Role In Policy-making Research Articles

Emergency remote teaching during COVID-19: an examination of selected secondary school teachers’ experiences on technology integration in Namibia

This study examines the experiences of secondary school teachers in Namibia in integrating technology during emergency remote teaching (ERT) necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aided by the TPACK framework and an interpretive qualitative case study approach. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews of 17 secondary school teachers selected using purposive sampling. Findings revealed teachers innovatively employed available technological resources to ensure continuity of education, sharing and customising instructional content to promote student interaction. The study also found a significant role for parental involvement in supporting ERT. However, the integration of technology in the transition to ERT was associated with challenges, including lack of access to digital technologies, technical glitches, and maintaining student engagement. Unexpectedly, feelings of professional isolation were also reported among teachers, potentially due to the abrupt shift to online teaching lacking conventional face-to-face professional collaboration. The research underscores the importance of adequate digital literacy skills, essential technological resources, and the role of policymakers and educators in creating effective tactics to overcome emerging challenges. The findings suggest technology can significantly enrich and support educational continuity in crisis situations.

Comparative studies "Effect of educational policy on artificial intelligence in the countries of America, Singapore and Iran

Artificial intelligence under the paradigm of the fourth industrial revolution has become one of the fateful trends of societies in such a way that university education methods, as one of the most important social constructions, have influenced the advancement of technology. Undoubtedly, educational policy has changed the speed, depth and extent of artificial intelligence technology Artificial intelligence is one of the most important emerging technologies, which today has caused huge changes in all areas, including educational policymaking, at a high speed. Among the important applications of artificial intelligence in educational policymaking, we can mention the prioritization of issues based on the real needs and demands of the society and the diagnosis of problems based on the existing conditions, which will lead to the design and formulation of macro-educational policies. The use of methods such as neural networks, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms makes the process of policy making more intelligent and dynamic, and as a result, the role of policymakers in the application of this technology becomes more efficient. Today, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensor networks, blockchain are changing aspects of everyday life. The study of artificial intelligence began in the 1940s and in recent years it has overshadowed the government departments of a large number of countries, of which e-government is one of the examples. One of the topics that is analyzed in the discussion of educational policy is the effect of content on artificial intelligence. In other words, understanding the complexities of decision-making processes as well as the importance of the actors involved in such processes, has undoubtedly influenced artificial intelligence and is influenced by it. This article is designed as a review and library method and it examines the educational policies of Iran, America and Singapore in the field of artificial intelligence with an exploratory view.

Development of Particulate Matter Concentration Estimation Models for Road Sections Based on Micro-Data

With increasing global concerns related to global warming, air pollution, and environmental health, South Korea is actively implementing various particulate matter (PM) reduction policies to improve air quality. Accurate data analysis, including the investigation of weather phenomena, monitoring, and integrated prediction, is essential for effective PM reduction. However, the factors influencing the PM generated from domestic road sections have not yet been systematically analyzed, and currently, no predictive models utilize weather and traffic data. This study analyzed the correlations among factors influencing PM to develop models for estimating fine and coarse PM (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) concentrations in road sections. Regression analysis models were used to assess the sensitivity of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations to the traffic volume, whereas machine learning-based models, including linear regression, convolutional neural networks, and random forest models, were constructed and compared. The random forest models outperformed the other models, with coefficients of determination of 0.74 and 0.71 and mean absolute errors of 5.78 and 9.60 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These results indicate that the random forest model provides the most accurate PM concentration estimates for road sections. The practical applications of the developed models were considered to inform effective transportation policies aimed at reducing PM. The developed model has practical applications in the formulation of transportation policies aimed at reducing PM. In particular, the model will play an important role in data-driven policymaking for sustainable urban development and environmental protection. By analyzing the correlation between traffic volume and weather conditions, policymakers can formulate more effective and sustainable strategies for reducing air pollution.

