Policy Development Research Articles

Enhancing Workplace Productivity: The Nexus of Organizational Culture and Policies in Public Institutions

Aim – This study aims to explore the intricate interplay between organizational culture, policies, and productivity within a major public institution in Ghana. The primary purpose is to investigate the relationships between organizational policies, characteristics of organizational culture, and non-financial indicators of organizational productivity. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilizes a descriptive survey design, using a sample of 119 respondents randomly selected from a population of 1489 employees. Advanced statistical techniques, including Pearson Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression, are employed to identify relationships and test hypotheses. Findings – The results indicate positive and statistically significant relation-ships between organizational policies, cultural characteristics, and productivi-ty. Multiple linear regression analysis supported the hypothesis, demonstrat-ing a substantial influence of these factors on productivity. Notably, a moder-ate to strong positive correlation was found, highlighting the critical role of organizational culture in fostering improved performance. Limitations – Reliance on self-reported data raises concerns about social de-sirability bias. Additionally, the descriptive survey design allows for the identification of correlations, but causal relationships between variables can-not be established. Practical implications – This research highlights the importance of strategic policies and a supportive culture for public sector productivity. Clear policy implementation, leadership fostering a positive work environment, and en-gagement in policymaking likely enhance performance, particularly within diverse workforces. However, future research should explore causal relation-ships between these factors and productivity for deeper understanding and continuous optimization. Originality/value – This study investigates the combined effects of organiza-tional culture, policy clarity, and employee participation on productivity in a Ghanaian public institution. It contributes to the literature by confirming the positive influence of a supportive culture and well-defined policies, while emphasizing the importance of employee involvement in policy develop-ment. These findings offer practical insights for leaders seeking to enhance productivity in similar contexts.

A perspective on the next generation of Earth system model scenarios: towards representative emission pathways (REPs)

Abstract. In every Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment cycle, a multitude of scenarios are assessed, with different scope and emphasis throughout the various Working Group reports and special reports, as well as their respective chapters. Within the reports, the ambition is to integrate knowledge on possible climate futures across the Working Groups and scientific research domains based on a small set of “framing pathways” such as the so-called representative concentration pathways (RCPs) in the Fifth IPCC Assessment Report (AR5) and the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). This perspective, initiated by discussions at the IPCC Bangkok workshop in April 2023 on the “Use of Scenarios in AR6 and Subsequent Assessments”, is intended to serve as one of the community contributions to highlight the needs for the next generation of framing pathways that is being advanced under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) umbrella, which will influence or even predicate the IPCC AR7 consideration of framing pathways. Here we suggest several policy research objectives that such a set of framing pathways should ideally fulfil, including mitigation needs for meeting the Paris Agreement objectives, the risks associated with carbon removal strategies, the consequences of delay in enacting that mitigation, guidance for adaptation needs, loss and damage, and for achieving mitigation in the wider context of societal development goals. Based on this context, we suggest that the next generation of climate scenarios for Earth system models should evolve towards representative emission pathways (REPs) and suggest key categories for such pathways. These framing pathways should address the most critical mitigation policy and adaptation plans that need to be implemented over the next 10 years. In our view, the most important categories are those relevant in the context of the Paris Agreement long-term goal, specifically an immediate action (low overshoot) 1.5 °C pathway and a delayed action (high overshoot) 1.5 °C pathway. Two other key categories are a pathway category approximately in line with current (as expressed by 2023) near- and long-term policy objectives, as well as a higher-emission category that is approximately in line with “current policies” (as expressed by 2023). We also argue for the scientific and policy relevance in exploring two “worlds that could have been”. One of these categories has high-emission trajectories well above what is implied by current policies and the other has very-low-emission trajectories which assume that global mitigation action in line with limiting warming to 1.5 °C without overshoot had begun in 2015. Finally, we note that the timely provision of new scientific information on pathways is critical to inform the development and implementation of climate policy. Under the Paris Agreement, for the second global stocktake, which will occur in 2028, and to inform subsequent development of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) up to 2040, scientific inputs are required by 2027. These needs should be carefully considered in the development timeline of community modelling activities, including those under CMIP7.

