Misallocation Of Resources Research Articles

Did Carbon Emission Trade Improve Resource Misallocation? Evidence from China

Did Carbon Emission Trade Improve Resource Misallocation? Evidence from China

Electricity transmission and its effects on resource misallocation and environmental consequences in China: An economic analysis

Electricity transmission and its effects on resource misallocation and environmental consequences in China: An economic analysis

AI driven strategic decision-making in IT project management: Enhancing risk assessment, cost control, and efficiency

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in IT project management has redefined strategic decision-making, offering unprecedented improvements in risk assessment, cost control, and overall efficiency. Traditional IT project management frameworks often struggle with dynamic risk factors, cost overruns, and inefficiencies stemming from human errors, outdated methodologies, and resource misallocation. AI-driven decision-making leverages predictive analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing to enhance data-driven insights, automate repetitive tasks, and optimize project performance. From a broad perspective, AI enables IT project managers to shift from reactive to proactive decision-making, significantly mitigating uncertainties through advanced risk assessment models. AI-powered algorithms analyse historical project data, identify emerging risks, and recommend mitigation strategies in real time, thereby reducing project delays and budget deviations. Moreover, AI optimizes cost control by providing intelligent budgeting frameworks, forecasting financial constraints, and ensuring resource allocation aligns with strategic objectives. By automating labor-intensive processes such as documentation, scheduling, and stakeholder communication, AI enhances productivity and efficiency while minimizing operational bottlenecks. Narrowing down, AI-driven decision support systems, such as cognitive computing and reinforcement learning models, further refine project execution by adapting to real-time changes and optimizing resource distribution dynamically. The synergy between AI and IT project management fosters a data-centric culture where real-time analytics, intelligent automation, and continuous learning enhance project success rates. However, challenges such as ethical considerations, data privacy, and AI interpretability must be addressed to maximize its potential. This study explores the transformative role of AI in IT project management, emphasizing its contributions to risk mitigation, cost efficiency, and sustainable project execution.

Analysing the Balance of Human and Physical Resources in Outpatient Departments during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract The article analyses studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient services in a large hospital, aiming to provide insights for resource management amidst disruptive events. The objectives include identifying challenges and proposing solutions to optimize service delivery and address spatial constraints using discrete-event simulation. Utilizing a case study approach, the research employs simulation as a key methodology to analyse outpatient service scenarios. Scenarios are generated by combining different probabilities of patient return to check-in with various team parameterizations. The researchers analysed historical data and key performance indicators from the simulation. The study focuses on a collaborative approach with the hospital team to ensure the relevance and applicability of proposed solutions. The research identifies bottlenecks induced by social distancing measures, particularly in patient reception and check-in areas. Uneven service distribution throughout the day leads to a misallocation of resources and reduction of available physical space. Telemedicine emerges as a significant response, effectively addressing both service optimization and physicians’ workload despite spatial constraints. Additionally, the study underscores the role of simulation in crisis decision-making for hospital operations management. Practical applications emanating from the study emphasize the need for healthcare institutions to adopt adaptable strategies and leverage simulation tools for effective resource management during disruptive events. Hospital administrators can draw insights to inform resource reallocation and workflow optimization, with a focus on negotiating flexible scheduling and exploring telemedicine to enhance service delivery.

Land Resource Allocation and Green Economic Development: Threshold Effect on Local Government Functional Performance in China

Given the increasing scarcity of natural resources and the global imperative for sustainable development, the relationship between land resource allocation and green economic efficiency remains crucial but underexplored. This study, utilizing land transfer data from China Land Market Network, examines 285 cities at or above the prefectural level in China from 2007 to 2019. By applying a modified Slake-Based Measure (SBM) directional distance function model (MSBM), the study quantifies green economic efficiency and develops various panel models to investigate the impact of land resource misallocation on urban green economic efficiency. The findings indicate that land resource misallocation significantly impedes the enhancement of urban green economic efficiency. This is primarily achieved through the reduction in human capital investment and the weakening of technological conversion capabilities, both of which adversely affect the development of green economies in cities. Furthermore, government performance levels are shown to play a pivotal role in moderating the relationship between land resource misallocation and green economic efficiency, with regional heterogeneity evident between cities in old industrial bases and those in non-old industrial bases. These results underscore the critical importance of rational land resource allocation in improving green economic efficiency and facilitating the achievement of high-quality urban development.

