Multi-year Plans Research Articles

Equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian colleges: examining definitions and unveiling perceptions

ABSTRACT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) through strategic policy development has been at the forefront of institutional change, especially within the higher education sector. Canadian colleges have a large equity-seeking student population due to their open admission structure, but despite this, there are implicit biases and actions that impede students’ learning experience. Limited literature exists around how Canadian colleges have approached EDI policy development; thus, this paper initiates the unpacking of the evident policy – practice disconnect by asking: ‘How do colleges understand equity, diversity, and inclusion as articulated in policy documents?’ To address this, the study employs Critical Policy Analysis (CPA) as its main research method to deconstruct the narratives found within purposefully sampled documents including: 1) EDI policies and procedure; 2) institutional multi-year strategic plans; and 3) EDI-based plans and performance reports. Results indicate that colleges tend to be selective in their usage of EDI definitions. There is also a tendency to use ambiguous language around EDI, which makes it difficult to mobilise knowledge effectively and approach equity directly. Policies often fail to address the privileges held by certain positionalities, reinforcing existing power structures rather than challenging them. The significance of this research is in its contribution to enhancing a theoretical understanding of how knowledge supports policy, as well as informing the future development of constructive EDI policies in higher educational institutions.

The rising cost of servicing public debt: challenges for fiscal policy in a crisis environment

The study is devoted to the challenges for the fiscal policies of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, resulting from the strong growth of public debt and its servicing costs under the conditions of the pandemic and war shocks. The purpose of the study is to answer the questions: i) what factors caused the sharp increase in sovereign debt yields? ii) is there a correlation between the degree of implementation of sound economic governance (SEG) principles and the cost of servicing sovereign debt? ii) how strong was the response of the sovereign deficit and debt to the shocks caused by the pandemic and war in Ukraine? iii) does the rising cost of servicing debt threaten the sustainability of public finances? v) do the adopted SEG principles remain relevant during periods of shocks? The study covered the 6 largest economies in this part of Europe, i.e. Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, and Slovakia, but its results apply indirectly to many other countries. The results were confronted with a plan for reforming the EU’s economic governance system in order to identify the fundamental challenges facing the countries studied in this context. On the basis of the study, recommendations were put forward for shaping the assumptions of the state debt management strategy and multi-year financial plans.

Financial resources applied to artisanal fishing and aquaculture programs between 2013 and 2022 in the state of Pará: lost decade?

This article analyzed the physical and financial goals (forecasted and accomplished) of the Programs aimed at Fishing and Aquaculture of 03 Multi-Year Plans (PPAs) of the state of Pará in 12 Integration Regions (I.R.) between 2013 and 2022, taking only the actual values used by the Programs in these Axes are taken into account, and not the values paid by them. Of the 03 Programs found - Sustainable Development Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture (DESUPA – 2012 to 2015); Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Program (AGROPECP - 2016 to 2019) and Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Program (AGRIPECPA - 2020 to 2023), DESUPA was the only specific program for fishing and aquaculture activities, allocating 100% resources to the respective activities and presenting a higher number of actions However, AGRIPECPA carried out the lowest number of actions and the largest investment in Fisheries and Aquaculture. I.R. Guajará presented the largest investment between 2012 and 2022, and Lago de Tucuruí, the smallest. To date, there is no planning for Artisanal Fishing and Aquaculture – despite being socially and economically relevant –consistent with the importance of both generating employment and income and combating hunger in the state of Pará as they received smaller investments from all Programs from 2013 to 2022 than other rural activities, demonstrating that both are not yet considered priority activities for state sustainable development.

Comparative study of the programs and actions on fisheries and aquaculture, based on three PPAS in the state of Pará

The present study analyzed the scarce data available to date from the fishing and aquaculture sectors in the twelve Integration Regions of the state of Pará, which may serve in the future as a subsidy for the development of public policies for sustainable growth, management and administration of fishing and aquaculture. This scientific contribution analyzed the main State Government Programs included in the Multi-Year Plans that cover Fisheries and Aquaculture from 2013 to 2022, contextualizing their respective Actions (planned and carried out) with the Federal and State Laws, which deal respectively with the National Policy for Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries and Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy in the state of Pará.

