Organisation For Economic Co-operation And Development Member Countries Research Articles

Building a fuzzy model for determining the level of social well-being of the population

This paper considers objects that affect the social security of the country. The complexity of such objects makes the development of computer systems in sociological research a difficult algorithmic task because of information uncertainty. Human thinking is based on inaccurate, approximate data, the analysis of which makes it possible to formulate clear decisions. In practice, there are usually no precise mathematical models that describe social objects. In such cases, it is advisable to use fuzzy mathematics as a tool for solving this problem. The main advantage of this approach compared to other artificial intelligence methods is the ability to interpret the results obtained. To assess the level of social well-being of the population, we used the mathematical apparatus of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy inference. The study is based on the OECD Better Life Index, which was developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to help countries assess and improve the quality of life of their citizens. In the course of the study, a fuzzy inference system was built to measure the social well-being of the population based on the indicators of the OECD Better Life Index. Since determining the level of social well-being is a complex task, a hierarchical structure with two main groups of social well-being indicators was constructed to simplify it. The resultant system evaluates each social indicator included in the OECD’s Better Life Index. Using the fuzzy inference model built, it was possible to assess the social well-being of the country’s population in a simple and transparent way in comparison with the OECD member countries. The results of the study make it possible to understand which indicators of social well-being of the country’s population are desirable or need to be improved in the future

Influence of Rurality on Oral Cancer Trends among Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Member Countries-A Scoping Review.

Oral cancer is the general term used to describe cancers of the oral cavity and oropharyngeal region. These cancers are one of the leading causes of death in elderly residents within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries in the 21st century. This scoping review was carried out to assess the influence of rurality on oral cancer trends and patterns among OECD member countries. Four online databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL) were searched for studies that reported on oral cancer trends in rural and remote areas in OECD member countries. A total of 1143 articles were obtained initially; among them, 995 papers were screened to include 18 articles for this scoping review. Studies have reported increasing incidence and prevalence in the United States, Australia, Canada, and European countries wherein risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus (HPV) infections were associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Awareness among people living in rural areas about HPV-related cancers was very low, while rates of tobacco and alcohol abuse were noted to be rising more rapidly than among their urban counterparts. Furthermore, the ageing population was most affected compared to the younger age groups of people with oral and oropharyngeal cancer that are prevalent in these regions. Overall, despite living in developed countries, rurality was noted to be a significant factor in the lower life expectancy of oral cancer patients, mainly due to the limited accessibility to tertiary cancer care centres and advanced medical care.

Linking e-government development and quality of governance to trust in government: evidence from OECD member countries

PurposeThe association between e-government and trust in government has been extensively examined, even though empirical works have returned conflicting conclusions about this association. This study aims to revisit the relationship between e-government and trust in government using macrolevel data from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. It also addresses whether or not e-government should contribute to the quality of governance to improve trust in government.Design/methodology/approachArchival data from 36 OECD members over five years (2012–2015) were used to achieve the study objectives.FindingsResults indicate that e-government does not directly affect trust in government, although there is an indirect association.Originality/valueThis implies that e-government systems will not significantly impact trust in government unless they contribute to the quality of governance that offers a basis for granting trust in government. Accordingly, value creation, including trust, should be considered during the design of e-government systems to achieve the desired outcomes.

Deciphering the global landscape of breast cancer in 38 OECD countries from 1990-2019: A benchmarking global analysis.

1046 Background: Breast Cancer (BC) stands as the primary contributor to disability and the second leading cause of death among countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A comprehensive cross-country analysis of BC is crucial to monitor the growing burden. Methods: Employing the global burden of disease framework, we have calculated the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLL) attributed to BC, categorized by age, gender, year, and geographical location across the 38 OECD member countries. Results: The total number of BC cases has witnessed a notable increase, rising from 5.5 million (95%UI: 5.1-6) in 1990 to 9 million (8.2-9.8) in 2019. BC-related deaths have also risen from 172,148 (164,284-176,147) in 1990 to 214,458 (195,692-226,347) in 2019, while DALYs have increased from 4.6 (4.5-4.8) in 1990 to 5.1 (4.8-5.5) in 2019. The annual percentage change (APC) in incidence has surged by 59% (44-75%) from 1990 to 2019. The highest APC in age-standardized incidence rates was observed in South Korea at 150% (99-205), while the most substantial decrease was recorded in Switzerland at 3%. Regarding death rates, Japan saw an 11% increase, Costa Rica 10%, Mexico 9%, South Korea 8%, and Turkey 4%, whereas the remaining countries witnessed a decrease from 1990 to 2019. In terms of DALY rates, Mexico and Japan experienced a 10% increase, South Korea 5%, Turkey 3%, with the rest showing a decrease from 1990 to 2019. Males bore a higher burden compared to females, with an APC in total incidence of 109% versus 58%, deaths at 73% versus 24%, and DALYs at 57% versus 10% from 1990 to 2019. The highest overall burden was observed in the 70+ age group, while the <70 and <20 age groups exhibited a decreasing trend. The total number of deaths is projected to continue increasing. Conclusions: In 2019, BC accounted for 6.64% of all cancer-related deaths and 7.9% of DALYs among women. Based on these findings, low-resource countries should consider reallocating funding to combat this burden, and public health policymakers need to prioritize surveillance and early screening efforts.

