Investment In Education Research Articles

Farmers’ perceptions of hydroclimatic variability and climate change: survey-based insights in Northern Benin, West Africa

Farmers in West Africa face increasing challenges from droughts and hydroclimatic variability, exacerbated by climate change. Understanding these changes and their drivers is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies. This study investigates farming households in Northern Benin, assessing their knowledge of hydroclimatic variability and identifying the factors influencing their understanding. Using a questionnaire survey of 509 households across 96 villages in eight municipalities, we analysed both qualitative and quantitative data through statistical methods and machine learning methods. Results reveal that while 71% of farmers have a solid grasp of local hydroclimatic variability, significant gaps remain regarding its underlying causes; only 9% attributed temperature increases to global climate change. Older farmers (mean age: 55 years) and those with over 30 years of experience demonstrated higher knowledge than less experienced farmers. Conversely, formal education had little to no impact. These findings highlight the critical role of indigenous knowledge, accumulated through long-term environmental interaction, in shaping climate awareness. They underscore the need to integrate indigenous knowledge with formal education to improve the understanding of the drivers of these changes. Targeted investments in education, alongside leveraging the experiential knowledge of older farmers, can enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions. These insights provide a novel perspective on how policymakers can bridge traditional wisdom and modern scientific approaches for more effective climate adaptation.

Determinants of compliance with accrual-based IPSAS in the local government of Ghana

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether contextual and institutional factors influence the levels of IPSAS compliance by local government entities in Ghana, combining the contingency model and the public accountability theory.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the annual financial statements of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and the Government Auditors Report for the period of 2019–2021 (three years after the application of IPSAS became mandatory in 2016). Variables were empirically examined with the panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) approach.FindingsOur findings highlight the importance of combining different factors to explain the compliance level. The level of IPSAS compliance in the previous year matters for the current year. Financial irregularities by the producers of information act as a catalyst for strong IPSAS compliance, highlighting the crucial role of auditors and controllers (promoters of change) in eliminating financial irregularities to enhance levels of compliance. The results also prove the strong, positive effect of meeting deadlines for reporting on the IPSAS compliance level. Furthermore, greater investment in education and training will lead to better compliance behaviour.Originality/valueThe study focuses on the determinants of IPSAS compliance within the context of Ghanaian local government, an emerging economy, which has rarely been explored in prior literature. By exploring the roles of different actors in advocating for the change to the new IPSAS-based system (controllers and auditors, politicians, managers …) and the implementation barriers (technological skills, accounting expertise and financial dependence), this study helps to understand the gaps between formal obligations and actual compliance, providing relevant insights into regulatory bodies and politicians in the redesigning of public financial management in Ghana. These insights have the potential to be applied to similar emergent economies on the African continent, much of which remains to be studied.

Quality of education and its role in eliminating gender barriers in Kazakhstan

Improving the quality of education and achieving gender equality are considered key conditions for sustainable social and economic development. The study aims to identify the factors influencing gender inequality in Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on the role of the education system in ensuring equal access and reducing differences in the labor market. The study’s methodological framework included four stages and relied on quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The quantitative part is based on national statistics data for 2008–2024 and the results of a questionnaire survey of 104 respondents. The qualitative study included the interpretation of individual responses and an assessment of the perception of educational processes. In the first stage, flexplot visualization displayed the data structure and trends. In the second stage, principal component analysis was conducted to reduce the dimensionality of the data and highlight key factors. The third stage was multiple regression analysis aimed at quantitatively assessing the impact of investments in education, digital infrastructure, and economic activity on the level of gender inequality. In the fourth stage, a substantive analysis of the perception of the quality of education and its connection with ideas about equality was carried out. Thus, investments in education and professional development contribute to reducing gender differences, while digital connectivity did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact. Most importantly, educational opportunities and quality teaching were identified as key factors. Moreover, the results revealed that public expectations of the role of education are based on availability and quality of education. Education is expected to remove sociocultural barriers and regional disparities and comply with the labor market requirements.

