Policy Reform Research Articles

Audio-Only Telehealth Use Among Traditional Medicare Beneficiaries

This cross-sectional study analyzes how use of audio-only telehealth services by Medicare beneficiaries changed from 2020 to 2022 and assesses which patients would be most affected by policy reforms.

Blending logics with performance management systems in an NGO setting

PurposeThis study aims to examine the role of performance management systems (PMSs) in enabling logic blending to manage institutional complexity and tensions arising from coexisting institutional logics.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a case study of an Australian non-government organisation (NGO) operating in an institutional field dominated by the state government, in which policy reform jolted the balance between institutional logics. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, archival documents and observations.FindingsWe find the policy reform required the NGO to transform from a wholly care focus to accommodate a more balanced approach with a focus on care coupled with efficiency, outcome delivery and performance measurement. The NGO responded by revising its purpose, strategy and operational model and by seeking to address the imperatives of two dominant and often competing care and managerial logics. We find this was achieved through logic blending, in which PMSs played a pivotal role, with the formalisation and collaboration processes mobilising different elements of PMSs, mobilising some elements differently or not mobilising some elements at all.Originality/valueThis study highlights the central role of PMSs in managing tensions between and the complexity arising from coexisting institutional logics through logic blending, a form of enduring compromise. This study extends the accounting logics and performance management literature by developing the understanding of what constitutes logic blending and how it is distinct from other forms of compromise.

Sino–Africa Trade Flows: Effect of Interaction Between Africa’s Population Density and Governance

Sino–Africa Trade Flows: Effect of Interaction Between Africa’s Population Density and Governance

Research on the Willingness Model for Community Drug Rehabilitation Participation Based on Mixed Research

Objective: With the continuous improvement of community management functions, community drug rehabilitation management in China has also received increasing attention. Currently, research mainly focuses on the policy and measure reforms of management departments. According to relevant data, the willingness of drug users to actively participate in community drug rehabilitation management is still low. Theoretical Framework: Through a search for quantitative data, it was discovered that two independent factors impact this variable: Program outcomes and small teamwork competence. Furthermore, there exists an additional mediating variable: Client-centered management practices have a correlation with program outcomes and have an impact on the willingness of clients. Client-centered management practice correlates with the proficiency of small workgroups and impacts clients' receptiveness. Method: The researcher used qualitative and quantitative sequential exploratory mixed methods to achieve this. In the qualitative stage, the study focused on key stakeholders from five Correction Institutes using interviews, focus groups, and lessons learned as tools for data collection. A purposive sample of 27 individuals was selected. The researcher used content and topic analysis to develop a conceptual framework and a questionnaire. In the quantitative stage, the study included drug addicts in correction institutes. A sample of 356 respondents was sampled using a systematic sampling method. Results and Discussion: Through literature research and field interviews, our project team found that customer centered management practices, small team cooperation ability, and the achievements of community management projects have an impact on the willingness of drug addiction patients to participate in community drug rehabilitation. Therefore, a structural equation model that affects the willingness to participate in community drug rehabilitation is proposed. We hope to explore the optimal structural relationship through a mixed qualitative and quantitative research method, and provide reference for relevant academic research. Research Implications: As recommendations, managers should analyze project role links and emphasize cross-role communication and collaboration. For future studies, it is recommended to use qualitative data such as work process observations and examine the long-term consequences of participants' Willingness.

Student-to-school counselor ratios: understanding the history and ethics behind professional staffing recommendations and realities in the United States

ABSTRACT This manuscript explores the argument for lower student-to-school counselor ratios in U.S. public education. Drawing upon a comprehensive historical review and existing research, we establish the integral role of school counselors and the notable benefits of reduced student-to-counselor ratios. Our analysis of national data exposes marked disparities across states and districts, with the most underfunded often serving higher percentages of low-income students and students of color. This situation raises significant ethical concerns, prompting a call for conscientious policy reform and targeted investment. Informed by emerging best practices, we propose recommendations for enhancing counselor staffing and ultimately student outcomes. This ethical argument underscores the need for proactive actions and provides a basis for future research to further delineate the impact of school counselor ratios on educational equity and student success.

