Policy-making Practices Research Articles

The wisdom layer: how to support evidence-informed policymaking

Abstract One of the returning challenges faced by public health scientists is bridging the ‘evidence-policy gap’-the disparity between identifying public health issues and implementing policies to address them. Despite the extensive literature documenting the challenges of promoting evidence-informed policymaking, opportunities for researchers to exchange experiences and learn from each other’s failures are limited. This presentation seeks to: (a) analyze key concepts in evidence-informed policymaking, based on the health information pyramid; (b) identify obstacles and facilitators in the translation of knowledge into actionable policy; and (c) present both successful and unsuccessful examples from our initiatives to influence health policy in Belgium. Specifically, we will discuss the concrete impact of the Belgian Health Status Report and the role this report plays in the development of actionable health objectives for Belgium. We will also cover the role of healthybelgium.be in governing and monitoring the health status of the Belgian population by discussing why this website has been recognized by WHO Europe as a model of good practice in evidence-informed policymaking.

Dɛnkyɛm: Identity Development and Negotiation Among 1.5-Generation Ghanaian American Millennials

Ghanaian immigrants are largely ignored in U.S.-based scholarship. Within this qualitative study, I explored the experiences of 1.5-generation Ghanaian American millennials with the purpose of understanding how they create, negotiate, and re-create identities. Using a phenomenological approach, I examined the experiences of eight individuals to specifically understand the creation and negotiation of national, ethnic, and racial identities in public and private spaces. I argue that the 1.5-generation is uniquely socially positioned and forced to code-switch and adapt based on age, race, and nationality, all while still learning to adjust to living in the U.S. The findings suggest that many individuals of this generation had unrealistic expectations of what life in the United States was like, which made the initial transition difficult. Participants also discussed a common theme of bullying at school and a distinct difference between their home life and public life. Racialization was the most challenging aspect of life participants faced as it related to their adjustment to mainstream U.S. society and revealed complex layers that are involved in identity development and negotiation. I close with suggestions for future research and implications for practice for scholars, policymakers, and community members.

Research on the Driving Effect of Smart City Construction on Regional Economic Development

As a new model of modern urban development, smart cities are promoting the sustainable development of regional economies through the deep integration of information technology and urban construction. This study, titled "Research on the Driving Effect of Smart City Construction on Regional Economic Development," systematically analyzes the theoretical foundation, current implementation status, and impact mechanisms of smart city construction on regional economic development. By comparing successful cases domestically and internationally, the study reveals the specific effects of smart city construction on optimizing resource allocation, upgrading industrial structures, and driving innovation. Using econometric models to analyze empirical data on smart city construction, the results indicate that smart city construction significantly promotes the coordinated development and competitiveness of regional economies. The study concludes with policy recommendations to further smart city construction and regional economic development, including strengthening government guidance, promoting corporate innovation, and optimizing public services, providing scientific guidance and references for smart city construction. The findings not only enrich the theoretical research in the fields of smart city and regional economic development but also offer valuable insights for practical policy-making.

Sustainability Indicators Correlation Matrix

Abstract: This study explores the complex interplay between economic growth, environmental preservation, and energy efficiency in the context of sustainable development. Leveraging analytical tools such as the OSeMOSYS model and Pearson correlation coefficient, the research investigates how economic decisions impact energy resource utilization and environmental quality. Key sustainability indicators, including Energy Payback Time (EPBT), Internal Rate of Return (ITR), and Climate Change Impact Mitigation (IMPcc), are analyzed within the framework of the Atlantis energy system. The study emphasizes the need to balance economic priorities with environmental considerations to achieve sustainability objectives effectively. Furthermore, the research evaluates the correlation between sustainability indicators when integrated into the optimization process of the OSeMOSYS energy modeling system. This approach, advocated in previous studies, underscores the importance of incorporating sustainability metrics into decision-making processes. In conclusion, the findings highlight the necessity of reevaluating the weighting of indicators within optimization functions to prioritize sustainability goals. By providing insights into the complex relationships between economic, energy, and environmental factors, the study contributes to advancing sustainable development practices for policymakers, businesses, and society as a whole.

