Policy Development Research Articles

When inclusive growth is not enough: advances and limitations of development policies in Uruguay 2005–2019

ABSTRACT Along most of the 2005–2019 period, Uruguay experienced an impressive economic growth. The country extended its public policies across industrial, technological, and social domains. However, there was a dearth of significant structural changes, constraining Uruguay’s ability to embark on a sustained developmental trajectory. Our findings reveal that the majority of implemented policies were designed to enhance competitiveness and build capabilities horizontally, rather than promoting structural changes. This allows us to discuss the dynamic nature of developmental processes marked by increasing policy challenges. In doing so, we stress the relevance of policy support and coordination to sustain inclusive growth processes.

Reclaiming Initial Teacher Education in universities: Moving beyond a technicist model

Recent policy developments in England, particularly since 2021, have resulted in increased regulation and marketisation of Initial Teacher Training (ITT)/Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Although the origins of these developments go back much further than 2021, the current context in which ITE operates in England is, arguably, both challenging and unstable. Since 2010, the Government has increased the involvement of schools in ITE, creating an unstable climate for those who work in ITE in universities, through the School Direct initiative. School-Centred Initial teacher Training (SCITT) routes also precede this. The involvement of schools in ITE in England has extended to schools taking a leading role in the recruitment, selection and training of teachers and these developments have also, in some quarters, resulted in an anti-intellectual, anti-theoretical and anti-university discourse, which has been damaging to universities. This paper argues that current policy developments in ITE are reductionist and technicist and makes a case for the role of universities in ITE.

Investigating the association between household exposure to Anopheles stephensi and malaria in Sudan and Ethiopia: A case-control study protocol.

Endemic African malaria vectors are poorly adapted to typical urban ecologies. However, Anopheles stephensi, an urban malaria vector formerly confined to South Asia and the Persian Gulf, was recently detected in Africa and may change the epidemiology of malaria across the continent. Little is known about the public health implications of An. stephensi in Africa. This study is designed to assess the relative importance of household exposure to An. stephensi and endemic malaria vectors for malaria risk in urban Sudan and Ethiopia. Case-control studies will be conducted in 3 urban settings (2 in Sudan, 1 in Ethiopia) to assess the association between presence of An. stephensi in and around households and malaria. Cases, defined as individuals positive for Plasmodium falciparum and/or P. vivax by microscopy/rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and controls, defined as age-matched individuals negative for P. falciparum and/or P. vivax by microscopy/RDT, will be recruited from public health facilities. Both household surveys and entomological surveillance for adult and immature mosquitoes will be conducted at participant homes within 48 hours of enrolment. Adult and immature mosquitoes will be identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conditional logistic regression will be used to estimate the association between presence of An. stephensi and malaria status, adjusted for co-occurrence of other malaria vectors and participant gender. Findings from this study will provide evidence of the relative importance of An. stephensi for malaria burden in urban African settings, shedding light on the need for future intervention planning and policy development.

Kilometres 51 and 101: The Development of Soviet Residency and Banishment Policies in Ukraine, 1917–1940

This article analyses the evolution of spatial constraints around Soviet cities and other sensitive zones, especially in Ukraine and Russia, arguing that banishment and residency prohibition was a consistent and significant element of Bolshevik policy from the revolution onwards, and not just from the start of passportisation of the early 1930s. It traces the development of legislation and extra-legal practices that led to the banishment and barring of multiple (and ever-increasing numbers of) categories of citizens from Russian and Ukrainian metropolitan areas and the zones around them, and also from other zones deemed in need of special protection. The article also traces the particular constellation of anxieties about nationalism, the peasantry and the border, which made Ukraine proportionally the most spatially restricted Soviet republic during Stalinism.

Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy within the Spectrum of the Focal Points of Curriculum Development

This study performs a meticulous examination of Ghana's Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, considering the focal points of curriculum development. Ghana has significantly augmented its financial commitment to the educational sector, recognising the pivotal importance of education in sustainable development. Despite this monetary dedication, the government has implemented the FSHS policy to guarantee the extensive availability of high-quality education. The study seeks to thoroughly analyse the policies of curriculum development, assessing its influence on access, fairness, curriculum content, educational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and long-term viability. The research aims to provide detailed insights into the effectiveness of the FSHS policy by thoroughly examining various aspects. It goes beyond just looking at enrollment numbers and evaluates how the policy contributes to a well-rounded educational experience that aligns with both national and global educational goals. The expected results are positioned to offer useful insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders, enabling continuous improvements to the Free Senior High School project and the overall educational environment in Ghana.