Analysis of the Influence of the Ability to Prepare Financial Reports, Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion on the Financial Performance of MSMES

Improving community welfare can be achieved by improving the performance of small and medium scale businesses because MSMEs can be a forum for the majority of society to meet their needs. This research aims to analyze the influence of the ability to prepare financial reports, financial literacy and financial inclusion on the financial performance of MSMES. This research was descriptive research. This research is classified as quantitative research by utilizing data obtained from 100 respondents consisting of MSME units. The data collection stage was carried out with instruments in the form of questionnaires and tests. The results of the analysis show that the ability to prepare financial reports, financial literacy, and financial inclusion partially have a positive and significant influence on the financial performance of MSMEs. Another interesting finding is that the analysis carried out simultaneously shows that the ability to prepare financial reports, financial literacy, and financial inclusion have simultaneously significant positive influence on the financial performance of MSMEs in Medan City. The results of this research are very important for assessing the situation and future prospects of MSMEs in this country. The implications of this research encourage the development of strategies and policies that can improve the ability to prepare financial reports, optimize financial literacy, financial inclusion and encourage MSME financial management behavior so that it can improve the financial performance of MSMEs, which in turn will improve the welfare and sustainable growth of the MSME sector.

The Impact of Virtual Teaching and Learning on Skill and Knowledge Acquisition in the Training of Health Professionals

This paper aims to examine how virtual teaching and learning affect the acquisition of skills and knowledge among healthcare professionals in Ghana using the SWOT framework and socio ecological model. The findings indicate that virtual teaching offers benefits such as improved accessibility, flexibility, cost effectiveness and opportunities for expanding training using technologies. However challenges were noted in skill development and digital disparities. Threats included declines in competency and sustainability issues. The socio ecological perspective emphasized how factors across levels are interconnected. In conclusion the combined analysis using SWOT and socio ecological models provides an understanding of how virtual teaching impacts healthcare education in Ghana. Recommendations include investing in infrastructure training faculty members and supporting learners better; promoting collaboration among healthcare professionals; well as establishing quality assurance measures and plans, for long term sustainability. The study provides guidance on how to enhance the execution and impact of virtual education programs, in training health professionals. The results guide the development of policies based on evidence, allocation of resources and collaboration across sectors to establish an enduring policy framework for virtual healthcare professional education in Ghana.

Dementia Ideal Care: Ecosystem Map of Best Practices and Care Pathways Enhancedby Technology and Community.

Globally, much work has been done by nonprofit, private, and academic groups to develop best practices for the care of people living with dementia (PLWD), including Alzheimer's disease. However, these best practices reside in disparate repositories and tend to focus on one phase of the patient journey or one relevant group. To fill this gap, we developed a Dementia Ideal Care Map that everyone in the dementia ecosystem can use as an actionable tool for awareness, policy development, funding, research, training, service delivery, and technology design. The intended audience includes (and not limited to) policymakers, academia, industry, technology developers, health system leaders, clinicians, social service providers, patient advocates, PLWD, their families, and communities at large. A search was conducted for published dementia care best practices and quality measures, which were then summarized in a visual diagram. The draft diagram was analyzed to identify barriers to ideal care. Then, additional processes, services, technologies, and quality measures to overcome those challenges were brainstormed. Feedback was then obtained from experts. The Dementia Ideal Care Map summarizes the ecosystem of over 200 best practices, nearly 100 technology enablers, other infrastructure, and enhanced care pathways in one comprehensive diagram. It includes psychosocial interventions, care partner support, community-based organizations; awareness, risk reduction; initial detection, diagnosis, ongoing medical care; governments, payers, health systems, businesses, data, research, and training. Dementia Ideal Care Map is a practical tool for planning and coordinating dementia care. This visualized ecosystem approach can be applied to other conditions.

Implications of Climate Change Litigation for Environmental Law and Policy in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that the implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana underscore the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and adaptive policy responses to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. While Ghana has made strides in enacting environmental legislation and participating in international climate agreements, the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related impacts necessitate greater legal clarity, enforcement mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement to enhance climate resilience and adaptation efforts. Climate change litigation provides a crucial avenue for affected communities, civil society organizations, and environmental advocates to hold governments and corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change and their obligations to protect the environment and uphold human rights. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Legal Mobilization Theory, Policy Diffusion Theory & Ecological Modernization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana. Encourage strategic litigation that targets key actors, industries, and policy arenas to maximize the impact of legal interventions on environmental protection and climate action. This involves identifying leverage points within existing legal frameworks and leveraging innovative legal strategies, such as public trust doctrines and rights-based approaches, to advance environmental objectives. Foster greater integration of climate change litigation outcomes into national and international environmental policy-making processes. Governments and intergovernmental organizations should proactively incorporate legal precedents, court decisions, and settlement agreements into policy development, implementation, and evaluation.

