Influence Of Institutions Research Articles

Understanding the aims of education from a perspective of social ecology

Introduction. The article discusses the features of approaches to understanding issues in the philosophy of education, based on the principles and data of social ecology. Such environmentalist approaches, anticipated in E. Haeckel’s works, are actively developing today, which is reflected, in particular, in the existence of specialized periodicals and the formation of special thematic spaces for discussion.Purpose setting. The authors attempt to identify the socio- philosophical foundations of environmentalist approaches to education. At the center of the discussion presented in the article are environmentalist judgments regarding the question of the goals of education.Methodology and methods of the study. To solve this problem, the authors carry out a content-critical and comparative analysis of environmental solutions presented in domestic and foreign literature.Results. It is shown that from a socio-philosophical point of view, the environmentalist understanding of the relationship between the spheres of public life is not without interest. Many of the supporters of this direction make critical judgments regarding the influence of economic social institutions on the functioning of society and its development. Environmental problems, for which the educational transformations proposed by environmentalists are aimed at finding solutions, are determined from their point of view by social factors. In fact, environmental themes are used by environmentalists to argue for different views on education, based on differing attitudes not only of a theoretical but also of a political nature.Conclusion. The analysis carried out shows that it is advisable to consider environmentalism and social ecological philosophy of education as a thematically homogeneous complex of substantively different solutions. Such approaches are the result of reflection on the classical problems of philosophy of education with the help of «ecological» values and cognitive attitudes.

Factors influencing sport persistence still represent a knowledge gap – the experience of a systematic review

Investigating sport persistence can make a significant contribution to a thorough examination and understanding of the factors underlying an athlete’s activity, integrating physical activity, sports motivation and commitment. This systematic review aimed to detect the papers focusing on the factors influencing sport persistence following the levels of Bronfenbrenner’s and Bauman’s ecological models. Following the PRISMA guidelines, by the EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine, 512 records were detected, of which 21 met the criteria. Factors influencing sport persistence show a huge variety. Individual factors and micro-system level were overrepresented. Meso- and macro-level factors are underrepresented and measured only with other (individual or micro-system level) factors. Most factors detected at the individual (e.g. gender, age, career-related variables and positive psychological factors), micro- (e.g. family, peers and coaches), meso- (e.g. climate), and macro-level (cultural, societal, and institutional influences) were positively correlated with sport persistence, i.e. supporting the persistent behaviour of the athletes regarding participating in one’s sporting activity. In conclusion, there is still room for further research concerning sport persistence. Including variables belonging to the meso- and macro-system and conducting longitudinal research should be considered which would allow us to better understand the nature of sport persistence.

Partnering in construction re-visited: gauging progress in industry practice and prospects for advances in academic research

Despite the ubiquity of partnering and alliancing in industry discourse and academic research, questions remain about the extent of transformational change within the sector towards more collaborative working. Revisiting earlier work that highlighted issues, problems and dilemmas of partnering related to definitional ambiguities, conflicting (commercial) orientations and cultural reach and readiness, this paper highlights continuing problems of definition, formalization, translation and performance. Attention is directed towards the lack of external validation and institutionalization, as well as the need for more comparative analysis, situated understanding, awareness of organizational pluralism and recognition of relational dynamics. From this critical review, a framework is presented that embraces the variety and indeterminacy in the many definitions, pathways to collaboration, realizations in practice and evaluative recipes used. Partnering is presented instead as being constituted through complex and interacting bundles of practices that cut across levels of interaction, and which reflect competing (and contested) institutional influences, situated practices, outcomes/effects and performance evaluations. This practice-based approach is more attuned to the diversity and fluidity of the institutional contexts, organizational processes, and project/programme settings wherein partnering is situated and through which it is instantiated, and thus affords new avenues of research into its nature and effects.

Using punctuated equilibrium theory to explain changes in policy outputs: The case of the United States Coast Guard

AbstractThis article explores the utility of punctuated equilibrium (PE) theory in explaining revolutionary organizational change in the public sector and its effects on policy implementation, with a focus on the United States Coast Guard. We illustrate our model using data from in‐depth interviews with current and former senior Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel, as well as secondary sources such as historical accounts and budget data. Through content analysis, we argue that PE theory begins with a change in the public sector organization's external environment, which then affects organizational strategy, structure, power distribution, and outputs. Punctuated equilibrium theory proves to be a valuable lens for understanding policy outputs in relation to organizational change.Related ArticlesKwon, Sung‐Wook, and Sylvia Gonzalez‐Gorman. 2019. “Influence of Local Political Institutions on Policy Punctuation in Three Policy Areas.” Politics & Policy 47(2): 300–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12295.Neill, Katharine A., and John C. Morris. 2012. “A Tangled Web of Principals and Agents: Examining the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill through a Principal–Agent Lens.”Politics & Policy 40(4): 629–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00371.x.Peng, Peiwen, and Tangzhe Cao. 2023. “Attention, Institutional Friction, and Punctuated Equilibrium in China's Budget: Changes in Social Security and Employment Expenditure.” Politics & Policy 51(2): 256–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12523.

