Management Issues Research Articles

The Development of Clinical Sociology in Malaysia

This article discusses the significant contributions made by Wan Halim Othman in the advancement of clinical sociology in Malaysia. Wan Halim, introduced as the progenitor of Clinical Sociology in Malaysia, has played a pivotal role in social issue management and his unique approaches have had a lasting social impact in the country. This article starts with the backdrop of the country and the main figure - Wan Halim Othman, and then discusses the various innovative and impactful initiatives that he has spearheaded using the clinical sociology approach. Programmes such as PINTAS and the social clinic exemplify the profound capacity of clinical sociology to address intricate societal issues. Wan Halim has effectively empowered marginalized communities and promoted social cohesion by implementing new strategies, like community mediation and support groups specifically designed for single moms. Though clinical sociology is gaining traction in Malaysia, much needed to be done to further recognize and institutionalize this discipline. Among the proposed next steps include the formalization of clinical sociology by implementing comprehensive curricula, hands-on training, and professional certification. The author emphasizes the significance of fostering collaboration among academia, government, and civil society in order to establish clinical sociology as an institutionalized field and effectively tackle urgent societal issues.

Achieving sustainable development goals for mental health and gender equality through work-life balance and emotional intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work-life balance and the mental health of Indian managers and to explore the moderating role of emotional intelligence (EI) and gender. Design/methodology/approach Work-life balance scale (Hayman 2005), Mental Health Inventory (Viet and Ware, 1983) and EI scale (Wong and Law, 2002) were administered to 202 (102 males and 100 females) Indian managers. Based on the Conservation of Resource theory, a theoretical model has been designed and hypotheses were tested by descriptive, correlation and moderation analysis. Findings The results of this study indicated that work-life balance is positively correlated with psychological well-being and mental health, while negatively correlated with the psychological distress of managers. EI has emerged as a potential moderator that positively influences the relationship between work-life balance and the mental health of managers. At the same time, gender did not show any moderating effect. Research limitations/implications This research has theoretical, practical as well as social implications. Practical implications This study is aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2023. This paper provides valuable inputs in promoting mental health at the workplace and formulating gender-neutral work-life balance policies and programs in Indian organizations. Social implications This study is aligned with SDG 3 (Health and well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender equality) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2023. Originality/value This study is an empirical research paper backed by a sound theoretical framework, which addresses the work-life balance and mental health issues of managers and highlights the positive role of EI in managing their personal and professional lives in a low gender-egalitarian Indian work–family culture.

Evidence of contingency factors related to financial management in state secretariats in the northern region of Brazil

This research aims to highlight the contingency factors influencing financial management in governmental entities. To achieve this goal, a descriptive, qualitative methodology was adopted, with data collection via individual electronic surveys sent to employees of different secretariats within a Brazilian state. The theoretical framework identified the following contingency variables: Environment, Structure, Technology, Information Technology, and Strategy. The results indicate that Contingency Theory (integration of contingency factors) impacts financial management, with Strategy being the only contingency variable showing interference in financial management when analyzed separately. Thus, the analyzed secretariats align with regulations, addressing managerial issues related to Environment, Structure, Technology, and Information Technology factors.

Social impacts arising from road infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: better management of social issues is needed in road construction, upgrading and rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Despite the use of environmental and social impact assessments for road projects, severe social impacts continue to occur. We discuss the social impacts associated with the construction, upgrading, widening and/or rehabilitation of roads in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to a literature review, we analysed 10 road projects in Uganda by examining project planning documents, and undertaking in-depth interviews, group interviews and field visits. While there were some benefits from these road projects, especially dust reduction where roads became sealed, the significant land acquisition necessary for these linear projects has led to physical displacement, economic displacement, and disruption to the livelihoods of local people. Other issues included: inadequate community engagement; delayed payment of compensation and inadequate compensation; gender-based violence; poor road construction practice causing community safety concerns; project-induced in-migration or influx; sexual harassment; impacts on children; and issues around sex work. The lack of local community acceptance (social licence to operate) of the projects resulted in construction delays and increased costs. For more acceptable road projects, better community engagement, improved planning and management, and adequate funding for resettlement and compensation are essential.