Digital Traceability in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Comparative Analysis of OECD Member Countries.

In an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancements, the agri-food sector confronts both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Among these, digital traceability systems have emerged as pivotal in enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring food safety, and promoting transparency throughout the supply chain. This study presents a comparative analysis of digital traceability adoption and its impact across member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). By utilizing a multidimensional analytical framework, this study investigates national regulations, legal frameworks, and key food commodities affected by digital traceability implementations. It systematically assesses the efficacy of these systems in meeting consumer transparency expectations, regulatory compliance, and the overarching goal of sustainable agri-food supply chains. Through case studies and empirical evidence, the paper elucidates the complex interplay between technological innovation and regulatory environments, offering insights into best practices and potential integration barriers. Ultimately, this comprehensive investigation contributes to the scholarly discourse on digital traceability, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia to navigate the complexities of modern agri-food systems.

Toward a Greener Future: Investigating the Environmental Quality of Non-Green Trading in OECD Countries

International trade is recognized as a key contributor to environmental degradation. However, researchers and policymakers do not distinguish between the trade of green and non-green products. The Non-Green Trade Openness Index was developed to examine the effect of non-green products on environmental quality. This study examines the effect of trading non-green products on environmental quality for 37 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 2003 to 2016 in the context of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. The results of the long-run estimation techniques employed (FMOLS, DOLS, Fixed and Random effects) confirm the EKC hypothesis and show a negative relationship between the Non-Green Trade Openness Index and greenhouse gas emissions, which serves as a proxy for environmental quality. This implies that when there is more non-green trade in OECD member countries, greenhouse gas emissions within these countries decrease. Dividing green and non-green products is important, empowering practitioners and policymakers to make informed choices and define a strategy for a sustainable future. Additionally, policy recommendations are provided to support policymakers in their efforts to combat climate change.

Green finance, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth in OECD member countries

The importance of fostering a thriving green economy is emphasized as a key strategy for mitigating the threats posed by climate change. This study aims to assess the influence of social inclusion and green finance on the sustainable growth of 31 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations between 2010 and 2021. The results obtained using the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) methodology indicate that social factors such as poverty reduction and social inclusion do not impact the green economic prosperity of OECD countries with an industry-focused economic structure. Furthermore, the expansion of green finance markets and the attraction of foreign direct investment with an environmental focus can contribute to the advancement of green development in OECD countries. As a recommendation, it is advisable for OECD nations to place greater emphasis on developing the green digital finance market, exploring blockchain-based green finance solutions, fostering green foreign direct investment, and promoting early warning economic systems.

Світовий досвід покращення багаторівневої координації управління державними інвестиціями для забезпечення їхньої ефективності

The issue of improving the multi-level coordination of the management of public investments to ensure their efficiency is especially relevant for Ukraine, as its effective mechanisms maximize the return on investment for regional development. Ukraine will need significant public investment to recover from the destruction caused during the Russian-Ukrainian war, and these investments are (and will be) the driving force behind the recovery of the domestic economy. In conditions when investment opportunities and investment funds are limited, the question arises of their rational use and direction to achieve prioritized tasks. Taking into account the fact that the implementation of public investments is a long process with a wide range of persons involved, the issue of the efficiency of multi-level coordination of public investment management becomes especially acute. The experience of different countries, and especially the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the field of establishing effective multi-level coordination of authorities at different levels, needs to be highlighted and taken into account in domestic practice. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a number of OECD materials, as well as scientific works of foreign and Ukrainian scholars. The article summarizes the experience of OECD member countries (both positive and negative) in the field of multilevel management. Emphasis is placed on the first pillar of the OECD Recommendation and the three principles it incorporates, in particular, the use of an integrated strategy adapted to local characteristics, the introduction of effective coordination instruments and horizontal coordination. Among the best implementation practices are the examples of the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Luxembourg and Switzerland. A number of steps towards improving the multi-level coordination of the management of public investments in Ukraine to ensure their efficiency have been proposed.