Improving global health security through implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security in Sierra Leone, 2018–2021: lessons from the field

BackgroundAll countries are required to implement International Health Regulations (IHR) through development and implementation of multi-year National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS). IHR implementation requires annual operational planning which involves several tools such as NAPHS, State Party Annual Report (SPAR), Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and WHO IHR Benchmarks tool. Sierra Leone has successfully improved IHR capacities across the years through successful annual operational planning using the above tools. We conducted a study to document and share the country’s unique approach to implementation of NAPHS.MethodsThis was an observational study where the process of implementing and monitoring NAPHS in Sierra Leone was observed at the national level from 2018 to 2021. Data was obtained through review and analysis of NAPHS annual operational plans, quarterly review reports and annual IHR assessment reports. Available data was supplemented by information from key informants. Qualitative data was captured as notes and analysed for various themes while quantitative data was analyzed mainly for means and proportions.ResultsThe overall national IHR Joint External Evaluation self-assessment score for human health improved from 44% in 2018 to 51% in 2019 and 57% in 2020. The score for the animal sector improved from 32% in 2018 to 43% in 2019 and 52% in 2020. A new JEE tool with new indicators was used in 2021 and the score for both human and animal sectors declined slightly to 51%. Key enablers of success included strong political commitment, whole-of-government approach, annual assessments using JEE tool, annual operational planning using WHO IHR Benchmarks tool and real time online monitoring of progress. Key challenges included disruption created by COVID-19 response, poor health infrastructure, low funding and inadequate health workforce.ConclusionIHR annual operational planning and implementation using evidence-based data and tools can facilitate strengthening of IHR capacity and should be encouraged.

Strategic Action for the Development of Social Impact Businesses: Evidence from Brazilian Amazon

This research sought to understand how governments of the nine states that make up the Brazilian Amazon plan to act strategically to develop social impact businesses. From the analysis of the Multi-Year Plans 2020-2023 and through qualitative research with content analysis, we identified that all state governments of the Brazilian Amazon consider in some way the relationship with social impact businesses as a strategy for the development of various themes. 47 passages identified are related to 14 thematic areas (economy; social development; work, employment, and income; science, technology, and innovation; family agriculture; integrated development; agribusiness; regional development; health; planning, budget, and management; fishing; partnerships; industrial development; and, culture, sports, and leisure) and 5 organizational formats (solidarity economy enterprises; collective entrepreneurship; solidary economy; associations; and cooperatives) that have collectivism and solidarity in common. A relational model of the strategic action of the state governments of the Brazilian Amazon through social impact businesses indicates the predictability of strategic initiatives for the development of this kind of business.

A Comprehensive Evaluation Study for the Maintenance Management System of Roadways: A Review

Pavement infrastructure is essential and must be protected with limited resources. For decades, industrialized nations have used Pavement Management Systems (PMS) and pavement distress assessment to examine network and project-level pavement conditions. Pavement condition models can anticipate pavement degradation, schedule maintenance, and create multi-year rehabilitation plans based on historical data. Pavement condition surveys are done annually or biannually to calibrate pavement condition models and reduce network maintenance costs. This study highlights road system deficiencies to meet traffic demand, improper systematic methods of maintaining networks, budget constraints for decision makers, deficiencies in road geometrics, poor construction and maintenance practices, the need for proper planning and resource management, and improper planning. The technique comprises a theoretical element of PMS and a review of performance evaluation studies. A PMS lets users export data in an easy-to-understand manner, helping them manage their roadways better. Manual pavement distress surveys need certified raters.