A converging path: a decade’s reflection on net zero emissions and the circular economy

In the past decade, global sustainability efforts have increasingly focused on two critical paradigms: achieving net zero emissions (NZE) and advancing the circular economy (CE). This article provides a detailed examination of the challenges and breakthroughs in harmonizing these approaches, drawing from a broad range of academic discussions, technological innovations, policy developments, and practical implementations. We identify specific obstacles, such as technological limitations, policy inertia, and economic and social barriers, that hinder progress towards NZE and CE. The paper then outlines targeted solutions, including cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture and storage, policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices, and examples of successful circular economy models. Through a critical analysis of both the synergies and tensions between NZE and CE, the article highlights the necessity for cross-sector collaboration, robust policy support, and ongoing innovation to overcome these challenges. Concluding with a forward-looking perspective, we emphasize strategic pathways for integrated sustainability efforts, advocating for a multi-faceted approach that combines technological advancement, policy reform, and stakeholder engagement. By offering a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between theoretical goals and practical realities, this revised abstract aims to inspire action and foster a collective move towards a sustainable global future.

The Psychological Effects of Environmental Degradation on Human Well-Being

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. Through a comprehensive review of empirical studies, it revealed the pervasive nature of environmental degradation's impact on human mental health, consistently finding associations between exposure to various environmental stressors and adverse psychological outcomes. The study emphasized the interconnectedness between environmental health and human well-being, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to sustainability that integrate mental health considerations. It underscored the importance of community engagement and participatory approaches in addressing the psychological effects of environmental degradation, advocating for community-based interventions to promote resilience and sustainable development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Ecopsychology theory, Conservation Psychology theory and Stress and Coping theory may be used to anchor future studies on the psychological effects of environmental degradation on human well- being. The study offered valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It emphasized the need for an integrated theoretical framework that accounted for the multidimensional nature of environmental degradation and its psychological impacts. The recommendations highlighted the importance of integrating mental health considerations into environmental conservation efforts, promoting nature-based interventions, and prioritizing evidence-based policy reforms. Community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and longitudinal research were identified as key strategies for addressing the psychological effects of environmental degradation and fostering resilience. Overall, the study provided a comprehensive roadmap for advancing understanding and addressing the complex interplay between environmental change and mental health outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Inclusive Education Policies for Students with Disabilities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the effectiveness of inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effectiveness of inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that such policies played a vital role in promoting educational inclusion and academic success within mainstream educational settings. Despite encountering challenges such as inadequate resources and negative attitudes, inclusive education policies showed promise in creating equitable learning environments. The study emphasized the importance of addressing systemic barriers, promoting positive attitudes, and continuously monitoring and adapting policies to meet the evolving needs of students with disabilities. Overall, the findings underscored the potential of inclusive education policies to foster academic achievement and social inclusion for students with disabilities, contributing to a more equitable and supportive educational system. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Model of Disability, Ecological Systems theory and Critical Disability theory may be used to anchor future studies on inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. The study provided provided recommendations that enhanced theoretical frameworks, improved practice, and informed policy in inclusive education. It emphasized the importance of refining theoretical understandings of disability, providing professional development for educators, and developing comprehensive transition services for students with disabilities. Additionally, the study advocated for policy reforms that promote equity and social inclusion, fostered collaboration among stakeholders, and called for increased funding and support for inclusive education initiatives. These recommendations contributed to advancing inclusive education by promoting more responsive, equitable, and supportive educational environments for students with disabilities.

