Government Projects Research Articles

Participation in local economic development: Insights from Benoni, South Africa

Background: Community participation in democratic societies cannot be overstated, as it is a fundamental pillar that allows community members to have a voice in economic, social, and political discourse.Aim: This article investigated the significance of community participation in LED, identifying the barriers and drivers of community involvement to provide recommendations to enhance and promote greater community engagement in Benoni, South Africa.Methods: The study adopted a mixed methods research approach. It conducted (n = 280) surveys from residents and (n = 5) in-depth interviews with municipal officials regarding the role of community participation in LED.Results: The findings reveal five challenges to community participation: limited avenues for participation, a lack of confidence in leadership, lack of action on residents’ suggestions, limited understanding of the value and importance of participation, and lack of trust in local leadership. However, the study also established that community participation is crucial to LED and contributes to providing legitimacy to local government projects, ensuring leadership accountability and better trust in leadership, and to ascertain that residents affect changes they want to see in their communities.Conclusion: The study concludes that community participation is vital for successful LED in Benoni. Addressing the challenges identified can lead to more effective and sustainable development initiatives.Contribution: This research makes several contributions to the field of LED and community development. It emphasises enabling and encouraging community participation in shaping LED. The study’s insights into the barriers and drivers of community involvement provide a foundation for designing targeted interventions to enhance participation.

An Evolutionary Game Analysis of the Main Body Collaboration of Public-Private Cooperation Projects in Rural Environment

An evolutionary game model was established to study the evolutionary stability strategy of government and social capital in the public-private cooperation model of rural environmental governance and its influencing factors, and to explore the evolution process of cooperative behavior of the main body. The research shows that income distribution, risk distribution, supervision intensity and reward and punishment amount are important factors that affect the choice of cooperative strategy of the main body in the public-private cooperation project of rural environmental governance, and determine the evolution direction of the coordination of the main body behavior. Reducing the cooperative cost, appropriately increasing the risk bearing, and improving the supervision and reward and punishment intensity are conducive to the establishment of the collaborative behavior of the main body in the public-private cooperation model of rural environmental governance.

Understanding the nature of information interdependencies and developing control portfolios for modularized information systems development projects

For better governance, information systems development (ISD) projects are often decomposed ex ante, using client requirements, to create self-contained modules. Following such a modular approach allows independent and efficient structuring of ISD project work. However, given the integrated nature of ISD work, maintaining information flows across the different modules within ISD projects is essential. Through an in-depth examination of six ISD projects, we discover four types of requirements information interdependencies across ISD project modules. Next, we identify appropriate control portfolios for governing the different types of inter-modular requirements information interdependencies. Results indicate that different types of requirements information interdependencies necessitate governance through varying control portfolios. Our study contributes to the ISD literature by identifying the nuanced mechanisms through which requirements information interdependencies could be better governed by applying appropriate control portfolios. Our study also offers significant practical implications for ISD project governance.

Enhancing Community Participation at Local Development Projects in Bangladesh: Experience from Union Parishad Governance Project

Enhancing Community Participation at Local Development Projects in Bangladesh: Experience from Union Parishad Governance Project

Human Capital Formation in High-Tech: Features of Government Policy

Purpose: is to reveal the peculiarities of government policy aimed at building human capital in high-tech industries. Methods: this research is based on a systems approach; decomposition of human capital in order to identify systemic gaps in its formation; qualitative (traditional) analysis of government programs and projects; a comparative analysis of the directions of Russian government policy and some leading countries in the field of high technologies aimed at human capital development. Results: the essence and structure of the organization's human capital are considered based on the stages of its reproduction, as well as from the position of its expanded interpretation. Systemic gaps in the formation of human capital of high-tech organizations have been identified, including gaps in the formation of individual and corporate human capital, as well as in the institutional and infrastructural support for its reproduction. The features of Russian government policy aimed at the formation of human capital in the high-tech sector are shown, in comparison with the policies of a number of foreign countries. The role of government programs and projects (“Priority2030”, “Professionalitet” and “Advanced Engineering Schools”) in overcoming systemic gaps in the formation of human capital in high-tech organizations is outlined. Conclusions and Relevance: the performed analysis showed the presence of a wide range of government policy measures of a number of countries that occupy leading positions in the field of high technology, aimed at developing human capital in the high-tech sector. Among them are the development of fundamental science, interdisciplinary and mathematical knowledge, STEM competencies, as well as strengthening the interaction between the academic sector and the high-tech sector. The arsenal of tools of domestic government policy includes a focus on practice-oriented training, the development of digital competencies, advanced training of management personnel, as well as the development of interaction between the academic and high-tech sectors. The federal project “Advanced Engineering Schools” corresponds to the elimination of the largest number of system gaps. At the same time, the systemic gap at the stage of formation of general human capital, which manifests itself in the poor physical and mathematical training of schoolchildren, remains unresolved.

