Institutions Research Articles

Value Co-creation to Reduce the Effects of Pandemics in Tourism Destinations: Evidence and Experiences

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to adopt a value co-creation approach to highlight the role of tourism beneficiaries in minimizing the destructive impacts of pandemics, such as COVID-19 on tourism destinations. It also aims to analyze the meditating role of destination safe image and experience. Design/methodology/approach After reviewing the most destructive impacts of pandemics on the tourism industry, the process of value co-creation by tourism industry beneficiaries will be explored. Tourism beneficiaries were considered as tourism industry actors (hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, and travel agencies), the host community (governmental institutions and local residents), and tourists. Among the tourists who visited Iran’s tourism destinations, 236 samples were selected to respond a validated questionnaire. Structural equation modeling with partial least square approach was considered to analyze the data. Findings Depending on the results of this study, attention is given to the consequences of pandemics in the tourism industry, with a value co-creation approach, which will enhance beneficiaries’ utility with a tourism destination, thereby improving destination safe image and experience. Tourists, the host community, and tourism industry actors can get involved in this value co-creation process through interaction, participation, and sharing the resources. Originality/value Considering previous studies in the realm of value co-creation, there has been few research conducted focusing on this approach in tourism destinations to reduce the negative impacts of pandemics. This research has led to a new approach, in which the relationship between the beneficiaries of the tourism industry was established along with the role of each in the process of value co-creation and in reduction of negative effects of pandemics. This research offers beneficiaries of the tourism industry with useful guidelines on how to resume activities while maintaining health conditions.

Government influence on national competitiveness (evidence from the COVID era)

Purpose This paper aims to examine how government policy and institutions affect national competitiveness. A combined microeconomic and institutionalist model of competitiveness is applied. This structure is suitable for incorporating factors considered by global competitiveness rankings. The paper proposes that there are various possible government policy “configurations” leading to similar competitiveness outcomes, but different resilience outcomes during a crisis. Design/methodology/approach Using the Institute for Management Development competitiveness rankings, covering 62 countries, between 2010 and 2019 the authors first build clusters based on observed “government policy configurations”. These clusters show an interpretable pattern: except for a few outliers, individual clusters contain countries that are economically and culturally similar. Then the authors examine how different clusters, with similar overall competitiveness scores, have performed in 2020–2021 during the COVID pandemic. Findings The analysis shows that government efficiency is correlated with other factors of overall competitiveness. It shows that while similar levels of competitiveness are possible with different government “configurations”, it provides evidence that more welfare-oriented government “configurations” during the crisis led to a higher resilience of national competitiveness. Originality/value The paper connects an institutionalist and microeconomic view of competitiveness in a unique model and embeds government policy in this structure. It shows that a similar level of competitiveness is possible through different government policy “configurations” and exploits the COVID shock to analyse resilience of these “configurations”.

Satisfaction of academic medical staff with integrated medical curriculum: an exploratory multinational survey

BackgroundThe adoption of integrated curricula in medical schools has grown globally, emphasizing the need to understand academic medical staff satisfaction as a crucial factor influencing successful implementation.AimThis study aimed to assess satisfaction levels among academic medical staff with integrated medical curricula, identifying socio-demographic and work-related predictors of dissatisfaction.MethodsA cross-sectional, online multinational survey was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 among 525 academic medical staff. A structured, self-reported questionnaire was used to assess satisfaction levels, demographic characteristics, and work-related factors. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression analysis, to identify predictors of dissatisfaction.ResultsThe study revealed a low satisfaction rate (44.2%) among medical staff, with significant dissatisfaction influenced by nationality (Jordanian: OR = 7.74, and Egyptian: OR = 4.68), male gender (OR = 3.27), over ten years of teaching experience in integrated curricula (OR = 4.25), and employment in governmental universities (OR = 4.23). Dissatisfaction was particularly high with aspects such as the integration of basic and clinical sciences, assessment methods, and implementation schedules. Faculty from private universities demonstrated significantly higher satisfaction (65.1%) compared to those in governmental institutions (41.3%). Younger staff < 45 years reported higher satisfaction rates (50.9%) compared to their older counterparts ≥ 45 years (39.1%), reflecting greater adaptability to curriculum changes.ConclusionsThe findings highlight substantial dissatisfaction among academic medical staff with the design and implementation of integrated curricula, particularly in governmental institutions and among senior faculty. Institutions must address challenges in curriculum design, resource allocation, and faculty support to enhance satisfaction. Revisiting conventional curriculum components or adopting a hybrid approach may help balance innovation with faculty preferences, fostering a more conducive educational environment.

