Institutional Processes Research Articles

Centre for Excellence in Music Performance Education (CEMPE): an inquiry into institutional change processes in higher music education

ABSTRACT This study explores change processes in higher music education by following the development of the Centre for Excellence in Music Performance Education (CEMPE) at the Norwegian Academy of Music (NMH) over the period 2014–2023. The following research question is addressed: How has institutional change been enabled in a higher music education context through the activities of a Centre for Excellence in Education? The theoretical framework for the inquiry is drawn from institutional theory. Applying an instrumental case study design, data were collected from twelve semi-structured interviews with staff in management roles at CEMPE/NMH and from strategic documents, such as applications, action plans, annual reports, minutes from steering group meetings, and publication lists. The findings show that change was enabled through various leadership visions for change and the friction created through centre activities. The most significant area of change is reported to be increased student agency and involvement.

Bridges over troubled waters: Climate clubs, alliances, and partnerships as safeguards for effective international cooperation?

Driven by the motivation to raise the ambition level of climate action and to foster the transformation of economies, current climate policy discourse revolves around ways to improve cooperation between industrialized countries and emerging economies. We identify three broad types of initiatives—multilateral-cross sectoral, multilateral, sector specific, and climate and development partnerships—and assess them for potentials to deliver on such objectives with a specific focus on industry transformation. This paper provides new reflections on the institutionalization of international climate cooperation. Specifically, we demonstrate the urgent need to understand what values, norms, and underlying principles drive a cooperation in order to draw conclusions on how to best institutionalize climate cooperation rules.in-use. We conclude that an overemphasis on a CO2 price and on carbon border adjustment mechanisms, such as in the context of the initial proposals for a cross-sectoral climate club envisaged by G7 countries, would have contributed to a further polarization of the international landscape. We find, however, that multilateral, sectoral alliances play an important role for international goal setting and the convergence on standards, metrics, and benchmarks. Based on our analysis, we recommend strengthening multilateral, sector-specific partnerships. These can be focused on sectoral topics as a connector between countries, allowing for a strategically-aligned, increasingly deep collaboration. However, for any initiative to succeed, processes of international institutionalization will be needed in order to agree on rules for implementation based on aligned interests and equity. Building such institutions may well serve as a steppingstone toward more durable cooperation structures between developed economies and emerging economies. In sum, no existing cooperation approach is perfect, but three actions may be taken to move the agenda forward: First, reform of the carbon border adjustment mechanism and removing it from the center of climate club discussions, second, coupling sectoral alliances with climate and development partnerships, and three, designing them in a way to address fears of political influence seeking and superimposition of global north agendas on the global south.

APPROVAL OF FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE OPERATORS IN INFORMATION PROCESSING AND SOFTWARE

The article is devoted to the problem of researching the effectiveness of the process of forming the professional competence of future information processing and software operators in the process of professional training. It was found that the system of training future specialists in the process of professional training is aimed at ensuring their readiness for professional activity, taking into account all components of the educational process of the educational institution. It was clarified that the important factors of the problem of the formation of professional competence of future specialists in the process of professional training are inadequate readiness for professional activity and the appropriate level of their professional competence for such activity. It was revealed that the process of formation of professional competence of individuals for professional activity is influenced by the following factors: transformation of the content of training of future operators in information processing and software in professional (vocational and technical) education institutions; the prestige of the profession and its social significance; professional development and development of the personality of future specialists; acquisition of practical experience by students of education regarding the implementation of innovative technologies and project activities; purposeful mastery of professional skill and specialty; the formation of a culture of mastery and the readiness of qualified specialists for professional activity. It is specified that the formation of professional competence of future specialists in the process of professional training is oriented towards: purposeful formation of a complete system of professional competences in the process of professional training; development of motivational potential; enrichment of the development of individual and professional qualities, formation of self-assertion, improvement of personal and professional assets, acquisition of one's own style of work; accumulation of experience in professional skills for effective performance of professional activities, improvement of professional abilities and skills for further self-actualization, self-improvement of professional activities, development of quick adaptation to full-fledged future activities; improvement of assets of creative and scientific research, enabling professional self-development in professional activity. The study of the continuity of the development of future specialists to professional activity requires further development.