Multi-Objective Optimization Methods for Train Load Planning in Seaport Container Terminals

In this paper we study the planning problem of loading trains in seaport container terminals, which consists in assigning containers to the wagon slots. The train load can be realized considering different objectives, in this work we focus on two very important objectives for terminal managers, that are the minimization of the number of reshuffles in the storage area and the minimization of the total distance covered by the handling equipment between the storage area and the wagons. To address this problem, some multi-objective methods are investigated in the paper, based on the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\varepsilon$</tex-math> </inline-formula> -constraint approach and the lexicographic algorithm, allowing to find different sets of efficient solutions to be provided to train planners. The experimental tests, devised to compare the proposed multi-objective methods, show that the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\varepsilon$</tex-math> </inline-formula> -constraint method integrated with a lexicographic approach is the most efficient choice since it allows to obtain a higher number of efficient solutions in shorter computational times. This method can be applied in decision support systems for train planners in order to allow them to decide the train load in an efficient way. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Note to Practitioners</i> —The automation and the process optimization in seaport container terminals is a relevant issue for terminal managers in order to face the strong competitiveness in the logistics and shipping sector and the new emerging problems due to the presence of mega vessels. Among the different operations to be optimally managed in a terminal, the loading of trains is becoming more and more significant, also due to the increase of freight traffic by rail, seen as a cheaper and more sustainable option compared with road transport. The optimal assignment of containers present in a storage area to the wagon slots is a crucial decision in order to reduce operational times and costs in a container terminal. In this paper, we address the train load planning problem considering two important objectives to be minimized, i.e. the number of reshuffles and the distance covered by the handling equipment. The multi-objective methods proposed in the paper are devised to find different efficient solutions in short computational times. The proposed algorithms are intended to be implemented within a decision support tool in which the solutions found are shown to the train planner who chooses the preferred option depending on personal evaluations and on the basis of information coming in real time.

The Association of Lifestyle Factors and Attention Problems in Adolescents

OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the associations between lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep patterns, media usage, and diet, and attention problems in adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved 4,370 adolescents aged 13-18 years in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Lifestyle factors were assessed using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System questionnaire, while attention problems were evaluated with the Youth Self-Report (YSR) Attention Problems subscale. Associations were analyzed using univariable and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS Media use exceeding two hours per day was significantly asso-ciated with clinical attention problems (aOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.81-5.71). Additionally, increased media use (b = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.19-0.28, p &lt; 0.01), and high soft drinks consumption (b = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12-0.26, p &lt; 0.01) were positively associated with higher attention problem scores. Conversely, active physical activity (b = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.05, p &lt; 0.01), adequate sleep (b = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.19, p &lt; 0.01), regular breakfast intake (b = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.05, p &lt; 0.01), vegetable consumption (b = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.02, p = 0.01), and milk consumption (b = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.01, p = 0.03) were negatively associated with attention problems scores. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the significant impact of lifestyle factors on attention problems among adolescents. These findings support the integration of lifestyle modifications into the assessment and manage-ment of attention issues in this age group, particularly emphasizing the need to reduce excessive media use. KEYWORDS lifestyle factors, dietary patterns, attention problems, ADHD, adolescence

Trainee Preparedness to Enter Physiatry Residency: Early Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Introduction: This national survey study investigates the transition of PM&amp;R residents from as they transition into residency, aiming to identify associated factors influencing their preparedness. The transition to residency can be stressful, and insufficient preparedness is associated with a higher risk of burnout. While existing research has examined this transition in large specialties like internal medicine and surgery, there is a gap in understanding preparedness for PM&amp;R residency in PGY-2. PM&amp;R residency offers diverse routes, and not all medical schools have PM&amp;R departments, leading to varied exposure and experience among incoming residents. Methods: To address this gap, a voluntary national survey study was conducted, collecting data from 55 residents across the USA from PGY-2 to PGY-4. Results: Participants reported their overall preparedness, with 51% feeling prepared and 49% feeling unprepared for clinical care at the start of residency. The prepared group demonstrated higher emotional and clinical preparedness, particularly in performing neuro/musculoskeletal physical examinations, managing rehabilitation issues, and interpreting imaging. Experience as an intern emerged as the most critical factor influencing preparedness. There were no significant differences between the prepared and unprepared groups in terms of age, gender, medical degree, timing of PM&amp;R exposure, participation in PM&amp;R interest group, type of internship pursued (transitional, medicine, surgery, or categorical), or academic versus community hospital during intern year. Conclusions: Incoming residents who self-identified as unprepared may specifically benefit from early check-ins with residents about wellbeing and early focused education on the neuro/musculoskeletal physical examination, management of common rehabilitation related issues, and interpretation of neuromusculoskeletal imaging, given the differences in responses we observed between prepared and unprepared groups in these domains. Residents trended toward feeling unprepared in handling rapid responses, pediatric rehabilitation patients, and therapy prescriptions and precautions at the start of PM&amp;R residency.

