Management Policies Research Articles

Tourism challenges within a high cost of living crisis

Living costs have been increasing at an unprecedented rate compared to average trends over the last decade due to increasing uncertainty from various global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Previous research indicates that people prioritize essential consumption over leisure and tourism activities during high cost-of-living crises. However, prior studies have overlooked the spatially heterogeneous resilience of local tourism demand to the crisis, which differs by region with each possessing unique characteristics. This study aims to explore how the resilience of tourism demand shifted during the high cost-of-living crisis over space and time. Findings reveal spatially and temporally varied resilience in domestic and international tourism demand across regions. These findings offer crucial insights for developing localized tourism management policies amid high costs of living.

Sustainable growth, financial flexibility and working capital management in family firms: An empirical study in Indonesia

Family firms play an important role in the economies of developing countries such as Indonesia. Proper working capital management is necessary to support the sustainable growth of family firms. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of sustainable growth and working capital management of family firms. The study analyzes family firms by comparing them with non-family firms listed in the LQ45 index of the Indonesian capital market. Using quantitative methods, logistic regression is used to test the hypotheses. The survey sample covers 280 companies from 2015 to 2022. The results of the study show that the elements of sustainable growth of family firms differ from non-family firms only in the leverage element. Family firms tend to have lower leverage than non-family firms. Family firms tend to have more conservative working capital management policies for investment and financing than non-family firms. Family firms also have longer days of accounts payable outstanding than non-family firms, while days of inventory outstanding and days of sales outstanding are not significantly different. This study suggests that family firms should implement a moderate working capital policy to strengthen sustainable growth rates. AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank the Head of Research and Community Service at AKI University who has supported funding for this research. Thank you also to fellow Faculty of Economics and Business lecturers, AKI University who have helped provide the facilities needed for this research.

Does benchmark-driven investment amplify the impact of the global financial cycle on emerging markets?

This paper examines how the benchmark indexes affect the sensitivity of emerging markets cross-border fund flows to the global financial cycle. We find that benchmark-driven fund flows are more sensitive to the global financial cycle than non-benchmark-driven flows. The higher the penetration of benchmark-driven funds, the more fund flows are affected by global and domestic factors. Capital flow management policies can effectively dampen the impact of the global financial cycle on capital flows when the global financial cycle is at a low level.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO OPTIMIZING THE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY OF THE ASSORTMENT POLICY OF A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY BASED ON INVENTORY CONTROL

Abstract Aim is a methodological solution for optimizing the assortment policy management strategy of a pharmaceutical company based on inventory control. Research materials and methods. The study was conducted using the example of the pharmaceutical company Bayer and is based on the principles of positivistic philosophy and a deductive approach. The research materials include primary data from an interview with a pharmaceutical logistics manager and secondary data from prescriptions. The collected data were analyzed by calculating a number of values ​​(economic order volume, reorder point, safety stock, average assortment level) using ABC analysis and cycle counting methods. According to the collected initial information, the assortment portfolio of the analyzed company includes 400 pharmaceutical products. The proposed methodological approach is based on a consistent assessment of the assortment management system in effect in the pharmaceutical company. A qualitative assessment of the assortment status is given for individual items: was it insufficient, excessive, acceptable, or discontinued. Finally, an assortment management strategy was recommended aimed at increasing the efficiency of the assortment policy while minimizing overall costs. The accuracy of the product range accounting process is improved by using the cyclic counting method and ABC classification for each product. Results. The article presents the author's methodological approach to optimizing the product range portfolio of a pharmaceutical company. The proposed approach is based on data on inventory control under conditions of uncertain demand for pharmaceutical products using a continuous analysis policy. A quantitative and qualitative assessment of the product range status for individual drug names was conducted and an adapted product range management strategy was recommended, aimed at improving the efficiency of the product range policy while minimizing overall costs. Conclusion. The accuracy of the product range dynamics accounting process is improved by using the cyclic counting method and ABC analysis of products.