Impact of multiyear rate plans on power distributor productivity: Evidence from Alberta

Multiyear rate plans (“MRPs”) are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional utility ratemaking in North America. Rate cases are less frequent, and an attrition relief mechanism (“ARM”) escalates revenue between rate cases on some basis other than the utility’s contemporaneous cost growth. An approach to ARM design has developed in North America that is based on price and productivity indexing. Evidence filed in support of indexed ARMs frequently includes studies of the efficiency of subject utilities. Stronger utility performance incentives are a theoretical advantage of MRPs but few empirical studies have quantified this advantage. A proceeding in Alberta, where indexed ARMs are used, has yielded evidence that MRPs can accelerate utility productivity growth.

Multi-year rate plans are better than traditional ratemaking: Not so fast

Utility regulators should ask themselves the basic question: What constitutes good public utility regulation? Regulatory experts generally agree that advancing the public interest is synonymous with high economic efficiency, fairness to all stakeholders, and reasonable regulatory costs. Ratemaking is the basic regulatory tool for achieving those outcomes.One rate mechanism, multiyear rate plans (MRPs), when well-structured and executed, has the ability to perform better than traditional (rate-of-return) ratemaking. Many economists and regulatory practitioners would agree with this assessment. On the other hand, poorly structured MRPs can perform worse. For example, structuring MRP to appease certain stakeholders or for political purposes can compromise its performance to serve the public interest. Regulators also face the inherent problem of having inadequate information to make good decisions, irrespective of the rate mechanism applied.Utilities hoping to get regulatory approval of a proposed MRP can improve their chances by demonstrating that it will enhance the well-being of their customers. The relevant question for regulators is whether an MRP would. The answer is not so apparent, as this essay argues.

City-Heat Equity Adaptation Tool (City-HEAT): Multi-objective optimization of environmental modifications and human heat exposure reductions for urban heat adaptation under uncertainty

Rising global temperatures and the urban heat island effect can amplify heat-related health risks to urban residents. Cities are considering various heat adaptation actions to improve public health, enhance social equity, and cope with future conditions beyond past experience. We present the City-Heat Equity Adaptation Tool (City-HEAT), which suggests optimal investments for mitigating urban heat and reducing health impacts through modifications of built (cool roofs/pavements) and natural (urban afforestation) environments and reductions of people's heat exposure (cooling centers). The optimization considers multiple public health and social objectives under a wide range of future scenarios. An application to Baltimore, MD (USA) demonstrates how City-HEAT can generate Pareto-efficient multi-year heat adaptation plans. We quantify effectiveness-efficiency-equity tradeoffs among alternative plans and show the advantages of flexible decision-making. City-HEAT can be adapted to the natural, built, and social environments of other cities to support their urban heat adaptation planning, recognizing local objectives and uncertainty.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Vaccination Cost Estimates in Burkina Faso.

Simple SummaryPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) causes high mortality in sheep and goats leading to negative social, cultural, and economic impacts on farmers who keep small ruminants. Since 2019, Burkina Faso has been implementing a national strategy to eliminate PPR. After two years of mass vaccination of small ruminants with significant resources invested, very little is known about the cost of vaccination and how it is distributed along with the different nodes of the vaccine distribution chain. This study aimed to fill this gap to inform decision-making in the allocation of the limited resources that are available. The results show that the cost of vaccination of a small ruminant is XOF 169 (USD 0.3) and XOF 103 (USD 0.18) if the vaccination is carried out by public and private vaccinators, respectively. Field activities and personnel bear the highest cost share. These results will inform a better resource allocation to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of small ruminants vaccination against PPR.Every year the government organizes country-wide vaccination campaigns targeting peste des petits ruminants (PPR) for small ruminants (sheep and goats). Despite the heavy investment in vaccination, no study has either rigorously estimated or described the cost of vaccine delivery. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing and describing the cost of delivery of vaccines against PPR using the 2020 vaccination campaign data. The microcosting approach based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to construct comprehensive multiyear plans (cMYP) for human immunization programs was used. The cost data is presented for the public and private vaccine delivery channels separately and analyzed using three approaches considering activity lines, inputs, and nature of cost (fixed versus variable). Results show that the unit cost of vaccinating a sheep or goat is estimated at XOF 169 (USD 0.3) and XOF 103 (USD 0.18) through the public and private channels, respectively. Using the activity line framework, we found that the field activities including charges for vaccinator, cost of vaccination materials, and field transportation account for more than 50% of the vaccination cost. In terms of inputs, the personnel cost is the most significant contributor with 65%. Fixed costs are higher in the public sector with up to 46% compared to the private sector which is estimated to take 26% of the cost. This study informs veterinary services’ investment decision options for a better allocation of resources in implementing PPR and other small ruminant disease control efforts in Burkina Faso and the Sahel.

