Policy Development Research Articles

Promotion of Knowledge and Trust Surrounding Scarce Resource Allocation Policies

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid development of scarce resource allocation policies (SRAPs) in case demand for critical health services eclipsed capacity. To test whether a brief educational video could improve knowledge of how the University of California Health's SRAP would be implemented and trust in health systems to implement such policies in accordance with ethical principles during the pandemic. This randomized clinical trial used an educational video intervention embedded in a longitudinal web-based survey and was conducted between May and December 2020 and analyzed during March 2024. A total of 1971 adult participants were enrolled, of whom 939 completed follow-up; participants with matched baseline and follow-up responses were analyzed. California residents were randomized to view the intervention (n = 345) or not (n = 353) and stratified by age, sex, education, racial identity, and self-reported health care worker status. Non-California residents were allocated to the control group (n = 241). A brief (6-minute) "explainer" video that provided an overview of mechanics and ethical principles underpinning the University of California Health SRAP, subtitled in 6 languages. Self-reported survey assessment of knowledge of components of SRAP, graded as correct vs incorrect, and trust graded on a 10-point Likert scale. Anxiety about such policies was graded on a 10-point Likert scale with an a priori noninferiority margin of half of a standard deviation. Participants answered items at baseline and follow-up (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), with randomization occurring between administrations. Of 770 randomized participants with responses at both points, 566 (73.5%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 43.5 (36-57) years. Intervention participants demonstrated improvement of 5.6 (95% CI, 4.8-6.4; P < .001) more correct knowledge items of 20 vs controls, as well as significant improvements in reported trust in fairness/consistency and honesty/transparency about SRAP implementation. There was no significant change in reported anxiety surrounding SRAP in either treatment or control groups. The trial found that a brief educational video is sufficient to explain complex ethical tenets and mechanics of SRAP and improved knowledge of such policies and trust in health systems to implement them equitably while not exacerbating anxiety about potential policy implications. This informs practice by providing a framework for educating people about the use of these policies during future situations necessitating crisis standards of care. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04373135.

Communicative Democracy and Voter Choice: Evidence From a Conjoint Analysis in Taiwan

While prior scholarship has dedicated substantial attention to theoretically discussing communicative democracy, there has been a notable dearth of empirical research examining its political implications. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by exploring the impact of prioritizing communicative democracy in policy-making on electoral support. Through a conjoint experiment conducted in Taiwan, this study finds that candidates who emphasize communicative democracy, characterized by transparent communication, active engagement, and meaningful dialogue, are more likely to be chosen by voters over those who focus on majority rule. This preference highlights a broader desire for inclusivity and policies reflecting diverse viewpoints. As the first empirical investigation, the findings contribute to our understanding of voter values around communication and inclusivity in democracy, indicating a shift toward valuing collaborative policy development.

Adolescent psychosocial identity development associated with traditional rituals and rites of passage in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a study that explored how adolescents in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana experience their psychosocial identity development in relation to participating in traditional rituals and rites of passage. This study employed a phenomenology case study design with a purposive sampling procedure. Data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. The participants were 20 adolescent learners in the focus groups, and 12 teachers, 12 parents and eight adolescents in individual interviews. The study found that adolescents undergo psychosocial identity development due to participating in ritualisation processes in a variety of ways. According to the study’s findings, initiation activities exposed adolescents to distinct cultural values, aided them in developing a larger worldview, enhanced self-awareness, and improved social skills. On the other hand, not all adolescents had favourable experiences with their traditional rituals and rites of passage. Furthermore, traditional practices may perpetuate negative gender stereotypes, and discriminatory actions and behaviour. We recommend collaborating with guidance counsellors, parents and guardians, community members, and leaders when providing counselling services to adolescents We also recommend policy development to encourage integrating traditional practices in formal schooling.

Institutional quality as a catalyst for structural transformation in African countries: What role does foreign direct investment play?

The socio-economic development of African countries is strongly influenced by the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and the quality of these countries' institutions. This paper examines the role played by the quality of these countries' institutions as a pillar in the process of structural transformation (ST) in African countries considering the relationship between FDI and institutional quality. This led to the completion of a thorough econometric analysis that estimated two Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models and concentrated on the complex relationships between the study's variables. The econometric results obtained showed a negative and significant effect of FDI on the quality of institutions in the long term as reflected by two dependent variables: the degree of freedom from corruption and the degree of freedom of ownership. Thus, the results show the major constraints African countries faced in terms of property rights, corruption and the implementation of good governance practices, underscoring the need for radical institutional reform to foster these crucial dimensions of socio-economic functioning. In addition, the study’s result demonstrated the crucial role that institutional quality within the African continent can play in the success of its ST process. Indeed, the positive impact of institutional quality on FDI attractiveness and the implementation of effective development policies could foster an environment conducive to achieve inclusive growth. Finally, the results of the study can help decision-makers define the policies essential to the success of the ST process in African countries.