Humanist Proselytizing in Distruptive Era Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

Aim/Purpose: The disruptive era is an uncertain condition in social, political, and religious life that creates a new trend regarding monolithic religious understanding. A suitable proselytizing approach based on sustainable development goals is needed to improve the dignity of human life. Background: Social media plays an important role in the spread of a more monolithic religion. This triggered a significant conflict, so efforts are needed to improve religious understanding and experience, one of the fields affected by the disruptive era. Methodology: Various scientific research materials are reviewed to understand how proselytizing strategies are used in the disruptive era. Secondary data analysis was carried out for this qualitative and descriptive study. Contribution: This paper helps understand the right proselytizing strategy to minimize conflicts in the disruptive era by utilizing social media. Findings: The practice of humanist proselytizing through religious moderation and the strengthening of preachers is fundamental to strengthening literal religious understanding in the disruptive era. This study finding helps us understand how to apply proselytizing appropriately in this era of uncertainty. Recommendation for Practitioners: Implementing humanist proselytizing through religious moderation can reduce the monolithic understanding of society due to one of the negative impacts of social media. Recommendation for Researcher: To ensure the relevance of research studies, practitioners and researchers must maintain a collaborative approach with research insights to apply relevant proselytizing strategies in the disruptive era . Impact on Society: Analyze how the proselytizing approach is relevant to society in a disruptive era due to the dark side of social media in the religious. Technology evolves, so society must proactively address this problem with more literacy. In addition, the role of government policymakers, clerics, and ulama is important to reduce the monolithic understanding and cause conflict. Future Research: The study's scope will be better if it can determine the effectiveness of humanist proselytizing through religious moderation with a quantitative approach. In general, this study discusses the best proselytizing strategy in the disruptive era. The significant role of the media can be analyzed to dive deep. Similar studies could be conducted on other religious issues because of technological advancements.

Diabetic patients' knowledge and related factors towards insulin therapy: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the knowledge of diabetic patients and related factors regarding insulin therapy. A comprehensive search was systematically conducted across several international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords including "knowledge", "insulin", and "diabetes", covering records up to May 1, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A thorough analysis of fourteen cross-sectional studies involving 2,471 diabetic patients revealed an average knowledge level of 56.51 out of 100 regarding insulin therapy. The study identified several significant factors influencing this knowledge level: age, education level, duration of insulin treatment, practical experience, marital status (specifically being single), participation in training courses, urban residence, and male gender. These findings underscore the crucial role of health policymakers and managers in improving diabetic patients’ knowledge of insulin therapy. By targeting interventions toward these specific factors, they can make a significant difference in the lives of diabetic patients.

Experiences and challenges of nurses in initiating antiretroviral drugs among adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho

Background: Lesotho has the second-highest HIV and AIDS prevalence globally and is the country’s second leading cause of death. Despite increasing ART coverage, adolescents remain left behind and face high mortality because of delayed ART initiation. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of nurses when initiating adolescents living with HIV on ART in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted among nurses from a hospital in the Thaba-Tseka district. Participants were selected purposively until data saturation was reached. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using the thematic analysis approach. The findings were presented in themes and sub-themes. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted in English and Sesotho from May to August 2021. Results: The key findings in this study involved adolescents’ attendance at the health care facility, ART initiation process, HIV stigma influencing the uptake of ART, poor ART follow-up and socio-economic factors affecting adherence to ART. Conclusion: The themes uncovered in this study provide valuable insights into the gaps in ART initiation, and highlight the challenges encountered by nurses during this process among adolescents in Lesotho. The experiences and obstacles shared by nurses during ART initiation cover a range of issues, collectively demonstrating their engagement in HIV and ART care. These findings emphasise the critical role of policymakers and health care providers in devising customised ART initiation interventions for adolescents. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for enhancing ART uptake and adherence among adolescents living with HIV in Lesotho.

Nurses and policymakers role in preparing adolescents with HIV for self-disclosure in Eswatini.