Fostering Digital Communities

As online education expands, fostering digital communities that support networked learning becomes imperative. However, many universities lack comprehensive digital strategies to facilitate engagement and connections in distributed environments. This research examines the development of an inaugural digital master plan at a university where half of the student population is online. Guided by Moore's theory of interactions (1989) and Garrison's Community of Inquiry framework (2017), the plan aimed to enable meaningful student-to-content, student-to-instructor, and student-to-student interactions. The digital master plan was designed to provide high-level guidance on the intentional and purposeful use of the educational technologies, tools, platforms, and systems necessary for a robust online learning experience. It creates a cohesive vision and strategy for the digital learning experience, just as a campus master plan aligns the physical learning spaces. The digital master plan leverages the Community of Inquiry framework as a key reference point in its comprehensive gap analysis. The collaborative process involved multiple methods to assess gaps in the university’s infrastructure including: National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) data, three internal surveys, an external diagnostic analysis and plan, and audits of the learning management system's tools and usage. Quantitative data provided insights into student perceptions, while qualitative findings explored the depth of social relationships and learning networks enabled through digital platforms. Throughout the process, the research team aimed to understand the social learning processes that support how learners develop and utilize technology to learn and foster a sense of belonging (Garrison, 2017). The process harnesses the natural motivations underpinning social network formation - namely information sharing, support seeking, and sense of belonging. Further, it operationalizes these motivations to achieve CoI's high-order learning community goals. Analysis revealed key gaps related to: clearly defining and measuring online student success, expanding engagement opportunities in courses, leveraging technologies to facilitate connections, building a collaborative faculty culture, and improving communication. In response, the final digital master plan put forth five recommendations focused on these priority areas. Implementation and evaluation of digital platforms aligned to the recommendations indicate positive impacts on online students' sense of connectedness, learning experience, and academic performance. This research makes important theoretical and practical contributions by developing a replicable institutional process for assessing and strategically enhancing a digital ecosystem to foster networked learning. The digital master plan provides guidance for the adoption of social technologies and pedagogies to increase community, connectivity, and collaboration. As online education continues to expand, insights from this case study can inform strategic digital planning efforts at other universities striving to overcome transactional distance and cultivate impactful virtual learning communities.

Imagined otherness fuels blatant dehumanization of outgroups

Dehumanization of others has been attributed to institutional processes that spread dehumanizing norms and narratives, as well as to individuals’ denial of mind to others. We propose that blatant dehumanization also arises when people actively contemplate others’ minds. We introduce the construct of imagined otherness—perceiving that a prototypical member of a social group construes an important facet of the social world in ways that diverge from the way most humans understand it—and argue that such attributions catalyze blatant dehumanization beyond the effects of general perceived difference and group identification. Measuring perceived schematic difference relative to the concept of America, we examine how this measure relates to the tendency of U.S. Republicans and Democrats to blatantly dehumanize members of the other political party. We report the results of two pre-registered studies—one correlational (N = 771) and one experimental (N = 398)—that together lend support for our theory. We discuss implications of these findings for research on social boundaries, political polarization, and the measurement of meaning.

ANALYSIS OF MODERN PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN TEACHING THE STRUCTURE AND PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF TRANSFORMERS

The use of interactive methods in the educational system and educational process is an innovative method that increases the effectiveness of education. The head of state explained that teaching young people to work and think in a new way is the need of the times. Nowadays, interactive methods are being used in the teaching process in all educational institutions.

Frontrunners vs Free Riders? Mapping the Institutional Implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence in France and the Netherlands

This paper analyses the institutionalisation process of human rights due diligence (“HRDD”), from its origins as an international soft law doctrine into national hard law. The paper offers a comparative overview of the implementation process of HRDD in France and the Netherlands, with the aim to understand how and why institutional change took different forms in the two jurisdictions. The analysis applies the theoretical framework of historical institutionalism in order to understand the nuances of institutional change and assess whether this is a tale of frontrunners and free riders.