Malnutrition-related conditions and interventions in US state/territorial Older Americans Act aging plans

BackgroundFactors that decrease independence and increase morbidity must be reduced to improve the nutrition, health, and other challenges confronting older adults. In the United States (US), the Older Americans Act (OAA) requires each state/territory develop multi-year aging plans for spending federal funds that foster healthy aging (including support of congregate/home delivered meals programs) and separately requires grant applications for nutrition service programs supporting older Native Americans. Malnutrition (particularly protein-energy undernutrition), sarcopenia, frailty, and obesity can all result in disability but are potentially changeable. The study goal was to collect baseline information on mentions of these malnutrition-related conditions and interventions that address them in US state/territorial OAA program multi-year aging plans.MethodsOAA program multi-year aging plans available on the ADvancing States website in February 2021 (n = 52) were searched for number of mentions of defined nutrition terms including malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, obesity, and whether terms were included in plans’ goals/objectives, strategies/actions, or solely in the narrative.ResultsMalnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, and obesity were mentioned infrequently in US state/territorial OAA program multi-year aging plans. 33% of plans mentioned malnutrition but only 8% as goals/objectives and 15% as strategies/actions. 62% mentioned frailty; 6% (goals/objectives), 15% (strategies/actions). None mentioned sarcopenia whereas in contrast, 21% mentioned obesity; 2% (goals/objectives), 2% (strategies/actions). Nutrition intervention mentions were nearly nil. There were no significant differences in frequency of term mentions by US region or by states with higher percentages of older adults or obese adults.ConclusionsClearly specifying definitions of malnutrition-related conditions and incorporating them into measurable goals/objectives, defined strategies/actions, and outcomes may help improve future state/territorial OAA program multi-year aging plans to better support healthy aging.

Integrated Analysis of Municipal Master Plans and Multi-Year Plans in Light of Solid Waste Management: A Study Applied to the Southwestern Paraná State

Purpose: The objective was to evaluate public policies related to municipal solid waste management in the southwest region of Paraná from an integrated analysis of municipal master plans and multi-annual plans. Method/design/approach: The research is methodologically supported by the bibliographic and documentary analysis of secondary data, mainly from the Master Plans and Municipal Pluriannual Plans of the analysed municipalities and was developed in three phases: the first exploratory phase; the second descriptive, and finally, the third analytical phase. Results and conclusion: The results showed that references were found in the master plans that can contribute to the implementation of integrated solid waste management together with urban planning, mainly from an environmental perspective. In all PPAs there were budget programs aimed at solid waste management, which is within the environmental dimension. Research implications: The research demonstrate the need to align budget and planning instruments to ensure that public policies are effective and are in line with the assumptions of national policies. Originality/value: A method of integrated analysis of budgetary instruments and municipal planning applied to waste management is presented, but which can be replicated in other areas. In addition, it contributes to the discussion of socio-environmental management practices in the municipalities and their alignment with the dimensions of sustainable development.

