Management Policies Research Articles

Does the European Union need a ‘Drought Directive’? A legal perspective

With global warming progressing, droughts are anticipated to increase in frequency in the European Union. However, under the current EU legal framework, they remain on the margin of water management policies. To adapt to changing natural conditions, the Member States should take a more proactive approach to drought mitigation. The policy options on how to accelerate such a transition encompass the continuation of reliance on soft-law guidances, the amendment of the Water Framework Directive or the adoption of a ‘European Drought Directive’ – a new, up-to-date, all-encompassing legal instrument. This paper analyses those policy options from a legal perspective. It also exposes problems and benefits they can bring if and when pursued. As the Water Framework Directive remains ‘fit for purpose’, the priority shall be given to updating existing soft-law guidances and their translation into all official EU languages. However, there are strong arguments in favour of future legislative reform. This paper submits that a more proactive approach would conform more fully to EU primary law. Nevertheless, irrespective of the chosen policy option, coordination of drought mitigation and measures under existing EU water legislation at the river basin district level must be ensured.

Exploration of understanding of impactibility analysis and application through workshops to inform model design for population health management policy: a qualitative assessment

ObjectivesAssess understanding of impactibility modelling definitions, benefits, challenges and approaches.DesignQualitative assessment.SettingTwo workshops were developed. Workshop 1 was to consider impactibility definitions and terminology through moderated open discussion, what the potential...

Healthcare Waste Management Policy in a lower-middle-income country: A case for the adoption of the RADICAL framework

The COVID-19 pandemic raised the salience of Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM). Various studies have shown that the level of HCWM in lower-middle-income countries falls below international standards and global best practice, indicating that the national policy on HCWM is either non-existent or has not been embedded in practice. The renewed salience affords an opportunity to revisit, update and embed the national policy on HCWM. In seizing this opportunity, the elemental thinking must change from a linear model to the complex adaptive model that takes account of the inter-relationships and contextual factors that could impede or facilitate implementation of the policy. These complexities account for the ‘policy-implementation gap’ associated with policy failure. This paper presents a framework that could be applied in developing, implementing, and monitoring the national HCWM policy in a lower-middle-income country. The integrative framework, identified by the acronym RADICAL, comprises the following domains in an integrated grid: Raise awareness; Apply formal quality improvement methods; Design for quality and safety: Involve stakeholders; Collect and Analyse pertinent data; Learn from shared experience. The pertinence of each domain to HCWM is described.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES LISTED IN NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

<p>Internal control systems involve various methods and measures the organisation takes to safeguard assets, accurately check financial reports, enhance operational efficiency and execute managerial policies to achieve their financial objectives. The study sought to determine how internal control systems influence the financial performance of Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of risk assessment, internal control environment and information and communication systems on the financial performance of the listed companies in NSE. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised 63 listed companies in NSE as of 30th June 2023. A sample of 39 companies was drawn from the target population using a stratified random sampling technique. The study used primary data collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results were presented using tables and charts. The study found that internal control systems positively and significantly influenced the financial performance of the listed companies in NSE. The study recommended that to improve the financial performance of these firms, the management needs to determine and implement the optimal combination of effective and efficient internal control mechanisms.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: G20; L10; L20; M10</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0737/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Research gaps and priorities for quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA).

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the need for more rapid and routine application of modeling approaches such as quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for protecting public health. QMRA is a transdisciplinary science dedicated to understanding, predicting, and mitigating infectious disease risks. To better equip QMRA researchers to inform policy and public health management, an Advances in Research for QMRA workshop was held to synthesize a path forward for QMRA research. We summarize insights from 41 QMRA researchers and experts to clarify the role of QMRA in risk analysis by (1) identifying key research needs, (2) highlighting emerging applications of QMRA; and (3) describing data needs and key scientific efforts to improve the science of QMRA. Key identified research priorities included using molecular tools in QMRA, advancing dose-response methodology, addressing needed exposure assessments, harmonizing environmental monitoring for QMRA, unifying a divide between disease transmission and QMRA models, calibrating and/or validating QMRA models, modeling co-exposures and mixtures, and standardizing practices for incorporating variability and uncertainty throughout the source-to-outcome continuum. Cross-cutting needs identified were to: develop a community of research and practice, integrate QMRA with other scientific approaches, increase QMRA translation and impacts, build communication strategies, and encourage sustainable funding mechanisms. Ultimately, a vision for advancing the science of QMRA is outlined for informing national to global health assessments, controls, and policies.