العلاقة بين الخبرة السابقة في ملكية الأعمال وتحديد الفرص: الدور الوسيط للأساليب المعرفية

Purpose: This study uses the human capital approach and the entrepreneurial cognitive approach to investigate the relationship between business ownership experience and opportunity identification. Additionally, it considers the mediating role of cognitive styles. Study design/methodology/approach: The hypotheses were tested using path analysis, which included the examination of mediation. Sample and data: A questionnaire was used to collect data from 294 Egyptian entrepreneurs.Results: The findings suggest an association between business ownership experience and, analytical style and opportunity identification. The paper also found an association between the analytical style and the number of opportunities. Both intuitive and analytical styles are associated with the innovativeness of opportunities. Furthermore, this study revealed that analytical thinking only partially explains the relationship between business ownership experience and opportunity identification.Originality/value: This study’s value lies in testing the relationship between business ownership experience and opportunity identification in a new context, using a sample of Egyptian entrepreneurs. It also offers a relatively unexplored perspective on the relationship between business ownership experience and opportunity identification. Additionally, the findings challenge the common assumption that prior experience is a source of intuition. The study revealed that experienced entrepreneurs prefer analysis to enhance their ability to identify opportunities.Research limitations/implications: This research’s insights are somewhat limited due to using a non-probability sample. The paper examined entrepreneurs’ cognitive styles without exploring their actual use of intuition and analysis. Despite these limitations, this paper has implications for entrepreneurship research and policy development.

Headgear use in girls' lacrosse-stakeholders not ready for change.

Mandating headgear for field players in girls' lacrosse to reduce head injuries, including concussion, has been heavily debated. However, research regarding the need and effectiveness of mandated headgear use in girls' lacrosse is still developing. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to identify the need for and barriers to the development of mandated headgear use policies in girls' lacrosse in Ohio. We conducted six virtual focus groups, three with concussion experts (clinicians and researchers) and three with girls' lacrosse stakeholders (high school players, parents, coaches, and officials). A focus group guide was developed to explore study participants' perceptions and opinions on concussion in girls' lacrosse, headgear use among players, and policies and policy development related to headgear use or a headgear mandate. We developed the codebook using an inductive and iterative approach based on focus group transcripts and used ATLAS.TI to code and analyze the transcript data. Concussion experts and stakeholders understood the potential consequences of concussion but did not perceive concussion as a pervasive problem in girls' lacrosse. The prevention of head and facial injuries was regarded as a potential benefit of headgear use. However, stakeholders expressed that the myriad of arguments discussed opposing mandated headgear use including increased aggressive play and/or targeting, concerns over changes in the game, and cost strongly outweighed the benefits. Finally, both concussion experts and stakeholders identified multiple organizations, including USA Lacrosse, who could act as facilitators and/or barriers to developing, enacting, and implementing headgear policies. Concussion experts and stakeholders identified possible reasons for headgear use related to injury prevention but also identified several important barriers to the development of a headgear mandate for girls' lacrosse in Ohio.

COVID-19 and Women's Health: A Panel Survey on the Perceptions of Family Caregiving among Middle-aged Korean Women

Background COVID-19 has significantly impacted society, economy, and health, altering family roles and caregiving concepts. Middle-aged women bear the responsibility of managing family health, educating children, and caring for the elderly. The pandemic has brought considerable changes to these roles. This study used data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families (KLoWF). Objective This study identifies factors that influence the perceptions of family caregiving among middle-aged Korean women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data from the 8th wave of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Families (KLoWF) for the year 2020, provided by the Korean Women's Development Institute, was used. The samples consisted of 1,120 middle-aged women between the ages of 45 and 65. Variables included general characteristics, changes in women's lives due to COVID-19, family roles, and perceptions of family caregiving. The data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, post-hoc analysis with Scheffé's test, Pearson correlation to examine relationships between variables, and hierarchical regression to identify factors influencing perceptions of family caregiving. Results The hierarchical regression model indicated that the factors influencing the perceptions of family caregiving among middle-aged women were age, changes in women's lives due to the pandemic, and family roles, with an explanatory power of 24.7%. Conclusion This study revealed changes in the patterns of family and caregiving roles among Korean middle-aged women during the COVID-19 era, providing foundational data for future studies on the life perceptions of Korean middle-aged women, proactive health management practices among women, and the development of sociodemographic policies.