MODEL FOR PREVENTING TISSUE INJURY IN THE PROCESS OF ATHLETE TRAINING

ABSTRACT Introduction: The topic of preventing tissue damage during sports is a heavily debated one. Uncovering factors related to sports injuries is essential to deal with this issue. Objective: To analyze the causes of athletes’ sports injuries, providing a theoretical basis for reducing the occurrence of sports injuries and increasing the success rate of athletes. Methods: This article uses statistical methods to investigate and analyze the causes of athletes’ sports injuries. Results: Four important factors lead to athletes’ sports injuries: poor physical fitness, inadequate warm-up activities, incorrect techniques, and excessive loads. Conclusion: Coaches should systematically prepare multi-year training plans, step by step, and pay attention to long-term effects. This is the only way athletes can achieve their best performance at the appropriate age. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

An exponential chaotic differential evolution algorithm for optimizing bridge maintenance plans

Bridges are one of the fundamental infrastructure assets that are vital for economic growth and public welfare. Over the past few decades, the numbers of deteriorating bridges have drastically escalated raising concerns for serviceable, safe and functional transportation networks. This state of affairs poses a paramount challenge especially when coupled with the need to address social and environmental constraints. Accordingly, this current research paper proposes an automated three-component model for bridge maintenance optimization at both project and network levels. The first component aims at identifying the physical characteristics of the tackled bridge inventory. The second component encompasses designing a multi-objective optimization model to determine the optimal set of maintenance plans through four principal objective functions. These functions comprise maximization of performance condition of bridge elements, minimization of agency and user costs, minimization of duration of traffic disruption and minimization of environmental impact. In the multi-objective optimization model, an exponential chaotic differential evolution (ECDE) algorithm is introduced in an attempt to circumvent the drawbacks of convergence speed and search behavior of classical meta-heuristics. The third component combines criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC), complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) and grey relational analysis (GRA) to select the most optimum maintenance plan for each study period. Comparison results revealed that ECDE-based Sinusoidal algorithm managed to improve the performance diagnostics of classical meta-heuristics by values ranged from 49.2% to 73.1% over the multi-year maintenance plans. The results of benchmark test functions exemplified that ECDE-based Sinusoidal algorithm performed better than genetic and differential evolution algorithms by 114.2% and 79.5%, respectively. The developed integrated model is expected to assist infrastructure managers in executing optimized and sustainable maintenance budget plans within various planning scenarios.

Do State Agency on Aging Strategic Plans Include Terms Related to Malnutrition?

Demand for federal nutrition assistance programs is increasing as the older population grows and further accelerated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adult nutrition programs are based on federal nutrition guidelines that have traditionally focused on healthy populations, yet many older adults have multiple chronic conditions/advanced age. Some guidelines are changing; the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize older adults’ risk for malnutrition and also need for adequate protein to prevent lean muscle loss with age. The 2020 Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization included reduction of malnutrition in OAA’s official purpose and added program participant screening for malnutrition. The OAA requires State Agencies on Aging submit multiyear strategic plans to receive program funding, but it is unknown how the plans address risks for malnutrition, including overweight, underweight, and muscle loss (sarcopenia/frailty). We searched 51 State Agency on Aging strategic plans posted at advancingstates.org to determine their frequency of mentioning nutrition, malnutrition/underweight/undernutrition, obesity/overweight, frail/frailty, sarcopenia, and dietary supplements/oral nutrition supplements (DS/ONS)/meal replacements. Every state plan included nutrition but less than a third included malnutrition. There was wide variability in how nutrition and malnutrition were incorporated into state goals and strategies. Very few plans included obesity, frailty, and DS/ONS terms; none included sarcopenia. Although there has been some movement, there is need for many State Agencies on Aging plans to address all aspects of malnutrition including overweight, underweight/other factors related to muscle loss (sarcopenia/frailty) that adversely impact healthy aging. Wide disparities in plan structure/use of terms create opportunities for more common approaches/definitions.