الاستثمار كمدخل لتحقيق التنمية المستدامة بإدارات التعليم العام: تصور مقترح

The study aimed to identify the impact of investment on achieving sustainable development in public education departments in Tabuk. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and used a simple random sampling method. The study sample consisted of 399 individuals working in public education departments in Tabuk. The study reached a set of results, including an average level of investment in education, as well as an average level of achieving sustainable development in public education departments in Tabuk. It also demonstrated a statistically significant impact of investment on achieving sustainable development in public education departments in Tabuk. The study recommended the need to issue and implement legislation and laws that encourage investment in the educational process, focus on integrating local community organizations and non-profit organizations into the educational process, and work to develop innovative financing strategies that contribute to providing adequate and sustainable financial support to schools and educational institutions. It also sought to strengthen the role of schools in promoting environmental and community awareness among teachers and students.

The Role of Universities in Driving Innovation through Human Capital in Kazakhstan

This research aims to assess the impact of human capital elements, including graduates, postgraduate students, and educational expenditures, on the level of innovation activity in the regions of Kazakhstan. Research is based on a quantitative panel analysis of Kazakhstani regions, namely correlation and regression, from the National Bureau of Statistics in the years 2000-2023. The empirical results show that Gross Regional Product (GRP) and the number of PhD students significantly and positively affect innovation activity. A 1% increase in GRP corresponds to a 0.75% rise in the number of innovative enterprises, while a 1% rise in the number of PhD students leads to a 0.23% increase in innovation. In contrast, the number of university graduates and educational expenditures did not demonstrate statistically significant effects. The findings suggest the need for targeted policy interventions, including support for doctoral research, the creation of innovation clusters, and region-specific strategies. The research highlights the importance of economic capacity and advanced research personnel in fostering regional innovation while also pointing to institutional and structural barriers that may inhibit the effective translation of educational investments into innovation outcomes. Policy implications include the need for region-specific innovation strategies and greater alignment between academic institutions and enterprise needs. Future research should incorporate mixed methods, explore intra-regional differences, and investigate time-lag effects in educational investments on innovation performance.

Household Consumption Expenditures in Türkiye: Socio-Economic Determinants, Spending Patterns, and Policy Perspectives

Household consumption expenditures, which influence both short-term macroeconomic goals and long-term determinants of total factor productivity such as education, health, and cultural expenditures, are among the critical economic indicators for the Turkish economy. However, existing literature often relies on short time spans or limited theoretical frameworks, leaving significant gaps in understanding. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the socio-economic determinants of household consumption expenditures in Türkiye from 2005 to 2019 using the Marshallian demand function. By merging data from the Household Budget Surveys and regional consumer price indices, a comprehensive dataset is constructed to explore how factors such as income, education, household size, and demographic composition shape spending behaviors across various categories. Additionally, negative binomial regression is employed to account for overdispersion in the data. Key findings reveal that higher-income households allocate more to discretionary expenditures, while lower-income groups prioritize essentials. Education emerges as a key determinant, driving investments in housing and education, with a non-linear effect on consumption patterns. Consumption growth peaks and then declines as household size and age increase, following an inverse U-shape. Additionally, in-kind assistance reduces overall spending by replacing direct expenditures, while mortgage loans constrain consumption due to financial burdens. Household type also plays a crucial role, as extended families benefit from shared resources, whereas single-parent households face financial strain.