Pandemic Governance: Responses for COVID-19 Management of Zamboanga City

The challenges brought by pandemic governance include the efficient management of socioeconomic, political, and health issues. In today's sociodemographic and globalized environment, a rational and scientific approach to pandemic governance and public health policy formulation necessitates a combination of science, culture, and people. Effective pandemic governance requires an approach that is adaptive, and lesson based. In instances when faith in governmental institutions and political leadership are crucial, knowledge of the public health system, epidemiology, and socio-political issues is also important. Effective pandemic governance can impact COVID-19 management outcomes. This study looks into the Zamboanga City's COVID-19 management responses. It examines the effectiveness of the measures implemented by Zamboanga City in the critical areas specified for the management of the COVID-19 epidemic. This study employs a descriptive-qualitative method using secondary data analysis and interview guide. This study demonstrates that Zamboanga City's approaches to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic are effective in thirteen (13) assessment categories. This study also reveals flaws in the application of countermeasures against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Thus, there is a need to improve responses on the part of political leaders by designing, integrating, and implementing sound governance strategies in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Advancing interdisciplinary management science: A pathway to sustainable development goals

The Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Sciences (IJMS) plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding and application of management science in various fields. This editorial paper explores the intersection between interdisciplinary research and management science, emphasising the Journal's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IJMS encourages innovative research that addresses complex managerial issues, discourses, and challenges by incorporating principles from economics, engineering, social sciences, and technology. This paper highlights key areas of focus, such as decision-making, supply chain management, innovation, human resources, financial management, marketing, sustainability, educational management, conflict management, and governance. The relevance of each area to specific SDGs is discussed, showcasing how interdisciplinary approaches can provide comprehensive understanding and solutions to global issues. Despite the cognitive obstacles posed by disciplinary boundaries, methodological disparities, and pedagogical peculiarities inherent in interdisciplinary research, there are ample opportunities to leverage technological advancements and foster collaborative research for effective knowledge advancement. The IJMS's commitment to bridging theory and practice not only advances knowledge in management science but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the SDGs. This editorial calls for increased support from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to further recognise interdisciplinary research in line with the Journal's vision for a future where management science drives sustainable development.

ANALYSIS OF MERCHANT BANKING IN INDIA Niranjan Kumar Jha

Original Definition: A Merchant Bank is a British term for a bank providing various financial services such as accepting bills arising out of trade, providing advice on acquisitions, mergers, foreign exchange, underwriting new issues, and portfolio management. The Focus Definition: A Merchant Bank can be generally described as a financial services company with a private equity investment arm offering investment banking and ancillary services as well. Because a merchant bank acts not only as an advisor and broker but also as a principal, a merchant bank has a longer-term approach than a typical investment bank and is highly concerned with the viability of each investment opportunity and providing the right advice for a strong partnership with each client company. Modern Definition: A merchant bank is a financial institution providing capital to companies in the form of share ownership instead of loans. A merchant bank also provides advisory on corporate matters to the firms in which they invest. In the United Kingdom, the historical term "merchant bank" refers to a bank. A Merchant Bank can be generally described as a financial services company with a private equity investment arm offering investment banking and ancillary services as well. Because a merchant bank acts not only as an advisor and broker but also as a principal, a merchant bank has a longer term approach than a typical investment bank and is highly concerned with the viability of each investment opportunity and providing the right advice for a strong partnership with each client company. In banking, a merchant bank is a traditional term for an Investment Bank. It can also be used to describe the private equity activities of banking. This article is about the history of banking as developed by merchants, from the Middle Ages onward. Merchant banking is an important service provided by a number of financial institutions that helps in the growth of the corporate sector which ultimately reflects into the overall economic development of the country. Merchant banks were expected to perform several functions like issue management, underwriting, portfolio management, loan syndication, consultant, advisor and host of other activities. Merchant banking is a combination of banking and consultancy services.

Oral Health Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Literature Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. While the systemic implications of OSA are well documented, the dental consequences are less frequently discussed yet equally significant. This review aims to elucidate the oral health impacts of OSA, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to identify studies examining the relationship between OSA and various oral health parameters. The review included observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English up to January 2024. OSA was significantly associated with heightened risks of bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal and dental changes, and alterations in taste sensation. Mouth breathing associated with OSA was a critical factor in exacerbating xerostomia and dental caries. Furthermore, the systemic inflammation induced by OSA appeared to correlate with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients using oral appliance therapy for OSA also showed notable changes in dental occlusion and required ongoing dental monitoring. The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and oral health, highlighting the need for dental professionals to be integral participants in the management of OSA. Early dental evaluation and intervention can contribute to the overall health and quality of life of individuals with OSA. The review advocates for the development of clinical guidelines to facilitate the early identification and management of OSA-related oral health issues within dental practice and encourages a collaborative approach to patient care.