Performing Platform Governance: Facebook and the Stage Management of Data Relations

Controversies surrounding social media platforms have provided opportunities for institutional reflexivity amongst users and regulators on how to understand and govern platforms. Amidst contestation, platform companies have continued to enact projects that draw upon existing modes of privatized governance. We investigate how social media companies have attempted to achieve closure by continuing to set the terms around platform governance. We investigate two projects implemented by Facebook (Meta)—authenticity regulation and privacy controls—in response to the Russian Interference and Cambridge Analytica controversies surrounding the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Drawing on Goffman’s metaphor of stage management, we analyze the techniques deployed by Facebook to reinforce a division between what is visible and invisible to the user experience. These platform governance projects propose to act upon front-stage data relations: information that users can see from other users—whether that is content that users can see from “bad actors”, or information that other users can see about oneself. At the same time, these projects relegate back-stage data relations—information flows between users constituted by recommendation and targeted advertising systems—to invisibility and inaction. As such, Facebook renders the user experience actionable for governance, while foreclosing governance of back-stage data relations central to the economic value of the platform. As social media companies continue to perform platform governance projects following controversies, our paper invites reflection on the politics of these projects. By destabilizing the boundaries drawn by platform companies, we open space for continuous reflexivity on how platforms should be understood and governed.

Exploring the drivers of local government budget coordination: A random forest regression analysis

Budget coordination is a critical issue of local government coordinative governance. Existing literature emphasizes its importance but does not give in-depth empirical research. The random forest regression model was used to probe into the drivers of budget coordination for 2815 local government projects in China. Based on the purity of the split nodes of the decision tree, the three most important factors for achieving the goal of local government budget coordination are identified: discretion, decision-making level and fund scale. The partial dependence graphs visually illustrate the differentiated and nonlinear marginal effects of various explanatory variables on the response variable.

Examining Climate Justice in Urban Public Space Adaptation: A Thematic Synthesis of the Literature

Evaluating processes and outcomes of climate change adaptation enables learning to facilitate climate-resilient pathways and prevent potentially unjust outcomes. This study focuses on adaptation interventions in the public space whose design and management have implications for environmental, social, cultural, and climate justice. There is a mismatch between the language and scale of scientific research and the site-level operational character of these interventions. This makes it difficult to bridge theory and practice and assess climate justice in public space adaptation interventions. To bridge this gap, we develop a qualitative systematic review and analysis of current scientific literature proposing climate justice evaluation parameters applicable to public space adaptation interventions and explore possible avenues for developing more effective assessment frameworks. Results show five key themes critical to assess climate justice in adaptation interventions in public space: project impact distribution, project governance and knowledge inclusion, project communication and transparency, space perception and use, and recognition and repair of structural drivers of vulnerability. Each theme raises challenges, opportunities, and potential avenues to address the assessment of public space design in terms of climate justice. Our results are key for scientists, urban practitioners, and policymakers interested in understanding how evaluating climate justice in public space adaptation interventions can help identify potential failures, provide ways to learn from experience, and facilitate urban climate-resilient pathways.

Financial Statement Fraud Detection: The Hexagon Fraud Model Approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the likelihood of financial statement fraud using the fraud hexagon model, including pressure (financial stability), opportunity (ineffective monitoring), rationalization (auditor change), capability (director change), arrogance (frequent CEO pictures), and conspiracy (connection with government projects) on financial statement fraud. The sample of this study is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2019 to 2021, with a total of 73 companies. The data was processed using SPSS 22 software. The results of this study indicate that financial stability has a positive effect on financial statement fraud. However, ineffective monitoring, change of auditor, change of directors, frequent number of CEO pictures, and connection with government projects do not affect financial statement fraud.

Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Saudi Governmental Projects as seen by Project Managers

Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Saudi Governmental Projects as seen by Project Managers

Long-Term Strategy for Smart Cities Governance Projects across Europe

Long-Term Strategy for Smart Cities Governance Projects across Europe

Book review: Research handbook on the governance of projects

Book review: Research handbook on the governance of projects

Performance controls and accountability in African transport infrastructure megaprojects: A systematic literature review

Poor performance is common in the delivery of large-scale transport infrastructure. Despite previous studies examining the management of transport megaprojects, there is a lack of systematic reviews on performance Controls and Accountability in Megaprojects (CAMP). We analyze research on CAMP in Africa. Out of the 947 records retrieved, 35 articles published between 1980 and 2022 meet our inclusion criteria. We identify four main research themes: “project governance,” “performance management,” “project conceptual management,” and “complexity management.” Our findings indicate significant weaknesses in project governance and a lack of proper project conception. Practical implications involve restructuring project governance policies and implementing a multi-level project governance model. The research supports recognizing corruption as a characteristic of megaprojects, implementing project governance as a standard management practice, and improving governance in public-private partnerships. Additionally, future research should prioritize integrating and developing policies, strengthening institutions, implementing participatory governance mechanisms, and building capacity for project management.