Investigating the Components of Perceived Risk Factors Affecting Mobile Payment Adoption

As smartphone ownership rapidly expands, mobile payment options are gaining popularity due to the portability and convenience they offer. This study examines attitudes towards adopting mobile payment, focusing on the component risk, which consists of multiple dimensions including performance, financial, time, psychological, and social risks. The study uses a quantitative approach, collecting data through a survey distributed to mobile payment users, with 361 respondents in the United States. The survey instrument includes measures of performance and psychological risk, as well as attitudes towards mobile payment acceptance. Data analysis using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 24.0 reveals that both performance and psychological risk significantly negatively impact attitudes towards mobile payment acceptance, underscoring the importance of mobile payment service providers implementing effective risk management policies to improve users’ positive attitudes towards their platforms.

Dynamics changes of coastal aquaculture ponds based on the Google Earth Engine in Jiangsu Province, China

Monitoring the spatiotemporal variation in coastal aquaculture zones is essential to providing a scientific basis for formulating scientifically reasonable land management policies. This study uses the Google Earth Engine (GEE) remote sensing cloud platform to extract aquaculture information based on Landsat series and Sentinel-2 images for the six years of 1984 to 2021 (1984, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2016 and 2021), so as to analyze the changes in the coastal aquaculture pond area, along with its spatiotemporal characteristics, of Jiangsu Province. The overall area of coastal aquaculture ponds in Jiangsu shows an increasing trend in the early period and a decreasing trend in the later period. Over the past 37 years, the area of coastal aquaculture ponds has increased by a total of 54,639.73 ha. This study can provide basic data for the sustainable development of coastal aquaculture in Jiangsu, and a reference for related studies in other regions.

Assessing Economic Development and Quality of Life: A Management Perspective on Romania and the Republic of Moldova

This article presents a comparative analysis focusing on the economic dimensions of quality of life and explores the factors influencing economic growth and well-being between two countries located in Eastern Europe: Romania—an EU member state since 2007, and Moldova—an EU candidate status since June 2022. By examining statistical data, we assess the relationship between economic growth and development, aiming to discern patterns and dynamics within these countries’ economies. Through this comparative approach, we aim to elucidate how economic factors contribute to societal welfare and living standards. The study underscores the significance of economic management policies and structural reforms in fostering growth and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. By focusing on the economic landscapes of Romania and Moldova, we aim to offer insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by transitioning economies in Eastern Europe, shedding light on strategies for sustainable development and improved well-being.

Using proxy data and vegetation modelling to predict past, current and future distributional shifts of Butea monosperma, a marker of land degradation in India

Extensive deviations in spatio-temporal social and environmental dynamics currently alter the health of ecosystems and the services they provide. Detecting the causes that contribute to the distribution of a natural forest species capable of restoring the lost ecosystem function and productivity will aid in determining better food security, livelihoods and provision of ecosystem goods and services. We modelled the spatial range of Butea monosperma (B. monosperma) under past, that is, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Middle Holocene (MH), current and future (2070) climatic scenarios with Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) trained on present-day occurrences. We identified areas of suitable habitats for which the estimation of habitat stability is predicted in all the models at different times. To validate the inferred suitable habitat, we tested the model by the current occurrence and fossil pollen data of B. monosperma. Our distribution models agree with the fossil pollen records for the MH (4,500–7,000 yr BP) and predict the prevalence of B. monosperma covering 84.22% of the Indian subcontinent with maximum habitat stability in western and southwestern India (10.95%). The widespread potential distribution of the plant species during the LGM supports the presence of the last remnants of tropical dry deciduous forest in the region. However, a decline in habitat suitability (62.84%) is predicted under current and future climatic scenarios with maximum stability (0.90%–3.09%) along the Western Ghats, Nilgiri hills, Gir range in the western India and north-eastern region covering the Assam Valley and foothills of Tripura and Mizo hills. Temperature seasonality (33.6%) measured in terms of variable contribution in MaxEnt model significantly affects the distribution shift of B. monosperma, along with annual precipitation (22.8%) and annual mean temperature (16.2%). Model results provide evidence of habitat reduction and identify the stability hotspots for B. monosperma for its conservation and establishment of land management policies mainly for the dry tropics.