Controlling and planning cash flows at the enterprise

In today's market economy, effective cash flow management is important for ensuring the stability andcompetitiveness of an enterprise. Financial controlling, as a key component of the overall strategic management system,plays an important role in optimizing cash flows, monitoring resource attraction and risk management. It includes thedevelopment and implementation of a cash management policy, the use of analytical tools to forecast and assess financialrisks, and the development of strategies to minimize the negative impact of various factors. Financial controlling helpscompanies to ensure effective operation in difficult conditions, such as in a state of war or unstable market conditions, byresponding quickly to changes in the external environment. The controlling system includes not only monitoring expensesand income, but also developing and implementing strategies to optimize resources and maintain the company's financialstability. Operational financial controlling, which focuses on internal data, is a key tool for responding quickly to changesin the financial condition of the company. Methodological tools such as direct-costing, break-even point, ABC analysis,functional cost analysis, SWOT analysis, benchmarking and portfolio analysis help to identify and correct deviations fromtargets, increase cost efficiency and improve the financial stability of the company. Implementation of a financialcontrolling system not only improves financial transparency but also strengthens the confidence of investors and creditors,as well as maintains the company's stable development in a competitive market. Thus, financial controlling is an integralpart of effective financial resources management, which allows companies to achieve short-term and long-term financialgoals, maintain competitiveness and ensure sustainable development in the market.

Exploring practice staffs’ perspectives regarding professional roles, confidence, and motivations in delivering mental health care within rural general practice: a qualitative exploration

BackgroundGeneral practice is pivotal in delivering mental health care within communities, yet the attitudes and professional factors influencing this provision remain underexplored. This study seeks to understand the perspective of general practice staff around the professional factors that influence the provision of primary mental health care.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews of 14 general practice staff involved in mental health care. Participants included receptionists (n = 3), nurses (n = 4), practice managers (n = 3), and general practitioners (n = 4), recruited via purposive sampling. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided the interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsThree themes were identified. The first, ‘Role identity, skills, and leadership in mental health care,’ included subthemes of distinct role recognition with overlap, essential relational and practical skills, and leadership valued among experienced GPs. The second theme, ‘Confidence and involvement in mental health care,’ covered variability in confidence levels, differing perceptions of involvement, and attitudes towards further involvement. The third theme, ‘Drivers for and outcomes of delivering mental health care,’ revealed intrinsic motivations and acknowledged both benefits and serious consequences.ConclusionThis study explored general practice staff beliefs about role identity, skills, leadership, confidence, involvement, motivations, and perceptions of benefits in mental health care provision. The findings offer valuable insights into the complexities of mental health care in general practice, with significant implications for practice management and healthcare policy development.

TALENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR SUCCESSION PLANNING AT PT K INDONESIA

Objective: PT K, a leading company in the FMCG industry in Indonesia, faces significant risks due to its over-reliance on key leaders with specialized knowledge and skills, heightening organizational risk if these leaders depart unexpectedly. This dependency jeopardizes operational continuity due to inadequate internal regeneration and a low succession ratio over the past two years. Addressing these critical issues, this study aims to review and refine the talent management strategies of PT K in line with business goals and needs related to leader succession planning. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concept and theoriy that underpin the research is integrated talent management model developed by Silzer and Dowell (2010). Method: The study carried out was applied research. The study utilizes primary data from interviews with the President Director, Head of Division Human Capital & General Affairs, and Head of People Development & Learning Center of PT K, alongside secondary data from internal documents. Interviews were conducted to find out business strategy direction, as well as PT K's talent management policies and needs. Apart from that, it was also to find out current talent management practices and the need for improvement. Meanwhile, the documents studied are documents about Long-Term Development Program at PT K for period of 2020 – 2025, which is used to determine PT K's HR management directions and policies. Results and Discussion: Based on the results of interviews and document studies, it was obtained: (1) talent management directions and policies according to business targets and strategies, as well as (2) findings of gaps in the four main activities of talent management practices at PT K. Based on these two things, a map, targets and actions to improve PT K's talent management strategy for the 2024-2026 period were determined. Research Implications: The study's implications suggest that addressing these gaps will enhance leadership continuity and organizational resilience, offering a model applicable to similar companies in the FMCG sector and providing valuable insights for both academic research and professional practice. Originality/Value: This is the first study related to talent management to be carried out empirically at PT K, which is one of the leaders in the FMCG industry in Indonesia. It is hoped that research findings and results will provide valuable input regarding current practices that will enrich the body of knowledge related to talent and HR management.