Digital Wings: The Effect of Digital Technology Adoption on Market Power

ABSTRACTThis paper evaluates the causal impact of digital technology adoption (DTA) on firms' market power using data from Chinese listed manufacturing companies. Employing staggered difference‐in‐differences strategies, we find compelling evidence that DTA has a significant and substantial positive impact on market power. We also find supportive evidence for several underlying channels through which this impact occurs: improved research and development intensity, the upgrading of human capital structure, enhanced manufacturing servitization, and increased external attention. Furthermore, we establish an inverted U‐shaped relationship between the share of DTA firms and resource misallocation within the industry‐province dimension. This study contributes to the existing literature on the digitalization paradox by extending the investigation of the market performance of digital transformation to the context of developing countries.

Study on the Distortionary Effects of Water Resources Allocation in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

As one of the most dynamic natural elements, water resources play a vital role in both ecological and economic activities. The rational allocation of water resources is essential for the sustainable development of human society. Using data from prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2013 to 2022, this study employs the Cobb–Douglas (C-D) production function to measure the degree of water resource allocation distortion across provinces and cities. Additionally, a panel data model is applied to analyze the influencing factors. The key findings are as follows: The issue of excessive water resource allocation is widespread in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, with the highest degree of distortion observed in the middle reaches, where the average distortion index reaches 1.43—significantly higher than that in the upstream (1.15) and downstream (1.20) regions. Water resource endowment, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and rising water prices contribute significantly to improving water resource allocation, whereas increased industrial water use efficiency and excessive government intervention exacerbate allocation distortions. Regionally, the influencing factors exhibit broadly similar effects across provinces. In sectoral analysis, only the estimated coefficients of water resource policies show directional differences, whereas other factors have no significant impact on allocation distortion. By identifying the extent and causes of water resource misallocation, this study provides empirical evidence to support region-specific water management strategies, aiming to enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainable development.

Government Expenditure on Defense and Battle-Related Deaths

This study investigates the correlation between government expenditure on defense and battle-related deaths in Nigeria, analyzing data from 2000 to 2022. Despite significant defense spending, Nigeria continues to experience high levels of insecurity, with incidents of violence, kidnappings, and terrorist activities persisting across the country. Utilizing a correlational model, the research explores the connection between defense spending and conflict fatalities, revealing a strong positive correlation between these variables. The findings suggest that while increased defense budgets aim to address security issues, they have not resulted in the anticipated reduction in battle-related deaths, potentially due to resource misallocation, corruption, and a focus on militarized approaches rather than addressing the root causes of conflict. Additionally, external factors, such as regional instability and the proliferation of arms, may exacerbate insecurity despite increased spending. These results underscore the need for a comprehensive strategy that balances defense spending with socioeconomic investments to address underlying factors driving insecurity. The study recommends shifting some resources toward conflict prevention, community policing, and initiatives that promote social cohesion, aiming to achieve a sustainable reduction in violence.

Trading-off outcomes and policy characteristics of a Universal Basic Income and a Minimum Income Guarantee: Evidence from an exploratory mixed-method preference-based study.

Trading-off outcomes and policy characteristics of a Universal Basic Income and a Minimum Income Guarantee: Evidence from an exploratory mixed-method preference-based study.

Correlates of prolonged length of stay after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: varying definitions and non-clinical factors

PurposeProlonged length of stay (PLOS) can lead to resource misallocation and higher complication risks. However, there is no consensus on defining PLOS for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS). Therefore, we investigated the impact of varying PLOS definitions on factors associated with PLOS in patients undergoing ETPS.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent ETPS at our institution from 2012 to 2023. Patients were divided into non-PLOS and PLOS groups based on varying definitions of PLOS: > median, > 4 days, > 75th percentile, and > 90th percentile. Bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and t-tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified significant predictors for each PLOS definition.ResultsOur cohort (n = 808) had a mean age of 54.37 ± 16.06 years, 50.43% male, and a median LOS of 3 days. The 75th and 90th percentiles of LOS were 4 and 6 days, respectively. The way PLOS was defined influenced associated factors identified. Preoperative KPS score, non-private insurance, and non-home discharge disposition were associated with PLOS across all definitions used (p < 0.05). Increased preoperative tumor volumes and postoperative hyponatremia were associated with PLOS only when defined by the 75th and 90th percentiles (p < 0.05). Non-White race and low income were significantly associated with PLOS > median while intraoperative CSF leak was a significant predictor for PLOS > 90th percentile (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur study highlights the variability in predictors of PLOS based on its definition and emphasizes the role of non-clinical factors on LOS.

