Institutional Structures Research Articles

Urban Housing Practices of Policy Implementation in Bamenda, Cameroon

Housing is a fundamental human need, but making sure that every person has access togood quality housing is a worldwide challenge. Public policy impact on the quest for housing adequacy and affordability is visible in Bamenda as Cameroon’s fourth city. This paper investigates the effectiveness of institutional policy and structures put in place to determine the on-going processes of housing management in Bamenda. To explore this nexus, explanatory design was used involving direct interviews of policy officials who operate within the cross sectorial housing institutions in Bamenda. The practice perceptions were captured through a 372 questionnaires survey on households in addition to field observations. Results portray that varied regulatory instruments have been enacted to mitigate housing and urban challenges as the 2004 Town Planning Law and its subsequent decrees signed in 2008, the 1974 Land Ordinance and the 1976 Decree to lay down conditions for obtaining land certificates, the 1996 Environmental Management Law, 1998 Water Code, 2004 Laws of Decentralisation and Deconcentration. Results also show that despite the number of housing institutions and policies put in place, housing practices in Bamenda continue to resist regulatory texts, land certificates and building permits fostering the illegal occupation of flood plains and risky slopes. This paper opts for an effective policy environment that enforces housing laws and regulations, while allowing sufficient flexibility to align to local conditionswithin Bamenda.

A Robust Governance for the AI Act: AI Office, AI Board, Scientific Panel, and National Authorities

Abstract Regulation is nothing without enforcement. This particularly holds for the dynamic field of emerging technologies. Hence, this article has two ambitions. First, it explains how the EU’s new Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) may be implemented and enforced by various institutional bodies, thus clarifying the governance framework of the AIA. Second, it proposes a normative governance model, providing recommendations to ensure uniform and coordinated execution of the AIA and the fulfillment of the legislation. The article explores how the AIA may be implemented by national and EU institutional bodies, encompassing longstanding bodies, such as the European Commission, and those newly established under the AIA, such as the AI Office. It investigates their roles across supranational and national levels, emphasising how EU regulations influence institutional structures and operations. These regulations may not only directly dictate the structural design of institutions but also indirectly request administrative capacities needed to enforce the AIA.

Transnational maritime environmental crime and the BBNJ Agreement

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction are a prime target for transnational maritime environmental crime due to a fragmented international legal framework and a lack of coordination and cooperation between governance and institutional structures. On 19 June 2023, member States of the United Nations adopted the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). As the third Implementing Agreement to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC), the BBNJ Agreement seeks to secure the long term protection and integrated management of marine biodiversity through the effective implementation of relevant provisions of the LOSC and by strengthening and promoting cooperation and coordination between and among relevant legal instruments, frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies. This article examines the relationship between the BBNJ Agreement and transnational maritime environmental crime and considers ways the instrument could assist in efforts to combat such crime. As part of this analysis, this article explores how the BBNJ Agreement could provide an important platform for the formation of key partnerships and alliances by means of regional and bilateral dialogues, outreach and coalition-building to address transnational maritime environmental crime and mobilize and sustain the momentum for global action on this issue.

Institutionalizing leaving no one behind: operationalizing and analyzing worldwide national efforts

ABSTRACT The ‘Leave No One Behind’ (LNOB) principle presents a transformative approach to dealing with inequalities within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but has proven to be politically and technically challenging. Its national institutionalization therefore remains unclear while also under-researched. The aim of this article is two-fold. First, we provide a framework in which we conceptualize and operationalize (the institutionalization of) LNOB. Second, using our conceptual framework, we study how LNOB is institutionalized by national governments, focusing on public national policies around the SDGs. Our study finds that countries report to institutionalize aspects of policy coherence, inclusive participation, and disaggregated data more often than they institutionalize policy coordination and dedicated finance. However, when it comes to actual institutional structures and mechanisms to drive accountability, clear gaps can be identified. This article concludes that the achievement of LNOB remains uncertain at this point and presents necessary avenues for future research.