Career choices and career mobility of chinese pharmacy graduates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study investigates the career mobility and employment status of Chinese pharmacy graduates, aiming to address workforce challenges and career planning within the pharmacy profession. Given the rapid expansion of the healthcare sector in China, understanding factors influencing job changes and career decisions is crucial for ensuring workforce stability and professional development. The study covers pharmacy graduates enrolled at Kunming Medical University from 1996 to 2012.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey collected data from 231 respondents in April 2022, focusing on demographic characteristics, career choices, job changes, and the factors influencing these decisions. Multivariate logistic regression and Chi-square (χ²) tests were used to analyze the data, with a particular focus on the pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical pharmacy.ResultsOf the 231 respondents, 52.4% (n = 121) had never changed jobs, and 32.5% (n = 75) had changed jobs once or twice. The majority preferred working in governmental institutions (n = 146, 63.2%), with fewer graduates choosing domestic (n = 48, 20.8%) or overseas pharmacy enterprises (n = 20, 8.7%). Income and personal growth were significant factors influencing job changes (p < 0.05). Respondents who had changed jobs three or more times placed a greater emphasis on personal growth (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR]: 2.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: [1.6, 5.49]).ConclusionsThis study reveals significant variations in job mobility and career choices among Chinese pharmacy graduates. Graduates in governmental institutions showed lower mobility, while those in pharmacy enterprises and non-pharmaceutical sectors experienced higher job changes. Income, personal growth, and work environment were key factors.

The Level of Engagement of Small and Medium Enterprises in Sustainable Finance

This study explores the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in sustainable finance, focusing on their engagement across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. Using the ESG Model as a framework, the research assesses how SMEs in Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque approach sustainability in their business operations. Employing a descriptive-comparative method, the researcher surveyed 130 SMEs through a meticulously crafted questionnaire, with reliability scores of 0.94 (Environmental), 0.93 (Social), and 0.91 (Governance), ensuring robust data collection. The findings reveal that most SMEs are medium-sized corporations with a primary focus on construction management, generally operating for 6-10 years and earning between PHP 750,000-1,500,000 annually. While SMEs demonstrate moderate engagement in sustainable finance, a significant number prioritize survival over sustainability investments, hindered by factors such as access to finance, knowledge gaps, risk perception, and regulatory constraints. Notably, the study underscores the pivotal role of government and financial institutions in providing the necessary support to overcome these barriers and promote more profound engagement in sustainable finance. This research offers valuable insights into the current state of SME involvement in sustainability, paving the way for targeted interventions that can drive long-term growth and responsible business practices. Keywords: Engagement, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Sustainable Development Goals, and Sustainable Finance

BatLIT Community Extension Project, Bataan, Philippines, in Aid of Contextualization and Enhancement in the Basic Education

BatLIT is an acronym for Bataan Literature-Inspired Teaching, which is a community extension project in support of the Department of Education (DepEd) K-12 program in the Philippines that mandates contextualization and enhancement, also termed ‘Making the Curriculum Relevant to Learners’. The directive calls that in the delivery of instruction, the ‘examples, activities, songs, poems, stories, and illustrations are based on local culture, history, and reality relevant to the learners and easy to understand’. It is therefore aimed that local learning materials and literary outputs in multi-modal forms be produced for distribution to government and private institutions. Moreover, the project is an offshoot of two published research studies on Bataan literature that pioneered the retrieval, documentation, and dissemination of local writings in Bataan, Philippines. Having gathered sufficient volumes of local works, the Bataan Peninsula State University College of Education has pioneered the cascade of research outputs into extension activities to three pilot school beneficiaries representing basic education. The paper utilized the Input-Process-Outputs-Outcome (IPOO) framework as the methodology in the study which paved the way for its completion. The specified objectives of conducting regular monitoring, follow-ups, and visits to partner agencies, providing training workshops for teachers, creating learning materials through multi-modal texts, and integrating Bataan literature in the classroom lessons were attained productively. The results of the project yielded an expansion of the community extension activities to other agencies and educational institutions. Keywords: Community Extension, Bataan literature, Contextualization and Enhancement, Humanities, IPOO framework