Integrating Global Norms for Gender Equity in Kazakhstan: Aligning Workplace and Social Security Legislation with Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study investigates the impact of international standards on shaping national approaches to gender equality, focusing on Kazakhstan’s legal and social frameworks. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on theoretical perspectives regarding implementing international law, offering a foundation for understanding how global norms influence national policies. Method: A multidisciplinary methodology is applied, including comparative legal analysis, normative-legal methods, systems analysis, and legal modeling. Forecasting techniques are also used to anticipate future trends in the alignment of national policies with international gender equality standards. Results and Discussion: This study identifies several critical challenges that Kazakhstan faces in reforming its social and labor policies to align with international standards. Significant institutional and legal barriers hinder progress in promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination. The discussion focuses on these obstacles and examines their implications for policy development and implementation. Research Implications: The findings of this study contribute to academic research and policy development by enriching the scientific discourse on gender equality and offering recommendations for integrating international standards into national legislation. This study not only provides a theoretical basis but also offers practical ideas for improving policies and legal frameworks. Originality/Value: This study sheds new light on the relationship between international legal standards and national legislation. It offers practical recommendations for advancing gender equality and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by promoting the empowerment of women.

Understanding Path‐Departing Changes in Childcare Policy: The Influence of Self‐Undermining Policy Feedback

ABSTRACTThe debate surrounding policy feedback and policy developments has long revolved around self‐reinforcing (positive) policy feedback. Recently, the literature has been enriched by a new research agenda that highlights the role of self‐undermining (negative) policy feedback, which is also argued to significantly influence the evolution of policies. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining changes in childcare policy, a field that has thus far primarily analysed and emphasised positive policy feedback. By analysing the case of South Korea, we demonstrate that childcare policy is a good candidate for both positive and negative policy feedback. Furthermore, it is the combination of these pieces of feedback that determines the evolution of childcare policy. Additionally, this study illustrates that inadequately addressed negative feedback may lead to unforeseen policy shifts, as exemplified in the Korean case by the introduction of the cash‐for‐care policy.

The adoption of cotton combine services and farm technical efficiency: evidence from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

PurposeThis study examines the adoption of cotton combine services and its impact on farm technical efficiency in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The research aims to determine whether mechanisation influences productivity and economic output at the farm level.Design/methodology/approachUsing farm-level data from 511 cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan collected in 2019, this study employs stochastic frontier analysis to measure potential output and technical inefficiency among cotton farmers. The analysis includes a translog functional form to account for the use of cotton combine services and other farming variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that while mechanisation through cotton combines can potentially increase technical efficiency by optimising the harvesting process, the benefits are not uniformly experienced across all farms. Variations in farm characteristics, such as labour availability and existing agricultural practices, influence the efficiency of technology adoption. Institutional factors and historical legacies also play a significant role in the adoption and impact of mechanisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on cross-sectional data from 2019, and the findings may not capture longer-term trends or recent developments in mechanisation policies in the study countries.Originality/valueThis research provides a nuanced understanding of the conditions under which cotton combine services enhance or hinder technical efficiency. It highlights the necessity for carefully tailored policies for mechanisation, especially in Uzbekistan, where rural labour is abundant and predominantly female. The study contributes to the broader discourse on agricultural mechanisation in developing countries by focusing on the specific context of Central Asia.

Commerce and Health Management: Analyzing the Intersections of Public Health Policies and Economic Development

This study investigates the critical relationship between public health policies and economic outcomes. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative analysis of survey data and qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews, the research identifies key themes such as the integration of health and economic policies, the role of health investments in fostering economic resilience, challenges in policy implementation, and the significance of innovation in health management. Findings indicate a strong positive correlation between effective public health measures and perceived economic development, highlighting the necessity for cohesive strategies that align health initiatives with economic planning. The study further reveals that barriers such as funding constraints and varying perceptions hinder effective implementation, suggesting the need for enhanced cross-sector collaboration and targeted communication. Recommendations include prioritizing health infrastructure investments and embracing technological innovations to improve healthcare access and efficiency. As societies face ongoing global challenges, this research emphasizes that effective health management is not only a public health concern but also a crucial element of economic strategy. By recognizing the interconnectedness of health and economic systems, stakeholders can work towards creating a more resilient and prosperous future.