Barriers to Implementing Civic Education as a Compulsory Subject in Kabwe District Secondary Schools, Zambia

Civic education stands as a cornerstone in shaping active citizenship and fostering democratic values within the educational systems. However, the Zambia national education policy provides that the subject should be taught to all learners at the senior secondary school level. Nonetheless, this study investigated the barriers to implementing civic education as a compulsory subject at the senior secondary school level in Zambia, with a focus on Kabwe District secondary schools. Employing a mixed-methods approach under the convergent parallel design, quantitative and qualitative data was simultaneously collected from 319 participants comprising head teachers, heads of department social sciences, teachers of civic education, section heads, grade 12 learners and key informants from the Ministry of Education. An online questionnaire was employed to collect quantitative data presented on charts, while qualitative data was gathered through interviews, focus group discussions and document review was presented thematically. Findings reveal high value attributed to civic education by offering the subject to all learners, ensuring adequate-skilled teachers, encouraging active civic engagement opportunities and adequate allocation of material and resources. Barriers identified included the optional status of civic education in the 2013 curriculum framework, lack of clear guidelines, insufficient planning, and inadequate support from authorities. The study contributes valuable insights for policy makers, educators and researchers, informing decision-making processes, curriculum development, and policy adjustments. The study recommends policy reforms by the government to maintain the status of civic education as a compulsory subject in the curriculum framework by lobbying for clear guidelines and emphasising its value.

Exploring the dynamics of urban energy efficiency in China: A double machine learning analysis of green finance influence

Analysing the impact of green finance policies on urban energy efficiency contributes to finding solutions to promote the development of China's low-carbon energy system and the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing Chinese urban data from 2006 to 2021, the study employs an enhanced non-radial distance function (NDDF) model to evaluate the energy efficiency of 282 prefecture-level cities. It examines the 'Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone' policy as a quasi-natural experiment. It uses a double machine learning model to analyze its effect on urban energy efficiency and its mechanisms. The research demonstrates that green finance policies significantly improve energy efficiency, mainly through strengthening environmental regulation, fostering green technology innovation, and optimizing industrial structure. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of regional heterogeneity reveals variations in the policy's effectiveness across eastern, central, and western regions and between resource-rich and resource-poor cities. The findings suggest that the efficacy of green finance policies, while generally positive, is influenced by regional economic development and resource endowment differences. The study suggests targeted strategies to improve the green finance system, customize policies according to regional specifics, incentivize corporate green innovation, and foster cross-sectoral collaboration. By offering novel insights into sustainable development and providing actionable policy recommendations, this research contributes to advancing Chinese urban centres' economic and environmental sustainability through the strategic application of green finance.

Impact of Divorce on Parent-Child Relationships

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore the impact of divorce on parent- child relationships. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of divorce on parent- child relationships. Preliminary empirical review revealed that divorce significantly influenced these dynamics, often leading to challenges in communication, emotional bonding, and co-parenting. Children of divorced parents experienced various emotional and psychological difficulties, such as insecurity and anxiety, with the disruption of family routines exacerbating these issues. However, the consequences varied based on factors like child age, gender, and family functioning. Despite these challenges, many children showed resilience over time, with factors like parental warmth and effective communication buffering the negative effects. Overall, understanding these complexities allowed for the development of strategies to support families during the transition process, promoting positive outcomes for children and families. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Attachment theory, Family Systems theory and Social Learning theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact divorce has on parent- child relationships. By integrating multiple theoretical perspectives such as attachment theory and family systems theory, researchers gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding divorce's effects on parent-child relationships. Evidence-based interventions, including parent education programs and family therapy, were recommended to support families during the divorce process. Moreover, policy reforms advocating for the protection of children's rights and access to supportive services were proposed. These recommendations aimed to enhance the well-being of children and families navigating the challenges of divorce, fostering healthier family dynamics and parent-child relationships.