Эмиграция молодежи из Таджикистана в страны Организации экономического сотрудничества и развития: история и современные тренды

Introduction. Being a country with a young age structure, Tajikistan has become a prominent participant of various migration flows in recent years. A large number of labor migrants from Tajikistan to the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have been reported since 2014, which is associated with a fall in the ruble’s exchange rate and a decrease in incomes of migrants to Russia in currency equivalent. At the same time, traditionally Tajik youth used to to study in Russia and Kazakhstan, but in recent decades the flow to OECD member countries has also increased significantly. Goals. The study aims to identify the causes and features underlying the reorientation of the flows of educational migrants from Tajikistan toward new geographical directions, namely the OECD member countries. Materials and methods. The work basically employs two research methods. Firstly, the statistical method processes data on the scope and structure of educational emigration from Tajikistan. Secondly, the sociological method provides insights into outcomes of sociological surveys and expert interviews (secondary analysis of sociological data). The key sources of information are OECD-related data from the OECD.Stat reports, and the author’s survey (conducted online via Facebook social network — banned in Russia — accounts of several associations of Tajik citizens abroad) among young individuals from Tajikistan who study in OECD member countries. The questionnaire contained 17 questions about adaptation and integration of migrants, educational levels of migrants, age-sex structure, migration channels, reasons for the reorientation of labor migrants toward OECD member countries, resettlement, and sectoral employment in host countries. The convenience sampling yielded a total of was 417 individuals who were then undertaking training programs in Austria, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. The survey was primarily seeking to identify adaptation strategies selected by young emigrants from Tajikistan in OECD member countries. Results. So, the article presents the outcomes of the survey. Half of Tajik university graduates try to continue their studies and/or find a job abroad via the Internet. Actually, many tend to view educational migration as an emigration channel. This process is accompanied by that Tajik citizens take additional training or retraining programs, seek to receive acknowledgement certificates for diplomas of Tajikistan, and undergo corresponding courses in the receiving countries. As a rule, they quickly adapt to labor markets in OECD member countries: it takes ‘less than a month’ (or ‘from 1 to 3 months’) to get a job. The working language for most Tajik migrants is English and German, and they get jobs in the fields of education and medicine, which attests to somewhat increased educational levels of theirs.

Country-Level Factors Associated With Nurse Salaries: Empirical Evidence From Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Countries and Taiwan.

Salary impacts nurse retention rates and thus is a factor affecting the nursing shortage both in Taiwan and around the world. Nurses in Taiwan earn a low salary compared with other health professionals and may be undervalued compared with their international counterparts. This study was designed to analyze the factors associated with nurse salary (NS) in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and to compare NS in Taiwan with those in OECD member states. Data were extracted from the OECD statistics database and official statistics for Taiwan. For the 28 OECD member countries considered in this study and Taiwan, 21 indicators characterizing healthcare systems, including demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and risks, healthcare resources, health financing, healthcare utilization, health outcomes, and economic inequality, were examined for the period of 2009-2018. A random-effects model (REM) and a fixed-effects model (FEM) were used to investigate the associations between these indicators and annual NS levels. The expected annual NS for Taiwan was estimated and compared with the actual NS for Taiwan using the REM. In the REM, higher NS in OECD countries was shown to be positively associated with gross domestic product per capita (0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.41, 0.56]), proportion of population aged 65 years and over (2.72, 95% CI [2.17, 3.26]), crude birth rate (1.02, 95% CI [0.56, 1.49]), number of computerized tomography scanners per million population (0.26, 95% CI [0.17, 0.35]), alcohol consumption per person (0.94, 95% CI [0.26, 1.61]), and prevalence of obesity (0.64, 95% CI [0.40, 0.89]) and to be in inversely associated with infant mortality rate (-3.13, 95% CI [-3.94, -2.32]), bed density (-0.99, 95% CI [-1.72, -0.25]), number of hospital discharges (-0.08, 95% CI [-0.11, -0.05]), household out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of health expenditure (-0.34, 95% CI [-0.56, -0.11]), and the Gini coefficient (-0.25, 95% CI [-0.50, -0.01]). The FEM results were similar to those of the REM. The predicted annual NS for Taiwan based on the REM rose from 29,390 U.S. dollars (corrected for purchasing power parity; 95% CI [22,532, 36,247]) in 2009 to 49,891 U.S. dollars (95% CI [42,344, 57,438]) in 2018. The actual annual NS in Taiwan in 2018 was approximately 12% lower than the model-predicted value. Taiwan has a lower NS compared with its OECD counterparts. These findings may help policymakers, healthcare managers, and nurse organizations develop effective strategies to improve the remuneration system for nurses in Taiwan.