Vulnerable Research Participant Policies at U.S. Academic Institutions.

Background: Historically, some of the worst abuses of human research participants have involved populations which are vulnerable to coercion, harm, or exploitation, such as prisoners, children, and people with compromised decision-making abilities. Although there has been considerable philosophical and ethical debate about how to protect vulnerable populations, there have been only a handful of empirical studies on vulnerable population policies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on vulnerable population policies from the 105 top funded U.S. academic research institutions. We used deductive and inductive methods to develop our framework for coding the policies. We tested for associations between policies and research and development expenditure rank, public vs. private status, geographic region, and Association for Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs accreditation (AAHRRP). Results: U.S. academic institutions have a variety of policies for research with vulnerable populations. Every institution in our sample had at least 2 policies for research with vulnerable populations (including a general policy) and most had 8 or more. As expected, the most highly prevalent policies pertained to populations covered in subparts B, C, and D of the Common Rule (pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, prisoners, and children) but other groups were well-represented, including people with disabilities; people with impaired decision-making capacity; students/trainees; and people with limited English proficiency including illiteracy. AAHRRP accreditation was positively associated with eight different types of policies. Conclusion: U.S. academic institutions have a variety of policies for research with vulnerable populations. Additional research is needed to better understand the types of safeguards that institutions have adopted to protect vulnerable populations and the factors that influence policy development.

An Inventory of Proposed and Enacted Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Policies at the State, Local, and Tribal Levels in the United States, 2014‒2023.

Objectives. To inventory and describe trends in proposal and enactment of US sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) policies at state, local, and Tribal levels, 2014-2023. Methods. We systematically searched 6 policy databases in 2021 (updated May 2023) using SSB-related search terms, identifying additional policies through snowball and online searches and a survey of food-policy experts. We reviewed 10 821 policies for inclusion and quantitatively coded included policies. Results. The inventory included 400 (321 unique [i.e., excluding companion]) policies meeting criteria: 335 (256 unique) state-, 63 local-, and 2 Tribal-level policies. From 2014 to 2023, 11% of unique state-, 92% of local-, and 100% of Tribal-level proposed policies were enacted. Across jurisdictions, the most frequently proposed policies related to excise taxes, restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the largest proportions of enacted policies related to restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, education, and procurement. More policies were proposed and enacted in California and New York than other states, and in 2017 (proposed) and 2016 (enacted). Conclusions. This comprehensive inventory of US SSB policies provides information to inform future SSB policy development and diffusion. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 17, 2024:e1-e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307855).

Financial well-being, anxiety and payment delinquency among student loan holders in the United States: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly intensifying the financial and psychological burden for individuals with student loans in the United States. Firstly, this study examined the association between student loan ownership and financial well-being during the pandemic. Secondly, among student loan holders, we tested the association of financial anxiety and payment delinquency with COVID-19 shocks and financial knowledge. Lastly, we investigated the associations between the recipients of student loans and their financial well-being, anxiety and behaviors concerning student loans.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study, we explored how unprecedented economic disruptions have affected student loan holders' financial well-being, levels of debt anxiety and payment delinquency, considering financial knowledge as a critical factor. We conducted Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and logistic regressions to examine the associations addressed in the purpose of the study.FindingsThe results of regression analyses indicate that individuals with student loans generally experienced lower financial well-being than those without loans. Among student loan holders, COVID-19 shocks were positively associated with student loan anxiety and payment delinquency. Additionally, subjective financial knowledge showed a positive association, while objective financial knowledge displayed a negative association with loan delinquency. Lastly, respondents who secured loans for themselves exhibited lower levels of financial well-being than other student loan holders.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the initial efforts to investigate the issues of financial well-being, debt anxiety and payment delinquency among student loan holders, along with their associations with the potential COVID-19 shocks they experienced. The research shed light on the acute financial stress and mental health challenges faced by student loan holders during global crises, highlighting the significance of effective policy development for student debt management and borrower support during times of economic uncertainty.