Addressing the overuse of hospital emergency departments in the Portuguese NHS: a new paradigm.

The escalating trend of inappropriate visits to Emergency Departments (ED) has led to significant concerns, including resource misallocation, compromised patient care, and an increased burden on healthcare workers. Portugal faces a notable challenge, reporting one of the highest per capita ED visit rates, with an annual average of approximately 6 million ED visits from 2013 to 2023. In response, the "Call First, Save Lives" pilot project was launched by the Portuguese NHS Executive Board, in 2023, at the Local Health Unit (LHU) of Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde. This project leverages the SNS 24 telephone triage system to direct patients to the most appropriate care settings, alleviating pressure on ED, and optimizing healthcare resources. The project introduced several strategic enhancements, including optimizations of the SNS 24 system and inter-institutional initiatives to promote interoperability, hospital follow-ups for chronic conditions, and a "reverse referral" system directing non-urgent ED cases to Primary Care Services (PCS). In PCS, the project expanded acute care consultations and introduced complementary health services. The initiative also emphasized communication to improve health literacy and appropriate utilization of the NHS, supported by legal framework development. Since the beginning of the project, the number of calls received by SNS 24 showed an upward trend, both at the local, 27.6%, and national level, 44.5%, having already expanded to other LHU. Nonetheless, challenges such as the "reverse referral" process complexity, healthcare information systems integration, and procedural standardization need addressing, with future plans including satisfaction surveys and patient triage protocol refinements to improve service delivery and patient adherence.

Analysis of Factors Associated With Patient No-Shows to Ambulatory Urology Appointments.

Analysis of Factors Associated With Patient No-Shows to Ambulatory Urology Appointments.

Allocative efficiency of UK firms during the great recession

ABSTRACT This research documents that the fall and persistently low level of UK Total Factor Productivity (TFP) following the Great Recession was not caused by static resource misallocation between incumbent firms within industries. To arrive at this conclusion, we empirically measure misallocation using the Hsieh and Klenow methodology, developed in 2009, in conjunction with the FAME micro-level dataset that contains more than 9 million firms within the UK over the 2006–2014 period. The main findings are that, first, service sector TFP drops far more than manufacturing TFP and therefore drives the fall and long-lasting depression in aggregate productivity. Second, within-industry misallocation cannot account for the drop in TFP. And third, preliminary evidence suggests that entry and exit dynamics of firms might play a key role in allocating resources from productivity rich towards productivity poor firms.

Financial Management Practices And Achievement Of Financial Outcomes Of Primary Schools In Kilifi Sub-County, Kenya

The Kenyan Basic Education Act (2013) requires effective financial management in public schools, entrusting Boards of Management and school heads with the responsibility of adopting sound financial practices. This responsibility includes managing government grants, donations, parental contributions, and other funds to achieve both academic and financial goals. Effective financial management is essential to constructing school infrastructurprovidingide learning materials, hire staff, and enhance student and staff welfare. However, poor financial management can lead to fraud, misallocation of resources, and unrest, which can hinder schools’ performance. This study explored the financial management practices of primary schools in Kilifi County, Kenya, examining the impact of budgeting, record-keeping, cash flow management, procurement, and revenue generation on achieving financial objectives. The research revealed that, despite significant adherence to budgeting and stakeholder engagement, some schools show weaknesses in documentation and record-keeping, indicating an area for development. While most schools maintain solid cash flow policies and meet financial obligations, a few face challenges with consistent cash flow. Additionally, findings suggest that many schools have robust procurement and expenditure management processes, though improvements in transparency and documentation could enhance accountability. Schools generally exhibit strong accountability and reporting practices, ensuring stakeholders are informed about financial performance. However, challenges remain, including insufficient funding, delays in fund disbursement, and limited revenue diversification, which impact some schools’ ability to meet financial targets. The study concludes that while primary schools in Kilifi County demonstrate commitment to financial management, the attainment of financial goals is hampered by external funding constraints and occasional lapses in financial planning. It recommends that schools strengthen documentation, enhance staff financial training, improve cash flow strategies, diversify revenue streams, and advocate for timely funding to promote financial resilience and sustainability.