Changes Take Place in Stages! A Gradational Perspective on the Influence of Homeowners Associations on the Adoption of Wildlife-Friendly Landscape Maintenance

Lack of demand for professional wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance (WFLM) is not well understood, and further complicated by institutional and non-institutional influences. Framed by the Transtheoretical Model of Change, this study evaluated behaviors and perceptions pertaining to WFLM. A cross-sectional research design with quota sampling gathered stage of change, perceived motivators and barriers, processes of change, and self-efficacy from 1,219 Florida residents who hired a professional for landscape maintenance services. Comparisons were conducted to disentangle the relationship between living in a homeowners association and requesting WFLM. More residents were in earlier pre-action stages than later behavioral stages. There were stronger perceptions of some external barriers and motivators among homeowners association residents with perceptions of neighbors’ expectations being the greater motivator and barrier among this audience segment. Findings reveal a need to support residents in earlier stages of behavior change and integrate social norms into behavior change programs, especially within homeowners associations.

Black Carbon in Climate Studies: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Topics

Black carbon is a short-lived climate warming agent and serves as a crucial factor influencing the climate. Numerous models, observations, and laboratory studies have been conducted to quantify black carbon’s direct or indirect impacts on the climate. Here, we applied bibliometric analysis to identify research trends and key topics on black carbon in the climate field. Based on the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, a total of 4903 documents spanning the period from 2000 to 2023 were retrieved and screened, focusing on the topic of black carbon in the climate field, resulting in the Black-Carbon Climate Local (BCL) dataset. Our study examines the influence and trends of major countries, institutions, and authors in this field. The results show that China and the United States hold leading positions in terms of the number of publications. Based on keyword networks, the BCL dataset is segmented into six distinct research directions, and representative keywords of each direction include biomass burning, radiative forcing, air pollution, aerosol optical depth, optical properties, and biochar. This study helps to identify the current research status and trends of black carbon in the climate, highlighting main research directions and emerging topics.

Understanding Tax Morale: A Critical Review of Its Impact on Compliance and Policy

This research aims to analyse tax morale’s effect on compliance, focusing on socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional influences, particularly in developing economies. We utilise a literature review to explore theoretical and empirical insights into tax morale and compliance, assessing the impact of trust, fairness, and governance. Key factors like government trust and fairness perceptions are identified as crucial to tax morale. We also highlight the role of corporate governance in shaping compliance strategies. This study enhances understandings of tax morale’s determinants and compliance implications, offering a theoretical framework for future research. As such, we recommend policy and educational measures to improve tax morale and compliance, emphasising the importance of trust and fairness. However, the review’s scope is limited to available literature, suggesting empirical research is needed to validate these findings further. Keywords: board of directors, determinants of tax morale, tax compliance, tax morale

Institutional fragmentation and smallholder irrigation performance: a case of Mkoba and Silalatshani Irrigation Schemes, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The study sought to understand the influence of institutions on irrigation infrastructure utilization using two irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. The results show that duplication, overlap and fragmentation of mandates across institutions reduce the influence of formal rules while increasing the influence of socially embedded institutions yet without an official change of roles. Such conditions weaken cooperation among the irrigators and hinder infrastructure utilization and maintenance. Attention to reducing institutional fragmentation while giving space for collective efforts and other ways of knowing and doing irrigation may improve infrastructure utilization in irrigated agriculture.

Role of Microfinance Institutions in Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises in Kebridehar City, Ethiopia: A Case of Rays Microfinance Institution

This study investigated the influence of microfinance institutions (MFIs) on the development of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kebridehar City Administration. The objective was to assess the role of MFIs in the growth of MSEs, specifically focusing on aspects such as loan provision, financial skills training, role modelling and savings mobilisation. The researchers collected data from 170 MSEs that utilised the services of MFIs, using both secondary and primary sources. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data, revealing that loans, financial skills training, savings mobilisation and role modelling all had a significant impact on the growth of MSEs in the city. This study enhances our understanding of how these factors contribute to the development of MSEs.