Budgets and Performance Metrics in Modern Organizations. Preliminary Insights into the Budgeting Process of Higher Education Institutions

Budgets and Performance Metrics in Modern Organizations. Preliminary Insights into the Budgeting Process of Higher Education Institutions

Modernization of accounting processes in public institutions: efficiency and transparency

Introduction. Accounting processes in budgetary institutions play a significant role in managing state finances, ensuring accountability, and maintaining transparency. However, traditional methods often prove to be ineffective and insufficiently transparent due to outdated practices. Therefore, there is a need for modernization to enhance the efficiency and transparency of accounting processes. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the modernization of accounting processes in budgetary institutions and its impact on efficiency and transparency. Specifically, the paper analyzes the implementation of modern accounting technologies and practices, assesses their effectiveness, and evaluates their impact on financial management in budgetary institutions. Results. Through a comprehensive analysis of measures to modernize accounting processes in budgetary institutions, this study has identified several key findings. Firstly, the implementation of cloud accounting software and automation tools has significantly streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing the number of manually made errors and data processing time. Secondly, the adoption of transparent accounting standards and policies has improved accountability and public trust in budget management. Finally, educational programs and capacity-building efforts have facilitated the transition to modern accounting methods, providing staff with the necessary skills. Conclusions. The modernization of accounting processes in budgetary institutions holds immense potential for enhancing the efficiency and transparency of financial management. By implementing cutting-edge technologies, ensuring adherence to transparent standards, and investing in staff development, budgetary institutions can overcome traditional challenges and achieve better fiscal outcomes. This study underscores the importance of ongoing modernization efforts to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of accounting processes in the public sector. Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of accounting processes in budgetary institutions requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating modern information technologies, optimized procedures and standards, as well as continuous professional development for staff. By employing these strategies, budgetary institutions can strengthen their financial management practices, improve accountability, and bolster public trust in the management of public funds.

Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness Based on Bayesian Network Algorithm in Teaching and Learning Process in Higher Education Institutions

The Bayesian network algorithm plays a pivotal role in enhancing the teaching and learning process in higher education institutions by facilitating personalized and adaptive learning experiences. This algorithm leverages probabilistic graphical models to represent relationships among various educational variables, such as student performance, learning resources, and teaching methods. Additionally, Bayesian networks aid instructors in optimizing course design and instructional strategies by identifying areas for improvement and evaluating the effectiveness of different teaching approaches. This paper explores the application of Hidden Markov Chain Bayesian Networks (HMCBN) in analyzing teaching effectiveness within higher education institutions. Teaching effectiveness is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors, including teaching strategies, student characteristics, and learning outcomes. Traditional statistical methods often struggle to capture the dynamic and interdependent nature of these factors. Through the construction of HMCBN models, this study investigates the probabilistic relationships between teaching strategies, student characteristics, learning outcomes, and teaching effectiveness. For teaching strategies, the probabilities [0.3, 0.5, 0.2] indicate the likelihood of each strategy being employed, suggesting that Strategy 2 is the most frequently utilized, followed by Strategy 1 and Strategy 3. Similarly, the probabilities [0.4, 0.3, 0.3] for student characteristics suggest a relatively balanced distribution among the three characteristic categories. In terms of learning outcomes, the conditional probabilities reflect the influence of both teaching strategies and student characteristics on the outcomes achieved. For each combination of teaching strategy and student characteristic, the probabilities [0.1, 0.3, 0.6], [0.4, 0.5, 0.1], [0.3, 0.4, 0.3], [0.2, 0.5, 0.3], [0.3, 0.4, 0.3], [0.4, 0.3, 0.3], [0.1, 0.7, 0.2], [0.4, 0.5, 0.1], and [0.5, 0.4, 0.1] represent the probabilities of achieving different learning outcomes given specific combinations of teaching strategies and student characteristics.