Can Internet Use Narrow the Gap between Farmers’ Willingness and Behavior in Waste Classification? Empirical Evidence from Rural Areas in Jiangsu Province, China

Household waste classification and treatment are important for environmental protection and sustainable development. The Logit model is used to analyze differences in farmers’ willingness and behavior regarding waste classification based on data from the China Land Economic Survey. Key findings include the following: (1) There is an evident discrepancy between waste classification willingness and action among rural residents. Despite nearly 90% of the sampled farmers expressing a willingness, nearly 40% do not practice waste classification. (2) Internet usage significantly reduces the discrepancy between farmers’ willingness and actual waste classification practices. This observation is valid even after robustness checks and endogeneity discussions. (3) There is a partial mediating effect between ecological awareness and knowledge perception on farmers’ willingness and behavior differences, which accounts for 12.9% and 52.6%, respectively, of the total impact. Notably, institutional limitations amplify the negative influence of Internet use on this discrepancy. (4) According to heterogeneity analysis, Internet use has a greater negative impact on farmers’ willingness and behavior in waste classification in suburban villages and villages with environmental governance projects. This study proposes policy suggestions such as strengthening the construction of digital infrastructure in rural areas, enhancing the promotion and training of waste classification among farmers, and improving incentives and restraint mechanisms for rural household waste classification.

Implementing a ward-level intervention to improve nursing handover communication with a focus on bedside handover-A qualitative study.

To improve the effectiveness of nursing clinical handover through a qualitative, tailored communication intervention. A multisite before and after intervention using qualitative ethnography combined with discourse analysis of nursing handover interactions. We implemented a tailored ward-based intervention to redesign nursing handover practice with co-constructed recommendations for organisational and cultural change on seven wards across three affiliated metropolitan hospitals between February 2020 and November 2022. The intervention was informed by pre-implementation interviews and focus groups with nursing, medical and allied health staff and patients (n = 151) and observed and/or audio-recorded handover events (n = 233). Post-intervention we conducted interviews and focus groups (n = 79) and observed and/or audio-recorded handover events (n = 129) to qualitatively evaluate impact. Our translational approach resulted in substantial changes post-intervention. Nurses conducted more shift-to-shift handovers at the bedside, with greater patient interaction and better structured and more comprehensive information transfer, supported by revised handover documentation. Redesigned group handovers were focused and efficient, communicating critical patient information. Contextualised training combined with changes to ward-level systemic factors impeding communication results in improved nursing handovers. Practice change requires strong executive leadership and project governance, combined with effective ward-level leadership, collaboration and mentoring. The speed and degree of change post-intervention demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaborative research between hospital executive, ward leadership and communication specialists. Nurses are more likely to conduct efficient group handovers and informative, patient-centred bedside handovers in line with policy when they understand the value of handover and have practical strategies to support communication. Communication training should be combined with broader ward-level changes to handover practice tailored to the ward context. A multilevel approach results in more effective practice change. We adhered to the COREQ guidelines. We interviewed patients on study wards pre and post intervention.

A Comparison of the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) Guidelines and the “Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes, and Livelihoods” Project in Lao PDR: The FPIC Team Composition and the Implementation Process

Free, prior, and informed consent, or FPIC, is a crucial component of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+) projects. This study addresses a significant research gap regarding FPIC in the context of REDD+ projects, with a focus on the Implementation of Governance, Forest Landscapes, and Livelihoods (I-GFLL) project in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This research aimed to evaluate the FPIC’s components and implementation. We employed a literature review of the FPIC implementation reports from 242 targeted villages involved in the I-GFLL project and face-to-face interviews with 12 key informants. The research found positive aspects, such as female team membership, boosting ethnic women’s participation; the exclusion of forestry officials to foster an open dialogue; and respect for project rejections, displaying adherence to the FPIC principles. However, some challenging aspects were also highlighted, such as the exclusion of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) and the loss of their expertise; limited team knowledge of forestry/climate change, hindering communication; short consultation durations; and an incomplete understanding of technical terms due to the project’s novelty, raising concerns. The study emphasizes the importance of crafting FPIC teams that promote communication, respect community rights, and, ultimately, ensure successful project implementation.