“What do you mean by that?”: solidarity in Canadian development practice

PurposeWith the launch of the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), the Canadian government named solidarity as a shared value and a driving motivation behind the FIAP. This paper explores how development workers understand and apply solidarity to their work, uncovering the opportunities and constraints they face.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 development workers from Canada’s federal development agency between 2019 and 2020. Transcribed data were coded by the author to identify how workers made sense of solidarity within the development industry.FindingsThe majority of workers were unsure of how to define or operationalize solidarity, demonstrating confusion. Commonality was routinely mentioned as a facet of solidarity, but workers understood this term in diverse ways, with some considering commonality as a precondition that inhibited a sense of solidarity with development partners in the global South due to differences in living conditions. About a quarter identified power and privilege as necessary considerations in the process of building solidarity, showing potential for bonds across the inequalities that define development. About 40% of workers identified the institutional structure of the organization as an obstacle to solidarity.Originality/valueThis paper presents original data from Canadian development workers, providing the first study of their understanding of solidarity as a development ethic. It shows the gaps between rhetoric and practice while recommending ways for development organizations to meaningfully engage with solidarity in their work.

Sustainable development goals implementation in a post‐colonial African State: Any future for the African Continental Free Trade Area?

AbstractThis paper examined the prospect of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in the context of the SDGs. It took its bearing from the contemporary structure of most African states, arguing that the reality of the continent's postcolonial condition could impede the implementation of the AfCFTA. Its refrain is that studies on how Nigeria and South Africa, as regional powers, have used their economic and political influence to advance the SDGs' implementation throughout Africa, using different South–South development frameworks are few. In other words, the institutionalization of a strategic collaboration agenda through a Nigeria‐South Africa‐coordinated African response to the new powers, in the area of timely implementation of the SDGs is lacking. This study affirms that for the AfCFTA to be successful, it is incumbent on the regional hegemons to build a suitable institutional framework and governance structure that upholds the rule of law and encourages harmonization, consistency, and predictability.

Analisa Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penerapan Konservatisme Akuntansi pada Perusahaan Real Estate yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2012 – 2016

The study aims to examine the effect of company size, capital investment, litigation, institutional ownership structure growth opportunity, tax. Against accounting conservatism this study population is all real estate companies listed on the Indonesia stock exchange in 2012-2016. The sample is determined based on the method purposive sampling, so as many as 45 companies were sampled. With a total of 225 observation data analysis techniques using multiple linier regression analysis with accounting conservatism as the dependent variable. Company size, capital investment, litigation, institutional ownership, structure, growth opportunity has no influence on accounting conservatism, which has an influence on accounting conservatism is only tax planing

A Critical Analysis Of Legal And Institutional Framework Of Natural Resource Conservation In Kabale, Uganda

Natural resource conservation in Kabale, Uganda, presents a critical challenge given the district's ecological significance and socio-economic dynamics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and institutional frameworks governing natural resource management in Kabale. It examines the effectiveness and limitations of existing policies, regulations, and institutional structures in achieving conservation goals amidst growing pressures from population growth and economic activities. While there are notable legislative efforts and institutional commitments to resource conservation, issues such as inadequate enforcement, limited institutional capacity, and conflicts between conservation and local economic interests undermine the effectiveness of these measures. The analysis highlights the need for a more integrated approach that enhances legal enforcement, strengthens institutional capacities, and addresses socio-economic challenges. Recommendations are provided for policy improvements and strategic interventions aimed at fostering more effective natural resource conservation practices in Kabale. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development by offering actionable insights into optimizing legal and institutional mechanisms for resource management in similar contexts.

Study in China and ‘Agency in Mobility’: Insights from African International Students’ Narratives

This article addresses two under-theorised subjects in international student mobility (ISM) research: non-Asian students and students in non-traditional study destinations. Drawing upon the notion of ‘agency in mobility’, I explored African international students’ narratives of their enactment of four different forms of agency in China. The findings reveal that they are not ‘insufficient’, ‘lazy’ and dumb’ populations as essentialised in the existing literature, instead, the participants exhibited high level of agency in response to adversity, study needs and life issues, and their future aspirations. Notwithstanding the same forms of agency displayed in previous ‘agency in mobility’ research undertaken in the West, I argue that agency performance was entangled with scholarship status; scholarship recipients tended to navigate institutional and social structures with a softer approach. The findings have important implications for higher education institutions to change their practices to enhance China's higher education brand for global competitiveness.

