Policy Development Research Articles

Exploring the Role of Social Media on International Students’ Adaptation in the Process of Transcultural Communication Within the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract In recent years, with the advancement of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) there has been an increasing number of students from participating countries coming to China for study and exchange. This trend provides a practical pathway for global cooperation in transcultural communication research. Social media has emerged as a crucial platform for the collaborative development of the BRI and as a primary channel for understanding China in the context of transcultural communication. Thus, investigating how social media facilitates transcultural communication within the BRI framework is a key area of current research. International students often face challenges in adapting to new environments during their transcultural communication process. Understanding how these students in China manage adaptation stress, comprehend the BRI policies for mutual development, and improve their adjustment to Chinese society are urgent questions in transcultural communication research. Social media offers a multifaceted platform for communication that can help alleviate these adaptation challenges. However, existing research predominantly emphasises the potential of social media in aiding the adaptability of international students, lacking a comprehensive explanation of how it alleviates stress and promotes gradual adaptation. Therefore, this study aims to critically analyse relevant empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual models to address this gap. The research findings offer general conclusions regarding the adaptation of international students using social media in the process of transcultural communication, further providing a theoretical basis for the adaptation of students from BRI countries to China. Through the research findings, it is observed that international students may predominantly use social media to escape the adaptation stress of a new environment rather than genuinely alleviate stress and better adapt to the local society. Additionally, students from different countries exhibit varying attitudes towards using social media to cope with stress, warranting further investigation. This research contributes to understanding the genuine adaptation of students from BRI countries in the process of transcultural communication in China, promoting mutual cultural cooperation and shared development.

Establishing Criteria for Zakat Collectors in the Management of Zakat Fitrah Funds

This study examines the operational criteria for selecting and evaluating amil zakat in managing zakat fitrah funds in Salatiga City, Indonesia. It aims to identify challenges and propose reforms to enhance accountability and equitable distribution of zakat, supporting poverty alleviation. This research uses a qualitative field research design, data were collected via semi-structured interviews, observations, and document review in several mosques and UPZ units in Salatiga City. Content analysis identified key themes and examined selection criteria and administrative challenges with rigorous precision. The findings reveal that informal appointment practices and lack of standardized competency assessments undermine effective zakat management. Inconsistent distribution practices, seasonal collections, and reliance on ad hoc committees’ compromise transparency, reducing the socio-economic impact of zakat fitrah funds across community levels. The study’s results offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and zakat institutions. They are useful for enhancing governance in Islamic social finance, guiding reforms in zakat management, and improving equitable resource allocation in community development, religious studies, and socio-economic policy globally. The novelty, uniquely integrates traditional Islamic jurisprudence with modern administrative practices to develop a replicable framework for amil zakat selection. It advances current knowledge by addressing a critical gap in operational mechanisms, offering innovative insights into enhancing zakat management efficacy.

Bridging the Gap Between Actual and Desired Quality of Life: A Study of Older Adults in Institutional Care Settings in India

ABSTRACT With an aging population, ensuring older adults’ well-being is crucial. This study examined actual and desired Quality of Life (QoL) among institutionalized older Indians in care homes and recreational centers. Using a mixed-method approach, it analyzed key QoL dimensions, forming a QoL index. Surveys (293 participants) and qualitative data revealed significant gaps between actual and desired QoL, highlighting diverse needs across institutional contexts. Findings underscore the need for continuous QoL advancements in policies and programs. Targeted interventions can enhance QoL, offering valuable insights for social work practice and policy development to better support older adults’ evolving needs.

The Pursuit of Social Justice Through Sport for Development Organizations in the United States

While Sport for Development (SfD) scholars have deconstructed the interplay between global development discourse, policy, funding, practice, and local agency, SfD organizations in the Global North have yet to be deconstructed with the same intensity, rigor, and scope. In this paper, the complex, dynamic interplay among development discourse, policy, funding, practice, and local agency will be deconstructed as it relates to SfD provision in the United States. There will be a particular focus on SfD leadership structures that can unlock more sustainable, egalitarian development discourse and practices which promote and advance social justice.

Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Effectiveness of the Mid-Day Meal Program in Nepal

The mid-day meal (MDM) program is vital in improving nutritional status and academic outcomes, particularly among basic school students from economically needy backgrounds. The MDM program provides nutritious meals to enhance school attendance, concentration on learning, class activities, and overall academic performance. This study synthesizes data from 2015 to 2024 regarding stakeholders' perspectives on the effectiveness of the MDM program, analyzing 18 academic research papers, policy documents, and reports accessed through Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Nepali institutional repositories. These sources were assessed on relevance keywords, publication, and methodological thoroughness, including a thematic analysis to identify key themes and gaps in the related literature. It revealed an enhancement in student educational participation, improving nutritional status and community engagement, fostering ownership, promoting social equity, health awareness and education, and increasing school attendance due to the Nepal MDM program. Yet some ongoing challenges such as food quality and nutritional standards, hygiene concerns, infrastructure challenges, stakeholder engagement, funding limitations, policy and implementation gaps, stakeholder collaboration, local food integration and strong monitoring to optimize program effectiveness and sustainability appear to be lacking. Despite their substantial benefits in enhancing student nutrition and educational outcomes, MDM programs face challenges such as the quality of food being served, hygiene, funding, and infrastructure deficiencies in Nepal. Strategic stakeholder collaboration, improved school facilities, and sustainable practices are essential for maximizing the program's long-term impact of these initiatives. This study contributes to a broader understanding based on stakeholders’ perspectives, linking pathways for future research, policy development, and effective program implementation of the MDM program in Nepal.

Exploring Urban Slum Education Through Photovoice With Children: Concepts and Techniques for Research

Despite the expanding population of children in urban slums, the strive to ensure equitable education remains an under-appreciated and under-developed area. Yet, more research on urban slum education is necessary as urban slums are not merely physical spaces, but they portray multifaceted sociocultural issues in education. Conducting photovoice with children in slums is conducive to building a comprehensive and contextualized understanding of urban slum education based on children’s perspectives. What concepts of urban slum education can researchers explore and how can photovoice help researchers understand them? In what ways can researchers adopt photovoice to explore the educational experiences of slum children by centering children’s perspectives? This paper discusses five concepts of urban slum education, followed by each photovoice technique to explore them effectively. Further, this study provides technical issues for researchers to ensure that their research empowers children and is culturally relevant. The resulting comprehensive understanding of urban slum education will contribute to the development of slum-specific curricula and education policies and programs that are aligned with children’s best interests.

Navigating the path to Industry 4.0: a study on key barriers in Indian textile supply chain

PurposeThis study investigates the barriers impeding the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the Indian textile sector.Design/methodology/approachIt identifies and prioritizes 15 significant barriers based on thorough research and expert opinions. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is used to assess the influence and interdependencies of these barriers. A sensitivity analysis further validates the robustness of the findings.FindingsThe research uncovers significant barriers to I4.0 adoption, emphasizing their cause-and-effect dynamics. Key barriers include high implementation costs, inadequate government support, lack of managerial commitment, difficulties with technology integration, concerns about security and privacy and employee resistance due to job insecurity. These challenges are ranked to help decision-makers develop effective strategies for overcoming them.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses solely on the Indian textile sector, indicating the need for further research in other countries to enhance the general applicability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe insights provided can assist policymakers and industry leaders in understanding the key barriers hindering I4.0 adoption. This knowledge supports the development of sector-specific policies and strategies that promote I4.0 practices and facilitate smooth integration within the supply chain.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to employ the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method framework to analyse the interrelations among barriers affecting I4.0 adoption in the Indian textile sector, offering valuable empirical insights.

The validation of the Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination assessment framework within the European Union: a modified Delphi study.

The NEED (Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination) assessment framework was designed to identify and measure unmet health-related needs of patients and society across various health conditions, aiding the development of needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation. The framework consists of 25 needs criteria and 46 associated indicators that assess whether these needs are met or not. This study aims to validate the framework at the European Union (EU) level using a modified Delphi approach. We selected national and European institutes for the Delphi process based on their roles in public health, health technology assessment (HTA), medicine authorization, pricing and reimbursement (P&R), and patient advocacy. Using a modified Delphi approach, experts provided feedback on the framework's structure (dimensions and domains), health-related needs criteria, and indicators. Two Delphi rounds were conducted via online questionnaires. A panel of 26 experts participated in both rounds of the study. The majority of the participants reported expertise in HTA (50%) and P&R (15%), followed by patient advocacy (15%) and public health (8%). Seventeen EU Member States were represented, with a higher representation of experts from Belgium (12%) and Germany (12%). The NEED framework based on expert consensus consists of 4 dimensions, 3 domains, 24 criteria, and 43 indicators. The modified Delphi technique proved effective for validating the NEED framework at the EU level. This marks a critical first step toward consensus on defining and identifying unmet health-related needs, paving the way for a more needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation landscape.