Foundations and Applications in Political Theory: An Analytical Study

This study explores the practical applications of political theory, focusing on how fundamental principles are translated into real political actions within governance and decision-making contexts. The first section addresses the identification of core principles such as democracy, justice, equality, sovereignty, legitimacy, and rights, which serve as a theoretical framework for political systems and policy formulation. Each principle is examined in depth, highlighting its significance in shaping governance and social order. For instance, democracy emphasizes citizen participation and accountability, while justice relates to fairness and equitable distribution of resources. Various political scenarios where these principles are applied are discussed, including legislative debates, policy-making processes, electoral campaigns, diplomatic negotiations, and judicial rulings. Each scenario illustrates the practical implications of political theories, demonstrating how lawmakers, policymakers, and diplomats engage with these concepts to address societal issues, Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity of considering stakeholders' perspectives, including government officials, political parties, civil society organizations, interest groups, and citizens, in evaluating the effectiveness of political actions. Through a critical analysis of these applications, the study assesses the outcomes of political decisions and governance practices, focusing on their alignment with democratic values and the protection of individual rights. It also addresses challenges such as institutional barriers, conflicting interests, and resource constraints that hinder the realization of political ideals. Ultimately, the study offers recommendations to enhance the significance of political theory in contemporary political discourse, advocating for collaborative efforts between theorists and practitioners to ensure that theoretical ideas inform practical policymaking. This study underscores the vital role of political theory in understanding and addressing current political challenges, contributing to enlightened governance and social progress.

Determination of irrigation requirement for tomato using FAO-CROPWAT model in the Arid Region

Food security presents a significant challenge in arid regions, exacerbated by water scarcity due to climate change. Tomato is one of the top agricultural crops around the world, in which it is needed to investigate its irrigation water requirements for each region, especially in the arid regions. This work mainly aims to estimate the irrigation water requirements and irrigation schedules for cultivating tomato in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would be done by utilizing the FAO-CROPWAT 8.0 Model and CLIMWAT 2.0. The findings of this research support efficient water use by utilizing the advanced modeling tools. The outcomes will inform and enhance irrigation water management practices for farmers, farm owners, and policymakers, contributing significantly to sustainable development goals and the resilience of agricultural systems in water-limited environments.

Decolonising cultural policy: the cultural and linguistic rights of the Sámi in Finland

In this article, the writer considers the current state of the cultural and linguistic rights of the Sámi, how they are supported by cultural policy and how decolonising cultural policy could contribute to the ongoing struggles of realising the self-determination and cultural rights of the Sámi. The article stipulates that concrete steps need to be taken for decolonising cultural policy in Finland specifically concerning the cultural and human rights of the Sámi. Cultural policy should be based on cultural rights, thus introducing decolonial practices in support of the Sámi culture and languages and into the culture policy and funding is imperative. The article suggests creating decolonial practices of research and policymaking rooted in intersectional and participatory methods that recognise the many forms of discrimination, not only the current-day colonialism or the effects of assimilation but also the intersections of an indigenous identity with other forms of discrimination. Furthermore, contributing to decolonisation should include research on the effects of colonisation on cultural rights, cultural policy and the distribution of funds for promoting the Sámi culture and languages in the Sámi communities and Finland.

Effects of circular economy practices on sustainable firm performance of green garments

Research background: The concept of sustainable firm performance has gained significant interest within the highly competitive business arena. There has been a significant increase in the adoption and implementation of circular economy practices by industries. If a company can implement an established approach to circular economy practices, it may expedite the attainment of sustainable corporate performance. This research is conducted in the context of ready-made garment organizations that are following green criteria in their business activities. The study focuses on an emerging South Asian country, Bangladesh, as it holds a strong position in the global apparel and garment market; it is imperative to assess and ensure the environmental maintenance of this country’s garment sector. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable organizational performance. The study focuses on the contributory relationship of circular economy practices on three-dimensional sustainable performance, i.e. on environmental, financial, and social performance. Method: This is a quantitative survey-based study; a total of 418 managers were selected to participate. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire given to a sample of permanent managers of green garment organizations in Bangladesh. For data input and analysis, SPSS and PLS-SEM software were used. Findings & value added: The results of our study demonstrate a noteworthy relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable performance. This research enhances our comprehension of the efficacy of circular economy practices in addressing environmental issues. The study examines the potential ramifications of implementing circular economy practices for policymakers in the green garment sector, which is known for its significant labor-intensive activities, and ranks as the country's second-largest contributor. The outcomes provide a distinctive perspective for adding value to the environmental concerns in emerging economies. Thus, through an investigation of circular economy practices, our research provides valuable insights for the market of global garment products concerning the environment, resource maximization, energy saving, and circular production processes.