The efficacy of Merit-based Recruitment in Amolatar district in Northern Uganda

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the success of merit-based recruitment in Amolatar District Local Government Administration, Uganda. Methodology: A case-study research design was adopted backed by quantitative and qualitative analysis that involved a careful and in-depth investigation of a particular unit or events under study for the purposes of generalization. It was conducted in Amolatar District. We chose this area because merit-based recruitment had failed as a result of weak decision-making processes by the district service communion and the influence-peddling by political leaders in the district. We took a sample of 60 respondents and interviewed 52 respondents living within the District Headquarters and in Amolatar Town Council. Findings: The results revealed that the success of merit-based recruitment in Local Government Administration is very essential in terms of stakeholder responsibility, enhancing citizen confidence in the local government institution, and enabling the district service commission to recruit the best human resources for the provision of quality service. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study is central as it strengthens the merit-based recruitment model over and above other models of recruitment as well as enabling local governments to prioritize meritocracy over political patronage in every staff recruitment cycle.

The fragmentation of democratic and ‘adat’ institutions in Aceh’s political elite after Helsinki: The failure of the concept of institution of social cohesion

This article analyzes the modes of organizing the political realm of society in Aceh, especially after the signing of the Helsinki MoU in 2005 by representatives of the Indonesian government and GAM as the two parties most interested in the social organization of Acehnese society. The post-conflict social and political phenomenon in Aceh is the fragmentation between democratic and customary institutions that can be directly observed by the public through their competition in local government elections. Former GAM leaders have chosen to revive Majelis Wali Nanggroe and Gampong as customary and cultural institutions to help the government organize the lives of Acehnese people post-conflict. This paper contends that the various relationships and networks of relationships present in institutional formations are understood and explained through the different rules and frameworks that define and regulate them. Data sources were collected through in-depth interviews with several key informants, such as former GAM members, DPRA members, university rectors, local Aceh mass media editors, and socio-political observers, field observations for eighteen days (5–22 August 2018), and literature studies. This qualitative research uses a new institutionalism approach that focuses on the dynamics of the social structure of Acehnese society, which was largely controlled by GAM before the Helsinki MoU and began to loosen after the elections and even formed fragmentation among former combatants in the struggle for leadership in local government institutions. This article finds that GAM elite divisions and conflicts after the conflict for official government positions occurred due to the absence of imagination of modes of organizing society that was able to connect structurally and functionally formal and informal institutions. Pragmatically, GAM leaders and negotiators tend to maintain identity politics as a resistance movement against the central government and at the same time, they continue to run governance in a special autonomy model that gives them a lot of constitutional, institutional and symbolic freedom.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts of Dhoho Airport Development on Buffer Villages: A Case Study in Tiron and Banyakan, Kediri

Infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in transforming rural areas, particularly through large-scale projects such as airports. This study explores the socio-economic and cultural impacts of Dhoho Airport development in Kediri on buffer villages, focusing on Tiron and Banyakan. The primary objective is to understand how airport development influences economic opportunities, social structures, and cultural dynamics in these communities. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research collected data through in-depth interviews with community leaders, participatory observations of social interactions, and documentation from government and local institutions. The findings reveal significant economic transformations, including livelihood diversification from agriculture to trade and services, fostering the growth of MSMEs. Socially, the airport has contributed to declining cooperation, reflecting a shift toward individualistic values. Culturally, modernization has accelerated acculturation, altering traditional practices and values, particularly among younger generations. Moreover, there is a growing awareness of education and skill development as communities adapt to emerging economic opportunities. This study underscores the importance of inclusive development policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural identity and social cohesion.