Perspectives of Experts in the Selection of Contents for a Course of Differential Equations in Engineering

This study investigates the teaching of Differential Equations in engineering education, focusing on expert opinions from diverse institutional backgrounds. The primary objectives were to understand expert perspectives on essential course content, justify their content choices, measure institutional gaps, and highlight the range of professional profiles. Through qualitative interviews with nine experts from academia and industry, we explored their views on the integration of Differential Equations in engineering curricula. The findings reveal a consensus on the importance of basic concepts to support physical models. Notably, experts highlighted variational calculus and energy representations as critical yet underrepresented areas in Differential Equations courses, essential for modeling complex, nonlinear problems. The study also states on the growing importance of computational methods and software in engineering education, advocating for an integrated approach aligning theoretical concepts with real-world applications. The expert opinions revealed a significant institutional influence on content perception, demonstrating a gap between traditional theoretical focus and modern, application-oriented approaches. The study suggests a need for curricular innovation in differential equations education, emphasizing practical applications and computational methods to bridge this gap between the two institutions considered in which the experts are adhered to.

Try a Little Tendering: Institutional, Political, and Financial Influence on Local Contracting in Norway

ABSTRACT The motivations behind local government contracting are an area of theoretical and empirical interest that can shed light on the forces shaping decision-making in public organizations. This paper examined the role of policy diffusion, political factors, and fiscal stress for local contracting. We used local government data from Norway in the period 2004–2016 containing information on whether the municipal administration used competition in 15 service areas during the last election period. The results indicate that policy diffusion played a significant role in competitive tendering for social services and that municipalities governed by liberal-conservative parties had a higher use of tendering.

The impact of financial policy on the sustainable development of business entities in post-pandemic Georgia

Financial institutions form a strong link in the chain of business operations of the modern world; in addition, they may also be thought of as a binder. During the Covid -19 pandemic the financial institutions all over the world, and in Georgia as well, faced a number of problems and challenges: on one hand, there was a large number of consumers and mortgage loans to individuals, and on the other hand, loans issued to business entities for working capital and fixed assets, real estate purchase and other purposes turned out to form the major part of their loan portfolio. The pandemic has led the natural persons, as well as legal entities into a force majeure situation, while the decisions of financial institutions were crucial for their viability. However, the purpose of the study is to consider the impact of lending policies on business entities and their development processes. The paper discusses the policies of financial institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period, the chronology of the decisions made and the outcomes of such decisions based on available official data, also the impact of lending on business entities and identifies modern trends and challenges. The research methodology was determined based on the research objectives and included the following methods: the paper analyzes the decisions made by the National Bank of Georgia before and after the pandemic, in relation with the official data on loans and financial transactions that the National Bank generated. Within the framework of the research, in order to determine the level of influence of the financial institutions on current economic processes in Georgia, the paper analyzes the results of their activities, which are based on official data from the National Bank of Georgia and empirical material collected. Keywords: Financial institutions; Lending policy; National Bank of Georgia; Post-pandemic economic policy; JEL Classification: G2; G21; E5; E58; E6; Acknowledgement: „This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, (SRNSFG) Grant number YS-22-548, Project title - “The crisis of small and medium business subjects and its prevention in the post-pandemic period in Georgia“.

Re‐Centering Academics' Needs in Societal Impact Work: Exploring the Influence of Professional Staff Information Behaviors on University Practices

ABSTRACTUniversities now focus on the societal impact of research, yet there is a disconnect between the information environment and the needs of academics undertaking impact‐related work. While universities acknowledge that undertaking research designed for societal impact requires changes to research culture and practices, the information and support provided do not reflect the complexity of that work. Professional staff mediate information from various sources, such as government policies, university strategies, funders' requirements, and academics' needs; however, the effectiveness and appropriateness of support provided is understudied. This qualitative study explores the information behaviors of professional staff developing and facilitating academics' engagement in impact work. It finds that while professional staff undertook iterative processes of self‐informing, mediation, and information use to support impact work, their privileging of institutional and external influences, ahead of academics' needs, creates a disconnect between services provided and what academics need. This study increases awareness of the influence of professional staff's information behaviors on impact supports, which can inform academic‐centered, responsive approaches to support contextualized, personalized and responsive information services in universities.