Reducing information overload in e-participation: A data-driven prioritization framework for policy-makers

An increasingly common practice for policy-makers is to leverage e-participation to collect citizens’ opinions and improve their decision-making processes. This practice, however, is hindered by the large quantity of collected opinions which are often overloading and hard to value. This is referred to as information overload. As a way to mitigate this challenge for policy-makers, this article develops a prioritization framework for citizens’ ideas collected through e-participation. The framework builds on Design Science Research and is validated on a real-world case in collaboration with the European Commission. The resulting contributions are threefold. First, theoretical criteria, popularity and polarization, are developed to prioritize citizens’ proposals. Then, automated and quantitative metrics are proposed to measure these criteria. Finally, a prioritization matrix is developed to visually assess the relative priority of these citizens’ proposals.

Spatiotemporal mobility network of global scientists, 1970–2020

The mobility of scientists, manifested by movements to new academic institutions, grows with globalization and plays a crucial role in individual careers, institutional productivity, and knowledge dissemination. Current research on scientists’ mobility focuses on aggregated levels such as inter-country mobility, with little attention paid to fine-grained institutional level, leading to a simplified spatial portrayal of the mobility. To fill the gap, we take scientists in geography as examples, and reconstructed their dynamic mobility network among institutions from 1970 to 2020 based on massive literature metadata. Our findings reveal the spatial mobility pattern that is now dominated by North America, Western and Northern Europe, East Asia, and Oceania, with the trend of intensification, multipolarity, and inequality over time. Specifically, the mobility network exhibits clear community structure largely constrained by spatial proximity and national borders. We also uncovered a universal downward mobility pattern embedded in the hierarchical structure. Our quantitative analysis further suggest that mobility is facilitated by multiple realities, including spatial, cultural, and scientific proximity, institutional rankings and national economic levels, cooperation, and visa-free policies, with varying dynamics. These results contribute to spatiotemporal insights into the mechanisms of scientific development in theory, and the basis for talent policymaking in practice.

New development: Is Nolan enough? Why senior officers need to understand public values at the street-level perspective

IMPACT Public values are stated as being central to the practice of senior public officials and policy-makers across the globe, but applying values in practice requires continual consideration and review. The application of values in state settings is not only about their application at senior levels, but how they infuse different levels of public organizations. Although much has been written about higher level values and standards, such as the UK Nolan principles, there is less consideration about how senior officers understand values at the levels of public sector practice. This article makes the case that, to produce a modern public service fit for purpose, senior public officials will benefit from understanding the application of public values at a variety of delivery levels.

The Essence of Blended Learning: What It Really Means?

This study explores the essence of blended learning, an educational approach combining traditional face-to-face instruction with online and technology-mediated activities. As educational environments rapidly evolve due to technological advancements, it is crucial to understand blended learning's theoretical foundations, practical applications, and potential benefits. The research provides a comprehensive analysis of blended learning, addressing its definition, key components, pedagogical frameworks, and implementation challenges. Through a systematic literature review and comparative analysis, the study highlights the flexibility of blended learning, allowing for a balanced approach to education that leverages the strengths of both face-to-face and online learning. Key findings underscore the importance of continuous assessment, effective curriculum integration, and addressing practical challenges to enhance blended learning's effectiveness. The study offers practical guidelines and best practices for educators and policymakers to implement blended learning successfully, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes in the evolving technological landscape.