EXPLORING SHARIA-BASED MSME DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF MAJOO POINT OF SALE TECHNOLOGY

This study examines how Sharia economics integration in the MSME business model can be optimized using Majoo POS technology. In the era of globalization and rapidly developing information technology, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on the Sharia economy need to continue to develop strategies to expand their markets and improve operational efficiency. MSMEs are the backbone of the national economy, but many face financial management and marketing challenges. The method used is a descriptive qualitative to identify the potential and challenges in implementing this strategy and provide recommendations for MSME actors and related stakeholders. The study results indicate that applying Sharia economics supported by Majoo POS technology can increase the competitiveness of MSMEs and positively contribute to the national economy. Majoo POS technology offers features that facilitate transaction recording, stock management, and real-time data analysis, which can improve the operational efficiency of MSMEs. The practical implications of this study are the importance of government and financial institution support in providing access and training related to technology for MSMEs based on the Sharia economy.

A Framework for the Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Interoperability for Open Data Ecosystems Development

The generation of social and economic value from the vast quantities of data opened by governments has been much lower than the initial expectations. It requires the development and cooperation of ecosystems composed of various public, private, and non-profit actors. For the development of these ecosystems in order to generate social and economic value from open government data (OGD), necessary conditions are, on the one hand, the availability of a critical mass of OGD and, on the other hand, the existence of some level of homogeneity and interoperability among the numerous portals and websites providing them, which enables their combined exploitation that increases the potential for value generation from them. This paper focuses on the latter and develops the Technical, Semantic, Legal, and Organizational (TSLO) Interoperability Framework, a conceptual tool designed to provide a structured multi-dimensional assessment of the interoperability capabilities of OGD infrastructures, based on the ‘European Interoperability Framework’ (EIF) as well as relevant OGD literature. This TSLO framework has been applied for the assessment of the above main dimensions of the interoperability of the OGD infrastructures of the Greek local government administration institutions of all three layers (decentralized, regional, and municipal). After this application, nine interviews were conducted with nine municipalities that do not provide OGD in order to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for this. The results of this first application of TSLO revealed not only the low participation of Greek local government institutions, and especially of the municipalities, in the OGD movement (with only 8 out of the 332 municipalities providing open data on their portals or websites), but also the inconsistent implementation of this, especially with respect to the use of semantic technologies as well as the legal frameworks under which the open data are provided, resulting in low levels of interoperability among them. The interviews that were conducted revealed that the opening of some of their data was not a priority for them, as their limited resources had to be used for the development of internal information systems for increasing their efficiency, as well as e-services for the citizens, enabling them to conduct transactions electronically (through the Internet). Our study makes a contribution to the still limited body of research on OGD ecosystems, examining an important precondition for their development that has not been researched in previous literature; also, our framework can contribute to the increase of interoperability of OGD infrastructures and therefore to the increase of social and economic value generations for the OGD they provide.

Budget Process in the USA: Shutdown as a Tool of Inter-Party Struggle

In the United States, a complex process has been formed for the annual adoption of the federal budget for the next fiscal year starting on October 1. The House of Representatives and the Senate must coordinate and approve 12 bills on appropriations for the main areas of government activity for the next fiscal year, and the president must sign them by September 30. If the appropriations bills are not passed, the activities of government institutions are suspended (shutdown). Congress last completed the budget approval process before the start of the fiscal year in 1997. Since then, Congress has resorted to continuing resolutions every year to avoid a shutdown. An analysis of the budget debate in Congress during the Joe Biden administration shows how the threat of a shutdown is used in the political struggle between the two parties in conditions of divided government. The problems and risks associated with shutdowns and continuing resolutions for the socio-economic development of the United States are also analyzed.

Navigating the interplay of cognitive warfare and counterintelligence in African security strategies: insights and case studies

ABSTRACT Cognitive warfare and counterintelligence are critical elements of Africa's security strategies. This article examines their interplay in the diverse African context and develops the concept of content as a tool used by state and non-state actors in systematic cognitive warfare campaigns to erode public trust in government institutions and societal resilience. Meanwhile, counterintelligence efforts focus from a defensive perspective on mitigating the effects of cognitive warfare and offensively employing similar tactics against threats actors. The cognitive warfare-counterintelligence nexus shapes intelligence collection, disinformation, propaganda and subversive activities, destabilising African societies. Examples from Nigeria, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Egypt, Kenya Zimbabwe and Uganda highlight how these concepts intersect in various contexts, impacting governance, conflict resolution and regional stability. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to address security threats and safeguard the integrity of African content ecosystems. Strategies should be inclusive of international collaboration, education, intelligence exchange, capacitating national counterintelligence capabilities and secure cyber-related critical infrastructure.