Gender Perspective on Impact of Disasters: A Study of Sarawal Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi West, Nepal

Background: Nepal is highly susceptible to various types of natural disasters, with approximately 90% of its population at risk of experiencing multiple hazards. The country ranks 30th in terms of flood risk, with hilly regions prone to landslides and lowland plains frequently affected by floods. Each year, disasters such as floods, landslides, fires, heat waves, cold waves, and epidemics cause significant loss of lives and livelihood assets. Given the critical role of gender in disaster vulnerability, it is essential to analyze gender-specific perspectives on disaster risk and resilience. Objective: The study aims to explore gender roles and their associated vulnerabilities in disaster events. By examining the perceptions of males and females regarding different disaster-related variables, the research seeks to provide insights into gender-based differences in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted in Sarawal Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi West, Nepal. A total of 428 respondents were selected through random sampling, comprising 311 males and 117 females. The study employed six major disaster variables as defined by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) to analyze gender perspectives critically. Statistical methods were used to assess the association between gender and disaster perception. Findings: The study revealed a significant association between gender and disaster perceptions. Males and females demonstrated differing views on disaster risks, preparedness, and coping mechanisms. Understanding these gender-specific differences can help determine levels of vulnerability, identify associated risks, and enhance the coping capacities of different groups. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to incorporate gender perspectives into disaster-related research and resilience-building initiatives. Addressing gender-based vulnerabilities can lead to more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies, ultimately improving community resilience. Novelty: This study provides empirical evidence on the gendered dimensions of disaster perception in Nepal, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into disaster risk management. By focusing on a rural municipality, the research offers localized insights that can inform policy and program development for gender-inclusive disaster resilience planning.

The Influence of Work-Life Balance and Physical Work Environment on the Performance of State Civil Apparatus Teachers (ASN) of NSF Cimahi Junior High School

Based on the results of the teacher performance evaluation in 2022 and 2023, there has been a decline in teacher performance, suboptimal physical work environment conditions, and extra workloads that often extend beyond working hours. This study aims to analyze the influence of work-life balance and physical work environment on the performance of Civil Servant Teachers (ASN) at SMP NSF Cimahi. The research uses a quantitative approach with a census method, employing a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The research population includes 36 ASN teachers for the independent variable and 1 principal for the dependent variable. The results of the descriptive analysis show that the work-life balance of ASN teachers falls within the balanced criteria, with the sub-variable of balance being the highest value. The physical work environment falls into the good category, with the sub-variable of workplace safety being the highest value. The overall performance of teachers falls within the good criteria, with the highest sub-variable being social competence. The results of multiple linear regression show that work-life balance and physical work environment simultaneously influence the performance of ASN teachers at SMP NSF Cimahi with a high or strong level of impact. This research proves that a good work-life balance and a conducive physical work environment significantly contribute to the improvement of teacher performance at SMP NSF Cimahi. This research provides important contributions in supporting the development of policies to improve work-life balance and physical work environments to enhance teacher performance, which ultimately contributes to the quality of education.

Professional Sports Facility Construction Projects and Infant Health

Building subsidized new professional sports facilities represents a common local economic development policy. Little research focuses on negative local impacts generated by these projects. Linking data on the exact timing and location of new sports facility construction projects to birth data, we find that facility construction projects generate negative local externalities. Infants born during construction have lower birth weights than infants born in comparable areas where no new facility opened. Prenatal health visits also declined. Disproportionate negative impacts occurred in vulnerable populations. Mechanisms identified include local airborne particulate matter and reduced provision of government services affecting prenatal health.

Mathematical Modeling of Innovative Processes for Sustainable Development in the Agro-Industrial Complex

Various predictive calculations are actively used in modern scientific research, and economic and mathematical models are becoming particularly important. These methods and approaches are especially appreciated in the production environment, where they contribute to process optimization and informed decision-making. However, in the context of the development of industrial and economic activity, more and more enterprises are faced with the need to introduce mathematical models to improve the efficiency of innovation process management, which allows them to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and industry requirements. In this study, innovation processes are considered through the prism of the principles of sustainable development, which allows us to form the basis for interrelated concepts such as sustainable economy, cluster economy and industrial ecology. The practical significance of this research lies in its ability to offer a theoretical basis, empirical findings, and actionable recommendations for integrating sustainable development policies. These insights facilitate the transformation of innovation processes into a sustainable economic framework. The findings serve as a foundation for formulating strategies, policies, programs, roadmaps, and business models at multiple levels—macro, meso, and micro—within the agro-industrial sector.