The role of governance in shaping health system reform: a case study of the design and implementation of new health regions in Ireland, 2018–2023

BackgroundEffective governance arrangements are central to the successful functioning of health systems. While the significance of governance as a concept is acknowledged within health systems research, its interplay with health system reform initiatives remains underexplored in the literature. This study focuses on the development of new regional health structures in Ireland in the period 2018–2023, one part of a broader health system reform programme aimed at greater universalism, in order to scrutinise how aspects of governance impact on the reform process, from policy design through to implementation.MethodsThis qualitative, multi-method study draws on document analysis of official documents relevant to the reform process, as well as twelve semi-structured interviews with key informants from across the health sector. Interviews were analysed according to thematic analysis methodology. Conceiving governance as comprising five domains (Transparency, Accountability, Participation, Integrity, Capacity) the research uses the TAPIC framework for health governance as a conceptual starting point and as initial, deductive analytic categories for data analysis.ResultsThe analysis reveals important lessons for policymakers across the five TAPIC domains of governance. These include deficiencies in accountability arrangements, poor transparency within the system and vis-à-vis external stakeholders and the public, and periods during which a lack of clarity in terms of roles and responsibilities for various process and key decisions related to the reform were identified. Inadequate resourcing of implementation capacity, competing policy visions and changing decision-making arrangements, among others, were found to have originated in and continuously reproduced a lack of trust between key institutional actors. The findings highlight how these challenges can be addressed through strengthening governance arrangements and processes. Importantly, the research reveals the interwoven nature of the five TAPIC dimensions of governance and the need to engage with the complexity and relationality of health system reform processes.ConclusionsLarge scale health system reform is a complex process and its governance presents distinct challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. To understand and be able to address these, and to move beyond formulaic prescriptions, critical analysis of the historical context surrounding the policy reform and the institutional relationships at its core are needed.

Mapping critical minerals projects and their intersection with Indigenous peoples' land rights in Australia

Vastly increased quantities of minerals and metals are needed to scale up renewable energy technologies. Indigenous peoples globally are voicing concerns about how this will affect the speed and scale of mining and renewable energy development on their lands and territories. In this paper, we delineate areas of Australia where Indigenous peoples' interests in land are formally recognised under legislation. These areas are overlayed with critical minerals project information to calculate intersections across 14 commodities. Our results show that 57.8 % of critical minerals projects are located where Indigenous peoples have a right to negotiate. Including native title claims, these rights are available for 79.2 % of critical minerals projects. We argue that critical minerals policies must consider Indigenous peoples' rights and interests in land upfront – not as an afterthought. To date, Indigenous peoples have not shared equitably in the wealth generated by mining Australia's mineral endowment. Inequitable outcomes will continue without major policy reform.

Understanding the Interplay of Race in the Criminal Justice System

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate and understand the interplay of race in the criminal justice system. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the interplay of race, class and gender in the criminal justice system. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that pervasive racial disparities exist within this institution, as evidenced by disproportionate treatment of racial minorities at various stages of the criminal justice process. It found that despite efforts to promote fairness and equity, implicit biases and systemic racism continued to influence decision-making, leading to disparities in arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing. The study highlighted the interconnectedness of race with other social factors such as socioeconomic status and neighborhood characteristics and underscored the urgency of implementing evidence-based interventions and policy reforms to address racial disparities effectively. Recommendations included diversifying law enforcement agencies, implementing implicit bias training programs, and reforming sentencing guidelines to promote fairness and reduce disparities in incarceration rates. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Critical Race theory, Labeling theory and Structural Functionalism may be used to anchor future studies on the interplay between race and the outcomes within criminal justice. The study provided recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It integrated critical race theory into the analysis to explore systemic racism's role in perpetuating racial disparities. Practically, evidence-based policing strategies and procedural justice principles were emphasized, alongside community policing initiatives and accountability measures to address bias and misconduct. Policy recommendations included reforming sentencing laws, investing in alternatives to incarceration, and addressing social determinants of crime. The study contributed to theory by examining intersecting identities' impact and advocated for community-driven interventions, trauma-informed approaches, and reforms to reduce racial bias and enhance accountability within the criminal justice system.

