional factors examined were: national economic and political context; influence of the global economic order; structural inequities; and public health structures and legislation, including intersectoral action. The ideas explored were: orientation of governments; political actors' views on science; willingness to challenge neoliberal policies; previous pandemic experiences. We examined the interests of political leaders and civil society and the extent of public trust. We derived five elements that predict effective and equity-sensitive political responses to a pandemic. Firstly, effective responses have to be intersectoral and led from the head of government with technical support from health agencies. Secondly, we found that political leaders' willingness to accept science, communicate empathetically and avoid 'othering' population groups was vital. The lack of political will was found in those countries stressing individualistic values. Thirdly, a supportive civil society which questions governments about excessive infringement of human rights without adopting populist anti-science views, and is free to express opposition to the government encourages effective political action in the interests of the population. Fourthly, citizen trust is vital in times of uncertainty and fear. Fifthly, evidence of consideration is needed regarding when people's health must be prioritized over the needs of the economy. All these factors are unlikely to be present in any one country. Recognizing the political aspects of pandemic preparedness is vital for effective responses to future pandemics and while intersectoral action is vital, it is not enough in isolation to improve pandemic outcomes.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Factors Influencing Absenteeism among Medical Students at the University of Zawia, Libya

Attendance of undergraduate medical students is crucial for their medical education, but absenteeism is a growing problem globally due to academic and personal challenges. This study at the University of Zawia surveyed 302 undergraduate medical students, primarily female, to understand the factors influencing their attendance. The study found that, external factors like traffic congestion and high costs of private transportation impacted attendance, while pedagogical factors like preferring home-based learning and dissatisfaction with teaching methods were significant. Social factors like peer influence were less influential, suggesting commitment to the field. Institutional factors like inadequate classroom resources, poor infrastructure, scheduling, and security were major concerns. The college's response to absenteeism was moderate, suggesting that institutional issues may be less critical. The study underscores the complex interplay of external, academic, and personal factors affecting student participation in medical education. Factors like traffic congestion, high costs of transportation, and inadequate infrastructure significantly hinder attendance, while dissatisfaction with traditional teaching methods and the belief that non-attendance does not affect grades are notable academic factors. Faculty-related issues, such as unclear explanations and ineffective teaching methods, greatly influence attendance decisions. Study recommendations include improving public transportation, updating teaching tools and classroom facilities, and enhancing teaching quality and engagement to address the complex interplay of factors affecting student attendance in medical education programs.

Peran Lembaga Adat Tigo Luhah Semurup dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Tanah Warisan di Semurup

This research aims to describe the role of the Tigo Luhah Semurup Traditional Institution in resolving inherited land disputes in Semurup, as well as revealing the supporting and inhibiting factors of the Tigo Luhah Semurup Traditional Institution in resolving inherited land disputes in Semurup. The type of research used is qualitative research with descriptive methods. Determining research informants was carried out using a purposive sampling technique, namely informants were determined by researchers to obtain the required information, namely informants who were considered to know, understand and have experience related to this research. Data collection techniques and tools are carried out by means of observation, interviews and documentation. The tools used were observation sheets, interview guides, and cameras. Testing the validity of the data uses source triangulation. Data analysis techniques are data collection, data reduction, data display and drawing conclusions.The results of the research show that the role of the Tigo Luhah Semurup traditional institution in resolving land disputes, it has been very good, this can be seen from the fact that almost all disputes resolved in traditional institutions have been successful, as for the role of the Tigo Luhah Semurup traditional institution as a mediator, facilitator and decision maker. Then there are several factors that hinder the Tigo Luhah Semurup traditional institution in carrying out its role, including; 1) Difficulty in calling/inviting disputing parties to deliberation, 2) Limited budget so that the customary justice process does not run optimally, 3) low commitment from members of traditional institutions in resolving disputes.. However, there are several supporting factors for the Tigo Luhah Semurup traditional institution in carrying out its role, including; 1) the presence of experts and intellectuals in the dispute resolution process, 2) good communication head of traditional institutions, 3) the existence of social legitimacy for the Tigo Luhah Semurup traditional institution.