The mechanism of brand crisis influence on consumer purchase intentions in the context of green development

The promotion of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China not only provides a pathway for the country to achieve its “dual carbon” strategic goals but also facilitates the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry, contributing to social development and economic growth. This study examines the influence mechanism of brand crises on consumer purchase intentions within the NEV sector, an area critical to sustainable infrastructure and green development. Using a framework of “brand crisis—consumer negative emotions/perceived risk—consumer purchase intention,” and data from consumer surveys conducted in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, and two other locations, the study employs regression models to analyze the relationship between brand crises and purchase intentions. Mediation effect models are used to explore how brand crises impact consumer purchase intentions through negative emotions and perceived risks. The results indicate that brand crises significantly reduce consumers’ willingness to purchase products from affected brands, posing a threat to the market stability and growth of the NEV sector. Moreover, negative emotions and perceived risks mediate the relationship between brand crises and purchase intentions, highlighting the importance of addressing both emotional and cognitive responses in crisis management strategies. To mitigate the adverse effects of brand crises, companies should adopt measures to improve consumer sentiment and reduce perceived risks, such as proactive communication, transparency, and effective recall procedures. Additionally, factors such as NEV performance, price, and charging infrastructure coverage also play a crucial role in consumer purchase decisions. Therefore, companies must consider these factors when formulating crisis response strategies to swiftly regain consumer trust and promote sustainable market and green development. This study contributes to the broader discourse on infrastructure development and public policy by providing insights into how brand crises in the NEV industry can be managed to support sustainable economic growth and development. By understanding the mechanisms through which brand crises affect consumer behavior, this research offers valuable recommendations for policymakers, industry professionals, and academic researchers focused on the interplay between infrastructure, development, and policy.

From Consumption to Context: Assessing Poverty and Inequality across Diverse Socio-Ecological Systems in Ghana

Abstract Local social and ecological contexts influence one’s resource base, and thus how poverty and inequality manifest. Local conditions shape livelihood opportunities and determine the available infrastructure, services, and environmental resources, as well as people’s capacity to use them. While measures of poverty and inequality guide local and international development policy, how these interact with the local ecological contexts is not well explored. We use a social-ecological systems (SES) lens to empirically examine how context relates to various measures of human well-being at a national scale in Ghana. Using a novel dataset constructed from the 100% Ghanian Census, we examine poverty and inequality at a fine population level over multiple dimensions of well-being. First, we describe how well-being varies across and within different Ghanian SES contexts. Second, we ask whether monetary consumption acts a good indicator for well-being across these contexts. Third, we examine measures of inequality in various metrics across SES types. We find consumption distributions differ across SES types and are markedly distinct from regional distributions based on political boundaries. Rates of improved well-being are positively correlated with consumption levels in all SES types, but correlations are weaker in less-developed contexts like rangelands and wildlands. Finally, while consumption inequality is quite consistent across SES types, inequality in other measures of living standards (housing, water, sanitation, etc.) increases dramatically in SES types as population density and infrastructural development decreases. We advocate that SES types should be recognized as distinct contexts in which actions to mitigate poverty and inequality should better incorporate the challenges unique to each.

Employment and Energy

At the Global Business Forum in Goa in October 2015, Dr. Romesh Wadhwani highlighted a significant gap in India's economic strategy: while GDP growth surged by 54% in recent years, employment in the organized sector grew by a mere 3%. Projecting into the future, he warned that even a 100% increase in GDP might only yield a 6% rise in employment, emphasizing the need for a focus on creating meaningful job opportunities to prevent social instability and enhance well-being. Dr. Wadhwani proposed several solutions, including expanding vocational training, restructuring education to include vocational streams from high school, and fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship. However, an examination of India's current skill development policies reveals a lack of focus on labor mobility and the impact of automation and energy consumption on job creation. The historical relationship between GDP growth and energy use shows that increased industrial productivity often comes at the expense of job creation due to heightened automation and energy consumption. This trend, combined with the environmental impact of fossil fuel reliance, underscores the limitations of the current growth model. To address these issues, this paper suggests shifting towards a "restoration economy" model. By focusing on low-energy, high-employment jobs in environmental and ecosystem restoration, India can create significant employment opportunities while also contributing to ecological sustainability. Investing in restoration projects and leveraging existing funding programs, such as MG-NREGA, can provide a dual benefit: addressing employment challenges and rebuilding degraded environments. This approach offers a more balanced and sustainable path forward for India's economic and social development

The moderating effect of collectivistic workplace culture on the link between political skill and knowledge sharing among faculty members