Technical-Vocational Competencies of Senior High School Teachers: Basis for Comprehensive Training Program

This research assesses the technical-vocational competencies of senior high school teachers in Davao City during 2023-2024, focusing on beauty care, bread and pastry production, and consumer electronics servicing to recommend interventions. Employing a non-experimental quantitative research design, the study uses quota and random sampling to assess 150 respondent-teachers, ensuring a targeted and representative sample. Results reveal varying competency levels across domains is indicating a very competency. The study concluded that senior high school teachers exhibit a noteworthy level of competency in technical vocational fields, particularly in beauty care, bread and pastry production, and consumer electronics servicing. Targeted workshops are recommended for areas with lower competency levels, focusing on advanced techniques and emerging trends in beauty care. Recommendations included informing educational planners about curriculum development aligned with industry needs, guiding resource allocation for overall improvement in technical vocational education. Policy makers are urged to support targeted investments in vocational education, aligning programs with industry requirements. Technical vocational teachers: Apply study findings in teaching and prioritize ongoing professional development. Students: Utilize results for informed decision-making about education and career paths. A comprehensive training program for technical vocational is designed to maintain and add more knowledge.

AI-driven risk identification and mitigation strategies for government projects

This review is focused on AI-Driven Risk Identification and Mitigation Strategies for Government Projects. The review addresses Risk Mitigation Strategies and AI-Related Vulnerabilities putting into consideration accuracy and bias. The study also highlights NIST framework application in Nigeria, Impacts of AI-Driven risk mitigation and implementing AI for risk mitigation and challenges for government projects. Conclusively, the study confirms that AI holds transformative potential for government projects through its innovative solutions to mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency. By aligning technological advancements and sustainable practices, AI offers a promising pathway to achieving long-term growth and resilience in an increasingly dynamic global environment. The study recommends investments in AI education and training that will place emphasis on the need to bridge knowledge gaps and empower organizations to fully leverage AI’s potential.

Assessing the impact of government spending on education on economic growth

Government spending on education is an essential component of social investments, influencing the future development of a country. Funding education contributes to the formation of high-quality human capital by fostering civic consciousness, critical thinking, and key professional skills, which in turn promotes economic development and strengthens social stability. Educated and skilled human capital drives productivity, innovation, and adaptation to economic changes, thereby impacting economic growth. At the same time, insufficient government spending on education significantly hinders the development of human capital necessary for economic growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of government spending on education on the economic growth of Kazakhstan from 2008 to 2023. The study also includes foreign direct investment and the overall unemployment rate as control variables. The results of the correlation analysis indicate a positive relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) and education spending, demonstrating that increased government spending on education fosters GDP growth through the development of human capital. The findings of the study confirm that government spending on education represents a strategic investment with a significant impact on economic growth through the development of human capital and the creation of an innovative and competitive economy. Sustainable investment in education for long-term economic development and global competitiveness should be a priority within public administration.

Predictability of Stock Returns: A Weak Form Efficiency Test of the Dhaka Stock Exchange

This study investigates the weak-form market efficiency of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The study uncovered valuable insights that drive informed investment decisions by leveraging daily closing price data from the DSEX, DSE30, and DSES indices from 2015 to 2023. The findings revealed significant deviations from weak-form efficiency, with evidence of autocorrelation, non-stationarity in returns, and predictable price patterns. These inefficiencies are attributed to structural factors such as low liquidity, limited regulatory frameworks, and behavioral biases prevalent in emerging markets. The results suggested that past price information can predict future stock movements, offering opportunities for investors to achieve abnormal returns but posing challenges for market stability. The study underscored the need for regulatory reforms, improved market transparency, and enhanced investor education to foster market efficiency. These findings provided critical insights for policymakers, investors, and researchers, highlighting the complex dynamics of market behavior in emerging economies like Bangladesh.

Farmer’s perception and adaptation strategies to climate change on potato farming in Narayan Municipality of Dailekh district, Nepal