The Influence of Literature on Chinese-English Biliteracy Development in Classroom Settings

English is an important subject matter in China. For Chinese children, it is a necessary process to gain English literacy in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. Through the process, how their biliteracy develops remains unclear. To investigate the issue, this study mainly focused on the influence of literature applied in EFL classrooms on Chinese students L2 English development. Results show that literature is beneficial for students biliteracy development in terms of improving reading ability. Literature contain vivid context suitable for L2 language practices, thus may unconsciously improve students linguistic competency and fluency through the reading process. Identity formation is also important in bilingual reading developments. Through classroom literature practice, students could form proper ideologies of bilingualism and become confident in perceiving themselves as bilingual readers. Results also indicate that literature facilitates students biliteracy development through promoting their cultural understanding. Since literacy is the product of sociocultural backgrounds, biliteracy development could not be separate from altering cultural concepts and enriching cultural understandings. Literature reading not only acquaint students to diverse cultural backgrounds but also encourages constant negotiation of meaning, from where students cultural awareness become mature. This study will shed inspiration for literature practices in EFL classrooms and policymaking of EFL literature curriculum.

Policy Making in a Research Organization

What is new? This paper provides research administrators and others with a guide to the stages of the policy lifecycle, to enable them to effectively participate in policy making at their respective institution. What was the approach? The paper emphasizes the common scenario where administrators, irrespective of prior policy-making experience, find themselves engaged in policy development due to their operational roles. It highlights the challenges they face and the need for training in policy development, analysis, and implementation, thus providing research administrators with a comprehensive guide to navigating the stages of the policy lifecycle. What is the academic impact? The academic impact lies in filling a knowledge gap for research administrators, offering them insights into the intricacies of policy development within research organizations. By addressing the challenges and providing a structured approach to policy lifecycle stages, the paper contributes to enhancing the professional capabilities of research administrators. The emphasis is on alignment with institutional mission, stakeholder analysis, and best practices, and adds academic value by fostering a broader understanding of policy making in the research administration field. What is the wider impact? The wider impact of the paper extends to the improvement of policy-making practices within research organizations globally. By equipping research administrators with the necessary knowledge and tools, the paper aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of policy implementation. This has broader implications for organizational efficiency, stakeholder collaboration, and the successful alignment of policies with institutional goals. The emphasis on ongoing communication and a cultural shift towards best practices contributes to a positive and lasting impact on the broader research administration community.

Phylogenetics, subspecies, and conservation of the eastern pinesnake

AbstractWhether or where to draw subspecies' taxonomic boundaries is much more than an esoteric argument. Subspecific taxonomies and associated geographic ranges have important conservation and management implications because the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects distinct populations segments below the species level. Genomic data can help resolve taxonomic disputes and assist with conservation policy; however, because subspecific lineages often exhibit gene flow, genomic lineages for subspecific taxa are rarely distinct. We used genomic data from the eastern pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus) to determine the geographic range of the morphologically variable Florida pinesnake (P. m. mugitus), which is petitioned for listing under the ESA. The overall genomic pattern of the eastern pinesnake is one of admixture, and there are gradual differences over the wide range of the species. But there still are discernable areas of genetic differentiation that correspond to the morphologically defined Florida pinesnake, and other subspecies. This pattern of admixture should be expected for subspecies. We propose that boundaries for the Florida pinesnake should maximize the species redundancy, resilience, and representation based on genomic data. We also propose best practices for managers and policymakers interpreting genomic data of subspecies, given that the genomic cutoffs will rarely be truly distinct.

An Exploration of Predictors of English Scores in an Admission Examination: Research Notes from the Turkish Context

This study aimed to identify the predictors of the short answer scores in the English component of a private high school entrance exam. A purposive of 390 high school students were drawn from the student body who took the admission exam of a private co-educational high school implementing two international programs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) along with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) program. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of English scores in the school admission examination. A statistically significant and moderate relationship was found between the scores in English and Mathematics scores in this admission exam conducted in a school located in eastern Turkey. The study is significant as it was conducted in a Turkish context using an admission assessment test for the first time. The findings yield important implications for practice for educators, practitioners, and curriculum policymakers.