Advancing sustainable futures through education: A Montpellier case study on student-led advocacy for transdisciplinary approaches

This paper examines the transformative potential of integrating transdisciplinarity and systems thinking into educational practices, anchored in a participatory initiative by the Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions (MAK'IT). The study centres on engaging master’s and doctoral students in co-creating educational proposals, underscoring the importance of a student-centred approach to tackle the diverse challenges of the 21st century. A preliminary brainstorming session allowed students to express their motivations, identify key themes, and lay the groundwork for further development. This culminated in a public conference where students presented their transformative education proposals. This conference facilitated interactions between students, a panel of experts spanning education, research, policy domains, and a broader audience, fostering critical dialogue. Key findings from this conference underscore the necessity of allocating resources, dismantling knowledge silos, addressing student inequalities, and enhancing educator preparedness. The study highlights the significance of multi-stakeholder dialogues in co-constructing transformative educational frameworks and suggests that educational institutions have a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science, policy, and society. Despite the promise, several challenges to curriculum revision emerge, including the need for immersive learning environments that demand adequate resources. The structure of tertiary institutions, often segregated into distinct faculties and departments, presents another barrier to fostering transdisciplinarity. Additionally, administrative constraints, particularly for international students, add to these challenges and call for nuanced strategies in advancing transformative education.

Neoliberalism by stealth? Labour reforms and institutional discontinuity in worker representation in France

This article analyses the 2017 reforms to worker representation in France, focusing on the transition and implementation phases. The authors conducted 160 interviews with managers, union and employee representatives in seven large French companies across retail, finance, energy and pharmaceuticals. The article introduces the notion of institutional discontinuity to describe the path taken through the 2017 reforms, where a change to the formal institutional structures is expected to bring about a change in the functioning of representative institutions. The findings contribute to debates on the trajectories of employment relations in France. The authors argue that institutional discontinuity has opened a wider path towards more discretion-enhancing representative institutions, reflecting a clearer neoliberal path in employment relations. Yet, recognising that changing institutional form does not necessarily, nor automatically result in institutions functioning differently, the authors also analyse how actors play a role in shaping the process, whether they try to facilitate the change or to limit its effects.

Democratic Socialism of BP and its Imperatives in Nepal's Politics and Development: A Critical Outlook

This paper explores Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala’s interpretation of democratic socialism and its influence on Nepal’s political and developmental trajectory. Adopting a review-based methodology within a critical framework, the research delves into BP’s principles of democratic socialism, which aim to blend democratic governance with social fairness and economic equity. The study evaluates how these principles were reflected in development policies during the Nepali Congress leadership, noting both positive outcomes and limitations. Additionally, it addresses the substantial obstacles encountered in applying democratic socialism in Nepal, such as political instability, leadership crisis, economic constraints, and societal challenges. In conclusion, the paper assesses the ongoing significance and future prospects of democratic socialism in Nepal, advocating for its effective theorization and application through development strategies centered on the people, improved governance practices, and reinforced institutional structures to promote political morality and sustainable development.

Implementation in the European Union. A concept structural meta-study of environmental and social policy

ABSTRACT The implementation of EU law has been investigated since the 1980s without pinpointing any general explanatory mechanisms, while most studies focus on highly specific empirical analysis without going beyond basic conceptual descriptions. Theoretically, this paper proposes an alternative comparative framework to conceptualize and analyze differentiated policy implementation based on concept structural considerations. Empirically, existing case studies are compared in a meta-study by transferring their statements on explanatory conditions and outcomes into a parsimonious, procedural model. This approach enables a theory-guided, systematic comparison of qualitative case studies which has long been considered a desideratum in the implementation literature. The paper addresses the question under which conditions correct implementation (i.e. transposition and application) of EU directives occurs. Starting from a literature assessment, explanatory patterns are extracted and formalized as set-theoretic conditions connected to transposition and application as outcomes. The resulting concept structural model links the conceptual and explanatory levels of the underlying concepts. Using fuzzy set QCA, cases from environmental and social policy directives are assessed empirically based on case study data. The results largely confirm the expectation that only a conjunction of willingness- and ability-related conditions leads to correct implementation, particularly conjunctions of favourable attitudes and compatible institutional structures or capacities.

‘If You Do Not Write, You Dry Up’: Tensions in Teacher Educator Research and Academic Writing

Teacher educators struggle to balance heavy teaching loads, research, writing, and institutional service. This qualitative study uses institutional ethnography to question how college leadership understand the significance of academic scholarship in the professional lives of college-based teacher educators in Israel. Data from interviews with eight college position holders shed light on the working lives of college-based teacher educators and how they are positioned as researcher-writers in an institution where scholarship expectations are blurry. Findings reveal three themes: the importance of academic activity for institutional prosperity, the difficulties in academic scholarship experienced by teacher educators, and the support the institution provides to encourage and maintain academic activity. The discussion contemplates the tensions between institutional and individual teacher educator advancement. The complexity of the institutional structure deserves attention to achieve institutional aims and attend to individual faculty’s professional needs and desires. The implications of this study are significant for leadership in teacher education and higher education around the world, prompting leaders to rethink ways of supporting faculty involved in research and writing alongside teaching and additional roles. Balancing conflicting roles, providing clear expectations, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue between teacher educators and leadership regarding professional development needs can lead to institutional prosperity alongside individual professional advancement.