Nurses in Eswatini are best positioned to assist adolescents living with HIV to disclose their status to others. Nonetheless, it is evident that many nurses are not actively involved in the disclosure process. The aim of this study was to explore the process of nurses in preparing adolescents for self-disclosure and describe the role of policymakers in enabling adolescents to disclose their HIV status to others. The study was conducted in four facilities, one from each of the four regions of the country, after getting ethical clearance from a Public University Higher Degrees Ethics Committee and the Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board. In-depth interviews were conducted on 28 participants: 24 nurses and 4 policymakers. The three steps of open, axial and selective coding were used to analyse data until theoretical saturation was achieved. Adolescents were assisted to disclose by providing them with HIV information to empower them, encouraged to enrol in teen club because it created a conducive environment for peer-to-peer support, and they were given ongoing psychosocial support to prepare them for self-disclosure. Adolescent HIV management workshops were not routinely done because such training relied on funders. Nurses are not preparing adolescents satisfactorily to disclose. Prioritising the training of nurses would lead to a remarkable increase in the rate of HIV self-disclosure by Swati adolescents.Contribution:This study is the first of its kind in Eswatini, and the results will contribute to the review of HIV management guidelines and promote adolescent self-disclosure.

An emotional perspective on the Multiple Streams Framework

AbstractEmotions are central to human behavior and, consequently, play a significant role in policymaking. While the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) incorporates the notion of “public mood” into the political stream, this concept primarily focuses on a fleeting, less intense, and diffuse emotional state that is not necessarily linked to a specific triggering event or policy‐related object. To address this limitation, the current article draws on robust findings from political psychology, viewing and interpreting the MSF through an emotional lens. It investigates the intersections between emotions, on the one hand, and the assumptions and structural elements of the MSF, on the other, by sharpening existing concepts—such as the emotional agenda (policy) window, emotional decision window, and emotional policy entrepreneurs—to examine emotionality in policy dynamics. It concludes by discussing how an emotional perspective on the MSF can help scholars generate nuanced hypotheses, overcome the MSF's metaphorical language, and gauge when policy may be in search of a rationale.

Comprehensive guidelines and best practices for implementing effective Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programs to mitigate global vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness globally. Effective screening programs are essential to mitigate this burden. This review outlines key principles and practices in implementing DR screening programs, emphasizing the roles of technology, patient education, and healthcare system integration. Our analysis highlights key principles for establishing successful screening initiatives, including the importance of regular screenings, optimal intervals, recommended technologies, and necessary infrastructure. We emphasize the roles of healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers in ensuring the effectiveness of these programs. Our recommendations aim to support the creation of robust policies that mitigate the impact of DR, ultimately improving public health outcomes and reducing the incidence of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

Risk-benefit assessment of foods and its role to inform policy decisions: outcome of an international workshop.

Policy decisions in public health require consideration and evaluation of trade-offs for which transparency and science-based evidence is needed. Improvement of decision-support tools is essential to help guide food policy decisions that promote healthy diets and meet the challenges of food systems without compromising food security, food safety, and sovereignty. Risk-benefit assessment of foods (RBA) is an established methodological approach designed to inform policy decisions within the area of nutrition and food safety. Despite methodological developments, translation of RBA findings into policies is still limited. In this context, a stakeholder workshop held in May 2023 gathered RBA experts and food regulators from Europe to identify the challenges, obstacles and opportunities in using evidence generated through RBAs to inform food policy decisions. A structured process was implemented to collect their views through online surveys, breakout groups, and plenary discussions. As a secondary objective, food regulators' views on other approaches for holistic risk assessment fit for food systems analysis were also explored. This paper summarizes the main findings of the workshop and discusses policy implications and future perspectives to improve the area of RBA and its role in food policymaking.