Short Food Supply Chains as a policy tool for smart and sustainable rural development in the European Union

The article addressed issues related to the concept of rural development in the EU, namely smart villages. It is necessary to consider what instruments will contribute to the creation of smart villages in EU countries. The tool that was analysed in this paper is Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs). The aim of this paper is to identify the common points between the features of SFSCs and the main components of smart villages. The author posited research hypothesis that SFSCs contribute to the development of smart villages in the EU. The main objective and research hypothesis required the use of qualitative research methods (critical literature analysis and comparative analysis). The first part of the article presents the definition of SFSCs in literature. Next, the author indicates the main features of SFSCs. The third part includes a short description of the history of implementing and supporting SFSCs by EU under rural development policy. Then, the concept of smart villages is presented. The author identified the areas that constitute the components of smart villages (smart economy, smart society, smart environment, smart agriculture, smart governance and smart accessibility). Next, the comparative method was used to identify common areas between smart villages and SFSCs concepts. The analysis shows that promoting and implementing SFSCs will lead to creating smart villages in the EU.

Does ESG Performance Drive Long-Term Sustainable Economic Growth in Asia? Insights from a Novel ESG Index and Panel Cointegration Analysis

Background: Rapid population growth and the depletion of natural resources pose significant global challenges. These issues are further exacerbated by unethical corporate practices, such as accounting fraud and financial scandals, which contribute to economic downturns. This study investigates the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in fostering sustainable economic growth in Asia. Methods: This study adopts an explanatory research design, utilizing panel data collected from the World Bank for 46 Asian countries spanning the period from 1990 to 2022. The causality was determined using a robust panel regression model to examine the long-term and short-term effects of ESG performance on economic growth. Results: The findings reveal a strong positive long-term relationship between ESG performance and GDP per capita, suggesting that sustainable practices enhance productivity, attract investment, and contribute to human capital development. However, short-term effects are largely insignificant, except in specific Asian countries where targeted policies and rapid transitions yield immediate benefits. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of ESG performance in driving long-term sustainable economic growth in Asia. It highlights clear long-term benefits, including increased productivity, investment, and human capital development, despite limited short-term effects in certain regions. These findings emphasize the need for policymakers and stakeholders to integrate ESG criteria alongside financial metrics, enabling them to enhance economic resilience, drive innovation, improve financial performance, and address environmental and social challenges. Novelty: This research creates novelty by contributing in three ways. First, it develops a unique ESG index in the absence of a standardized ESG index for Asian countries. Second, while most existing studies focus on the impact of ESG adoption on firm-level performance, this study shifts the perspective to a macroeconomic scale, examining how ESG performance influences overall economic growth. Thirdly, it provides empirical evidence on the impact of ESG performance on economic growth in the region, offering valuable insights for sustainable development policies.

Spatial and Chronological Assessment of Variations in Carbon Stocks in Land-Based Ecosystems in Shandong Province and Prospective Predictions (1990 to 2040)

Analyses of regional carbon stock dynamics, particularly of spatial and temporal dynamics and their relationship with land use transitions, play a key role in the management of terrestrial ecosystem functions and the optimization of land resource allocation. This study focuses on Shandong Province, an important ecological security barrier along the eastern coast of China, to explore carbon stock changes and how land use modifications contributed to the chrono-spatial distribution of carbon stocks from 1990 to 2020, with additional forecasts up to 2040. Based on Natural Variation Conditions, Ecological Variation Conditions, and the City’s Variation Conditions, the results indicate a downward trend in carbon stocks across Shandong Province, from 2661.87 × 106 t in 1990 to 2380.02 × 106 t in 2020. Carbon stocks exhibit a highly uneven spatial distribution, with concentrations being notably higher in the central and eastern regions. Cities are classified based on their carbon stock level: high carbon stock cities (Linyi, Weifang, Yantai), large carbon stock cities (Jinan, Jining, Qingdao, Dezhou, Binzhou, Liaocheng, Taian, Zibo, Dongying), and cities with general carbon stock levels (Weihai, Rizhao, Zaozhuang). The major driver of carbon stock decline is the conversion of ecological lands into urban areas, with cultivated lands and forests being the primary carbon storage contributors. Projections suggest that under the City’s Variation Conditions, carbon stocks will decrease from 2380.02 × 106 t in 2020 to 1654.16 × 106 t by 2040, while Carbon stocks will rise from 2380.02 × 106 t to 2430.56 × 106 t under the Ecological Variation Conditions. A significant disparity in carbon sink potential is found across cities, which are divided into high carbon sink potential cities (Yantai, Dezhou, Weifang, Qingdao, Jinan), large carbon sink potential cities (Binzhou, Weihai, Zibo, Liaocheng, Dongying, Linyi, Taian, Rizhao, Zaozhuang), and general potential cities (Jining, Heze). The insights gained from this study are essential for promoting the conservation of regional terrestrial ecosystems, directing land use policy development, and supporting sustainable development initiatives in Shandong Province.