Association of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination with Facial-Related Neurological Disorders: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Neurological complications after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine administration have been reported. However, the incidence rates of these complications have not been compared in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This study used a nationwide cohort from South Korea to investigate the incidence and prognostic factors of facial-related neurological disorders, such as facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasms, after COVID-19 vaccination. A population-based cohort design was used to examine data from a randomly selected 50% of the adult population in Seoul, South Korea. Information on demographics, vaccination status, vaccination type, and medical history was collected. The incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for facial-related neurological disorders were calculated. This study included 2,482,481 adults, 85.94% of whom were vaccinated. Vaccinated individuals showed a higher incidence of facial palsy, hemifacial spasm, and trigeminal neuralgia than unvaccinated individuals, with significant aHRs of 1.821, 3.203, and 6.621, respectively. Dyslipidemia, female sex, and young age were identified as risk factors for hemifacial spasms and trigeminal neuralgia. This study demonstrates an increased incidence of facial-related neurological disorders after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among individuals with dyslipidemia and younger women. These findings underscore the need for further investigations into the mechanisms and management of vaccine-related neurological issues.

The road to smart airports: Bibliometric analysis of digital transformation by using Rlanguage.

The accumulated knowledge has led to a state of misunderstanding about the precise meanings of digitalization, and a precise framework to define smart airports is still missing. This study aims to reveal the current status and future direction of smart airports and digital transformation in the academic literature and to provide a comprehensive definition for smart airports. The identified keywords were searched in the Web of Science database covering the years 1989-2024 and a total of 372 studies were found. These studies were then analyzed using Bibliometrix (R package). We determined that the most influential academic source on the themes is the Journal of Air Transport Management, and the collaboration index in the literature is three. While conferences are the most productive sources in this field, academic journals are mostly cited in studies. Academic studies typically employ and evaluate "performance" and "model," "impact" and "air," and "economic development" and "location" in tandem, despite the distinction between technological and managerial issues. In the light of the findings, the definition of a smart airport can be "an airport ecosystem where personalized service is provided to users by using Industry 4.0 technologies on the basis of big data analysis and real-time sharing between objects; digitalization is turned into a holistic organizational culture starting from top management to cover all personnel; the decision-making process is carried out autonomously within the entire airport operation network; and the main goal of competitive advantage and high-level user experience is provided uninterruptedly."

Effectiveness of Vitamin D on Neurological and Mental Disorders.

(1) Background: Mental disorders are conditions that affect a person's cognition, mood, and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In contrast, neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Such disorders include strokes, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Both mental and neurological disorders pose significant global health challenges, impacting hundreds of millions worldwide. Research suggests that certain vitamins, including vitamin D, may influence the incidence and severity of these disorders; (2) Methods: This systematic review examined the potential effects of vitamin D supplementation on various mental and neurological disorders. Evidence was gathered from databases like PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, including multiple randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D supplementation to placebo or no treatment for conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neuroinflammation; (3) Results: The findings strongly indicate that vitamin D supplementation may benefit a range of mental health and neurological disorders. The magnitude of the beneficial impact varied by specific disorder, but the overall pattern strongly supports the therapeutic potential of vitamin D on these disorders; (4) Conclusions: This review provides valuable insight into the role vitamin D may play in the management of critical brain-related health issues.

Proactive Versus Reactive Issues Management Strategies and Stakeholder Support for a Company

Proactive Versus Reactive Issues Management Strategies and Stakeholder Support for a Company

Peer comparison and management forecast behavior

ABSTRACT This study examines whether incentive contracts that compares managers’ compensation to that of stronger peers can influence voluntary disclosure behaviour and improve transparency. We obtain information regarding peer-based compensation arrangements from US public firms and find that managers whose compensation is benchmarked against peers who, on average, have higher managerial abilities, tend to issue management earnings forecasts more frequently. Furthermore, the peer comparison incentive effects are more pronounced when firms depend more on external financing, face greater product market threats, and have more endowed growth opportunities. Overall, our study highlights the effects of pressure arising from comparison with higher-quality peers on firms’ information environment. We contribute to the literature on tournament-based implicit incentives, peer effects, managerial ability, and economic consequences in the context of voluntary disclosures.