LITERACY IN THE BRAZILIAN SCENARIO: (RE)CONFIGURATIONS

This article discusses literacy in the Brazilian educational scenario as a field of contradictions and reconfigurations. The 1980s was chosen as a time frame, as it represented a moment of great social, academic, and political turmoil in the country, which enabled the management of different public literacy policies. (SOARES, 2003; MORTATTI, 2000; SMOLKA, 2018; KLEIMAN, 2015). The proposition of this article is justified by the need to problematize how these discourses and practices reflect contradictions and reconfigurations in the field of literacy, and the different ways in which the actors who participate in it can see themselves (or not) in this process. It is inspired by the principles of documentary research, and it chooses the following categories: theoretical foundations in literacy and indications of public literacy policies.

Healthcare Service Providers’ Perspectives on Sociocultural Aspects Affecting Weight Management Activities Amongst People with Obesity in Taiwan—A Qualitative Study

The prevalence of obesity and morbid obesity in Taiwan has risen sharply in recent decades, as in other parts of the world, necessitating urgent action to prevent and curb its detrimental effects. Asian populations are susceptible to the repercussions of obesity at a lower body weight. A higher BMI is associated with more frequent outpatient visits, in-hospital admissions, higher medical costs, and a lower quality of life. However, effective weight management approaches are unlikely to be maintained in the long term without assimilation into daily lifestyle practices. This qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews with 14 doctors, dieticians, and nurses who work to control the weight of people with obesity, explored and identified multilevel barriers in the context of daily life to improve the efficacy and execution of weight management strategies. They considered diets, physical activity, and sleep as key weight management activities. The cultural and psychosocial aspects of daily life were observed to have an impact upon weight management, particularly family conflicts due to cultural dynamics and socially and culturally reinforced food practices. To improve population weight, less-recognised aspects need to be addressed alongside the inclusion of mental health specialists in weight management protocols and policy interventions to minimise obesogenic practices and create environments conducive to weight management.

Simulation Study on Student Residential Energy Use Behaviors: A Case Study of University Dormitories in Sichuan, China

Studying the energy use behavior of occupants is crucial for accurately predicting building energy consumption. However, few studies have considered the impact of occupant behaviors on energy consumption in university dormitories. The objective of this study is to establish an agent-based model of energy consumption for university dormitories based on energy use behavior. The dormitories of a typical university in Sichuan, China, were subdivided into three clusters using a two-step cluster analysis. Subsequently, the energy use behaviors of occupants in each type of dormitory were characterized to establish a stochastic energy use behavior model. On the basis of the above, NETLOGO was used to construct an agent-based model for dormitories’ energy consumption to dynamically simulate energy use behavior. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the simulated values with the measured data. Finally, a building-energy-friendly retrofit scheme was proposed, and it was found that the optimized dormitory reduced energy consumption by 16.07%. Therefore, the results can provide information support for energy-saving decisions during the early design and retrofit phases of buildings. With the popularity of centralized supply, the research methodology may provide an extensive reference for energy management policies and sustainable strategies in the building sector.