Digital technology for the national sport development: Designing a database model to analyse elite sports data

Relational database models offer a pathway for the storage, standardization, and analysis of factors influencing national sports development. While existing research delves into the factors linked with sporting success, there remains an unexplored avenue for the design of databases that seamlessly integrate quantitative analyses of these factors. This study aims to design a relational database to store and analyse quantitative sport development data by employing information technology tools. The database design was carried out in three phases: (i) exploratory study for context analysis, identification, and delimitation of the data scope; (ii) data extraction from primary sources and cataloguing; (iii) database design to allow an integrated analysis of different dimensions and production of quantitative indicators. An entity-relationship diagram and an entity-relationship model were built to organize and store information relating to sports, organizations, people, investments, venues, facilities, materials, events, and sports results, enabling the sharing of data across tables and avoiding redundancies. This strategy demonstrated potential for future knowledge advancement by including the establishment of perpetual data updates through coding and web scraping. This, in turn, empowers the continuous evaluation and vigilance of organizational performance metrics and sports development policies, aligning seamlessly with the journal’s focus on cutting-edge methodologies in the realm of digital technology.

Impact National Strategic Program Transportation Sector On Export Performance In Indonesia

The study aims to identify the impact of transport infrastructure development policies on Indonesian export performance. The case on this study is the National Strategic Program (PSN) of the transport sector, which has begun to implemented in stages over time and between different locations since 2017. The study also compares the impact of policy between regions on Java Island and regions outside Java Island. By using the Callaway and Sant'Anna Difference-in-differences (CSDID) method, the study analysed the impact of policy interventions on the PSN province (province in which there is a PSN transport sector) compared to the Non PSN Province (Province in which there is no PSN Transport sector). The results of the study found that after the intervention of policy and the availability of international ports, the Province of PSN has a 33,9% higher export performance than the Non-PSN Province. The research also found that policy interventions had a significant impact partially in the region outside of Java. The research also found that policy interventions only partially had a significant impact in the region outside of Java, because the existence of policy intervention and the availability of international ports, the PSN Province outside Java Island had an export performance of 59,5% higher than the Non-PSN Province

Equitable food and nutrition security initiatives for farmers and fisher folks in Masbate, Philippines

Loss of income among Filipino farmers and fisher folks caused by the pandemic resulted to food and nutrition insecurity in their respective households. Their low level of education limited their source of livelihood into small scale farming, fishing, or both thus also limiting their income and opportunity to find additional sources of income. Descriptive statistics was used alongside Smith’s Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyze the data and understand the respondents’ lived experiences. The pandemics negative effect to their source of livelihood prompted them to institute drastic coping mechanisms for survival. Despite the dire situation the respondents still possess a positive outlook in life and have shown their usual resiliency to disasters. Life lessons drawn from them aided in the formulation of personal and organizational development policies in the context of the province of Masbate, Philippines. Finally, the Smart Sirungan Framework for a Food and Nutrition Secure Future was created and presented for possible utilization and further studies.

Legitimation strategies in emerging ecosystems: The case of advanced air mobility in Hamburg

This study provides insights into the legitimation process of emerging ecosystems and strengthens the conceptual link between entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic geography. It examines existing theoretical frameworks on legitimation strategies in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems by inquiring into advanced air mobility (AAM), an area in which innovation faces exceptionally high legitimation challenges. The initial integration of drones for logistics and air taxis for passenger transport is surrounded by ambiguous future visions that range from high expectations to concerns about developing a mobility form that is neither sustainable nor socially acceptable and affordable. Empirically, this article offers an analytical understanding of the collective legitimation strategies within the emerging AAM ecosystem in Hamburg, Germany. For this, we used multiple qualitative methods and data sources: (1) a contextualizing network analysis, (2) semi-structured interviews with 22 representatives of tech and policy development, and (3) participatory observation from applied research projects. Based on the empirical material, we find that the current conceptual debate underestimates the public sector's role in ecosystem emergence and legitimation. As AAM depends on fundamental regulatory change, authorities and state-owned companies in the aviation sector have a decisive influence on the emergence of the ecosystem. Furthermore, our findings highlight how global discourses shape local practices and expectations. By combining cross-sectoral knowledge, entrepreneurs and policymakers aim to identify feasible use cases for their place-specific context. Nevertheless, the lack of a collective identity within the ecosystem, which comes largely from the uncertainties of AAM, poses numerous challenges for ecosystem participants addressing their liability of newness.