ASEAN Defence Ministers MeetingPlus: Institutional structure, specific features, and evolution (2010–2022)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one of the key multilateral structures in Asia-Pacific. Throughout its history, the organization has established a system of external partnerships. In 2010, a specific security-related dialogue format has been introduced into this system, — the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). In order to provide a better understanding of the legal nature of the ADMM-Plus as an international grouping, and to discuss the dynamics of its evolution, as well as the practical results of its work, this paper examines the Meeting’s activities in the recent years (2010 to 2022) and identifies the stages of its institutional development. The author notes that, unlike other similar fora, ADMM-Plus has a strictly limited number of participants. It could seem counterproductive, however, both ASEAN and its dialogue partners keep up to the closed nature of the grouping, beware of the potential contradictionsincaseofitsexpansion.Theauthoralsoconductsthediscourse analysis of the ADMM-Plus documents and member statements, highlighting +-the views of the participants and identifying the current international positioning of the forum. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes that, in the context of the fundamental changes in the world order, ASEAN has proven its ability to control the sensitive agenda of the ADMM-Plus, and stays committed to its principles of multi-faceted policy. At the same time, the affinity of Russian and ASEAN approaches towards the development of Asia-Pacific is displayed. While other dialogue partners, primarily the United States and China, are pressurising ASEAN in order to ‘win over’ the Southeast Asian countries to their side, Russia consistently promotes an equal, practice-oriented dialogue, and adheres to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and in local conflicts. The author concludes that, in spite of the low-profile practical achievements of the ADMM-Plus, the Meeting remains suitable for all its participants, as the main effect of its activity represents the maintenance of contacts and negotiations in the defence area in the face of the new regional security challenges.

The Relationship Between Economic Integration, Economic Growth and High Technology: Eurasian Economic Integration and Turkey

Abstract Subject and purpose of work Economic integration is an extremely important institutional structure for countries in international trade, which is highly competitive, with the level of globalisation, innovation and communication technology. Materials and methods Economic integration, which leads to the formation of a resilient economic wall, such as risk sharing, increasing investment opportunities, free trade structure, technology transfer opportunities, common competitiveness against countries outside the union, began in the modern world with the Second World War, and examples began to be seen around the world in the 1990s when globalisation accelerated. The analysis was carried out using the Todo-Yamamoto method in the SPSS program. Results Due to its geopolitical position (both historical and geographical proximity to Europe, Asia and the Middle East), Turkey is in a more advantageous position than other countries in the world in terms of establishing or becoming economically integrated. However, Turkey’s history of economic integration has been rather unsuccessful. The fact that it has not made a sufficient contribution to the integration it has established or attempted to become a member of, and that it has become a unipolar rather than a multipolar integrator, means that it has not achieved sufficient efficiency in terms of international trade. For this reason, our study analyses Turkey’s relationship with Eurasian economic integration, with the idea that Turkey is striving for multipolar integration. In our study, the impact of the Eurasian Economic Integration’s foreign trade with Turkey on Turkey’s economic growth and exports of high-tech products was analysed with the Todo-Yamamoto Co-Integration Test in two periods, 2002-2015 and 2015-2022. Conclusions As a result of the analysis, it is found that Eurasian Economic Integration has a positive effect on Turkey’s economic growth and exports of high-tech products. In the light of the data obtained, it has been assessed that the expansion of economic integration relations with the EEE and the benefits to be derived from the membership relationship will contribute to both Turkey’s economic growth and its technological infrastructure.