Assessing the Efficacy of Public Procurement Policy and Legal Framework To Combat Corruption in Selected Regions in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Public procurement policies and legal frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the transparency, fairness, and integrity of government transactions. This paper examines and evaluates the effectiveness of public procurement policies and legal structures in addressing and mitigating corruption in selected regions within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature, case studies, and expert opinions, this research aims to provide insights into the existing framework’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential improvements. The main emphasis of this research paper is to assess public procurement policy design and the effectiveness of measures including regulations aimed at combating corruption in the Western Cape’s public sector in South Africa. Public procurement regulations are widely implemented in various governmental institutions around the world. Data were collected from twenty-five public sector organizations in the Western Cape province, South Africa, using three data collection methods: interviews, surveys, and document analysis of procurement policies and guidelines. The study’s key findings demonstrated that a fragmented legal and policy framework is complex and opens avenues of corrupt practices and maladministration. The paper fills the gap in scholarly research by exploring how corrupt practices can be reduced by implementing and operationalising robust, flexible, and outcome-based legal and policy frameworks. This paper contributed to the body of knowledge by making policymakers and implementers aware of the pitfalls of a fragmented and misaligned policy framework in public procurement.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE AND HUMAN POPULATION MODEL WITHIN BANGLADESH AND SRI LANKA

This article presents projections of the future population growth in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with a comparative analysis of the demographics of these two countries. Based on our projections, the projected population of Bangladesh in 2060 is estimated to be around 211 million, while the population of Sri Lanka is projected to be around 356 million. The exponential expansion of the global population represents one of the most formidable challenges facing humanity, profoundly impacting individual well-being while compelling transformative adaptations within societal frameworks and governmental institutions. Moreover, we have computed a forecast for the next period and included a demographic evaluation of the rural populations and crime rates of both nations in this piece. This study critically examines the precision and applicability of three mathematical frameworks, namely, the least squares model, the logistic growth model, and the Malthusian (exponential growth) model, in forecasting population dynamics within Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by the conclusion of the twenty-first century. Even though transgender individuals are recognized as the third gender, the appropriate statistics are not yet available. In addition, the study presents a speculative analysis of how the state has addressed the growth of its population in previous instances and how it would address it in coming years.

How security shaped Libya’s transition

ABSTRACT The divergent transition trajectories on which some countries in the MENA region embarked after the 2011 uprisings sparked extensive scholarly attention. While the state remained largely intact in Egypt or Tunisia, the violent revolt in Libya led to civil conflicts and the collapse of governmental institutions. However, there is limited research examining the consequences of such collapse in the post-conflict scenario. This article aims to fill this void in the literature and analyses what shaped the transition path in Libya after regime change focusing on the security factors. It uses qualitative content analysis of official documents and media reports, and 26 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2023 with key Libyan respondents including a former deputy prime minister, former ministers, current and former MPs, a former secretary general of a political party, a former director of a Libyan TV channel, radio broadcasters, NGOs leaders, human rights activists, and others. The data analysis is done with the help of process tracing. The main results indicate that several domestic and international security factors such as, the type of military response to the uprising, non-state armed groups, and external intervention shaped the country’s transition.

An Evaluation of the Readability, Quality, and Content of Online Disaster Preparedness Materials for the Society.

A useful way to prepare the public for disasters is to teach them where to get information. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the readability and appropriateness of the content of websites prepared for the public on disaster preparedness. In September-October 2022, we evaluated 95 disaster preparedness websites (intended for the public) using the Ateşman Readability Index, JAMA criteria, DISCERN, and a new researcher-created content comparison form. Evaluation scores were compared according to information sources. Of the websites included in the research, 45.2% represented government institutions (GIG), 38.0% non-profit organizations (NPOG), 8.4% municipal organizations (MOG), and 8.4% other organizations (OG). Those which scored above average on the websites were 36.8% on the content evaluation, 51.6% on the DISCERN scale, 53.7% on the Ateşman Readability Index, and 55.8% on the JAMA criteria. The content evaluation form showed that the scores of the websites belonging to the MOG were higher than the scores of the other websites. Others group websites also scored higher than altered websites on the JAMA criteria. The study revealed that websites created to increase public knowledge on disaster preparedness are not good enough in terms of readability, quality, and content.