Does urban green development attention improve energy resource misallocation?

Abstract Energy resource misallocation is a vital factor inhibiting energy efficiency improvement. This study uses city panel data from China and employs a theoretical and empirical research method to examine the impact of urban green development attention on energy resource misallocation. The study finds that urban green development attention has improved energy resource misallocation in Chinese cities. Urban green development attention improves energy resource misallocation through strengthening environmental regulation, promoting green technology innovation, and driving the greening of industrial structures. The impact of urban green development attention on energy resource misallocation exhibits significant heterogeneity, with more prominent improvement effects in central-western cities, resource-based cities, cities with low economic development levels, and high green finance development cities. The development of the digital economy is conducive to enhancing the energy resource misallocation improvement effect of urban green development attention. The conclusions of this study have strong implications for alleviating energy resource misallocation in cities, thereby improving urban energy efficiency.

Unveiling Patterns in Forecasting Errors: A Case Study of 3PL Logistics in Pharmaceutical and Appliance Sectors

Purpose: The study aims to analyze forecast errors for various time series generated by a 3PL logistics operator across 10 distribution channels managed by the operator. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines forecasting errors across 10 distribution channels managed by a 3PL operator using Google Cloud AI forecasting. The R environment was used in the study. The research centered on analyzing forecast error series, particularly decomposition analysis of the series, to identify trends and seasonality in forecast errors. Findings: The analysis of forecast errors reveals diverse patterns and characteristics of errors across individual channels. A systematic component was observed in all analyzed household appliance channels (seasonality in all channels, and no significant trend identified only in Channel 10). In contrast, significant trends were identified in one pharmaceutical channel (Channel 02), while no systematic components were detected in the remaining channels within this group. Research limitations: Logistics operations typically depend on numerous variables, which may affect forecast accuracy. Additionally, the lack of information on the forecasting models, mechanisms (black box), and input data limits a comprehensive understanding of the sources of errors. Value of the paper: The study highlights the valuable insights that can be derived from analyzing forecast errors in the time series within the context of logistics operations. The findings underscore the need for a tailored forecasting approach for each channel, the importance of enhancing the forecasting tool, and the potential for improving forecast accuracy by focusing on trends and seasonality. The findings also emphasize that customized forecasting tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency by improving demand planning accuracy and reducing resource misallocation. This analysis makes a significant contribution to the theory and practice of demand forecasting by logistics operators in distribution networks. The research offers valuable contributions to ongoing efforts in demand forecasting by logistics operators.

Analysis of Resource Misallocation and Total Factor Productivity Losses in Green Agriculture: A Case Study of the North China Region

The inefficient allocation of resources in agricultural production not only affects the quality of agricultural development and the efficiency of resource utilization but also represents a pivotal issue that constrains the sustainable progress of agriculture. Considering the urgent societal need for the optimization and advancement of industries, investigating the issue of resource misallocation within agricultural production and its specific losses on AGTFP is profoundly important in advancing the pursuit of high-quality and sustainable agricultural development. This study employs the Cobb–Douglas function and the theory of price distortion to establish a model for quantifying losses in Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity (AGTFP). Drawing on provincial panel data from North China spanning the years 2006 to 2022, we analyze the characteristics of resource allocation and the corresponding losses in AGTFP. The findings suggest that AGTFP in North China has been gradually rising, accompanied by notable regional disparities in both the level of AGTFP and its growth rate. Nevertheless, due to the varying effects of distorted agricultural input factors, there exists different resource misallocation across North China. Despite some improvement in resource misallocation, this improvement has not been significant. Consequently, there is a loss of AGTFP in the North China region. If resource misallocation is effectively addressed, AGTFP losses could be reduced by at least 29%. It is anticipated that over the course of the next decade, AGTFP will rise and resource misallocation and AGTFP losses will diminish slightly, and it is crucial to step up efforts to enhance resource allocation. By ensuring adequate agricultural funding, enhancing agricultural efficiency, and optimizing energy inputs, it is possible to mitigate resource misallocation, thereby effectively diminishing AGTFP losses and fostering the sustainable advancement of agriculture.