Participation of Students in all Areas of Governance in Higher Education Institutions in the Light of the Literature – A Systematic Review

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for conducting a systematic literature review on student participation in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on decision-making, student engagement, and extracurricular activities. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review uses evaluation criteria techniques to ensure the quality and transparency of information critical to the design of the paper. A search strategy utilising key terms across EBSCO and Web of Science databases identified 41 relevant articles. Each article underwent thorough analysis, addressing research inquiries about student participation in educational institutions. The review combines findings from diverse perspectives while highlighting students’ importance in decision-making and the relevance of student voices in this process. In addition, it highlights the importance of student engagement and the impact of extracurricular activities on academic success. Through such discussions, the paper emphasises the need for integrated frameworks focused on understanding student participation across higher education institutions, suggesting recommendations for optimising student involvement or participation in decision-making processes, fostering student engagement in teaching and learning, and enhancing participation in extracurricular activities. Overall, the paper highlights the multi-dynamic nature of student participation in the modern structure of higher education institutions and advocates for a holistic approach that empowers and motivates students to participate in all areas of the education system, which will go a long way in shaping their educational experiences.

THE ROLE OF DIGITALIZATION IN THE FORMATION OF THE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT OF THE FINANCIAL AND CREDIT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY OF UKRAINE

The purpose of the article is to formalize the genesis of digital financial technologies (DFT), identify: the impact of its stages on the competitiveness of representatives of the financial and credit sector (RFKS), the features of digital competition; quantitative assessments of the specified impacts. Achieving this goal has scientific and practical significance, in particular, for the formation of an effective digital strategy of the RFKS. It is noted that the genesis of digitalization was not uniform and took place in stages, which are a consequence of the level of development of the DFT, the need to adapt the RFKS ​​to them and determine the peculiarities of the competition of the RFKS. The dynamics of changes in the market share by types of digital financial services of fintech companies were studied, and a significant fluctuation in their competitive positions was noted. It is indicated that the complex application of DFT by fintech companies gives them the opportunity to strategically gain a significant competitive advantage over traditional RFKS. The prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation in the market of digital services of fintech companies and banks are indicated. It is noted that a new phenomenon is manifested on the example of fintech companies - mutual multiplicative strengthening of the development of DFT, which leads to increased competition. According to the results of the study of the effects of digitalization on the PFKS, the factors of the formation of threats to the competitiveness of banks in a strategic plan are determined and the directions of actions of institutional structures that will contribute to the strengthening of the market competitiveness of non-bank financial structures are indicated.

Texas Public Pensions: A Common Pool Resource Perspective

Public employee pension management is the nexus of public and private financial management systems that are significant long-term components of public finance. The idea that these pension systems can look quite similar yet perform in quite different and conflicting ways is significant when designing policy; system design templates are not successful in complex systems. Even pension systems within the same city can have radically different states of actuarial health based upon small differences in the rules (or adherence to the rules) establishing them. To better understand such systems, viewing them from a common pool resource perspective is useful. Elinor Ostrom (1990) , in her seminal book Governing the Commons, provides eight principles that facilitate governing common pool resources. The general theme running through Ostrom's principles is the need to facilitate the building and channeling of social capital. By facilitating constructive collective choice, the goal of effective, sustainable collective action is achievable. In this study, we examine the political, cultural, and institutional structures that are in place in the pension systems of Dallas and Houston, Texas. We examine the pensions’ governance practices to determine which appear to violate Ostrom's ideal institutional arrangements and their impact on the pensions’ long-term sustainability. Pertinent survey information from pension beneficiaries conducted as part of this research are provided

Historical aspects of the creation and development of university clinics (literature review)

The study is relevant due to the special role of university clinics in maintaining and strengthening public health, since these medical institutions provide training future doctors, conduct clinical and scientific activities, develop and test advanced treatment methods. A systematic review of the literature sources (original research and reviews) selected using bibliographic and semantic search in the databases MedLine, The Cochrane Library, Global Health, Cyb,erLeninka, RSCI, devoted to the historical aspects of the creation and development of university clinics. The authors studied the specifics of the activities of university clinics, searched for solutions to the problem of improving the efficiency and quality of both medical and educational processes of their life. Despite the fact that university clinics originated in different ways, the main models of their activities are highlighted in the form of a single educational, scientific, and medical complex, which allows training of medical personnel at a qualitatively different level, providing practice-oriented training, as well as the possibility of developing scientific achievements of medical science. The literature data provided by the authors indicate university clinics today to be centers of advanced practical and scientific experience in providing medical care of the population. The study of historical patterns of development of university clinics makes it possible to use the most successful experience of their management in the structure of an educational institution and develop requirements that a university clinic must meet at the present stage to ensure strategic sectoral tasks of the state health system both within the framework of training medical personnel and in ensuring the process of providing medical care of the population in the Russian Federation.