Auditoría como Instrumento para la Gestión Estratégica de Recursos Humanos: Caso de la Facultad de Humanidades de la Universidad Agostinho Neto

It is important to create conditions for differentiation of teachers throughout their career and the performance assessment reports on their performance in professional practice. To improve teaching and institutional processes, it is essential to find mechanisms that carefully verify the compliance of procedures and evaluate the teaching staff themselves. For this reason, this study aims to diagnose the effects of auditing on the teaching performance process in higher education institutions. To achieve the objectives, exploratory and descriptive research was used, in the qualitative and quantitative approach based on the case study. It was possible to access data analysis through the compliance grid previously prepared from a questionnaire applied to teachers at the Faculty of Humanities. The results indicate that the faculty has a positive audit report as most teachers who participated in this research responded positively in relation to the institution's compliance with the evaluation of its performance, which allows us to conclude that there is compliance in this process at the institution.

Applying multi-criteria decision analysis in the bidding process of an own social security regime institute

Public administration is responsible for managing public resources and offering various types of services to the population. Therefore, to ensure that the maintenance of state bodies is carried out in a responsible manner, both for the acquisition of goods and for the contracting of services, it is necessary to carry out bidding processes that follow constitutional principles. In this way, the use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods can help decision makers to solve selection problems in public institutions. In this context, the objective of this paper is to select, from a pre-defined list of ten alternatives, the three cars considered most suitable to meet the needs of an Own Social Security Regime Institute, allowing the opening of a bidding process more reliable. To carry out this selection, three MCDA methods were used to aid the choice: Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), PROMETHEE II and Weighted Sum Method (WSM). The results demonstrated that the three methods applied together managed to select the three best cars for carrying out the bidding process and that the use of these tools has great potential for the area of public management.

Formation and Positioning of New Legal Institutions in Financial Law: а Study on Their Characteristics

This article examines the formation and positioning of new and already-established financial and legal institutions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of establishing common financial and legal institutions. The article argues that there is currently an active process of shaping common financial and legal institutions, as exemplified by the emergence of the “emission law” and “offset and refund of fiscal payments” institutions. The institution of offset and refund of fiscal payments is modeled after the institution of “public financial control” and includes a complex set of financial and legal rules governing various types of financial relationships, unified by overarching characteristics. Furthermore, this article posits that the financial and legal institution of mandatory audits, which has gained prominence in the field of financial law in the 21st century, should be categorized not within the general but within the specialized field of financial law. It is argued that the formation of financial law institutions within the general framework follows the same pattern as the institution of “public financial control”.

A tale of two kidneys, and the case for machine perfusion in South Africa.

Extended-criteria donors (ECDs) are seen as a means of addressing the shortfall in solid-organ availability for transplant. However, the use of ECD kidneys is associated with a greater risk of primary non-function compared with standard-criteria donor kidneys, and a higher discard rate has been described internationally. There seems to be a lack of consensus in the consideration of ECD kidneys for transplant, with reliance often placed on the subjective assessment of individual clinicians. The following case examines the difference in the institutional decision-making process applied to two kidneys from a single donor, and provides an argument for the use of hypothermic machine perfusion in low- to middle-income countries as an efficacious and objective means of assessing ECD kidney suitability.

ЗНАЧЕНИЕ УЧЕБНЫХ ФИЛЬМОВ В ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ ВУЗОВ

This article discusses the advantages and possible problems of using educational films as an interac-tive form of learning in the educational process of higher educational institutions. A list of criteria for an educational film and recommendations for organizing classes using educational films are pro-posed, in the presence of which this form of training can be considered effective

Currency exchange in post-ordenamiento Cuba

This paper analyses the institutional process of purchasing American dollars and other foreign currencies in Cuba, against the backdrop of socio-historical transformations marked by the monetary and economic reorganisation known as “Tarea Ordenamiento,” implemented in Cuba since 2021. The theoretical framework proposed in this study views these social waiting phenomena as objective institutional occurrences, examined through the lens of Discontinuous Materialism in the analysis of social institutions. This paper introduces a novel theoretical perspective for analyzing these social processes, encompassing operational, spatial and temporal dimensions present in the process of purchasing foreign currencies in Cuba. This perspective is further elucidated through an empirical case study conducted in the Cuban city of Camaguey during the summer of 2022. Data was collected via in-depth interviews, brief surveys, participant observations, and content analysis. The conclusions drawn provide elements for a general characterization of these processes in Cuba.