Formation and Transmission of Traditional Values in a Modern Multigeneration Family

The purpose of the article is to discuss ideas about traditional family values that determine the sociocultural appearance of the modern Russian family and the style of intrafamily relations; about the influence of social institutions on the formation of these values, about the role of sociocultural channels of their transmission in the everyday life of families, including multigenerational ones. In the scientific literature, there is uncertainty in the interpretation of the content and scope of the concepts of “traditional family values” and “multi-generation family”, ambiguity in approaches to studying the structure of family values and methods of transmitting them to new generations. This reduces the effectiveness of scientific research against the background of the current significant increase in the activity of government policy to ensure the dominance of traditional values in the public consciousness, including in the sphere of family life. The article examines the features of a multigenerational family that localizes the direct communication of its members, which are significant for understanding the specifics of the processes of formation and transmission of traditional values in it, including those caused by the modern digitalization of communication. The study of expert opinion, which is of a reconnaissance nature, made it possible, firstly, to identify the institutional nature of traditional family values that unite close relatives for the sustainable functioning of the family community; secondly, to make the assumption that the reasons for the weakening influence of these values in family relationships are associated with a long period and significant amount of anomie in society, with the processes of secularization and digitalization, as well as with the gradual loss of the significance of the multigenerational family in its traditional form as a single household consisting from three or more generations; thirdly, to conclude that the undoubted socializing potential of a multigenerational family requires its transfer to the center of state family policy, as well as conducting in-depth scientific research into modern social problems of this type of family.

International comparative analysis of the industry-education relationship in vocational education and training: From the perspective of economic sociology

The relationship between industry and education serves as a focal point in research on vocational education. Previous studies using rigid Weberian ideal types of behavior struggle to capture the complex realities and notable variations both within and across developing countries and often fail to consider the impact of educational systems and the connection between education and employment. This article endeavors to introduce a new framework for international comparative analysis through the lens of economic sociology. This analytical framework examines three key dimensions: the readiness and capacity of industries to engage in vocational education, the willingness of students to enroll in vocational education, and the influence of labor market and education institutions on both industries and students in relation to vocational education. Its purpose is to explore the relationships and critical factors that affect the interactions between industry and education in Germany, the US, and China. The findings can be summarized as follows: In the US, industry has a relatively low demand for a skilled workforce and a diminished inclination to invest in vocational education and training (VET), and the willingness of students to engage in VET is also relatively low. Certain characteristics of US labor market and education system also present significant challenges for the industry-education relationship in VET. In Germany, the industry has a relatively high demand for skilled workers, and there is an interest in investing in VET, and some students are willing to choose VET. The labor markets and education systems in each country also affect the involvement of stakeholders in VET. In China, a more mixed picture can be observed, with a closer similarity to the US in terms of the industry-education relationship in VET, with the exception that the government plays a more active role in this.

Balkanization vs Europeanization: conceptual deconstruction

The article is dedicated to the deconstruction of the binary opposition between the concepts of “Balkanization” and “Europeanization”. The initial phase of deconstruction entails a critical examination of conventional conceptualizations that reflect power relations between Balkans and Europe. A particular emphasis is placed on the dominant perception of balkanization as a process of fragmentation and barbarization, which is a representation commonly depicted within Western strategic discourse. As an alternative, the authentic concept of balkanization, formulated by Yugoslav avant-guardists during the early twentieth century, is analysed. The avant-guard movement Zenitism proclaimed the slogan of the Balkanization of Europe and featured the figure of Barbarogenious-Decivilizer. This approach not only represents an inversion of the Western perspective on the Balkans, but also draws upon ideas of internationalism and class struggle, deriving inspiration from the experience of the Russian revolution. The concept of Europeanization is examined in both broad and narrow senses - as a notion of modernization and as transformations caused by the institutional influence of the European Union. The concept of europeanization, positioned as a positive project and vision of a better future, stands in contrast to the Balkan past ofthe region. With such as interpretation, the successful implementation ofthe europeanization agenda would entail the complete erasure of Balkan subjectivity and identity. Europeanization is conceptualized as a process of debalkanization. In the concluding phase of deconstruction, during the stage of“reassembly”, an alternative perception ofbalkanization is put forward. In accordance with the ideas of Zenitism and the political experience ofthe Balkan peoples' struggle for independence and the establishment of a common stated, balkanization is perceived as, on the one hand, resistance and rebellion; on the other hand, as a desire to overcome borders and internationalization. Accordingly, europeanization is perceived as a process of construction of homogeneous modern nation-states. It can be argued that fragmentation is indeed a consequence and essence of europeanization.