Informing Vaccine Messaging and Community Outreach: Experience in Chicago with a Community-Based Participatory Approach.

In response to disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in urban environments, we ascertained whether a community-engaged evaluation could rapidly determine why unvaccinated Chicago residents were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The assessment used a mixed-methods approach, grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. Interviews were conducted by community partners between April and May 2022 in Chicago, in-person and via phone. A purposive sample of Chicagoans (n = 456), who were: (1) adults (≥18years); (2) living in priority areas in Chicago heavily impacted by COVID-19; (3) who spoke English or Spanish; and (4) had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. A transdisciplinary academic-community team co-developed an assessment tool. Members of Chicago's Community Health Response Corps (CHRC) (N = 115) interviewed participants, using a 46-item survey in Qualtrics. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative software, including Dedoose for coding and SAS for descriptive statistics. Over half of all respondents were not concerned about getting COVID-19. Respondents voiced concerns about side effects (36%), vaccine safety (27%), and trust in governmental institutions, given historical events involving unethical research. Participants also reported other social needs (e.g., food or housing insecurity) that made COVID-19 a lower priority. The collaborative research approach highlighted issues of trust, concerns about side effects and vaccine safety, issues that have informed vaccine messaging.

Impact of Human Capital and Structural Capital on Competitive Advantage: Evidence from Indonesian Provincial Government Institutions

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of human capital, structural capital, and knowledge management on competitive advantage within the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, Indonesia. It aims to understand whether knowledge management mediates the relationship between human capital, structural capital, and competitive advantage in the context of public sector organizations. Theoretical Reference: The research is grounded in the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) theory, which postulates that knowledge is a critical resource for competitive advantage. It also explores the role of intellectual capital (human and structural capital) as sources of knowledge and their interplay with knowledge management. Method: A quantitative approach was utilized, involving 147 public officers from seven departments under the North Sulawesi Provincial Government. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 3.0 software. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that: Human capital positively impacts competitive advantage. Structural capital does not directly influence competitive advantage but has a significant effect through the mediation of knowledge management. Knowledge management positively affects competitive advantage and mediates the relationship between structural capital and competitive advantage. However, it does not mediate the relationship between human capital and competitive advantage.These results highlight the critical role of knowledge management in leveraging structural capital for competitive advantage in public sector organizations. Implications of Research: Theoretical Implications: The study contributes to the literature on intellectual capital and competitive advantage in public sector contexts, providing novel insights into the mediating role of knowledge management. Practical Implications: Policymakers should focus on enhancing human capital, improving structural capital, and fostering effective knowledge management processes to boost the competitive advantage of public sector organizations. Originality/Value: This research addresses a gap in understanding competitive advantage within Indonesian public institutions by examining intangible resources and knowledge management. It provides a unique perspective on public sector competitiveness, particularly in the context of regional government institutions in North Sulawesi.

Future Population Aging in Bangladesh: Economic and Social Aspects

Recently, Bangladesh has entered into a lower-middle-income country and faces various challenges like other developed countries of the world regarding its population. Eventually, aging will become a challenge for its progressive economy and society. This paper aims to identify the future time periods in which the majority of the indices confirm Bangladesh as an aging country. This study estimates various demographic indices to reveal the age structural transition of Bangladesh's population for 2011-2061. Furthermore, it has computed general distribution indices, the aging index, the Billeter index as reproductive indices, and several economic and support dependency ratios. The trend line of the coefficients of inflow, outflow, and exchange of the productive population has been drawn in order to visualize the future workforce. It has been observed that Bangladesh will be an aging country between 2030 and 2035, taking into account major traditional measures of population aging. In this sense, it is a novel finding for policy implications to overcome the upcoming challenges of the inevitable population aging in Bangladesh. To deal with the implications and drivers of population ageing several steps are required to consider by the government and private institutions. International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 24(2), November, 2024, pp 109-124