Public health policies for children and youth with special health care needs in OECD member countries and Brazil: A scoping review protocol.

Because public health policies lay down guidelines for health promotion in specific populations, a review of policies devised for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) can reveal the actual degree of priority assigned to this population segment, while also highlighting relevant policies in this field. To map the available evidence of public health policies for CYSHCN in member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Brazil. A scoping review protocol was developed as per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist, for application to the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases;to theLatin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS)multilingual thesaurus; and to gray literature.The review will map the principal documents (irrespective of time frame or language) addressing public health policies for CYSHCN up to 19 years old. The research protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework platform (identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/UW5BH:DOI). Tables, maps, charts, and/or graphs accompanied by descriptive texts will be employed to present the results to the research question and provide answers to it. Use of both open-access software IRaMuTeQ for similitude analysis and word clouds is also planned. This protocol is expected to reveal policies that meet the specific needs of this vulnerable population segment and highlight examples of good practices or current gaps.

Estimation of the size of the COVID-19 pandemic using the epidemiological wavelength model: results from OECD countries

ObjectivesThis study aimed to simplify the previously developed epidemiological wavelength model and to expand the scope of the model with additional variables to estimate the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicability of the extended wavelength model was tested in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. Study designThe epidemiological wavelengths of OECD member countries for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 were estimated comparatively, considering the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases. MethodsThe size of the COVID-19 pandemic was estimated using the wavelength model. The scope of the wavelength model was expanded to include additional variables. The extended estimation model was improved by adding population density and human development index variables, in addition to the number of COVID-19 cases and number of days since the first case reported from the previous estimation model. ResultsAccording to the findings obtained from the wavelength model, the country with the highest epidemiological wavelength for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 was the United States (We = 29.96, We = 28.63 and We = 28.86, respectively), and the country with the lowest wavelength was Australia (We = 10.50, We = 13.14 and We = 18.44, respectively). The average wavelength score of OECD member countries was highest in 2022 (We = 24.32) and lowest in 2020 (We = 22.84). The differences in the periodic wavelengths of OECD countries were analysed with the dependent t-test for paired samples in two periods, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. There was a statistically significant difference between wavelengths in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 groups (t(36) = −3.670; P < 0.001). ConclusionsDecision-makers can use the extended wavelength model to easily follow the progress of the epidemic and to make quicker and more reliable decisions.

Can environmental sustainability be decoupled from economic growth? Empirical evidence from Eastern Europe using the common correlated effect mean group test

The European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aim to develop long-term policies for their respective member countries. Having observed increasing dangers to the environment posed by rising economic growth, they are seeking pathways to enable policy action on economic growth and environmental sustainability. Given the facts in theoretical and empirical studies, this study assessed the validity of the decoupling hypothesis by investigating asymmetricity in the relationship between environmental sustainability and economic growth in nine Eastern European countries from 1998 to 2017 using the cross-section augmented Dickey-Fuller (CADF) unit root, panel corrected standard errors (PCSE), common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG), and Dumitrescu Hurlin causality approaches. Both population growth and drinking water are used as controlled variables. The outcomes establish strong cointegration among all the variables of interest. According to the results of CCEMG test, first, economic growth exerts short-term environmental degradation but has long-term environmental benefits in Eastern Europe; second, population growth and drinking water exert a positive effect on environmental sustainability in both the short- and long-run. The results of Dumitrescu Hurlin causality test indicate that environmental sustainability is unidirectionally affected by economic growth. Based on these outcomes, the following policy suggestions are made: (1) the EU and OECD should implement member-targeted policies on economic growth and fossil-fuel use towards regulating industrial pollution, water use, and population control; (2) the EU and OECD member countries should invest in environmental technologies through green research and development (R&D) to transform their dirty industrial processes and ensure productive energy use.