The Effect of Employee Involvement Participation in Directive Decision Making and its Impact on Employees Creativity: A Case Study of Higher Education in Oman

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand how the private higher education sector in Oman is adapting to global trends and industrial partnerships to prepare students for the workforce. Specifically, it aims to explore the relationship between employee involvement in participation, directorial decision-making, and employee innovation in this context, and how these factors contribute to differentiating institutions in a competitive environment.   Method: This study employs quantitative analysis to investigate the relationships between employee involvement, directed decision-making, and innovation within Oman's private higher education sector. Through the use of surveys and statistical methods, the study explores how directorial decision-making moderates the link between employee involvement and creativity.   Results and Conclusion:  The findings suggest that directorial decision-making plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between employee involvement and creativity. All proposed hypotheses were supported, indicating a positive correlation between employee participation in decision-making processes and innovation. These results underscore the importance of directorial strategies that encourage employee involvement as a catalyst for creativity within the sector.   Originality/Value: This study contributes uniquely to the body of knowledge on employee creativity in the private higher education industry by highlighting the critical role of leadership decision-making styles in fostering an innovative work environment. It provides empirical evidence supporting the need for policy reforms that encourage participative decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the sector's competitiveness and its ability to meet the demands of the global workforce. Through its insights, the study offers a foundation for further research and policy development aimed at nurturing innovation in higher education.

The influence of non-state-owned shareholder governance on the governance level of state-owned enterprises--Based on the perspective of board resolution behavior and party organization governance.

With an increasing number of heterogeneous shareholders participating in corporate governance in reality, the assumption of shareholder homogeneity in agency theory is gradually relaxing in the modern field of corporate governance. The policy of mixed ownership reform in China provides empirical evidence for studying heterogeneous shareholder governance. To fully understand the governance effects of non-state shareholders, we employ the ownership proportion held by non-state shareholders among the top ten shareholders and the appointment of directors as measures for non-state shareholder governance. Using a panel fixed-effect model from the perspective of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) party organizations, we examine the impact of non-state shareholder governance on the governance level of SOEs. The study reveals that non-state shareholder governance positively affects the governance level of SOEs, with board resolutions playing a crucial role in this relationship. When party members serve as directors, the governance effect of non-state shareholders is more significant. Based on the aforementioned research findings, we recommend further refining corporate governance measures for SOEs within the context of SOE reforms. It is advisable to optimize the party organizational governance structure and leverage the synergistic effects of non-state shareholder governance and party organizational governance. Advancing reforms along the Pareto improvement path will contribute to establishing a distinctive corporate governance system for Chinese SOEs.

Children dually involved with statutory child protection and juvenile justice in Australia: A developmental cascade framework

Children who experience dual involvement by child protection and juvenile justice statutory systems have poorer life outcomes attributable to higher levels of disadvantage and more complex needs compared to single system involved children. Literature regarding dual involved children in high income, western, and democratic nations are largely based on US studies. Whilst child protection and juvenile justice systems across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have somewhat similar legislative systems, cohort outcomes and relationships between risk factors and offending trajectories for dual involved children are influenced by differing legislative, geographic, and demographic contexts. Compared to international literature, significant gaps exist regarding the Australian context. Further, within Australia, there are no evaluated specific responses and/or strategies directed towards supporting this highly vulnerable cohort towards increased long-term positive outcomes. This is the first comprehensive review of Australian studies that examines the characteristics of children who have had dual involvement with juvenile justice and child protection agencies within Australia. Using a thematic analysis twenty-five studies with dual involved samples were analysed, examining the individual, familial, environmental, and systemic factors that contribute to the likelihood of children becoming involved in both child protection and juvenile justice systems within Australia. Six thematic factors emerged that characterised the trajectories of dual involved children: cumulative and destabilising adversity; maltreatment timing and type; offending onset and context; educational disadvantage and disengagement; co-occurring challenges; and First Nations overrepresentation. Our findings are applied to Developmental Systems Theory, extending on previous literature to depict an Australian first developmental cascade framework illustrating the context specific pathways of dual involved children and opportunities for intervention in Australia. The discussion highlights and compares differences between Australian and international contexts with the intention of emphasising key areas for future research, and policy and practice reform. This is important because of the nuanced differences between dual involved characteristics across different legislative and geographic contexts, with particular relevance to the experiences of First Nations children and families. Future research, policy and practice would benefit from continued reforms that focus resources on co-ordinated system responses and cohort specific services; namely, culturally appropriate diversion strategies that promote behavioural de-escalation and educational engagement.