Company reputation and dividend payout

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between company reputation and dividend policy. Design/methodology/approach In this study, sample of 98,809 firm-year observations from 22 countries covering 2005–2016 were used. Findings Firm reputation concerns are associated with higher propensities to pay dividends and payout ratios. Further, this positive effect is more pronounced for firms with high free cash flows, high information asymmetry and low institutional monitoring. The results are robust to an instrumental variable approach, propensity score matching and the Heckman two-stage correction approach while addressing endogeneity concerns. Practical implications These findings have significant implications for various stakeholders, such as existing and potential investors, managers, policymakers and regulators, by providing insights into the relationship between corporate reputation and firm dividend payout decisions. Corporate reputation is highlighted as crucial for accessing finance, emphasizing the role of national regulators and policymakers in facilitating firms' efforts to improve their reputation. The study highlights the dynamics of corporate reputation and dividend payout, calling for proactive engagement from regulators and policymakers. Crafting policies conducive to reputation-building can enhance firms' financial prospects, indicating the need for strategic interventions at managerial, regulatory and policy levels. Understanding the influence of economic context is crucial for firms to tailor reputation management strategies and optimize funding opportunities in different economic environments. Originality/value Overall, results suggest that reputation serves as a disciplining mechanism, where firms will pay dividends to maintain their reputations.

Technology Trends Revolutionizing the World of Work- Auto Industry Perspective based on the SDG

Aim/Purpose: Disruptive technologies impact business cycles and work practices, paving the way for new-generation manufacturing trends. Organizations are constantly working to introduce products with a higher degree of innovation, catering to customer demands in the market. Background: The automobile industry plays a significant role in applying disruptive technologies while proving value to all stakeholders. The technological disruptions in the auto sector can potentially change the relationship between consumers and the automobile while impacting business trends and work practices. Methodology: Various scholarly research material was reviewed to understand the impact of technology disruptions on manufacturing methods, work practices, employee engagement, and skill development. Secondary data analysis was conducted for this qualitative and descriptive study. Contribution: This paper helps to understand the impact created by various technologies in the auto sector on employee retention—the role of man- Machine collaboration in creating job satisfaction among employees. Findings: Besides automation and digitalization, AI, Robotics, and Mechatronics play a crucial role in the sector's evolution. The study findings help us understand the impact of technology on manufacturing and business practices. Recommendation for Practitioners: Investment in training the workforce and embracing collaboration helps employees to benefit from the real world of work. Recommendation for Researcher: To ensure the relevance of research studies, practitioners and researchers should maintain a collaborative approach, using research insights to inform business strategies. Impact on Society: Analyze how technologies like collaborative robots (cobots) are integrated into manufacturing processes and their impact on job roles and efficiency. Technology continues to evolve, so societies shall proactively address challenges and leverage opportunities to take advantage of these innovations. It is the role of government policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators to shape the auto industry's future in a way that maximizes the benefits to society from technological innovation. Future Research: The study's scope is to be done quantitatively by covering OEMs all over India. It discussed disruptive technology in general. Specific technological advancements can be analysed to dive deep into the phenomenon. A similar study could be undertaken in another industry besides the automobile.

Sustainable ocean development policies in Indonesia: paving the pathways towards a maritime destiny

Maritime countries, including Indonesia, have indicated their interest in developing a national ocean policy and blue economy plan to boost economic growth while promoting sustainability in and from oceanic activities. In 2017, the Government of Indonesia published the Indonesian Ocean Policy (IOP), the first of its kind since independence, and subsequently developed a series of blue economy documents as an integral part of its national development agenda whilst also indicating its support for the global sustainability objectives stipulated in the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, development obstacles such as: declining ocean health; climate crises; fragmented ocean management; inadequate infrastructure and technology; limited data support; low sustainable investment; and the blurred definition of the blue economy, pose risks to successful outcomes of sustainable ocean development in Indonesia. When unaddressed, these challenges can inhibit the policy’s effectiveness in delivering its intended outcomes. This qualitative study explores Indonesia’s interests in sustainable ocean development and how it pursues them while advancing economic objectives and commitments towards SDGs and net zero emission targets. The study finds that maintaining ocean health and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources are Indonesia’s most vital interests for sustainable ocean development. The national ocean policy and the blue economy have been employed as two successive and simultaneous avenues to pursue Indonesia’s maritime interests. Unfortunately, to date, both approaches have yet to obtain maturity and ocean affairs are overshadowed by other national development priorities. By focusing on ocean governance and its development in the contemporary context, this article sheds light on the important role of policymaking in modern-day ocean governance. A cautious approach to policy design is crucial to avoid common pitfalls in sustainable ocean development, such as weak implementation strategies and the consequent failure to meet core sustainability objectives.