The informational and educational environment «DIALOG» on the way to improve the educational process in the Higher Military Educational Institutions in the conditions of full-scale armed aggression russian federation against Ukraine

The informational and educational environment «DIALOG» on the way to improve the educational process in the Higher Military Educational Institutions in the conditions of full-scale armed aggression russian federation against Ukraine

Advantages of team sports during the physical training of future border guards

Professional training of military personnel is one of the most urgent problems today. Physical training of border guards is defined as one of the most important indicators of professionalism and is the basis of their professional activity. The high role given to physical training in the educational process of departmental educational institutions during the period of their training and retraining is due to the fact that the professional activity of border guards is directly related to various situations that make high demands on the physical fitness of border guards, their personal, moral-willed, mental and intellectual qualities. The use of team sports in the training of military personnel can be a key element in maximizing their potential. The use of team sports is an important component of physical fitness, as it not only promotes the development of physical skills, but also builds key communication and social skills. Active participation in team sports involves systematic physical activity, which contributes to the improvement of general health and well-being. Team games help foster the values of team cooperation and interaction. These sports also help build leadership skills, foster commitment to a common goal, and teach effective teamwork. In a team environment, players learn to work toward a common goal, support each other's strengths, and compensate for each other's weaknesses. Team exercises can be used to achieve specific physical goals, such as improving coordination, developing endurance and increasing strength, while aspects of cooperation and understanding also become important exceptions during classes. The article analyzes the possibility of using the full potential of team games during the physical training of cadets.

Modern problems of determining net realizable value in RAS and IFRS and ways to solve them

Thanks to the Federal Accounting Standard (FAS) 5/2019, net realizable value was introduced into Russian accounting for inventories. A similar value is also used in IAS 2. Despite the relatively long period of use of the specified value, its estimation still raises a number of questions when accounting and reporting according to both Russian and International Standards (hereinafter referred to as RAS and IFRS). These problems and ways to solve them are analyzed in this article. When carrying out research, methods such as analysis and synthesis, grouping method, comparison, analogy method, logical approach, systematic approach were used. As a result of the research carried out in this work, the main modern problems associated with determining the net realizable value in Russian and international accounting have been identified and proposals for their solution have been substantiated. The results obtained in this article will be useful to a wide range of readers interested in current issues relating to the regulations of RAS and IFRS, including the calculation of the net realizable value of inventories, can be used in the educational process of higher educational institutions, in the practical work of accounting departments of modern organizations, as well as in development and improvement of relevant domestic and international accounting standards.

Preparation of Future Teachers for Organising a Health-Preserving Inclusive Space in Educational Institutions

The purpose of the research consists in analysing the current state of training future teachers for the organisation of a health-preserving inclusive space. The identified problems are actualised by the growing role of inclusive education, which is aimed at teaching children with different educational needs and disabilities. For realising the goal of the research, a number of theoretical (analysis, synthesis, abstraction, induction, deduction, generalisation) and empirical (observations of the educational process of a higher education institution, in which future teachers undergo professional training), study of documentation (academic programs, curricula, syllabi)), questionnaire) methods. In particular, the documentation of Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University of Drohobych has been studied, and 120 students of the first (bachelor’s) and the second (master’s) degrees of higher education have been surveyed. The conducted research has proved the ability of a modern higher education institution to form specialists with developed inclusive competence. This is facilitated by the systematic work of the higher education institution regarding the formation and implementation of academic programs for training future teachers and regarding the inclusion of a number of educational components, which are aimed at forming inclusive competence and future teachers’ relevant skills in the process of pedagogical practice.