Rethinking of a Bustling Food Street

The intricate process of urbanization encompasses a multitude of challenges and concerns. One of the most pressing problems in Dhaka pertains to ensuring hygienic food accessibility, preserving and enhancing indigenous food culture, and creating a lively urban food street environment. This paper aims to expound on the notion of a food street bustling with activity and commerce as a possible avenue for addressing these predicaments. We argue that food streets can serve as dynamic public spaces promoting social interaction, supporting small-scale food entrepreneurs, and offering diverse, affordable, healthy food options by conducting a design studio exercise for undergraduate students. Design decisions lead to the potential food streets requiring rethinking urban Planning and regulatory frameworks and collaboration between various stakeholders. This paper highlights some key considerations for designing and implementing successful food streets and suggests areas for future research and policy development.

“One Dedicated, Single-Minded Staff Aide”: John M. Blair and Institutional Keynesianism in Postwar US Economic Policy

AbstractThis article uses the case of the economist John Malcolm Blair as a vehicle for examining the durability of the institutional tradition in US economic policy making. Over a multidecade federal government career, Blair played an important role in focusing policy debate on institutionalist concerns like economic structure and corporate power even through the heyday of the Keynesian Revolution. Indeed, Blair stood as representative of an overlooked postwar policy-intellectual current that strove to anchor the study of macroeconomic issues like inflation and unemployment upon solid microfoundations: what I call Institutional Keynesianism. A primary influence behind such policy developments as the Celler-Kefauver Anti-Merger Act of 1950 and the wage–price guideposts implemented by the Kennedy administration, Blair’s work sheds light on the meaningful yet often neglected links between different schools of economic thought and policy domains.

Pushes and pulls of father leave policy reform: Unpacking divergent father leave reforms in the Czech Republic and South Korea

Abstract The development of father leave policies marks a critical step toward gender equality in family policy. Despite promising policy developments, father leave policies continue to face resistance and negative feedback from various stakeholders, constraining their development. Their implementation has exhibited considerable variation across countries, ranging from mere symbolic gestures to substantive reforms. This article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding their evolution, emphasising that progress depends not solely on public support but on a mix of factors, including electoral competition, policy diffusion, negative feedback, and crises. The contrasting outcomes observed in South Korea and the Czech Republic highlight how similar drivers can produce divergent policy responses, challenging the view that drivers (like crises or electoral competition) have a predictable effect on policy change. This complexity necessitates a re-evaluation of existing theoretical frameworks to more accurately reflect the intricate dynamics at play in policy development.

LEVEL OF LEARNERS’ PROFICIENCY IN NUMERACY (ENHANCED REGIONAL UNIFIED NUMERACY TEST (ERUNT): BASIS FOR SCHOOL-BASED POLICIES

The performance of elementary pupils in mathematics exams is a topic of growing interest because pupils normally find math difficult. This research paper aims to investigate the performance of elementary pupils in mathematics exams and its implications for school-based policies. By examining the Learners’ Proficiency Level in Numeracy (Enhanced Regional Unified Numeracy Test (ERUNT) Mid-test (SY 2023-2024), this research seeks to provide valuable insights for the development of effective school-based policies to support elementary pupils’ learning and achievement in mathematics.

Public Spending in Basic Education in Colombia: Its Contribution to Economic and Social Development

Education is a fundamental tool for social transformation, strengthening democracy, and reducing socioeconomic gaps in Colombia. Despite advances in educational coverage, problems related to quality and relevance persist in the educational system, with deficits in cognitive, technical, and socio-emotional skills among graduates. These challenges are exacerbated in a globalized context, highlighting the need to improve the link between education and the labor market, as well as to enhance educational infrastructure. To address these issues, efforts are required in three key areas: increasing coverage and graduation rates, improving educational quality, and ensuring curriculum relevance. Special education for adults and ethnic groups, as well as education in rural areas, needs particular attention to ensure inclusion and equity. The development of public policies that align educational training with the demands of the labor market is crucial for the economic and social development of the country.