Digital Marketing Strategy of Heavy Equipment Rental Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to find the right marketing strategy for the business of selling heavy equipment rental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method used was qualitative. Data collection was carried out through interviews with all employees of CV Aneka Tractors. The data analysis process used an analysis tool, namely Nvivo 12 Pro to obtain factors that influenced both internal conditions and strategic steps taken by CV Aneka Tractors. The results of the research showed that CV Aneka Tractors, which initially focused on working on government projects (B2G) and private projects (B2B), had to switch to the individual/community sector (B2C). The B2C sector was an open opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, not all consumer sectors were able to make the best contribution, especially in the heavy equipment rental service industry. With a strategy of shifting the target focus to the B2C sector by adjusting the pattern of services offered, establishing cooperation and reducing payment deadlines, companies can survive. From this research, we also saw how important marketing planning is in keeping the company operating.
 Keywords: management, business, marketing strategy, SWOT analysis

Improving citizen-based monitoring in South Africa: A social media model

Background: In contemporary public governance, transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric practices are paramount. Citizen-based monitoring (CBM) of government projects is a promising avenue to uphold these principles. However, there is a pressing need for a more effective, structured, and technologically driven approach to CBM.Objectives: This research aims to present a tailored model for the South African government. Utilising social media, the model seeks to transform CBM practices, enhancing governance and ensuring project success. The limitations of current CBM tools necessitate such a model in South Africa.Method: Rooted in rigorous mixed-methodology research, the model’s development and validation involve in-depth interviews with government officials, local media, and civic organisations, along with a citizen survey and literature review. International best practices in CBM and social media analytics inform its design.Results: The study uncovers that current CBM tools have a dual nature, empowering citizens yet facing context-specific challenges like elite capture and inclusivity issues. Social media emerges as a preferred tool among citizens for monitoring government projects, showcasing its transformative potential in fostering transparency and citizen engagement.Conclusion: By leveraging social media’s dynamic capabilities, this model can enhance transparency, accountability, and project success in South Africa’s governance landscape, marking a significant advancement in the digital era.Contribution: This research introduces a novel CBM model for South Africa, tailored to leverage social media’s transformative potential. Addressing existing limitations in CBM tools provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of utilising social media for government project monitoring.

Peace Education Programme in Kenya and UNICEF’s Reinforcement

As a region prone to conflict, an Introduction to peace is mainly essential for Kenya. The government projects that education can build a peaceful Kenya. As a result, the government is allocating an amount of budget to improve education in Kenya especially in eradicating violence and maintaining peace – especially, post-election violence and sexual abuse. The government has also adopted a UNICEF program, the Peace Education Program (PEP). The government's ambition is limited to designing a system that is only effective in some areas. Therefore, UNICEF complements the government’s effort to carry out policies of a peaceful education system and conduct action research. The efforts coming from the cooperation between UNICEF and the Kenyan government will also be adjusted to the Neoliberal institutionalism theory. This theory is essential to adjust the role of UNICEF in empowering and assisting the Kenyan government while Kenya still upholds its own interests. This paper will mainly focus on the research of the Peace Education Program in Kenya and how UNICEF assist and support its implementation. Keywords: Peace Education Program (PEP);Kenya; Children; UNICEF

Efficiency upgrading of solar PVT finned hybrid system in Bangladesh: Flow rate and temperature influences

This research aims to determine the impact of mass flow rate and inflow temperature on the utility and effectiveness of solar thermal systems using fins with air in various applications in Bangladesh. This study examines a three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system where we analyze the behavior of a hybrid system with six aluminum sheets (1 mm thick fin as a heat exchange material) inside the heat exchanger where the air takes the direction to pass in waveform through the channels (made of aluminum) using fins. The top side of the fins is bent and affixed to the bottom of the floor of the PV panel to allow heat transfer utilizing the conduction-based method. This study selects inlet fluid mass flow rate and inflow temperature between (0.015–0.535 kg/s), and (10–40 °C) respectively, while comparing the result with experimental/numerical published data based on Bangladesh's weather conditions and applies the finite element method (FEM) to solve heat transfer equations. A brief analysis of the association among Reynolds number with pressure drop and fanning friction factor is included in this paper. Our model can be mounted on building rooftops or open fields where air velocity will be controlled mechanically; thus, it has many applications. This model can be implemented within an agricultural photovoltaic (APV) system, domestic functions, dry agricultural products, and provide heat for greenhouses. The result indicates that 302–514 W thermal energy has been produced for 0.015–0.535 kg/s. For growing inflow temperature, despite the reduction in electrical efficiency, the value of adding electrical and thermal efficiency (overall efficiency) comes with elevation. A 5 °C increase in inflow temperature leads to an overall efficiency increase of 0.33%. This study's findings can help researchers better comprehend air's properties as a heat exchanger in a developed design, and they can be applied to government and commercial projects.