Forecasting the Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

Quantifying the economic burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke over the coming decades may inform policy, health system, and community-level interventions for prevention and treatment. We used nationally representative health, economic, and demographic data to project health care costs attributable to key cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia) and conditions (coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation) through 2050. The human capital approach was used to estimate productivity losses from morbidity and premature mortality due to cardiovascular conditions. One in 3 US adults received care for a cardiovascular risk factor or condition in 2020. Annual inflation-adjusted (2022 US dollars) health care costs of cardiovascular risk factors are projected to triple between 2020 and 2050, from $400 billion to $1344 billion. For cardiovascular conditions, annual health care costs are projected to almost quadruple, from $393 billion to $1490 billion, and productivity losses are projected to increase by 54%, from $234 billion to $361 billion. Stroke is projected to account for the largest absolute increase in costs. Large relative increases among the Asian American population (497%) and Hispanic American population (489%) reflect the projected increases in the size of these populations. The economic burden of cardiovascular risk factors and overt cardiovascular disease in the United States is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. Development and deployment of cost-effective programs and policies to promote cardiovascular health are urgently needed to rein in costs and to equitably enhance population health.

Impact of a Distress Brief Intervention on Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts and Self-harm in the immediate, short and longer term: a mixed method evaluation study protocol

Background The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) is a new approach aimed at reducing distress and is embedded in Scotland’s suicide prevention and mental health strategies. People in distress can be referred to DBI by front-line healthcare and emergency service staff. DBI promises to make contact within 24 hours and offers people in distress 14 days of compassionate, community-based, and person-centred support. The development of NHS 24, a new specialist National Health Service Mental Health Hub (MHH) embedded in Scotland’s urgent care service created a new national route to access DBI. Protocol This study is a mixed-method evaluation of the impact of DBI on suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and self-harm in the immediate, short and longer term among people presenting in distress. Evaluation participants include adults who access DBI, DBI staff, individuals who have used NHS 24 MHH, and GPs. A combination of analysis of quantitative survey and linked administrative data, including a comparator group analysis, qualitative interview and focus group data will support understanding of whether and how DBI can reduce suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviour and self-harm among those presenting to front-line services in distress. A survey of General Practitioners and a review of existing literature will be used to model typical care pathways for individuals in distress and at risk of self-harm. Modelled resource use and costs will be explored. All data collected will be triangulated through a summative evidence synthesis to develop evidence-based insights and conclusions to inform policy and practice development. Discussion Understanding whether, how and why DBI has helped prevent future suicidal thoughts and behaviour in those with a history of suicidal risk will provide important insights into how the intervention can be further developed and optimised as a suicide prevention intervention.

Environmental and Sustainable Development Policies to Address the Pollution Catastrophe in India

Although the environment, crops, water, air, food and fiber, control the weather, and supply oxygen, its air, water, and soil are polluted too. Humans have altered about 75% of the earth, reducing wildlife and nature’s space and harming the environment. Industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth, and globalisation have affected people and the environment. This study aims to investigate the environmental and sustainable development-focussed policies to address the pollution catastrophe. The study is a content analysis of prominent online newspaper media reports from January 1, 2020, to November 30, 2022, on legal, environmental, and sustainable issues to reduce pollution and advocate an Indian environmental and sustainable development policy. Since pollution and environmental degradation pose significant threat to humanity, ecosystems, and sustainable living are at risk. Despite national and international legislative and regulatory actions, the environment remains a significant issue. An environmental strategy that encourages sustainable development for future generations is the need of the times. It was found that there were legal and environmental offenses, the management of unscientific treatment procedures, the lack of fundamental education about existing court orders, and fatality-induced health problems. Therefore, India needs an environmental and sustainable development policy to limit environmental concerns’ fatality and protect the earth from pollution.