Looking to Livestock: Gauging the Evolution of the EU's Agri-Climate Law and Policy

Abstract Awareness of agricultural climate impacts is growing. In the European Union (EU), the agricultural sector is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to receive considerable EU budgetary support. A large share of agricultural emissions is linked to livestock husbandry, a sector the direct and indirect climate impacts of which the EU's ‘green’ agricultural policies have historically ignored. This blind spot extends to the sizeable global deforestation footprint from EU livestock feed imports that remains unaddressed, despite the EU's aspired status as a global climate leader and major global agricultural market player. This article benchmarks the evolution of EU agri-climate legal and policy developments, using livestock emissions as a case study to highlight the importance of learning from the successes and failures of the EU experience, to realize future attempts to tackle global agricultural emissions.

Overview of Publications on Payment for Environmental Services: Focus on Brazilian Contributions

Objective: This study aims to analyze publications on Payment for Environmental Services (PES), with a focus on Brazil's leadership and the evaluation of case studies, empirical and theoretical research in the Web of Science and SciELO databases up to April 2024. Theoretical Framework: PES is discussed as a tool for environmental conservation and sustainable development, emphasizing challenges such as social inclusion and participatory governance. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on publications indexed in the Web of Science and SciELO databases up to April 2024. The exploratory research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in data analysis. Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed that Brazil plays a prominent role in PES publications, both nationally and internationally. Within the Brazilian context, the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais stand out, with the Conservador das Águas project in Extrema frequently cited in the literature. Research Implications: The results provide a foundation for the development of public policies aimed at expanding PES initiatives in Brazil. Mapping existing projects can encourage the replication of best practices and foster research in underexplored areas, promoting climate mitigation strategies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by identifying and mapping PES projects, providing valuable insights for the formulation of strategies aimed at improving climate conditions.

Коммеморативные практики Республики Таджикистан в 1991–1999 годы

The aspects of the formation and development of the historical policy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the 1990s are considered. Considerable attention was paid to the speeches of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Sh. Rahmon, emphasizing the contribution of the Samanid dynasty to the foundation of Tajik statehood. The pre-Samanid and Samanid constructs of historical memory are analyzed as the main stages in the justification of historical memory in the state in the 1990s. Attention is drawn to the figure of I. Samani as the forefather of Tajik statehood. Regulatory legal acts indicating the formation of commemorative practices in the Republic of Tajikistan from 1991 to 1999 are considered.

DESENVOLVIMENTO DE POLÍTICAS EDUCACIONAIS E SEU IMPACTO NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES E GESTÃO ESCOLAR

This study highlights that the development of educational policies plays a very important role in teacher training and school management. Therefore, through bibliographical research, the influence of these policies on pedagogical and administrative practice was explored. Thus, the analysis revealed that effective educational policies not only qualify and update teachers, but also guide school management towards a more participatory and efficient approach. The effectiveness of these policies is closely linked to their ability to adapt to local needs and involve all participants in the educational process. Thus, the literature review demonstrated that policies that consider the specificities of educational communities and encourage the active participation of teachers and managers have a significant positive impact on the quality of education and school management. Thus, the study confirms that the implementation of educational policies aligned with local realities and the needs of educators can promote substantial improvements in teacher training and the management of educational institutions.

Towards the development and enhancement of Open and Distance Learning policies in Africa: A step by step guide to the game

Purpose: This study sought to explain and understand possible steps for developing and enhancing open and distance learning (ODL) policies in Malawi. Methodology: It thus deployed descriptive and interpretive phenomenological research as advanced by Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger to deeply understand policies, practices and perceptions within higher education institutions (HEIs) in Malawi. It was assumed that human experiences can best be understood through ones immersion into documents, conversations and lived-experiences of the research subjects. Accordingly, we used document analyses, observations and systematic conversations followed by practical activities to enhance the available draft-ODL policies at the selected HEIs. Findings: The study established that many academics had inadequate knowledge on policy formulation using paradigmatic and marginalized philosophical theories. It was also established when policy-makers combine different theories to inform their policies, they gain more advantages than they would have otherwise done. Since education is usually confronted by complex issues, such theoretical amalgamation has paid dividends. While this study inherently took an eccentric approach to research by reconciling Husserl and Heidegger’s contradictions, it also infused some elements of empiricism and conceptual ideals ushering in a mixed methodology that culminated into a transformative paradigm. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Since research is about discovering new knowledge, this study garnered its uniqueness and credibility through such methodical surprises; the approaches that transcended mere theoretical analyses to yielding a tangible ODL policy product. We acknowledge our methodological limitations although such limitations cannot lender our findings invalid. We therefore recommend researchers to try this approach, and share with us their findings.