Motorized Insurance with Group of Data Analysis

Storing a policy of commercial and non-commercial vehicles. So, the policies are generated from different kind of authorized companies. In these applications the branch master can analyse what is the status of issued policies. The analysis is depended on issued data policy, starting date, ending date of policy and also to manage the next intent policies, so far a kind of activities in branches are handled by excels and paper work by this work, lakh of data losing and had problem with filter of existing customers. This application is based on web technology, we have one more portal for collect number of information of vehicles and insurance companies. Storing and accessing essential information related to insurance policies, including policy holder details, coverage terms, and effective data. This module serves as a reference point for users to quickly retrieve policy- specific information.In addition to the core modules focused on insurance policy management, our student project includes a Renewal Date Reminder module to ensure timely renewal of policies on an annual basis. The Renewal Date Reminder module is designed to streamline the renewal process and mitigate the risk of policy lapses by proactively notifying policyholders and administrators of upcoming renewal deadlines. Prior to the renewal date, the system generates personalized notifications to remind policyholders of the impending deadline. These notifications can be sent via email, SMS, or through the system's dashboard, depending on user preferences.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RELATIVE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMS TOWARDS SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

This study aims to investigate solid waste management programs and policies implemented to promote a safe and healthy school environment in Anao-Kiling Elementary School, Roxas, Isabela. Fifty internal and 30 external stakeholders served as respondents of the study. This research uses a descriptive-normative approach to assess stakeholders' awareness, implementation levels, and challenges. The data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed through statistical tools such as percentages, weighted means, ANOVA, Chi-Square C-Test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed that there is a high level of awareness among respondents regarding the policies of segregation, reduction, reuse, and recycling. However, challenges remain regarding waste disposal, showing the need for improvements in the overall implementation of the program and advocacy efforts. In addition, the level of stakeholder participation varied, with composting of biodegradable waste showing the highest level of implementation. Internal stakeholders experienced excessive waste, whereas external stakeholders experienced problems such as a lack of time. There was a significant relationship between existing programs, dissemination, and implementation levels. However, the respondents' perceptions and their profile variables did not show a significant correlation. Conclusions emphasize stakeholder representation, adequate dissemination of program information, and the need for targeted solutions to address implementation challenges. As a result of this study, holistic waste management strategies are crucial to creating a sustainable and healthy educational environment.

Motivating supervisors during disability accommodation: a comprehensive examination on job demand and resources theories

PurposeThis study develops and tests a comprehensive model that examines whether dimensions of supervisors’ job demands and resources influence their work motivation through their job strain levels while managing disability accommodation (DA).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model leverages the assumptions of established job demand and resources theories, including demand-ability fit, job demand-control, job demand-control-support, and effort-reward balance models. Then, we tested with the quantitative data from 335 British, Canadian, American, Australian, Dutch, and German supervisors with recent DA experience.FindingsThis study found support for the proposed model. Job control and social support directly affected work motivation, while job strain did not mediate the relationship between job control and social support and work motivation. The results suggest that employers looking to improve the likelihood of DA success should focus on providing adequate job control, social support, and rewards to supervisors responsible for accommodating employees with disabilities.Practical implicationsThis research enhances our understanding of how additional DA responsibilities impact supervisors and aids in the development of effective DA management policies and interventions, providing robust support for practitioners.Originality/valueThis study contributes to extending the DA literature by testing the applicability of different theoretical models to explain the effect of the additional DA responsibility on supervisors’ job demand, strain, and motivation levels and identify the resources to mitigate them.

Recommendations of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women: A methodological survey

Objective: This study described and analysed key recommendations from Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) concerning urinary incontinence (UI) treatment in women. Materials and methods: We carried out searches in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, among others. The reviewers, in duplicate and independently, selected the documents and extracted the data. The quality assessment of the guidelines was carried out, in triplicate, using the Appraisal of Guidelines REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. Results: Six CPGs were selected for analysis. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) is the primary treatment for UI, with adjunctive therapies (biofeedback, vaginal cones, dynamic lumbopelvic stabilisation, and electrical stimulation) recommended alongside PFMT. Discrepancies among CPG were noted in recommendations for drug treatments and invasive procedures, suggesting the need for individualised approaches. When conservative non-pharmacological treatments failed, drugs are recommended. Mid-urethral slings were endorsed, with alternatives like colposuspension or autologous rectus fascial slings considered when mid-urethral slings were unsuitable. Botulinum toxin type A was suggested for urge UI patients unresponsive to conservative therapy. Conclusion: UI treatment must prioritise the conservative non-pharmacological therapies and progressing to invasive options, as necessary. These evidence-based findings aim to guide patients, healthcare professionals, and policy managers in effectively managing UI. Level of evidence: Not applicable