Effective Strategies for Human Resource Development in the Digital Era

The rapid development of digital technology has brought significant changes in various aspects of life, including the field of human resource management (HR). This article aims to identify and analyze effective strategies that can be applied in human resource development in the digital era. In this context, HR development strategies do not only focus on improving technical skills, but also on developing soft skills which are essential for adaptation in a dynamic work environment. This research uses a qualitative approach with a comprehensive literature study method, reviewing various academic and practical sources. relevant to the topic. The main findings of this study show that the integration of technology in the training and development process, the formation of a work culture that supports innovation, and the implementation of a digital-based performance management system are some of the key effective strategies. Apart from that, the importance of visionary and adaptive leadership has also been identified as a determining factor for success in HR development in the digital era. This article provides insight for HR practitioners and managers to formulate HR development policies and programs that are relevant to the demands of the times. In addition, this research also makes a theoretical contribution by offering a conceptual framework for holistic and sustainable human resource development in the digital era.

Impact of RMB internationalization on China's competitiveness in financial services trade based on the VAR model: Evidence from China-US.

An increase in a currency internationalization levels can positively impact its credibility in international economic activities, and expand the effective demand and optimize the supply structure for the country's financial service trade. In this way, a state can improve its financial service trade competitiveness in the international market. This study builds a vector autoregressive model based on time-series data of China-US financial services trade from 2010 to 2021, analyzes the impact of different quantitative indicators of RMB internationalization on this trade from the impulse response results, and validates the conclusions using various inspection methods. The results show that the increase in RMB internationalization helps to narrow the China-US financial services trade balance, but with a significant lag. And this effect is heterogeneous in different dimensions, demonstrated by the fact that the development of overseas RMB securities business is more important for the level of RMB internationalization to narrow the China-US financial services trade balance. Finally, among the specific measures to improve its financial services trade, China should focus on developing the international competitiveness of the traditional RMB deposit and loan financial sector, while the competition in the overseas market for high value-added financial businesses must also not be neglected. Furthermore, China needs to implement more targeted RMB internationalization development policies at different levels in the future to provide high-quality financial services to the rest of the world and aid in the economic recovery of the world in the "post-pandemic" era.

Multidisciplinary Perspective: A Review of the Importance of Communication in Managing Climate Change Challenges

Climate change is a national and global issue that affects the entire world, associated with greenhouse gas emissions and resulting in long-term changes in climate conditions. Understanding and effectively communicating the primary causes of climate change is critical for identifying solutions that can help address it. Scientists conduct numerous research studies focused on climate change and mitigating its effects, making it a central topic of discussion. Overall approaches are typically centered around sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through green and innovative technologies. However, these approaches and scientific expressions can appear complex and abstract to the public, governments, and civil society organizations. In this regard, the role of communication is significant in creating long-term awareness among the public and generating action-oriented solution proposals. The use of effective language and storytelling techniques, localization, visualization, and effective use of media can help contextualize climate change issues, raise awareness, and build consciousness. The role of communication is undeniable in breaking down barriers between scientists and the public, ensuring that solutions to climate change problems are sustainable and effective, and facilitating the development of appropriate policies by governments and civil society organizations. It is essential to prioritize and conduct advanced research and develop innovative strategies for coordinated efforts between scientists and communication experts in addressing climate change and developing effective solutions.

Transforming a Day-Laborer's Quarter into a Service Hub: An Analysis of the Case of Kotobuki in Yokohama, Japan, Using Public Choice and Neo-Hegelian Theories

The inadequate provision of welfare services has long represented a persisting issue in addressing urban poverty, especially in districts where poverty converges. One such district, once a day laborer's quarter, is Kotobuki of Yokohama. However, given that Kotobuki is now recognized as a welfare center, this study analyzes why the abovementioned transformation occurred. Previous research examining this question focused especially on the role of civil society, neglecting that of the city government, despite its crucial role in providing welfare services. Furthermore, few studies have employed robust theories in their analysis. Against this background, this study aims to bridge these gaps, conducting in-depth interviews with city government officials and civil society personnel while using public choice and neo-Hegelian theories. The findings provide useful implications for policymakers in day laborers’ quarters worldwide, as well as insight into future welfare strategies, informing the development of public policies to address urban poverty.