This study was aimed to assess farmer’s perceptions of climate change and their adaptations in potato farming in Dailekh District, Nepal. A total of 97 randomly selected respondents were selected for the study. Primary data was collected through focus group discussions, direct observation, semi-structured questionnaires while secondary data was collected through review of relevant literature. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, time series regression, Logit, and Seemingly Unrelated Regression model (SUR). By analyzing the farmer perception of climate change, 75.26% of the respondent experience climate change. In contrast to 84.5% farmer perceived increased temperature, 94.85% believed decrease rainfall duration with increase in rainfall intensity. The key variables determining the climate change perception of farmer were: socio-economic variables (education, farming experience, and family size) and bio-physical variables (increase in drought, change in insect pests and diseases and lack of irrigation). Based on the study, 58.76% of the farmers adopted climate adaptations. Farmers primarily adapted to climate change through changing potato variety (61.86%), adjusting planting/harvesting time (64%), changing planting method (71.13%), pest’s management, irrigation, fertilizers, and crop rotation. Logistic regression revealed higher education and attainment of training increased adaptation by 9% and 18.54%, respectively. A link was found between farmers’ perception of climate change and the implementation of some adaptation options. Thus, socioeconomic and biophysical variables have a significant association with adaptation, as well as investment in education, extension training, and access to credit, and can be considered to increase climate change adaptation to improve farmers' well-being.

The impact of higher education investment on the urban-rural income gap: An analysis of mediating and threshold effects based on data from China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones

BackgroundSince the reform and opening up, China’s urban and rural economic development has exhibited characteristics of imbalance, with the urban-rural income gap being the largest and most noticeable issue facing China’s socio-economic landscape. Alleviating and effectively resolving the urban-rural income disparity is crucial for achieving overall common prosperity. Therefore, this study provides insights for strategically narrowing the urban-rural income gap from the perspective of higher education investment.MethodsWe employ a panel fixed effects model to examine the basic regression, heterogeneity, mediating effects, and threshold effects. Simultaneously, we address the endogeneity issues in basic regression and mediating effects using the instrumental variable method. Additionally, we adopt the substitution of variables to ensure the robustness of the results.ResultsThis paper selects panel data from China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones from 2003 to 2021 for analysis. The findings reveal that, overall, higher education investment in China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones can narrow the urban-rural income gap. Specifically, higher education investment in 50% of these comprehensive economic zones—namely, the Northern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Eastern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Northeast Comprehensive Economic Zone, and Middle Yangtze River Comprehensive Economic Zone—can reduce the urban-rural income disparity. Conversely, higher education investment in the Middle Yellow River Comprehensive Economic Zone, Southern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Greater Southwest Comprehensive Economic Zone, and Greater Northwest Comprehensive Economic Zone has widened the urban-rural income gap. Additionally, higher education investment can affect the urban-rural income disparity through technological innovation. Overall, the impact of higher education investment on the urban-rural income gap in China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones is also influenced by the level of economic development, exhibiting an “inverted U-shaped” characteristic. This nonlinear impact varies across regions.ConclusionsIn conclusion, to narrow the urban-rural income gap across China’s eight major integrated economic zones, it is necessary to improve the mechanism for higher education investment in these zones. Strategies should be based on regional differences, tailored to local conditions, and implemented with a differentiated and precise approach to higher education development across regions. Emphasis should also be placed on the research and application of innovative technologies to achieve deep integration between urban and rural areas within China’s eight major integrated economic zones.