Guidance on the Conduct of Clinical Research within OECD Countries during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rapidly published guidance regarding the conduct of clinical research. A systematic review was conducted to explore the recommendations issued in relation to the commencement, continuation and termination of clinical research during the early phases of the pandemic. Searches consisting of the terms "COVID-19", "clinical research", and "guidance", were conducted in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Trip, Guidelines International Network, and Google in April-May 2021 (up to 4 May 2021). Data were extracted from guidance published from OECD member countries and mapped to inductively-developed categories. 9419 references were systematically screened, resulting in the inclusion of 46 publications from 27 OECD countries. Thirty-three sources made recommendations regarding monitoring, risk-benefit assessments and information technology. There was limited specific recommendations made in relation to personal protective equipment (PPE) in the included guidance. Findings demonstrate that guidance differed by publication date demonstrating the rapidly evolving environment within which research was conducted. Importantly, many organisations opted to endorse existing guidance published by the United States' Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency rather than develop their own recommendations. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, particularly in the early stages, findings demonstrate the global response in relation to clinical research conduct, thereby providing important insights for future public health emergencies.

Identifying the Relationship Between the Use of Mobile Technologies and Time: A Study Based on a Sample of OECD Member Countries

There is no consensus in the academic community on whether modern technology positively impacts people’s lives or, on the contrary, whether its use has more negative consequences. Given the universal nature of cell phones, the limitless possibilities of use, and their wide-ranging functionalities, it is reasonable to believe that these devices have been responsible for changing people’s time management. However, different research approaches make it very difficult to confirm or reject hypotheses that consider associations between cell phone use and time use regarding the different activities in a unified way. This fact suggests that there is still a vast scope in research for further exploring and pursuing how technologies, their development, and their uses are able to permeate the everyday working and social life of the population. Based on this, the present paper aims to assess the relationship between the mobile communication device use and time-use change in a sample of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. This analysis used 3 cell phone use indicators and 12 time-bound indicators by using data for the year 2020. The most significant finding was the confirmation of the assumption arising from the application of regression analysis that the frequency of use of cell phones is not significantly related to the changes in the time structure. However, some significant relationships emerged in the models specified for women. This study also discovered that the most apparent difference was observed in unpaid and paid time throughout the day. The paper provides relevant findings which can be beneficial in many aspects. For example, in the business world, they can help manage business activities, improve performance measurement, or improve managerial decisions related to workflow optimization. The findings provide an understanding not only of the population’s well-being but also of the ICT sector state and, ultimately, of all the characteristics of the sustainable development of the countries. In addition, the contribution of this study is also possible in designing more effective decisions by policymakers. In the article, we discuss the study’s results, outline some practical implications, and suggest potential avenues for further research on this issue.

Ekonomik Kalkınma ve İşbirliği Örgütü Üyelerinin Hoşnutsuzluk İndeksi Kapsamında Değerlendirilmesi (2008-2021)

This study has been prepared within the scope of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), except for Estonia. In the study, it is aimed to compare OECD member countries within the scope of the misery index developed by Okun and expanded by Barro. Making comparisons between countries by using macroeconomic indicators and thus revealing similarities and differences constitute the main source of motivation for the study. The data used in the study covers the period of 2008-2021 and it allows the evaluation of the 2008 global crisis, the emergence and deepening of the European debt crisis and the global epidemic periods. This way, the question of whether the global crises are effective on the misery level of OECD countries will be answered. It is thought that efforts will be made to answer this question in econometric or statistical terms in the future and this study will form the basis for these studies.

Analysis of challenges, trends and opportunities for rural development of OECD participating countries (organization for economic co-operation and development)

This scientific article is devoted to the analysis of challenges, trends, and opportunities for rural development of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries. Agriculture plays a crucial role in global food security but faces significant challenges such as climate change, demographic change, and economic hardship. The importance of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the global development of the agro-industrial complex cannot be underestimated. OECD countries occupy an important place in the world production and export of agricultural products, which is pivotal in ensuring global food supply. They attract significant investments in the agro-industrial sector, contributing to the modernization of production technologies, the introduction of innovations, and increased productivity. OECD countries have a developed scientific base that helps improve agricultural practices, implement environmentally friendly production methods, and create sustainable rural development. In addition, OECD countries influence the formation of international standards and policies related to the agro-industrial complex. They cooperate in trade in agricultural products, develop strategies to ensure food security, and support the development of rural communities. Thus, the OECD countries play an essential role in the global expansion of the agro-industrial complex, attracting investments, introducing the latest technologies, defining standards, and cooperating with other countries. Their efforts aim to achieve sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible development of the agro-industrial sector, which is essential for ensuring food security and improving the population's quality of life. The article analyzes the current state of production and consumption of critical products of the OECD agro-industrial complex. It considers opportunities for the development of agriculture, particularly in the context of sustainable development, technological progress, and innovative approaches. Within the framework of this article, both opportunities and challenges and trends of systemic development of agriculture in OECD countries are analyzed in the medium term. Conclusions on the research topic are formed. Keywords: agriculture, OECD, agro-industrial complex, agro-industrial complex, development of agriculture.