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of political skills of faculty members in Chinese universities on their tendency to obtain knowledge shared by their colleagues, as well as their tendency to share knowledge with their colleagues. Moreover, this study investigated the role of collectivistic culture in a workplace as the moderating variable that may influence the effect of political skill on knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were obtained from 387 faculty members across six universities located in the northern and the central cities of China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used as the statistical method for data analysis. Findings The results provided significant evidence that supported the positive effect of political skill on knowledge sharing. Furthermore, the moderating effect analysis showed that in the workplaces that had strong collectivist culture, the degree to which employees obtained knowledge shared by others, as well as the willingness of employees to share their knowledge to others, was more likely to happen as compared to that in the workplaces that had a weak collectivist culture. Practical implications As part of human capital development policies, political skill training could be an intervention to promote knowledge sharing among faculty members. The training may be particularly helpful to promote knowledge sharing in a workplace that adopts individualistic culture more than in a workplace that adopts collectivistic culture. Originality/value This study provided new evidence that extended previous studies by unveiling the moderating effect of collectivist culture in a workplace that was found to reduce the effect of political skill on knowledge sharing.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age: A Case Study of Private University Libraries in Bangalore

The digitalization of library materials is now a widespread worldwide trend and a novel method for managing library collections, particularly in academic libraries. The paper explores many factors driving digitalization and provides insights into the process and criteria for selecting digitalization initiatives. Additionally, it addresses the many concerns and obstacles associated with the digitization process in academic libraries, including legal considerations and financial matters. This research investigates the evolving aspects of electronic resources and existing procedures related to their acquisition, selection, procurement methods, promotion, development policy, challenges, and future strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes the techniques used to obtain resources and the strategy for preservation. It also acknowledges the obstacles that hinder the digitization of academic libraries. Lastly, it concludes by stating that despite the challenges, in order to execute digitalization in a regulated and controllable way, information workers and librarians need to have both the practical abilities and the vision.

Gender differences in school leadership: Collaborative and task-oriented styles of principals in Andalusia, Spain

School leadership plays an integral role in meeting educational quality standards. In recent years, the interplay between gender and leadership has emerged as a contentious subject of discussion. This study delves into how the gender of school principals influences their perception and administration of designated professional competencies. Engaging 470 school leaders from state-owned schools from Spain (Andalusia), this analysis uncovers notable distinctions in the leadership styles and approaches employed by male and female principals, underscoring the significance of acknowledging the cultural and societal backdrop. Our findings indicate a pronounced appreciation for competencies linked with collaborative and transformational leadership among female principals. This observation underscores the imperative for the development of inclusive educational policies that recognize and leverage gender diversity as a pivotal resource for augmenting leadership in educational settings. The study accentuates the essential need for the establishment of educational strategies and policies that not only discern gender differences but also valorize them, enhancing the caliber of leadership across educational frameworks.

Study of New Material Management System in Construction Sector

Construction is a major component, which forms 45% to 50% of the country’s development activity. Construction materials and components contribute about 50% to 60% of the total value of construction. There will be some difficulty in defining construction materials. Some are exclusively used in construction and others in other industries also. Some form heavy percentage and some very minor percentage, but critical in their nature and affect the construction activity. The management and control of inventory is a problem common to all organizations in any sector of the economy. The wealth of shareholders also lies in the warehouse. More than 60% of working capital is normally being invested in the inventory. There can be disadvantages in holding either too much or too little inventory. Therefore inventory management is primarily concerned with obtaining correct balance between two extremes. Inventory management involves the development and administration of policies, system and procedures which will minimizes total cost relative to inventory decisions and related functions such as customer service requirement, production scheduling, purchasing etc.., Viewed in that perspective, inventory management has a broad scope and affects a great or number of activities in an Organization. For the past few years the concept of inventory system has gained more importance in our country. It is due to intense competition in the market, which has forced organizations to search for proper inventory control technique to reduce investment in inventories and thereby reducing overall cost. In this study the study of current inventory system is carried out and by combining the different inventory system the one new inventory system developed .By comparing the cost benefit analysis between current inventory control system and new inventory system by taking suitable actual case study will be carried out

Improving access to inflammatory bowel disease care in Canada: The patient experience.