Global tax avoidance and evasion: A landscape through insights from a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

This research aims to comprehensively investigate contemporary practices and factors influencing global tax avoidance and evasion through a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis. This study methodology uses SLR with bibliometric analysis to map this research trend. Relevant literature was collected and systematically analyzed to identify key themes, methodologies, and findings regarding tax avoidance and evasion. The study’s findings identify various tax avoidance practices, including profit shifting, transfer pricing strategies, and the use of tax havens by multinational corporations. The report also highlights various forms of tax evasion, such as money laundering and illicit financial flows. Key factors influencing tax behavior are ethical considerations, government policies, economic factors, and corporate governance practices. This analysis highlights the complex interactions between these factors in shaping tax practices globally. The study’s conclusions show that effective tax governance requires a multifaceted approach integrating ethical standards, a strong regulatory framework, and international cooperation. Ethical corporate behavior and transparent reporting are essential in promoting tax compliance and fairness. This study emphasizes the critical role of policymakers in designing and enforcing tax policies that discourage aggressive tax planning while encouraging economic growth and equality. Recommendations from these findings are to increase transparency in multinational operations, strengthen international tax cooperation, and improve global tax administration capabilities. In addition, increasing taxpayer education and awareness can foster a culture of compliance and ethical tax practices. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and case-specific analyses to deepen understanding and develop targeted interventions to address tax avoidance and evasion challenges.

Towards sustainable energy: integrating ERA5 data for offshore wind farm planning in India

India’s pursuit of offshore wind energy development, particularly along the Tamil Nadu coastline within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), faces significant spatial and economic challenges due to existing industrial activities and water depth limitations. Motivated by the need to optimize offshore wind resources and bridge the gap between onshore and offshore wind energy achievements, this study hypothesizes that ERA5 reanalysis wind data can be relied upon for assessing offshore wind resources and optimizing wind farm layouts, especially in the absence of measured data. The research employs methods such as comparing ERA5 data with empirical wind measurements, generating wind rose diagrams for layout optimization, and conducting a comprehensive financial analysis to estimate the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE). The results confirm the efficacy of ERA5 data, identifying an optimal wind farm layout with a capacity density of 5.17 MW per square kilometer, turbine spacing of 7.22 meters, and an LCoE of Rs. 8.84 per kWh. The study concludes that significant financial support and strategic policy interventions are essential for minimizing wake losses, optimizing capacity density, and fostering the long-term growth of India’s offshore wind energy sector, providing critical insights for policymakers, developers, and investors. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed exploration of spatial optimization and cost-effective strategies to enhance the techno-economic viability of offshore wind projects in India.

Energy transition in the retail sector: Revealing decision-making behaviours for energy efficiency retrofits of Dutch shopping centres

Shopping centres hold significant energy retrofit potential in the retail sector. However, their complex multi-stakeholder governance structure complicates decision-making for Energy Efficiency Retrofits (EER). Although literature identifies some barriers linked to EER, they are often scattered and not identified within a process perspective that considers their contextual complexities. This study addressed this gap by examining stakeholders’ behaviours, barriers, and relations during EER decision-making processes, to detect stakeholders’ needs to catalyse the energy transition. Qualitative research was conducted on three representative Dutch shopping centres case studies. The cross-case analysis uncovered the decision-making process for EER and new barriers attributed to this building typology. Amongst other, detected barriers can be attributed to limitations with governmental and internal regulations, lifecycle conflicts, proposed interventions being out of scope, and existing technical challenges. The study also revealed causal relationships among stakeholders, showcasing varying interpretations of barriers and highlighting the roles of owners, property managers, and public authorities in overcoming them. Furthermore, the findings indicate the key role that different contextual variables play in the EER decision-making process, such as ownership type, governance structure, and leasing structure. This study offers insights and recommendations for shopping centre owners, property managers, and policymakers, to support them in navigating the energy transition of the retail building stock. Key recommendations include decentralizing decision-making, optimizing governance structure, streamlining sustainability advisors, and acknowledging the collaborative roles of property managers and policymakers in providing effective and holistic solutions.