ОСВІТНІ ІНІЦІАТИВИ В СИСТЕМІ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ УЧАСНИКІВ ІТ-РИНКУ УКРАЇНИ

The IT sector in Ukraine is one of the key drivers of the national economy, contributing significantly to exports, innovation, and human capital development. In the context of war, growing talent shortages, and global competition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies of IT companies have increasingly focused on education as a tool for sustainability and social impact. Reskilling programs, dual education, mentoring, and online learning initiatives have become strategic tools for workforce development and business continuity under crisis conditions. This necessitates a systemic analysis of educational initiatives within the CSR framework of the Ukrainian IT industry. Purpose of the article is to analyze educational initiatives of leading Ukrainian IT companies as part of their CSR strategy, assess their impact on the industry, economy, and social development, and offer approaches to the further institutionalization and scaling of such programs. Subject of the research focuses on educational initiatives within CSR strategies of Ukrainian IT companies, particularly their role in preserving human capital, enhancing inclusive access to IT education, and shaping a sustainable labor market. Research methods. The study applies a systems approach, content analysis of sustainability reports, comparative case analysis, labor market data review, and elements of institutional and socio-economic analysis. Research hypothesis. The sustainable development of Ukraine's IT sector largely depends on the scope and effectiveness of educational initiatives integrated into CSR strategies, which help address talent shortages, improve inclusion, and enhance the sector’s reputation as socially responsible. Main findings. The article outlines the evolution of CSR in the IT sector, with a focus on educational practices such as dual education, reskilling platforms, mentoring, children’s IT schools, and programs for vulnerable groups. It explores the cases of EPAM, SoftServe, and Intellias, as well as the efforts of the IT Ukraine Association. Special attention is given to wartime adaptation strategies: ensuring access to education, energy resilience of learning centers, online learning development, and international partnerships. Educational initiatives are shown to positively influence business performance (e.g., reduced hiring costs, faster onboarding, increased client trust) and align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Conclusions and further research prospects. Educational initiatives in the Ukrainian IT sector are not only a CSR tool but also a means to ensure long-term socio-economic resilience. During wartime, they help retain talent, promote inclusion, and drive digital transformation in education. Future research should focus on financing models involving government and international partners, return on investment in education, adaptation to new technologies (AI, Big Data, cybersecurity), and the development of a national IT education strategy.

The Demographic Race between India and China

As India surpasses China as the world’s most populous country, questions arise as to whether this demographic shift will lead India to overtake China economically. This paper examines this demographic race beyond population size. Using multi-dimensional demographic projections by age, sex, education, and labor force participation, we show that China’s current apparent demographic travails will not necessarily threaten its leading status relative to India for most of the next half century given India’s disadvantage in educational attainment and very low female labor force participation. India’s young population could provide a demographic dividend later this century, but only if it makes substantial investments in education and increasing women’s labor force participation rates. The demographic race between giants will be determined more by human capital development than simply by total population size.

Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Labour Market in India: Challenges and Road Ahead

The global labour market is experiencing substantial changes due to the emergence of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The implementation of automation and AI has brought about a significant transformation in India’s industrial processes and employment market. This article aims to examine the impact of automation and AI on the labour market in India, particularly in terms of job displacement, skill mismatch, income inequality, the growing trend of informality and potential solutions. However, the employment pattern increasingly favours job seekers possessing AI skill sets. The article reveals strategic investments in education, infrastructure and policy reforms are needed to maximise the advantages and minimise the labour market implications of these technologies.

Pengaruh Jumlah Penduduk, IPM, dan TPT terhadap Kemiskinan di DIY 2018–2023

This study aims to analyze the influence of population size, Human Development Index (HDI), and Open Unemployment Rate (OUR) on poverty levels in regencies/cities of Special Region of Yogyakarta during 2018-2023 period. The research employed quantitative design with panel data regression analysis approach across five regencies/cities in DIY. Secondary data were obtained from official publications of Statistics Indonesia Yogyakarta Province and analyzed using Fixed Effect Model and Random Effect Model with Stata 17 software. The research findings indicate that HDI has negative and significant effect on poverty level, suggesting that improvement in human resource quality effectively reduces poverty. OUR proved to have positive and significant effect on poverty, confirming that increased unemployment raises poverty levels. Conversely, population size shows no significant influence on poverty in DIY. These findings provide strategic implications for local government to prioritize investment in education and health sectors as well as job creation programs in poverty alleviation efforts. High inter-regional heterogeneity indicates the necessity for policy approaches tailored to specific characteristics of each regency/city in DIY.