Entrepreneurial structures of the extractive industry: foreign experience in environmental protection

Purpose. To propose measures on assessing the initial state of the environment based on the foreign experience of natural resources protection by business structures in the extractive industry (using the example of some countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Methodology. In the course of the scientific research, the authors used a number of general scientific and special methods of cognition, such as analysis for critical assessment of approaches to the interpretation of the essence and necessity of nature protection; quantitative and qualitative comparisons to highlight the mutual impact of environmental protection measures used by companies of OECD member countries; scientific abstraction and systematization for setting out proposals regarding the application of the most successful measures for Ukraine, applied by OECD member countries. Findings. The authors considered the experience of foreign member countries of the OECD such as Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada, the USA in terms of the implementation of some international regulations on labor protection, local maintenance standards, the governments focus on cooperation with license holders for subsoil use operations. Originality. The authors suggested that the government of Ukraine pay attention to the measures introduced by Australia in terms of assessment of the initial state of the environment. Subsoil user companies should collect environmental information at the project planning stage in order to determine the factors that are subject to monitoring, further study, and control at the stage of liquidation of consequences after the termination of operations. Environmental information should include information on climatic conditions, geological data, soil data, hydrological data, data on vegetation, terrestrial and subterranean fauna, as well as information on socioeconomic conditions and cultural heritage sites. Practical value. The considered experience is also useful for Ukraine, since we have a significant part of enterprises in the extractive industry and the issues of environmental protection and nature management should occupy one of the first places in companies. The results of the research can be used by practitioners, scientists, and civil servants for further perspectives of the development.

The relationship between city size, decentralisation and economic growth

PurposeThis article examines the links between average city size, fiscal decentralisation, and national economic growth in 33 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.Design/methodology/approachThe data in this paper comprise an unbalanced panel dataset which contains economic growth indicators, average city size, fiscal decentralisation indicators and control variables in 33 OECD member countries from 1975 to 2015 in five-year intervals. Fixed-effects (FE) estimators are used for the analysis.FindingsThis research finds i) countries with larger weighted average city sizes have higher economic growth, ii) countries with greater fiscal decentralisation have higher economic growth, but iii) countries with larger weighted average city sizes with greater decentralisation have lower rates of economic growth.Originality/valueThe research highlights the importance of agglomerations and decentralised governance and management for economic growth. While the findings are consistent with previous evidence that larger city sizes and fiscal decentralisation are separately associated with higher rates of economic growth, the authors find countries which have larger cities and greater fiscal decentralisation experience lower rates of economic growth highlighting a need for caution on decentralisation agendas in such cases. The implications of this suggest policymakers should proceed with caution on decentralisation agendas in countries with large cities.

Auditing ethics and corruption: οld challenges and new trends for Supreme audit institutions in turbulent times

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how Supreme audit institutions (SAIs) address the issue of auditing ethical cases and, more specifically, to research whether the organizational structure of an SAI affects the variables of “corruption” and “trust in government.”Design/methodology/approachThe authors categorized SAIs into two groups depending on their organizational structure according to two divergent philosophies: the court (French) and Anglo-Saxon models. These reflect the presidential and parliamentary systems, respectively. Given the lack of a common definition for these concepts, the authors tested their results using several indexes for corruption by examining OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Member countries between 2015 and 2019.FindingsThe authors’ research showed that SAIs organized according to the Anglo-Saxon philosophy achieved better scores than judicial SAIs for all indexes, and the difference was statistically significant. This result confirms the results of previous studies; however, one single common SAI model worldwide is not necessarily the optimal solution for fighting corruption.Originality/valueThe topic of this paper is a challenging and promising one for scholars and practitioners alike, as it combines a review of SAIs' community practices with academic research by expanding the scant literature in this field.