Dark triad and knowledge hiding in firms: Mediating role of perceived organizational politics

Negative behaviors at the workplace always disturb the management of the firms. This research investigates the link between the dark triad and various types of Knowledge hiding (Evasive hiding, Playing dumb, and Rationalized hiding) in firms. In addition, this study explores perceived organizational politics as a mediator. The design of this study is quantitative and positivist. The data were collected in three waves (45 days gap) with a random sampling approach from 383 personnel/staff working in Chinese commercial banking firms. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique and Smartpls-4 software. This study confirms that dark-triad has a positive relation with knowledge hiding, except psychopathy and Machiavellianism, which have no significant correlation with playing dumb and evasive hiding, respectively. Perceived organizational politics significantly mediate the association between dark triad personality traits and the types of knowledge hiding. Employees with political skills and a trust-based culture can counter the dark-triad personalities and discourage the knowledge-hiding culture. For effective management of knowledge-hiding issues in firms, codifying implicit and explicit Knowledge and developing knowledge repositories can discourage a knowledge-hiding culture.

Exploring Digital Biomarkers for Depression Using Mobile Technology

Introduction &amp; BackgroundWith the advent of ubiquitous sensors and mobile technologies, wearables and smartphones offer a cost-effective means for monitoring mental health conditions, particularly depression. These devices enable the continuous collection of behavioral data, providing novel insights into the daily manifestations of depressive symptoms. Objectives &amp; ApproachThe present study summarizes findings from our five recent investigations that explored the relationships between depression severity and digital biomarkers captured by wearables and smartphones. These studies analyzed data from RADAR-MDD, a multinational mobile health program, involving 623 participants and tracked for up to two years. Participants' depression severity was measured biweekly using the PHQ-8 questionnaire conducted via smartphones. Concurrently, participants’ Fitbit and smartphone data were also collected. Given the longitudinal nature and repeated measurements for each participant, multilevel modeling techniques were employed to analyze the data. Relevance to Digital FootprintsOur approach involved extracting features from passive data that reflect various aspects of daily behavior—such as sleep quality, social interaction, physical activity, and walking patterns—akin to digital footprints. ResultsWe found several significant links between depression severity and various behavioral biomarkers: elevated depression levels were associated with diminished sleep quality (assessed through Fitbit metrics), reduced sociability (approximated by Bluetooth), decreased levels of physical activity (quantified by step counts and GPS data), a slower cadence of daily walking (captured by smartphone accelerometers), and disturbances in circadian rhythms (analyzed across various data streams). Conclusions &amp; ImplicationsLeveraging digital biomarkers for assessing and continuously monitoring depression introduces a new paradigm in early detection and development of customized intervention strategies. Findings from these studies not only enhance our comprehension of depression in real-world settings but also underscore the potential of mobile technologies in the prevention and management of mental health issues.

Toward effective secure code reviews: an empirical study of security-related coding weaknesses

Identifying security issues early is encouraged to reduce the latent negative impacts on the software systems. Code review is a widely-used method that allows developers to manually inspect modified code, catching security issues during a software development cycle. However, existing code review studies often focus on known vulnerabilities, neglecting coding weaknesses, which can introduce real-world security issues that are more visible through code review. The practices of code reviews in identifying such coding weaknesses are not yet fully investigated. To better understand this, we conducted an empirical case study in two large open-source projects, OpenSSL and PHP. Based on 135,560 code review comments, we found that reviewers raised security concerns in 35 out of 40 coding weakness categories. Surprisingly, some coding weaknesses related to past vulnerabilities, such as memory errors and resource management, were discussed less often than the vulnerabilities. Developers attempted to address raised security concerns in many cases (39%-41%), but a substantial portion was merely acknowledged (30%-36%), and some went unfixed due to disagreements about solutions (18%-20%). This highlights that coding weaknesses can slip through code review even when identified. Our findings suggest that reviewers can identify various coding weaknesses leading to security issues during code reviews. However, these results also reveal shortcomings in current code review practices, indicating the need for more effective mechanisms or support for increasing awareness of security issue management in code reviews.

Policy processes in China: a systematic review of the multiple streams framework

The multiple stream framework (MSF) helps explain why policy makers address some issues but not others. Although the framework was originally developed in the USA, scholars argue that it has universal explanatory power across political systems and have called for applications to authoritarian settings. In response, we conduct a systematic review of China-focused MSF research, including 22 English-language articles and 156 Chinese-language articles. We show an increase in publications and identify education and social policy as the two most studied areas. Based on the reviewed articles, we highlight four key themes pertaining to China’s policy process: the dominance of the political stream, the limited role of the national mood, managerial issues in the problem stream, and stream dependence. In addition to a need to conceptualise and test how these aspects shape policy outputs and outcomes, we argue that, if the framework is to contribute to a better understanding of China’s policy process, future MSF research should not only venture into unexplored policy areas but also ought to be more explicit and transparent in terms of operationalisation and focus more on analysing causal relationships. Other research priorities include comparative and critical analysis of MSF hypotheses in other non-democracies.