Canada has one of the highest age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Large patient volumes and limited resources have created challenges concerning the quality of IBD care, but little is known about patients' experiences. This paper aimed to better understand patient-perceived barriers to IBD care. An exploratory qualitative approach was used for this study. Fourteen focus groups (with 63 total participants) were co-facilitated by a researcher and patient research partner across eight Canadian provinces in 2018. Patients diagnosed with IBD (>18 years of age) and their caregivers were purposefully recruited through Crohn's and Colitis Canada, gastroenterology clinics and communities, and national social media campaigns. Focus group sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Most participants self-identified as being white and women. The analysis generated four key themes regarding patient-perceived barriers and gaps in access to IBD care: (1) gatekeepers and their lack of IBD knowledge, (2) expenses and time, (3) lack of holistic care, and (4) care that is not patient-centered. An additional four themes were generated on the topic of patient-perceived areas of health system improvement for IBD care: (1) direct access to care, (2) good care providers, (3) electronic records and passports, and (4) multidisciplinary care or an 'IBD dream team'. This research contributes to the limited global knowledge on patients' experiences accessing IBD care. It is valuable for the development of care plans and policies to target gaps in care. Patients have identified system-level barriers and ideas for improvement, which should be taken into consideration when implementing system redesign and policy change.

Modeling Population Dynamics in the Indian Context: A Differential Difference Equation Approach

The study of population dynamics is of paramount importance in comprehending the evolving demographics and socioeconomic structure of a country. The task of modelling population dynamics in the Indian context poses distinct challenges and opportunities owing to the extensive and heterogeneous nature of the country's population. This research paper utilises a differential difference equation (DDE) methodology to comprehensively model population dynamics in India. The study seeks to enhance comprehension of population dynamics by considering various factors, including birth rates, death rates, migration patterns, and seasonal variations. The study employs Delay Differential Equations (DDEs) as a mathematical framework to effectively model the dynamic characteristics of population systems. These equations account for time delays, historical events, and discrete factors that play a significant role in shaping population dynamics, whether it be growth or decline. Numerical techniques, such as Euler's method and the Runge-Kutta method, are utilised in order to solve Delay Differential Equation (DDE) models and effectively simulate the dynamics of populations over a given time period. The evaluation of each method involves a comparative analysis of its accuracy, smoothness, convergence properties, and computational efficiency. The research findings presented in this study enhance our comprehension of population dynamics in India and offer significant insights that can be utilised by policymakers, urban planners, and researchers in the fields of demography, public health, and social sciences. The results have the potential to provide valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making and the development of effective policies aimed at addressing the various challenges and opportunities related to population dynamics in the Indian context.

Late Life Homelessness: A Definition to Spark Action and Change.

Comprehensive definitions of social issues and populations can set the stage for the development of responsive policies and practices. Yet despite the rise of late- life homelessness, the phenomenon remains narrowly understood and ill-defined. This paper and the definition that ensued is based on the reconceptualization of interview data derived from a critical ethnography conducted in Montreal, Canada with older homeless persons (N=40) and service providers (N=20). Our analysis suggests that definitions of late life homelessness must include four intersecting components: 1) age, eligibility, and access to services ; 2) disadvantage over the life course and across time; 3) social and spatial processes of exclusion that necessitate aging in 'undesirable' places; and 4) unmet needs that result from policy inaction and non-response. The new definition derived from these structural and relational components captures how the service gaps and complex needs identified in earlier works are shaped by delivery systems and practices whose effect is compounded over time. It provides an empirically grounded and conceptually solid foundation for the development of better responses to address homelessness in late life.

Structural Disadvantage in Housing Opportunities

This paper discusses the ways that race and migration have shaped the housing opportunities people experience in England. It explores the historical development of policy and practice that has shaped racial inequalities in housing. It argues that the violence created by national and local state-supported housing policies has disproportionately affected racialised minorities, as has the slow violence generated by the neglect and stigmatisation of working-class housing. In turn, this has provided the justification for clearances and the remaking of space for those with the money to invest in the financialisation of land and housing through dispossession and denial of the right to safe, secure, and affordable housing. This analysis will be used as a basis to propose ways in which housing research can develop a coherent, critical perspective to race and migration and develop an alternative discourse to challenge the dominant market-driven, individualistic narratives. Adopting a critical approach allows researchers to move beyond the logic of housing policies at national and local levels to analyse and propose action to address persistent racial inequalities in housing.

Karakteristik Islam dalam Tata Kelola Lingkungan Hidup: Studi Kasus Pemberian IUP Pertambangan dan Mineral kepada Organisasi Masyarakat Keagamaan

The article examines Islamic characteristics of environmental governance with a focus on the granting of mining and mineral business licences (IUPs) to religious organisations. This case study was conducted to understand how Islamic principles can be applied in sustainable and responsible environmental governance practices. The article used a qualitative approach with a case study method involving document analysis and participatory observation. The results showed that Islamic principles, such as tawhid (the oneness of God), Khilafah (human leadership on earth), and Kaslahah (public interest), play an important role in decision-making regarding the granting of IUPs. In addition, this study found that the application of Islamic values in environmental governance can improve compliance with environmental regulations and strengthen commitment to nature conservation. These findings make an important contribution to the development of policies that integrate religious values in environmental governance in Indonesia.