The effectiveness of e-procurement systems in Zambia: A case study of Ministry of Health Lusaka province

E-procurement is a dynamic process that involves the seamless integration of various online activities, such as order creation, supplier selection, contract signing, and product delivery, all facilitated by the Internet. Governments worldwide are increasingly emphasizing the importance of effective electronic procurement systems in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes, where taxpayer funds are utilized. In Zambia, despite significant efforts by the government to promote the adoption of electronic procurement systems, such as e-procurement, challenges persist in ensuring their effectiveness. The failure to address the effectiveness of e-procurement within the Ministry of Health could have severe consequences. Inadequate adherence to procurement laws and regulations, as evidenced by the ZPPA report, may lead to inefficiencies, delays in procurement processes, and mis-allocation of resources. These inefficiencies can ultimately compromise the quality and availability of healthcare services, negatively impacting patient outcomes and public health. Additionally, the inability to harness the potential benefits of e-procurement, such as cost savings and streamlined processes, may perpetuate resource wastage and hinder efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Zambia. The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of E-procurement systems at the Ministry of Health. The research philosophy for this study adopted a Quantitative approach that emphasized the practical utility of research methods in addressing the research problem. The findings of the study showed that the evaluation of the e-procurement system within the Ministry yielded a comprehensive understanding of its current performance and highlighted areas needing improvement. The e-procurement system has generally been well-received by the majority of respondents, reflecting its positive impact on procurement processes. Users have rated the system as effective in streamlining operations, enhancing procurement efficiency, and being user-friendly. Based on the comprehensive analysis and findings of the study, the following recommendations were proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the e-procurement system within the Ministry: Enhance Communication, Boost Supplier Participation, Improve Supplier Responsiveness, Strengthen Data Security and Privacy Controls and Increase Transparency. By addressing these recommendations, the Ministry can significantly improve the effectiveness of its e-procurement system, leading to more efficient procurement processes, greater satisfaction among stakeholders, and a more streamlined and secure procurement environment. In practice, the study offered actionable insights for healthcare practitioners and industry professionals involved in supply chain management. From a policy perspective, the study informed the development of evidence-based policies within the Ministry of Health and other relevant governmental bodies

Mortimer Taube’s Critique of AI

This paper revisits Mortimer Taube’s Computers and Common Sense: The Myth of Thinking Machines (1961), positioning his critique of artificial intelligence (AI) within the broader frameworks of the history and philosophy of science (HPS) and science and technology studies (STS). While often recognized for its relevance to early AI debates, Taube’s work offers insights that extend beyond computing. He critiques the technocratic optimism present in many scientific fields, highlighting the tendency of scientific enterprises to overpromise and underdeliver. Taube explores how scientific legitimacy is constructed and the societal consequences of scientific overreach. This paper situates Taube’s critique within philosophical debates on the limits of scientific authority and speculative claims. Additionally, Taube’s ethical concerns about the misallocation of public resources toward speculative research are examined. His critique remains, therefore, relevant today, particularly in discussions around AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, emphasizing the need for empirical rigor and ethical oversight. By situating Taube’s work within broader mid-20th-century critiques of science and technology, this paper underscores its enduring value for understanding modern scientific challenges.

The Impact of Resource Spatial Mismatch on the Configuration Analysis of Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity

Green agriculture represents the future of agricultural transformation in developing countries, such as China. Identifying an effective resource combination path is vital for enhancing the green quality of agriculture in these nations. This study draws on the resource spatial mismatch theory from New Economic Geography, using a “multisource heterogeneous” approach that combines qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) with the EBM-GML index measurement model. Using panel data from 2005 to 2021, the study investigated the effects and mechanisms of spatial resource combinations on improving green agricultural quality. The key findings are as follows: (1) While improving spatial resource misallocation helps boost green agricultural quality, the diversity of resource combination patterns has diminished, decreasing from five modes in 2005 to four in 2021. (2) In terms of mechanisms, reducing externalities, such as pollutant emissions, while strengthening material and human capital offers a potential pathway for improvement. (3) Negative externalities, including emissions from fertilizers and petroleum, significantly hinder improvements in green agricultural quality. (4) The absence of sufficient pesticide and fertilizer resources is a critical factor influencing the outcome. These findings provide practical insights for developing countries seeking to enhance regional resource allocation efficiency and improve agricultural green quality. Additionally, they contribute theoretical support to the enrichment of theories on resource allocation and sustainable agricultural development.