QUO VADIS SUSTAINABLE FINANCE? DRIVERS AND BARRIERS TO GREEN FINANCE TRENDS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

This article is in convergence with the newest and most trending movements of the last decades related to the reduction of pollution, created by the business sector on a global scale, as well as to the minimization of climate change. The contribution of this paper will be in terms of the operation of green finance in the framework of the sustainable economy, as well as to the results it produces. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the real possibilities of the institutional operations of what is proclaimed on the grounds of creating preconditions for green financing. For this purpose, the sample of the Western Balkans countries has been considered for examining the sustainability of green finances. The research first reviews the latest theoretical framework related to the applicability of green finances in transition economies. Through analysis, was gathered evidence of internal and external drivers that justify green financing as an efficient input of a sustainable economy. The influence of state institutions through establishing regulations and laws that stimulate private sector developments in the transition economy through green financing as the first impetus is reviewed. The issues related to climate challenges suggested by the Kyoto Protocol are summarized. Meanwhile, the last impetus is the considerable influence of the EU, stimulating alignment with European regulatory standards, as a prerequisite for membership. Meanwhile, the results suggest that although numerous projects and funding’s were dedicated to the green finance development path, these countries are lagging mostly on the implementation of green finance infrastructure, thus we cannot look forward to more substantial development.

Heart of Care: Embracing Grief and Growth in Oncology and Palliative Medicine

Introduction The emotional impact of patient loss in oncology and palliative care profoundly affects healthcare professionals. This study explores clinicians’ experiences, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms in these fields, focusing on their professional and personal growth. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare professionals from different regions and with varying years of experience deal with patient loss, emphasizing cultural, social, and institutional influences on their coping strategies. Methods A mixed-methods approach combined qualitative and quantitative elements. Data were collected using a Microsoft® Forms© survey targeting oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals. The survey included questions on experiences with patient loss, coping strategies, personal and professional growth, and beliefs. Statistical methods and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. Ethical approval was obtained, and the survey ensured participant anonymity and confidentiality. Results The survey received 125 responses from nineteen countries. Emotional reactions to patient loss were significant, with various coping strategies reported, including spiritual practices, self-care, and professional support groups. Personal and professional growth were key outcomes of dealing with patient loss. Themes like Emotional Impact, Coping Mechanisms, and Reflections on Death and Dying were prevalent. Analysis revealed no significant correlation between the time taken by the participants to complete the survey and years of healthcare experience. Conclusion Healthcare professionals in oncology and palliative care face significant emotional challenges due to patient loss. The study emphasizes the importance of diverse and effective coping mechanisms, the supportive role of personal beliefs and workplace environments, and the journey of personal and professional growth amidst these challenges. It highlights the resilience of healthcare workers and underscores the need for supportive systems in managing the emotional aspects of patient care.

Carbon neutralization frontier tracking

This systematic study on the international research trends in carbon neutrality underscores its critical role in combating global warming and advancing sustainable development. By leveraging the “Web of Science Core Collection” databases and employing CiteSpace software for visual analysis, we examined 2223 research papers to track the influence and trends of key countries, institutions, and authors. Our results reveal a significant increase in publication volume, indicating a robust development potential for carbon neutrality research. The study also identifies environmental science, environmental research, and energy and fuel science as central interdisciplinary hubs, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Notably, China leads in publication output but has room for improvement in citation impact, suggesting a need for enhanced research quality and international visibility. The study's findings are instrumental for guiding future research directions, policy-making, and interdisciplinary cooperation, particularly in the fields of environmental science and energy, to accelerate progress towards carbon neutrality and global climate governance.

The WTO as Multilateral Diffusion Hub: Institutional Learning in WTO Disputes and the Design of Preferential Trade Agreements

Abstract Institutions are not created in a vacuum—but how do extant institutions influence design choices? Leveraging fragmentation in the global trade order, this paper stresses the relevance of experience and argues that the institutional influence of the World Trade Organization (WTO) extends beyond its jurisdiction through its centrality as multilateral diffusion hub: When states negotiate preferential trade agreements (PTAs), previous dispute settlement experiences in the WTO shape the design of dispute settlement mechanisms (DSMs). National bureaucracies undergo institutional learning processes when participating in multilateral trade disputes and subsequently conclude PTAs with DSMs that are similar to the institutions of the WTO, thus fostering their—decentralized—spread to the network of PTAs. The learning effect is particularly pronounced for states with low bureaucratic capacity. Employing a novel, unitary conceptualization of DSMs in terms of complainant rights shows that the results of this diffusion process generally entail increased levels of complainant rights in PTAs. Importantly, institutional learning is more than mere emulation: States also adapt institutional design to individual context by considering the prior dispute experience of their trading partners. A dual empirical strategy and interviews with PTA negotiators corroborate the learning effect and its relevance during PTA negotiations.