TÉCNICAS AVANÇADAS DE ABORDAGEM EM VIA AÉREA DIFÍCIL: INOVAÇÕES E PROTOCOLOS DE SUCESSO EM EMERGÊNCIAS CRÍTICAS

The management of difficult airways in critical emergencies remains a recurring challenge for healthcare professionals, requiring high technical competence, rapid decision-making, and the integration of advanced technological resources. This bibliographic review aims to critically analyze the main techniques, devices, and protocols currently employed in this context, with emphasis on the use of videolaryngoscopes, second-generation supraglottic devices, and fiberoptic intubation, as well as the implementation of structured algorithms and international guidelines. The discussion highlights the importance of continuous team training, the use of complementary technologies such as continuous capnography and point-of-care ultrasound, and the standardization of clinical practices to reduce risks and optimize outcomes. The findings reinforce that successful management of difficult airways depends on the synergy between technological innovation, professional preparedness, and well-established protocols. Furthermore, the need for ongoing investment in education, training, and infrastructure is emphasized as a fundamental strategy to ensure excellence and safety in the care of patients in high-complexity scenarios.

How China Governs Open Science: Policies, Priorities, and Structural Imbalances

This article investigates the architecture and institutional distribution of policy tools supporting open science (OS) in China. Based on a corpus of 199 policy documents comprising 25,885 policy statements, we apply an AI-assisted classification to analyze how the Chinese government mobilizes different types of tools. Using Qwen-plus, a large language model developed by Alibaba Cloud and fine-tuned for OS-related content, each policy statement is categorized into one of fifteen subcategories under three main types: supply-oriented, environment-oriented, and demand-oriented tools. Our findings reveal a strong dominance of supply-oriented tools (63%), especially investments in infrastructure, education, and public services. Demand-oriented tools remain marginal (11%), with little use of economic incentives or regulatory obligations. Environment-oriented tools show more balance but still underrepresent key components like incentive systems and legal mandates for open access. To deepen the analysis, we introduce a normalized indicator of institutional focus, which captures the relative emphasis of each policy type across administrative levels. Results show that supply-oriented tools are concentrated at top-level institutions, reflecting a top-down governance model. Demand tools are localized at lower levels, highlighting limited strategic commitment. Overall, China’s OS policy mix prioritizes infrastructure over incentives, limiting systemic transformation toward a more sustainable open science ecosystem.

Empowering Communities through Financial Literacy Initiatives for SME Development

Financial literacy initiatives are crucial in empowering communities for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. This qualitative literature review explores the landscape of financial literacy programs targeting SMEs, their effectiveness, and the contextual factors influencing their outcomes. The research methodology systematically selects peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports published between 2012 and 2022, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data collection entails thorough reading and analysis of selected sources, followed by iterative coding to identify key themes and insights. The findings reveal a diverse range of financial literacy interventions, including workshops, training seminars, and online resources, tailored to address the specific needs of SME owners and entrepreneurs. Cultural, socio-economic, and institutional contexts significantly influence the design and implementation of these programs, highlighting the importance of contextual sensitivity. Participation in financial education programs positively impacts SMEs' financial knowledge, decision-making abilities, and business performance, leading to improved access to financing and sustainable growth. However, challenges such as resource constraints and low financial awareness hinder the scalability and effectiveness of these initiatives. Leveraging technology and innovative delivery methods, such as digital platforms and social media, holds promise in expanding the reach and impact of financial literacy programs, particularly in underserved communities. This review underscores the importance of continued investment in financial education to unlock the full potential of SMEs as drivers of economic prosperity and social progress.

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Elementary Principals Regarding Whole-Grade Acceleration for Gifted Students

ABSTRACT Despite robust research on positive student outcomes, few studies address principals’ impact on acceleration. This article reports on the findings of a qualitative case study exploring the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs regarding whole-grade acceleration for gifted students among all nine elementary-level principals in one school district, using the framework of human capital theory, which suggests that educational investments yield long-term individual and societal benefits. The findings reveal a significant gap in principals’ knowledge and experience with acceleration. The principal participants perceived an absence of established processes and guidelines to support their decision-making and had concerns about using this intervention largely due to student well-being considerations. Implications include the need for comprehensive policies, research-based guidelines, plans for professional development, and sustainable leadership from central office personnel as well as principal leaders in school districts.