Factors influencing consumer choices and food safety awareness in street-vended foods: A case study of Meru town, Kenya

The consumption of street-vended foods is common in many developed and developing countries, including Kenya. This study investigated the food safety knowledge of street food consumers (SFCs) and the factors influencing their choices of street-vended foods in Meru town, Kenya. A total of 456 respondents were randomly selected from different streets in Meru town to participate in this study. Data collection was carried out through in-person interviews using pretested structured questionnaires. The results of the survey revealed that a significant proportion, 79.2% of the participants were consumers of street vended foods. In addition, the study found a gender disparity that 58.8% of respondents were male and most of them had a primary or secondary education levels, while the majority of the female respondents reported that they had obtained college education. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents were self-employed (48.7%) and earned between KES 10,000 (USD 74) and KES 20,000 (USD 148) per month. The study also found that the average weekly expenditure on street-vended foods was estimated at KES 694.25 (USD 5.14). There was a highly significant association between the income range of the SFCs and their education level (p < 0.001), age category (p < 0.001) and employment category (p < 0.001). Education level (p=0.0274) and age (p=0.0205) of the SFCs were significant factors in predicting the personal hygiene knowledge scores of the SFCs. About 31.6% of consumers reported being sick once or twice a month after eating street foods. The study revealed that convenience, cost, quantity, hygiene and service were important factors considered by SFCs when purchasing street vended foods. The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can inform the development of appropriate strategies and policies aimed at promoting food safety awareness and ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic street-vended foods in Meru town, Kenya.

"Aware or not": Determining the Professional Awareness Rates of Nutrition and Dietetics Students and Identifying the Affecting Factors

The aim of the study is to determine the rates of professional awareness among nutrition and dietetics students and identify the factors that affect it. This cross-sectional study was conducted with A total of 226 dietetics students at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx University. The main outcome measure of the study is to determine the professional awareness and affecting the factors. Study data were evaluated with descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Most students choose careers because of family support and the desire for health promotion. Awareness rates about professional regulations were evident (min 71.7%). Significant factors of awareness were individual (including professional love, interests, desires), practices, and trends or social effects. The identification of factors of awareness students experiencing professional challenges and recognize that there are common factors among dietetics students may increase awareness among educators, guide the development of course policies, and highlight the importance of mitigating major sources of awareness for students.

Cannabis use, mental health, and problematic Internet use in Quebec: A study protocol.

Problematic Internet use is characterized by excessive use of online platforms that can result in social isolation, family problems, psychological distress, and even suicide. Problematic Internet use has been associated with cannabis use disorder, however knowledge on the adult population remains limited. In Quebec, cannabis use has significatively increased since 2018, and it is associated with various risks in public safety, public health, and mental health. This study aims to identify factors associated with problematic Internet use among adult cannabis users and to better understand their experiences. This project is a mixed explanatory sequential study consisting of two phases. Phase 1 (n = 1500) will be a cross-sectional correlational study using probability sampling to examine variables that predispose individuals to problematic Internet use, characteristics associated with cannabis use, Internet use, and the mental health profile of adult cannabis users in Quebec. Descriptive analyses and regression models will be used to determine the relationship between cannabis use and Internet use. Phase 2 (n = 45) will be a descriptive qualitative study in the form of semi-structured interviews aimed at better understanding the experience and background of cannabis users with probable problematic Internet use. The results of this study will support the development of public policies and interventions for the targeted population, by formulating courses of action that contribute to the prevention and reduction of harms associated with cannabis use and problematic Internet use. Furthermore, an integrated knowledge mobilization plan will aid in the large-scale dissemination of information that can result useful to decision-makers, practitioners, members of the scientific community, and the general population regarding the use of cannabis and the Internet.

The Role of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Policy in Local Economic Development

This study investigates the role of Planting for Food and Jobs in local economic development. Specifically, it assessed challenges faced by planting for food and jobs in local economic development, and how planting for food and jobs has affected Ghana's local economic development. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm and the case study approach to emphasize how Planting for Food and Jobs affects local economic development from the participant's point of view and perception of reality. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods and was conducted in Ghana. The study found that the program's challenges with service delivery can be attributed to a lack of government financing, which has also led to other issues including the failure of various programs that were intended to promote development. Findings revealed that the creation of jobs through Planting for Food and Jobs has increased the number of farmers, which has a direct impact on the pace of output. The introduction of the program has helped farmers improve their businesses and provided opportunities for individuals to engage in farming, which led to a minor improvement in the status of the local economy. It is then recommended that the Government should support the program with enough funds to increase the program’s local economic development potential.