Does nature’s contributions to people value realization policy in China improve public awareness and preferences for marine biodiversity conservation? A temporal stability analysis

Management policies are crucial for safeguarding sustained and stable marine biodiversity amidst ongoing pressures such as land use change, pollution, resource overexploitation, invasive alien species and climate change. China established a nature’s contributions to people value realization policy (NCPVR) in 2021, aiming to encourage stakeholders to prioritize environmentally beneficial production and consumption choices, thereby stimulating intrinsic public motivation for ecological conservation. Biodiversity conservation is an integral component of the NCPVR policy. A choice experiment method was employed to investigate the changes in public preferences for marine biodiversity conservation in Jiaozhou Bay before and after the enactment of the NCPVR policy (in 2017 and 2023, respectively), aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy on marine biodiversity conservation. The results indicate that two years after the implementation of the NCPVR, the public’s overall breadth and depth of awareness regarding marine biodiversity increased. Additionally, public preferences for marine biodiversity conservation increased, expanding from two categories in 2017 (shallow-water swimming organisms and marine plants) to five categories in 2023 (with the addition of seabirds, plankton, and intertidal and benthic organisms). The willingness to pay (WTP) for seabirds, plankton, and intertidal and benthic organisms, as well as shallow-water swimming organisms, increased from 32.21~85.77 CNY/person·year to 98.21~140.49 CNY/person·year. China’s NCPVR policy effectively conveyed important information about biodiversity conservation in the short term, enhancing public awareness and preferences for marine biodiversity conservation. The study also revealed that economic incentive policies for NCPVR remain at the conceptual propaganda level and lack operational incentives for biodiversity conservation. It is recommended that the government deepen the design of value realization pathways and market trading arrangements to stimulate the intrinsic motivation of the public for marine biodiversity conservation and ensure the long-term effectiveness of policies.

Factors Influencing Private Forest Owners Decision-Making Rationalities to Implement Salvage Logging after Large-Scale Natural Disturbances in Slovenia

This study examines the factors that influence the decision-making rationality of private forest owners (PFOs) when implementing salvage logging after large-scale natural disturbances. The literature suggests two main responses to large large-scale natural disturbances: performing salvage logging and no salvage at all. When salvage logging is carried out, two different strategies can be applied: clearing, i.e. all trees are removed, including damaged trees and standing survivors; and salvaging, i.e. damaged trees are removed but the surviving trees are left and some dead trees are left standing. In an online survey conducted in Slovenia in March and April 2022, responses were collected from 1515 forest-owning households. A logistic regression model was created to analyse the data and understand how socio-demographic characteristics, characteristics of forest property, forest management activities and the market influence their decisions. The results show that previous management activities and cooperation with service providers significantly influence PFOs' decision-making rationality to implement salvage logging. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex decision-making processes in forestry. Future research opportunities lie in investigating specific aspects of past management activities and understanding the dynamics in cooperation between different actors to develop customised policies for effective forest management after large-scale natural disturbances.