Labour market trajectories and unemployment of older workers in Europe after the Great Recession

AbstractMany European countries want to overcome the early exit from labour market which was widespread since the 1970s through pension reform and labour policies. The extension of working life is hindered by factors that the literature overlooks. This article focuses on the discontinuity of the late‐career caused by unemployment. The aim is to investigate whether older workers are at risk of unemployment and what are the transitions after spells of unemployment. The labour market trajectories of workers over 50s in 11 European countries from 2006 to 2019 were analysed, specifically after the Great Recession and before the Covid‐19 epidemic. It is based on longitudinal survey data from the generated Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe Job Episodes Panel. Event history analysis and sequence analysis were performed. Older employees are unlikely to face unemployment. The transition rate highlights the difficulty for older workers into re‐employment. A low education level increases the risk of unemployment and remaining unemployed. Data by country confirm the trend towards overcoming the transition from unemployment to early exit. Divergences concern the higher risk of being trapped in unemployment in Southern European countries such as Greece and Italy.

Creating a Factoring Service Specifically Designed for Small and Medium Enterprises at Pro Credit Bank in Kosovo

Over the course of ten years, Kosovo has implemented policy reforms and worked on establishing a diverse market economy. As a result, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo have experienced significant growth and have played a crucial role in generating employment opportunities, boosting the country's GDP, and increasing the volume of exports. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have encountered obstacles in their path to growth as a result of their limited management expertise and financial means, as well as the unpredictability of the business landscape. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently encounter challenges during their business activities. The creation of new financial services is of utmost importance, particularly for joint-stock commercial banks in Kosovo, as they face less competition compared to state-owned commercial banks. This need arises from Kosovo's integration and economic development requirements, particularly in the banking sector. Furthermore, factoring is a financial instrument that fulfills the criteria of both commercial banks and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to propose the implementation of factoring services as a highly efficient and valuable short-term financial instrument for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo. Additionally, it highlights the significance of factoring services for commercial banks in the region. The primary goal of the first chapter is to provide an introduction to factoring services, as well as a clarification of the conditions necessary for their development. The second chapter provides an overview of the current global factoring industry and the specific market conditions in Kosovo, in order to gain insight into the general conditions for the development of factoring services for Kosovo-based factors. The Kosovo factoring market is currently in its early stages of development. There are significant opportunities for the growth of this service in Kosovo, particularly for pioneers introducing it to the market. Unfortunately, PRO CREDIT BANK was unable to capitalize on being the first to enter the market. Despite the benefits of PRO CREDIT BANK in accessing reliable and high-growth external sources of the Kosovo economy, The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo have had a significant growth rate of 3.8%. PRO Loans Bank has a strong track record of providing financial services to SMEs, which are its main customers. The bank has also established successful partnerships with international and global organizations to get additional capital for loans. 

Do Family Policies Reduce Gender Inequality? Evidence from 60 Years of Policy Experimentation

Do family policies reduce gender inequality in the labor market? We contribute to this debate by investigating the joint impact of parental leave and childcare, using administrative data covering Austrian workers over more than half a century. We start by quasi-experimentally identifying the causal effects of all family policy reforms since the 1950s on the full dynamics of male and female earnings. We then map these causal estimates into a decomposition framework to compute counterfactual gender inequality series. Our results show that the enormous expansions of parental leave and childcare have had virtually no impact on gender convergence. (JEL D63, J13, J16, J31, J32)