The effect of social isolation on the cognitive ability of the oldest old in Chinese nursing homes in post-COVID-19: a moderated chain mediation model

BackgroundBoth pre-or post-COVID-19, older adults residing in nursing homes are at significant risk for social isolation, which is negatively associated with cognitive ability. Currently, the elderly aged 80 years and older are the fastest-growing age group globally. The extent of social isolation within this group post-COVID-19 and its impact on cognitive abilities remain inadequately explored.ObjectiveThis research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of social isolation among the oldest old in Chinese nursing homes post-COVID-19 and to investigate the mediating and moderating roles of basic activities of daily living (BADL), depression, and subjective socioeconomic status in the relationship between social isolation and cognitive ability.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 453 participants aged 80 years and older from 11 nursing homes in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), cognitive ability using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), BADL using the Barthel Index (BI), and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). Mediation and moderation effects were statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and PROCESS 3.5.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample was 87.1 ± 3.8 years, among whom 60.3% (n = 273) were female, and 56.1% experienced social isolation, with 41.1% and 63.1% being isolated from family and friends, respectively. Social isolation indirectly affected cognitive ability through BADL and depression, respectively, and through the chain mediation effect of BADL and depression. Subjective socioeconomic status moderated the relationships between social isolation and BADL and between social isolation and depression. However, no moderating effect of subjective socioeconomic status was found between social isolation and cognitive ability.ConclusionThis study deepens our understanding of the current state of social isolation and its mechanisms of action in the oldest old post-COVID-19 and provides a new basis for future public health policy development and related research.

An overview of the dynamic and complex regulatory landscape of cargo transportation in the United Arab Emirates

This article explores the dynamic and complex regulatory landscape of cargo transportation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a critical hub in global trade, the UAE’s approach to cargo transportation not only impacts its economic landscape but also has broader implications for international logistics and trade. When the authors speak about air cargo, a very prominent characteristic comes to mind, that is, the ‘speed’ at which goods are transported from one point to another in a world which is fueled by time-based competition which connects leading suppliers, smaller businesses to consumers within a complicated global supply chain operating within networks. The authors aim to examine the current regulatory framework governing cargo operations, highlighting key events contributing to the growth of cargo transportation in recent years within the UAE, shedding light on the central regulatory bodies and key players in the UAE which contribute to the chain of transporting cargo and shipments in the UAE. This study will also briefly compare the standards applied in the UAE with international norms. It delves into the implications of existing regulations on various facets of trade and logistics, including compliance challenges faced by businesses. The article identifies specific challenges in the regulatory setting, such as safety, environmental considerations and the integration of emerging technologies. Furthermore, it distinguishes between the flexible and rigid aspects of these regulations, analyzing their impact on the industry. Looking ahead, the article forecasts emerging trends and potential shifts in regulatory policies, emphasizing the need for adaptability and forward-thinking in policymaking. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the UAE’s regulation of the cargo transportation landscape. The present study offers insights into its current status, challenges, and future directions, thereby contributing to policy development in this vital sector. New research examining the UAE’s cargo regulations reveals significant gaps that could stall its ambitions of becoming a leading cargo transportation global hub. The study identifies shortcomings in regulations related to cargo transportation in the UAE and its efficiency. These areas, along with potential inflexibility in the current system, pose challenges to the UAE to compete effectively in the time-sensitive world of cargo shipments.

Considering Responsibilities: The Indonesian Government at the Intersect of Environmental Damage and Sustainable Development Goals

The purpose of this study is to investigate a pressing policy concern for the Indonesian government: environmental degradation. The study will focus on the law and its more advanced principles within the context of contemporary legal theory. Research methodology is known as yuridis normatif, which entails a focused examination of relevant documents to determine the relevant principles, standards, and guidelines, as well as theoretical frameworks and administrative regulations. The findings of this study suggest that governments should integrate environmental principles into environmental programs to avert ecological crises, update development policies to place equal emphasis on economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors, and reconstruct environmental law as a solution to environmental problems. The hope is that the research will contribute to a more thorough understanding of environmental law in the context of contemporary jurisprudence and shed light on pressing issues of government transparency and accountability in Indonesia. It is hoped that this research will provide a solid foundation for improving Indonesia's legal framework and legal practice to be more comprehensive and environmentally conscious.