Challenges of mainstreaming institutional policy and frameworks of disaster risk management in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This research examines the challenges of mainstreaming disaster risk management (DRM) policies and frameworks into the existing institutional structures in Ethiopia. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, the study delves into the effectiveness of DRM implementation within the Ethiopian context. Primary data was mainly collected through a survey of 120 individuals and interviews with 18 experts. The findings showed that the Ethiopian sector encountered significant challenges in integrating DRM policies and frameworks due to limited resources and capacity. Implementation faced obstacles like insufficient data, coordination gaps between government agencies, and a lack of awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, frequent natural disasters exacerbate these challenges, demanding more robust and adaptive DRM strategies. The study underscores the necessity of enhancing the capacity of governmental institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities through targeted training programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms to facilitate effective DRM implementation. Moreover, the research emphasises the apparent gap related to the policies and frameworks and the imperative of strengthening institutional coordination and collaboration among relevant government ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, advocating for the establishment of inter-ministerial task forces or committees dedicated to DRM.

Sustainable human resource management and sustainable performance: mediating role of organization citizenship behavior

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of sustainable human resource management (SHRM) policies on sustainability performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). Furthermore, this study also examined the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior toward sustainability (OCBS) between SHRM and HEIs’ sustainability performance. The ability motivation opportunity (AMO) and stakeholder theories are used to conceptualize the model. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 162 academic staff of 12 government and private universities in India by using snowball sampling method. The partial least square structured equation modeling technique was used to analyze the data. Findings The overall results suggest that SHRM, such as sustainability motivation, sustainability-building practices, green employee engagement initiatives and social considerations, significantly impact OCBS among academic staff and the sustainability performance of HEIs. These findings provide a better understanding of how to improve the sustainability performance of HEIs through SHRM and OCBS among academic staff. Originality/value This study significantly extends the growing literature on SHRM and sustainability performance by focusing on sustainable HR practices in the HEIs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to empirically investigate SHRM and sustainability performance in the context of education sector in India.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Water Quality: Long-Term Assessment Using Water Quality Indices and GIS

The severe contamination of groundwater supplies in rural areas is a global problem that requires strict environmental measures. Related to this, one of the most important challenges at present is the elimination of local sources of pollution. Therefore, this research examined the local water quality changes following the construction of the sewerage network, under the framework of long-term monitoring (2011–2022) in Báránd, Hungary, using water quality indices and GIS (Geographic Information System) techniques. In order to understand the purification processes and spatial and temporal changes, three periods were determined: the pre-sewerage period (2011–2014), the transitional period (2015–2018), and the post-sewerage period (2019–2022). Forty monitoring wells were included in the study, ensuring complete coverage of the municipality. The results revealed a high level of pollution in the area in the pre-sewerage period. Based on the calculated indices, an average of 80% of the wells were ranked in categories 4–5, indicating poor water quality, while less than 8% were classified in categories 1–2, indicating good water quality. No significant purification process was detected in the transitional period. However, marked changes were observed in the post-sewerage period as a result of the elimination of local sources of pollution. In the post-sewerage period, the number of monitoring wells ranked as excellent and good increased significantly. Additionally, the number of wells assigned to category 5 decreased markedly, compared to the reference period. The significant difference between the three periods was confirmed by the Wilcoxon test as well (p < 0.05). Based on interpolated maps, it was found that, in the post-sewerage period, an increasing section of the settlement had good or excellent water quality. In addition to an assessment of long-term tendencies, the annual fluctuations in the water quality of the wells were also examined. This showed that the purification processes do not occur in a linear pattern but are influenced by various factors (e.g., precipitation). Our results highlight the importance of protecting and improving groundwater resources in municipal areas and the relevance of long-term monitoring of water adequate management policy.