Fishery and reproductive biology of the spotted sardinella Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1972) exploited along the southern coast of India

The study focused on the fishery and biological aspects of the spotted sardinellaAmblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1972) exploited along the southern coast of India from 2015to 2020. The summary of the fishery reveals noticeable annual fluctuations in landing, withpeak landings reported from November to March along the coast. The study included fishwith total length (TL) ranging from 149 to 208 mm in males and 152 to 217 mm in females.The peak in gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in January indicates its spawning season, and Lm50was estimated at 172 mm TL in females. The sex ratio (F: M) was determined at 1:1.2, withmales dominating most months. Fecundity ranged from 11632 to 43200 eggs per spawning.Five stages of maturity in A. sirm were identified through external analysis of gonads. Sevenhistological ovarian stages of A.sirm were recorded, providing a primary reference forfuture studies. These findings aim to assist fishery managers and policymakers in adoptingeffective management practices for the sustainable harvesting of this resource. Keywords:Amblygaster sirm, Gonadosomatic index, Sex ratio,Fecundity, Lm50, Histology

Investigating Professional Development Policy and Practice for Educational Policy-Makers in Vietnam: An Exploratory Study

There has been a large number of studies concerning professional development at the micro level. However, little research has been particularly conducted to investigate professional development at the macro level. This study aims to explore professional development policy and practice in a Vietnamese government department. Using a qualitative with two focus group discussions including 11 participants and semi-structured interviews with 14 people, the study investigates professional development for state policy-makers in testing and quality assurance in Vietnam. Results show that these government officials themselves actively looked for professional development programmes together with receiving support from their organisational leaders. The research findings also reveal that top-down and bottom-up professional development mechanisms are being implemented. However, professional development policy has not been documented in this government agency. It is suggested that professional development policy aligned with best practices should be discussed, developed and evaluated by agency members and soon approved by the agency’s leader.

Harmonizacja teorii agencji i paradygmatu zrównoważonej gospodarki – poprawa efektywności rynku poprzez inteligentne regulacje

We examined the intricate dynamics of agency theory within the framework of sustainable economic transition, which is incredibly capital intensive. Recognizing the gravity of sustainable transition, we address the challenges posed by the Second Order Agency Problem (SOAP) and market failures related to public goods. The research explores the subtle shift towards dominant credence goods and services, emphasizing the need for standardized non-financial information fuelling market’s efficiency. The primary aim is to bridge the gap between classical agency theory and modern sustainable economics applications. Our findings introduce an innovative Regulation Curve Model (RCM) presenting a fresh perspective on the cost-benefit dynamics of regulation. This study’s scope is international, with a specific focus on case studies from Poland and Slovenia. Our results from the RCM concept and from the sustainable strategy scoring model offer significant cognitive value for both academic science and practical policymaking. The research holds potential for guiding future sustainable policies and offers insights for nations navigating the complexities of economic transition.

The Transformative Role of Digital Resources in Teaching and Learning

This study examines the evolving terrain of Digital Resources (DR) by investigating its influence on teaching methodologies and student achievement and exploring the diverse aspects of integrating these resources to improve teaching methods and establish more efficient learning settings. The study focuses on diverse DR, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS); interactive software, online platforms, and Collaboration and Communication Tools; including multimedia content used to produce Educational Software and Applications, and evaluates their influence on engagement, accessibility, and overall student success. These examples of digital resources represent the diverse array of digital tools that contribute to the transformation of teaching and learning in various educational settings. This list is not exhaustive, as the field of digital resources is continually evolving with the advancement of technology. The impact of these tools extends to areas such as accessibility, personalized learning, and the enhancement of both in-person and online education. Examining the integration of adaptive learning platforms seeks to understand how technology adapts to individual learning needs, providing tailored support to students and promoting a deeper understanding of educational content. Furthermore, the study explores the global connectivity and collaboration facilitated by DR, investigating the impact of virtual classrooms, video conferencing, and collaborative platforms on students' ability to connect with their peers and educators worldwide. It seeks to identify how this interconnectedness contributes to cultural awareness, diverse perspectives, and the development of global competencies. It also addresses challenges related to digital literacy, ethical use, and equitable access as it unfolds. The research aims to provide insights that inform best practices for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the ongoing endeavour to optimise integrating DR into teaching and learning. Ultimately, this research aspires to contribute valuable knowledge supporting education's evolution in the digital age. The researcher explores the transformative role of DR in education, examining how these tools contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.