Data-driven stock forecasting models based on neural networks: A review

As a core branch of financial forecasting, stock forecasting plays a crucial role for financial analysts, investors, and policymakers in managing risks and optimizing investment strategies, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of economic decision-making. With the rapid development of information technology and computer science, data-driven neural network technologies have increasingly become the mainstream method for stock forecasting. Although recent review studies have provided a basic introduction to deep learning methods, they still lack detailed discussion on network architecture design and innovative details. Additionally, the latest research on emerging large language models and neural network structures has yet to be included in existing review literature. In light of this, this paper comprehensively reviews the literature on data-driven neural networks in the field of stock forecasting from 2015 to 2023, discussing various classic and innovative neural network structures, including Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Transformers, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Large Language Models (LLMs). It analyzes the application and achievements of these models in stock market forecasting. Moreover, the article also outlines the commonly used datasets and various evaluation metrics in the field of stock forecasting, further exploring unresolved issues and potential future research directions, aiming to provide clear guidance and reference for researchers in stock forecasting.

Skill development for the future supply chain workforce: Identifying key areas

This review paper examines skill development for the future supply chain workforce, emphasizing the importance of identifying key areas and implementing effective strategies. The evolving supply chain landscape, influenced by technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer demands, necessitates a proactive approach to talent development. Key skill areas identified include technical skills (e.g., data analytics, automation proficiency), soft skills (e.g., adaptability, critical thinking), and domain-specific knowledge (e.g., sustainability practices, regulatory compliance). Strategies for skill development encompass experiential learning, online platforms, and collaborative partnerships. The paper highlights the role of employers, educational institutions, and policymakers in promoting continuous learning and upskilling. A forward-looking outlook predicts further evolution in supply chain roles, emphasizing the need for a competent and agile workforce. Stakeholders are urged to prioritize investment in skill development initiatives to ensure industry competitiveness and resilience. Keywords: Skill Development, Supply Chain Workforce, Future Trends, Technical Skills, Soft Skills, Domain-Specific Knowledge.

The road home: intimacy with parents, trust, and depression

Within the contemporary mental health discourse, the complex interplay of intimacy with parents, trust, and their collective impact on depression remains insufficiently explored, especially amid the merging of Western and Eastern sociocultural norms propelled by modernization, casting doubt on the foundational role of the family in individual psychological health. This study introduces a theoretical framework that merges attachment theory with modern societal shifts to clarify the intricate relationship between familial connections and individual mental health amidst changing social paradigms. Leveraging data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Family Panel Studies, which included 3048 participants, this study utilizes ordered logistic regression to probe the subtle relationship between intimacy with parents and depression. Additionally, it employs Structural Equation Modeling to assess the mediating effects of five distinct dimensions of interpersonal trust, thus uncovering the complex linkages between intimacy with parents, trust, and depression. The results highlight the crucial role of intimacy with parents in mitigating depression, with trust in parents and neighbors identified as key mediators, while trust in strangers, local government officials, and physicians showed minimal mediating influence. These findings accentuate the critical importance of robust family and community bonds in addressing depression and call for a deeper understanding of trust’s role in both policymaking and clinical interventions. Despite the modern era’s trend towards individualism and greater mobility altering family structures and trust dynamics, the family remains an essential infrastructure and haven for individual intimacy, trust, and mental health, underscoring the subtle balance between modernity and tradition in societies undergoing transition.

Evaluating the impact of school resources, cultivation index and nationality on school’ academic success: evidence from the Israeli high schools

ABSTRACT A better understanding of the determinants of school performance and how it can be improved is needed for the development of human capital. Offering a novel integrative indicator for measuring school academic success, this article analyzes empirically the impact of cultivation index, school resources, and students’ nationality on school academic performance. The main findings suggest that the higher the school’s cultivation index (i.e. school is ‘weaker’ from socioeconomic, peripheral and immigration perspectives) the lower its success indicator. These findings highlight the strategic role of policymakers in reallocation of resources in the public education system.