Agricultural Water Conservation Methods: Application, Difficulties, and Innovation

The largest growth in water usage among water-using industries has been in agriculture due to the growing need for agricultural goods to feed the world's expanding population. Presently, agricultural water conservation encompasses a range of technologies that are mostly grounded in human understanding, but also include a number of complex strategies that significantly rely on cutting-edge mechanical and electrical techniques. Modern agronomic practices like precision agriculture may conserve water. Precision agriculture is a modern agronomic strategy that may preserve water.Modern agricultural investments, land transfers, and urbanisation have left these irregular and traditionally built villages with an ambiguous and ever-changing land use pattern. This may hinder water-saving adoption. In addition to taking into account the growth of the agricultural sector, the agricultural water management policy prioritises the long-term ecological economy and the sustainability of the water resource supply network. Water needs are predicted to rise significantly by the end of the twenty-first century, particularly for irrigation. Reducing the amount of water used in agriculture is crucial. With temperatures rising and droughts occurring more frequently in many nations, water is a vital component of agricultural output. Certain technology-based practices coupled with efficient farmers and humans management of water resources will be the key features for improving water conservation.

Microbiomes of urban trees: unveiling contributions to atmospheric pollution mitigation.

Urban trees are crucial in delivering essential ecosystem services, including air pollution mitigation. This service is influenced by plant associated microbiomes, which can degrade hydrocarbons, support tree health, and influence ecological processes. Yet, our understanding of tree microbiomes remains limited, thus affecting our ability to assess and quantify the ecosystem services provided by trees as complex systems. The main hypothesis of this work was that tree microbiomes concur to hydrocarbon biodegradation, and was tested through three case studies, which collectively investigated two tree micro-habitats (phyllosphere and tree cavity organic soil-TCOS) under various conditions representing diverse ecological scenarios, by applying different culture-based and molecular techniques and at different scales. The integration of all results provided a more comprehensive understanding of the role of microbiomes in urban trees. Firstly, bacterial strains isolated from the phyllosphere of Quercus ilex were characterized, indicating the presence of Plant-Growth Promoting bacteria and strains able to catabolize PAHs, particularly naphthalene and phenanthrene. Secondly, naphthalene biodegradation on artificially spiked Hedera helix leaves was quantified in greenhouse experiments on inoculated and untreated plants. The persistence of the inoculated strain and community structure of epiphytic bacteria were assessed by Illumina sequencing of V5-V6 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Results showed that naphthalene degradation was initially faster on inoculated plants but later the degradation rates became similar, probably because bacterial populations with hydrocarbon-degrading abilities gradually developed also on non-inoculated plants. Finally, we explored bacterial and fungal biodiversity hosted by TCOS samples, collected from six large trees located in an urban park and belonging to different species. Microbial communities were characterized by Illumina sequencing of V5-V6 hypervariable regions of bacterial gene 16S rRNA and of fungal ITS1. Results indicated TCOS as a distinct substrate, whose microbiome is determined both by the host tree and by canopy environmental conditions and has a pronounced aerobic hydrocarbon degradation potential. Overall, a better assessment of biodiversity associated with trees and the subsequent provision of ecosystem services constitute a first step toward developing future new microbe-driven sustainable solutions, especially in terms of support for urban green planning and management policy.

Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Mechanisms of Ecosystem Service Supply–Demand Contradictions Under Urbanization

Clarifying the driving mechanisms of ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand under urbanization is of significant importance for urban ecological planning and management. However, how the balance of ES supply and demand and its driving mechanisms vary with the degree of urbanization has been little studied. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes and the correlations between ES supply and demand and the degree of urbanization in the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area (ZZMA) from 2000 to 2020 and further explored the driving mechanisms behind these changes. The results showed that, (1) between 2000 and 2020, the ZZMA experienced a deficit in comprehensive ES supply and demand, and regions with rapid urbanization development were more likely to trigger imbalances in ES supply and demand; (2) the spatial mismatch between low–high ES supply and demand was primarily distributed in the built-up areas of various cities, while the high–low spatial mismatch was mostly found in forest and grassland areas; (3) the comprehensive urbanization level of the ZZMA was spatially negatively correlated with the ratio of ES supply and demand. Regions with lower ES balance were more susceptible to disturbances caused by urbanization; (4) population density was the key factor influencing the supply and demand of carbon sequestration, oxygen release, water conservation, and food provision services, while the proportions of forest land and construction areas had the greatest influence on the supply and demand of air purification and leisure services. It is important to ensure the ecological status of the northwestern, southwestern, and central mountainous and forested areas; maintain the agricultural status of the main grain-producing areas in the eastern plains; strengthen ecological restoration and green infrastructure in built-up areas; and formulate differentiated management policies to promote the sustainable supply of ES and safeguard the ecological security of the region.