Estimating total spending by source of funding on routine and supplementary immunisation activities in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: a financial modelling study

SummaryBackgroundChildhood immunisation is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. However, despite its known value, global access to vaccines remains far from complete. Although supply-side constraints lead to inadequate vaccine coverage in many health systems, there is no comprehensive analysis of the funding for immunisation. We aimed to fill this gap by generating estimates of funding for immunisation disaggregated by the source of funding and the type of activities in order to highlight the funding landscape for immunisation and inform policy making.MethodsFor this financial modelling study, we estimated annual spending on immunisations for 135 low-income and middle-income countries (as determined by the World Bank) from 2000 to 2017, with a focus on government, donor, and out-of-pocket spending, and disaggregated spending for vaccines and delivery costs, and routine schedules and supplementary campaigns. To generate these estimates, we extracted data from National Health Accounts, the WHO–UNICEF Joint Reporting Forms, comprehensive multi-year plans, databases from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's 2019 development assistance for health database. We estimated total spending on immunisation by aggregating the government, donor, prepaid private, and household spending estimates.FindingsBetween 2000 and 2017, funding for immunisation totalled US$112·4 billion (95% uncertainty interval 108·5–118·5). Aggregated across all low-income and middle-income countries, government spending consistently remained the largest source of funding, providing between 60·0% (57·7–61·9) and 79·3% (73·8–81·4) of total immunisation spending each year (corresponding to between $2·5 billion [2·3–2·8] and $6·4 billion [6·0–7·0] each year). Across income groups, immunisation spending per surviving infant was similar in low-income and lower-middle-income countries and territories, with average spending of $40 (38–42) in low-income countries and $42 (39–46) in lower-middle-income countries, in 2017. In low-income countries and territories, development assistance made up the largest share of total immunisation spending (69·4% [64·6–72·0]; $630·2 million) in 2017. Across the 135 countries, we observed higher vaccine coverage and increased government spending on immunisation over time, although in some countries, predominantly in Latin America and the Caribbean and in sub-Saharan Africa, vaccine coverage decreased over time, while spending increased.InterpretationThese estimates highlight the progress over the past two decades in increasing spending on immunisation. However, many challenges still remain and will require dedication and commitment to ensure that the progress made in the previous decade is sustained and advanced in the next decade for the Immunization Agenda 2030.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Learning Amid Disruption: Bouncing Forward Into a Changed World

The philanthropic sector has come to recognize the importance of bringing a systems lens to its work, seeking to influence upstream drivers of complex problems, and being adaptive in its approaches instead of implementing static, multiyear plans. Yet, integrating these concepts into practice continues to pose a challenge. Humanity United — a foundation dedicated to cultivating the conditions for enduring freedom and peace — had been grappling with this charge when the disruption caused by COVID-19 led it into a crisis response mode in 2020, similar to many other philanthropic institutions. That disruption also challenged our old ways of being, doing, and thinking, leading to new insights and actions related to equity and power-sharing. This article explores the journey Humanity United went through in 2020, focusing on the disruption as a moment to bounce forward rather than trying to preserve the past. We found ourselves rethinking our old ways of seeking to change systems and embracing the future as emergent and unpredictable. We leaned into foresight, complexity science, and emergent strategy as tools for tackling this uncertainty. We pushed ourselves at all levels of leadership and staff to understand our role, our power, and how to show up differently with our partners in the systems we collectively seek to transform.

‘The Reserves Will Hold’

Changes to conflicts involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its design in the Gideon and Tnufa (Momentum) multi-year plans necessitate a profound examination of how army reserves will be employed in aspects such as order of battle, organisation, fighting and support equipment, training, competence, and readiness for fighting scenarios and situations. In practice, the IDF’s operational concept for the reserves in emergency and war situations seems to have changed years ago, but it should be clearly defined and explained to all relevant entities, and in particular to the reserves themselves. Dotan Druck argues that the current concept is no longer ‘the regulars will hold’, as it originally was, but now ‘the reserves will hold’ or ‘the reserves will allow the regulars to decide’.◼

Escalating power distributor O&M revenue

An approach to utility rate setting is used in North America that is based on statistical cost trend research. The methodology has to date been applied to the design of rate and revenue cap indexes for multiyear rate plans. This paper discusses research that uses this methodology to develop indexes for escalating the allowed operation and maintenance revenue of power distributors. These indexes can be used in hybrid revenue caps, formula rates, and forward test year rate cases.