Economic globalization-energy diversification nexus and implications for environmental management in China

Every nation on earth has the responsibility to implement effective environmental management measures for sustainable environmental quality. In doing so, this study scrutinizes the relationship between economic globalisation and energy diversification in the Chinese economy from 1995 to 2022 for designing and implanting policies for environmental management. It uses industrialization, foreign direct investment, foreign remittances, and information & communication technology as supplementary factors into augmented energy diversification demand function. This empirical analysis shows cointegration between the variables, with economic globalisation positively impacting energy diversification. Factors such as foreign direct investment, foreign remittances, and information & communication technology contribute to energy diversity. However, industrialization has an adverse relationship with energy diversification. The relationship forms an inverted-U shaped between economic globalization and energy diversification. Our causality analysis indicates that economic globalization positively causes energy diversification. This study also reveals a reciprocal and beneficial cause-and-effect association between foreign direct investment and energy diversification. Lastly, foreign remittances and information & communication technologies positively cause energy diversification.

Individual-Related Factors Influencing Adherence to Hazardous Waste Management Policy Frameworks among Health Workers in Private Hospitals in Nairobi County – Kenya

Purpose: This study, therefore, sought to investigate the individual related factors influencing the adherence to hazardous waste management guidelines among healthcare workers in 4 selected hospitals in Nairobi County Kenya. From the population of 900 healthcare workers from 4 levels 4 facilities, random sampling was applied to identify the 90 respondents. Methodology: Data analysis and reporting was done using appropriate quantitative methods. Findings: The findings from this study show that the level of contribution of individual related factors towards adherence to hazardous waste management policies among healthcare workers in private level four hospitals in Nairobi County is low. Despite the high level of awareness by the health workers on the important measures of collection, segregation, treatment, transportation and disposal of waste, the level of performance on the same is low. This is greatly attributable to negligence and unfavorable attitude towards healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the study findings, we would recommend the improvement of individual related factors on hazardous waste management among healthcare workers.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Hazardous Waste Management Policy Frameworks among Health Workers in Private Hospitals in Nairobi County – Kenya

Purpose: This study, therefore, sought to investigate the factors influencing the adherence to hazardous waste management guidelines among healthcare workers in private hospitals in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study included; determining the level of adherence to proper HCWM practices among health workers, identifying the individual related factors that influence adherence to proper HCWM practices among health workers, and identifying the health facility-related (institutional) factors that influence adherence to proper HCWM practices in 4 selected hospitals in Nairobi County Kenya. From the population of 900 healthcare workers from 4 levels 4 facilities, random sampling was applied to identify the 90 respondents. Methodology: Data analysis and reporting was done using appropriate quantitative methods. Findings: The findings from this study show that the level of adherence to hazardous waste management policies among healthcare workers in private level four hospitals in Nairobi County is low. Despite the high level of awareness by the health workers on the important measures of collection, segregation, treatment, transportation and disposal of waste, the level of performance on the same is low. This is greatly attributable to negligence and unfavorable attitude towards healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the study findings, we would recommend the improvement of hazardous waste management efficiency.

CM group calls on SAMHSA to rescind $75 cap

This month, the Contingency Management Policy Group (CMPG) headed by H. Westley Clark, M.D., issued a statement calling on the federal government to rescind the $75 limit on what can be paid per year to patients being treated for substance use disorder. Contingency management is the only effective treatment for stimulant use disorders, involving payment for negative drug tests, but it doesn't work unless the dollar figure is much higher.