The Effect of Trading Volume Activity, Profitability and Solvability on Stock Returns

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of trading volume activity, profitability and solvency on stock returns. This study analyzed 122 samples of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2019-2022 period. The samples were selected through purposive sampling method and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results of the study indicate that trading volume activity has no effect on stock returns, profitability has a positive effect on stock returns and solvency has a negative effect on stock returns. The theoretical implications of this study are able to confirm the signal theory based on the hypothesis tests conducted. The practical implications of this study provide knowledge and can be used as consideration for companies regarding financial management policies and as considerations for investors regarding investment decision making

Geospatial Analysis of Malaria and Typhoid Prevalence Due to Waste Dumpsite Exposure in Kinshasa Districts with and Without Waste Services: A Case Study of Bandalungwa and Bumbu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management poses substantial challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas, with implications for both the environment and public health. This study focuses on the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, investigating whether the presence or absence of solid waste collection services results in varying health and economic impacts, and additionally, seeking to establish a correlation between residing in proximity to dumpsites and the prevalence of diseases like malaria and typhoid, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the health implications tied to waste exposure. Health data were collected through survey questionnaires, and the geospatial distribution of 19 dumpsites was analyzed using Google Earth Pro 7.3.1 for satellite imagery and GIS software 10.3.1 to map dumpsites and define 1 km buffer zones around the largest dumpsites for household sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using R Version 4.2.3, employing Chi-square tests for disease prevalence and logistic regression to assess associations between waste management practices and health outcomes. A multivariate regression was used to evaluate correlations between discomfort symptoms (e.g., nasal and eye irritation) and waste activities. The geospatial analysis revealed significant variation in dumpsite size and location, with larger dumpsites near water bodies and flood-prone areas. The study contributes valuable insights into waste-related health risks, emphasizing the need for improved waste management policies in rapidly urbanizing areas like Kinshasa. The socio-demographic analysis reveals distinct traits within the surveyed populations of two communes, Bandalungwa (Bandal) and Bumbu. Bumbu, characterized by larger open dumpsites and limited waste collection services, exhibits a higher prevalence of certain diseases, particularly typhoid fever, and malaria. This discrepancy is statistically significant (p < 2.2 × 10-16), suggesting a potential link between waste exposure and disease prevalence. In Bandal, self-waste collection is a high risk of exposure to typhoid (OR = 4.834 and p = 0.00001), but the implementation of a waste collection service shows protective effect (OR = 0.206 and p = 0.00001). The lack of waste collection services in Bumbu increases the risk of exposure, although not significantly (OR = 2.268 and p = 0.08). Key findings indicate that waste disposal methods significantly differ between Bandal and Bumbu. Bumbu's reliance on burning and dumping creates environments conducive to disease vectors, contributing to elevated disease transmission risks. However, an in-depth correlation analysis reveals that specific waste management practices, such as burning, burying, and open dumping, do not exhibit statistically significant associations with disease prevalence, underlining the complexity of disease dynamics. This study contributes valuable insights into the importance for urban public health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Kinshasa, where inadequate waste management exacerbates health risks. By investigating the correlation between proximity to unregulated dumpsites and the prevalence of diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever, the research underscores the urgent need for targeted waste management policies. The stark health disparities between Bandal, with better waste services, and Bumbu, where services are lacking, highlight the protective effect of organized waste collection. These findings suggest that expanding public waste services and enforcing stricter regulations on waste disposal could reduce disease prevalence in vulnerable areas. Additionally, the study supports integrating waste management into urban planning as a critical public health measure. Its evidence-based approach offers valuable insights for policymakers in Kinshasa and other cities facing similar challenges, emphasizing the broader health implications of environmental governance in urban settings.

IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE OWN GOODS MANAGEMENT IN COORDINATOR MINISTRY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE

Commitment and consistency in managing state property effectively are crucial for ensuring accountability. However, the management of state property across various government institutions is often not treated as a priority. This journal seeks to evaluate how well state property management policies are implemented within the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Using a qualitative research method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and literature review. Effective management of state property depends on the proper execution of policies, which, in turn, ensures accountability. The findings reveal that the implementation of state property management policies within the ministry has been consistent, particularly in the areas of needs planning, procurement, and administration. Nevertheless, there is a need for a stronger commitment to addressing certain technical aspects of management to further enhance policy effectiveness. Overall, while progress has been made, ongoing improvements are necessary to optimize state property management.

Holding Stakes in Water Management and Irrigation in Morocco : PIM policy Effects

The main policy reforms concerning irrigation management in Morocco over the last thirty years have been the introduction of mechanisms aimed at achieving financial autonomy of the Administration in charge of irrigation systems managemement -Offices Régionaux de Mise en Valeur Agricoles (ORMVA)- by applying appropriate water pricing and involvement of water users in the operation and maintenance of their irrigation systems, by transferring some responsibilities to water users' associations (AUEA). These policy reforms were presented by the World Bank projects (PAGI1 and PAGI 2) as crucial steps that Morocco should take to improve the productivity and sustainability of its irrigation sector. After more than thirty years, implementation of these reforms has been fraught with difficulties and many delays. Results and impacts are very timid and vague. The Moroccan GPI experience shows that an “ingredient” was missing to drive change. In fact, setting up new local organizations to participate in irrigation management and calls for new institutional arrangements to tackle the huge problems of moroccan large scale irrigation sector is not sufficient to drive change. A profound realistic thinking on irrigation governance and large concertation between water users are needed to meet the challenges of water scarcity, climate change and water security in the country. This article assesses the participation of Water Users' Associations (AUEA) established in Tadla irrigated scheme in Morocco. It reviews the contxt of adoption of the Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) policy in Morocco and re-examines the process of initiating and developing AUEAs in large irrigated perimeters, analyzing the specific case of the Beni Amir irrigation project. The questions of participatory planning and joint management are at the heart of our analysis.

Innovative reconstruction and evaluation of forest refinement datasets by combining multi-source data: A case study of Guangdong Province

The acquisition and monitoring of forest cover data are crucial for ecological protection, resource management, and climate change research. However, relying on a single data source provides limited data accuracy and does not adequately capture the forest structure and functional attributes. We combined six commonly land cover datasets and forest age, canopy height, above-ground biomass, and tree species distribution datasets to reconstruct 30 m spatially accurate forest refinement dataset (FRD) for Guangdong Province. In addition, the distribution characteristics of forest structure and function were evaluated using forest morphological spatial pattern analysis. The results show that the overall accuracy of FRD of the Guangdong Province in 2020 reached 86.07 %. Forest types in the Guangdong Province were mainly dominated by evergreen needle-leaf forests. Tsuga chinensis, Red cedar, and Pinus sylvestris were more commonly planted. Older and taller trees were found in northern and eastern Guangdong. In addition, forest above-ground biomass (AGB) was larger in the coastal areas of northern and western Guangdong. The core and perforation had the oldest age and the highest tree height, and the islet had the lowest for all forest structure and function indicators. Based on multi-source datasets, this study contributes to a better understanding of the attributes characterizing the structure and function of forests. The refined dataset and research framework will effectively enhance forest management efficiency and policy making, as well as provide case references for research on climate change response, forest conservation and biodiversity assessment.